Installation of Officers Party January 24, 2009

As the members of the B.A.A. and their guests entered the hall at Barrister Gardens, they were greeted to the music of the B.A.A. Band under the direction of Bill Grasty. The band played various arrangements while the guests enjoyed hors d’ouevres and mingled amongst friends.

At 7:00pm President Arsene VanVooren and his Board members marched into the hall lead by Marshall Jeff Horan and Chaplain Father Jim Commyn.

President VanVooren thanked director Bill Grasty and Band Chairman Larry Mahieu for their time and effort in preparing for the evening’s music.

President VanVooren then introduced Past Presidents George DeClerk, Joe Deckers, Al VanDenBergh, Jr., Walt Baier, Etienne Elskens, Bob Putrycus, and Norm Kay.

There was one new 50-year member, Charles Cornillie, who became eligible tonight, but was unable to attend. All in all we have 22 lifetime members and tonight we had 4 in attendance, Al DeBacker, Frank Mahieu, Remi VanDenBroeck, and Oscar Vercruysse. Other guests that were introduced were Pat DeLaere, President of B.A. Century Club, Frank Baecke, President of B.A.A. Retirees, Ceil Janes, President of B.A Women’s Auxillary and Bob Hison, Mayor of St. Clair Shores along with his wife Nancy.

President VanVooren then introduced his family, Pam, his wife, Samantha, his daughter, Arsene, his son and Irene, his mother.

He then introduced the Executive Board for 2009 – 2010:
President -Arsene VanVooren,
Vice-President -Dale Verhaeghe,
Recording Secretary -Bob Putrycus,
Treasurer -Roland Deprez,
Financial Secretary -Bob Grant;

Board Members:
Entertainment - Arsene VanVooren,
Membership - Dale Verhaeghe,
Refreshment - Dale Verhaeghe,
Recreation - Rick Dauw,
Band - Larry Mahieu,
Sick & Visiting - Norm Kay,
Obituary - Norm Kay,
Webmaster - Chuck Myny,
Kitchen - Mel Ferdinande and Chuck Horan,
Retirees - Frank Baecke,
Publicity - Etienne Elskens,
Audit - John Roelandt,
Attendance - Scott Schumacher,
Scholarship - Al VanDenBergh, Jr.,
Marshalls - Bill Meldrum and Jeff Horan.

Chaplain Father Jim Commyn was then asked to swear in the newly-elected Officers and Board Members.

Vice-President Dale Verhaeghe was then asked to present the scholarship winners for this year with their award. The recipients were Katherine D’Hondt, Amanda Elskens, Janelle Wolf, and Kristen Yagley. Only Katherine and Janelle were able to attend, so Amanda’s father, Dr. Daniel Elskens accepted for his daughter and Kristen’s mother, Lynn accepted for her daughter. Their essays about their Belgian heritage will be published in an upcoming edition of the Gazette.

Outgoing Recreation Chairman Leo Michaels then presented last years’ games winners with their checks.

The 2008 winners were:
Darts - Ken Allemon
31 - Rick Dauw
Bien- Roger Omeye
Euchre - Al Embo
Pinochle - Etienne Elskens
Poker - Norm Kay

Congratulations to all the winners!

It was then time for the Man-of-the-Year award. This year’s recipient is Dick Huyghe. Dick has always helped out in the kitchen, on meeting nights, at the picnic, softball game and other functions. For years, many people thought he was an active member of the kitchen crew as he was always helping with the lunches at the functions. Congratulations again Dick.

The members were then treated to a sit-down dinner and a huge dessert table after which they listened to the music of the Brothers Righteous.

There were 4 outgoing Board members, who between them served many years on the Board and we thanked them for their service. They are Al DeBacker, Leo Michaels, Frank Mahieu, and Greg Silage.

Some of the drawing winners were Mark Deprez, Frank Baecke, Dr. Dennis D’Hondt, Chuck Myny, Don Willard, Larry Mahieu, Bob Hison, Eric Deprez, Frank Callabaut, Marion Allemon, Butch Desmet, Marion Westfall, Kandy Myny, Margaret DeSmet, Jan Defour, and Flora Commyn.

If anyone is interested in going on the one-day Soaring Eagle trip or 3-day casino trip, please contact me. The dates are the Soaring Eagle on March 25th for $30 per person and the 3-day trip is on April 22-24 for $159 per person.


Bob Putrycus
Recording Secretary