Minutes of Meeting: FMCA - Granite Staters 09.11.04 The 2004 annual business meeting of the Granite Staters Chapter of the FMCA was called to order at 9:08am by President Bruce Brown, on September 11, 2004 at Sandwich, NH, with approximately 150 members present.
The President invoked a moment of silence on the 3rd anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attack on the United States, and followed this with a brief prayer.
The acting Secretary's report ftom the brief business meeting at the June rally, (which was prepared by Shirley Goulet) was read, and a motion followed to approve the minutes, was seconded, and voted unanimously.
Bill McShea read a letter and the financial report ftom Treasurer Bill Read. Bill and Ginny have sold their home in New Hampshire and were unable to attend this rally as they were busily packing for their move to Dover, Delaware. As of August 31st, the check book balance was $6,674.41 with a little more than $2,000.00 in escrow representing advance membership dues.
Evelyn Merrill, National Director, reported developments ftom FMCA's 72nd International Convention which was held in Redmond, Oregon in August. She discussed her participation, proposed changes to the constitution and bylaws, a proposed automatic external defibrillator (AED) program (for victims of heart attacks), and continuing MEDEX evacuation coverage. She also announced the results for the election of national officers for next year, and discussed membership concerns about the content of FMCA's President's editorial in the September issue of Family Motor Coaching.
New Wagonmaster Linda Porazzo reported on the line up of rallies slated for 2005, and it appears that the Granite Staters will have a busy season. A list and dates will appear in the next newsletter, but the year will start with a pre-rally (which Bob Burnham is attempting to organize) before the Southeast Area Rally which will be held in Brooksville, FL beginning February 2nd.
Roger Merrill spoke from the floor about having a local chapter booth (to attract new members) set up at the 73rd National Convention in Perry, GA beginning March 21st, and whether anyone would be interested in staffing it.
Glenn McCracken reported for the Membership Committee that we (have) 249 member families at the present time. He also discussed the amount of work and time necessary to prepare annual membership cards. As a result, a motion was made, seconded, and unanimously voted to abolish the membership card.
Bruce requested that anyone with comments or suggestions about the chapter's clothing please contact Betty Robicheau.
Anne Brown was recognized by the members for handling the chapter's clothing design and styles, and developing the design of member badges and vendor sources.Peggy McShea asked first time attendees to identify themselves so pictures could be taken for the photo albums.
Joyce Sandstrom was recognized for her work with the Sunshine Committee, and the cards she sends out on behalf on the chapter.
Bruce discussed the role of the newsletter editors (Carol and Dave Bovee) and reminded everyone that they attempt to publish a newsletter one week after any rally.
Under Old Business, Geoff Blair requested that the members express their appreciation for the years of service and support of the Granite Staters by Bill and Ginny Read.
Bruce asked the Charter members present to stand and be recognized.
John and Elaine Green invited members traveling in the South to stop by their home in the Florida panhandle.
Under New Business, Bruce asked that anyone interested in leading the Lawn Chair Brigade to see or contact him.
Bobbie McCracken asked about the possibility of having a member directory that included the pictures, F #, and address information of each Granite Stater.
Fred Roberts took the floor to thank people for volunteering and participating in the Northeast rally at Essex Junction, VT. He reported that he is looking for volunteers for the rally a1 the Big E in Springfield, MA next July. There was further discussion about some uneasiness challenging people while working the security function at a gate.
Bruce urged members to wear their badges, especially at the joint rally at Salisbury Beach State Reservation in October. There has been a problem with other than FMCA members taking advantage.
Geoff Blair attempted to clarify the policy of the chapter in regards to the cost of individual meals and whether that should be the responsibility of a volunteer rally host. A general discussion followed involving many members. It was noted that the club voted in September 1999 that catered meals would be optional - and separate from rally costs, unless the rally hosts teamed up to put on a meal themselves. The apparent consensus of the membership was that it should stay that way.
It was suggested that the chapter secure a copy of "Guidelines for Running a Rally" trom the FMCA.
Further discussion included how the cost for the joint rally at Salisbury Beach were arrived at.
The discussion then turned to whether the per coach cost for a rally weekend should be less for a single person, or more for additional people attending as guests of the member.
At Bruce's suggestion, a motion was made, seconded, and unanimously voted to table these related issues for the new slate of officers to address.
Moving on, John Sandstrom read the slate of officers the nominating committee had developed and which had been published in the newsletter. A motion was made and seconded to accept the slate, and was unanimously carried by a vote of the members.
New officers include: Fred Rhine, President; Bob Burnham, Vice President; and, Betty Robicheau, Treasurer. Continuing officers include: Bill McShea, Secretary; Evelyn Merrill, National Director; and, Jerry Goulet, Alternate National Director.
President Brown then invited President Elect Fred Rhines to turn over the Presidency to him, and for Fred to adjourn the meeting.
In his closing remarks, Fred asked each of the new officers to stand and be recognized. He asked that the chapter's By Laws be placed on the chapter's web site. He noted that the officers' e-mail addresses would be on the web site and published in the newsletter, and invited members to offer comment, suggestions, and ideas for changes.
Fred also questioned whether a past officer F number holder was available trom FMCA. After a motion and second trom the floor, the members voted unanimously to locate and purchase past officer F number holders.
There was also some discussion about donating part of the 50/50 raffle money to the Hinckley School. After another motion and second, the vote unanimously approved the donation.
The meeting adjourned at 10:52am.
Respectfully submitted,
William E. McShea, Jr. Secretary
September 13,2004