General Meeting January 20, 2009

The regular monthly meeting of the B.A.A was called to order by President Arsene VanVooren at the Barrister Gardens at 7:30pm. A moment of silence was observed for deceased member Lucien Denys. Lucien was a lifetime member having joined the Club in 1954. He also had played in the B.A.A. band for many years.

A roll call of Board members showed all present except Bill Meldrum, who is enjoying sunny Florida!

Treasurer Roland Deprez read the financial report and recapped some of the investments.

Financial Secretary Bob Grant reported that membership is at 309 with 51 members still not paid for 2009. The Board Party has approximately 285 committed to attending. Bob hopes to have the new directory at the printer by February 1st.

With no one accepting the Entertainment position, President Arsene VanVooren will handle the responsibilities along with his duties as President.

This year’s Trough Bowling event will be on March 22nd at Bath City Bistro. The Club will provide the bowling and refreshments for $5.00 a person or $10.00 per family. Everyone will be responsible for their own food.

Bob Putrycus is taking names for the gambling trips. The first excursion is set for March 25th to the Soaring Eagle. The cost of the trip is $30.00 which gives you $20.00 in tokens and a $5.00 food voucher. The April trip is scheduled for the 22nd through the 24th to Petoskey, St. Ignace, and the Soo. We will be staying in St. Ignace with a cost of $159.00 per person, but according to my contact person you receive more money back than on the usual trip.

Outgoing Recreation Chairman Leo Michaels congratulated all of last year’s winners and presented Euchre winner Al Embo his check as Al cannot attend the part. Thank you Leo for all the years you have served on the Board and the good Lord willing you can come back when your health is 100%.

Outgoing Kitchen Chairman, Gary Huyghe thanked everyone who helped out during the past year and we thank Gary for all of his years on the Board.

Larry Mahieu reported that Band Director Chris Migliori has resigned due to a new job which will take him up north. They are looking for a new director. Tickets for their concert are available through Larry or Oscar for $22.00 each.

Membership Chairman Dale Verhaeghe introduced membership applicant, Bruce Baron who was then sworn in by President Arsene VanVooren.

According to Norm Kay, Frank Mahieu had been in the hospital, Mike DeBacker is in the hospital, and Leon Huyghe had his gall bladder removed. Norm is taking over the Sick and Visiting position from his father-in-law, Frank Mahieu, who is stepping down after many years on the Board. Thank you Frank. Norm also has the responsibility of Obituary Chairman.

Publicity Chairman Etienne Elskens reported that the bulletins were mailed out and to contact him if you didn’t receive one. The next bulletin will be sent out in April.

Our Webmaster, Chuck Myny, is still taking e-mail addresses for those who wish to receive the bulletin through e-mail.

Scott Schumacher announced there were 20 prizes.

Marshall Greg Silage, on his last day on the job, reported 85 in attendance. Thanks Greg for your service on the Board.

The drawing winners were Marcel Verdoodt, Pat DeLaere, John Roelandt, Rick Tanghe, Mike Huyghe, Rick Dauw, Scott Schumacher, Mike Aluia, Bob Grant, Frank Mahieu, Bernie Allemon, Frank Baecke, Ray Rudoni, Leo Michaels, Dick Braeckevelt, Ed VanRossen, Dale Verhaeghe, and Eddie VanRossen.

Respectfully Submitted and Happy New Year!,

Bob Putrycus
Recording Secretary