General Meeting January 15, 2008

The monthly meeting of the B.A.A. was held at the Barrister Gardens. It was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Arsene Van Vooren. With the exception of Al DeBacker and Frank Mahieu, all Board Members were present.

Treasurer Roland Deprez gave the year-end report for 2007. Bob Grant reported that our membership is at 301. There are 56 members who have not paid for 2008. He also noted that member Ray McMahon was dropping out of the club due to health reasons. We will miss him and his wife Laura, as they were regulars at the meetings.

Entertainment Chairman Norm Kay thanked everyone who sent cards or called him during his recent illness. He is doing well since the surgery. Norm reported that the Board party went well and was attended by 246 people. He thanked Arsene Van Vooren, Bob Grant, Bob Putrycus, Larry Mahieu and Oscar Vercruysse for their help with the party.

There is a one-day trip to the Soaring Eagle on March 25th for $27.00; a 3-day trip to the Upper Peninsula for $159.00 on April 23rd - 25th. Contact Bob Putrycus if interested.

Trough Bowling is on March 30th from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Bath City Bistro with a cost of $7.00 per person or $20.00 per family depending on age and size of the family. There will be a pizza and salad bar buffet. The beer and pop as well as the bowling will be covered by the Club.

Recreation Chairman Leo Michaels introduced the new Games Chairman and announced that there will be a prize for poker at the end of the year. Leo also gave the report for the Retirees stating that Roland Deprez was a guest at their last meeting. Our culinary people Mel and Gary were serving cold cuts and veggies for lunch.

Band Chairman Larry Mahieu now has tickets for the April 12th concert at the Greek Cultural Center with a cost of $22.00 per person. Contact Larry or Oscar for tickets.

Vice-President Dale Verhaeghe introduced membership applicant Gregory VanHaesenbrouck who was then sworn in by President Arsene Van Vooren. His sponsor was Charile Phlypo.

Frank Mahieu announced that along with George Braye having bypass surgery. Al DeBacker had a pacemaker installed and was having problems with his medications.

Etienne Elskens will be collecting the articles for the bulletin early. The Marshalls Bill and Greg reported 78 in attendance. President Van Vooren explained the proposed by-law change pertaining to the election of officers. It will be spelled out in the April bulletin.

We are checking interest into forming a bowling league, once a month on a Saturday. More info to follow. We have a contract with Barrister Gardens through 2010.

Drawing winners were: Rick Dauw, John Roeslandt, Bill DeSchutter, Mike Gray, Dale Verhaeghe, Larry Mahieu, Ted Monahan, Lou Danckaert, Chuck Horan, Marshall Desmet, Don Vermeulen, Ken Allemon, Carl Czupinski, Ray Huyghe, Dick Braeckevelt, Roland Deprez, and Ted Westfall.


Bob Putrycus
Recording Secretary