Club News
President's Report
by Joe Carr
ypically, I write this column after I get home from the monthly Executive meeting (first Wednesday of each month). Tonight is no exception. I am sitting here thinking about Big Blue and Cousins, the volunteers who operate all our services, and especially the Executive itself. I am well satisfied with our efforts so far this year--I would even go so far as to say that I am excited by our accomplishments to date. Last year's executive put BB&C on a sound financial footing, and I am happy to say we have spent the money on the members this year (without getting too reckless!).
Most of the funds were spent on upgrading the BBS (electronic bulletin board system) to one of the finest BBS operations I have the pleasure of using. The BBS sysops ensure the system is reliable, fast, and evolving at a pace that makes it interesting, without going over the edge to making the system volatile (and hostile). Our chief sysop Joe Macmurchie seems to have a feel for enhancement of the BBS which few other sysops seem to have mastered. Sysop Steve Holland takes care of system software, Barry Cooper upgrades BBS members, Ron Kehn deals with the flood of files available for downloading, and Rick Macmurchie is the resident expert on the Novel1 network. Quite a team!
Joni Gilkin, our Clubhouse Coordinator (or "Mum" to some) is a bundle of enthusiasm. The clubhouse under her stewardship has evolved from a passable operation, to a friendly and inviting home-away-from-home. Members drop in just to say "hi", or bring friends down for a visit and a tour. Our dedicated crowd of software library users are busy copying files in one room, while other are chatting around the coffee pot. More members are bringing down their kids, since Joni installed a TV and some games in a separate playroom. Tony Brooks is busy coordinating the Members-In-Charge of the clubhouse, and doing a fine job by all accounts.
The Newsletter team is something to behold. I don't think I have observed as complicated an operation which runs so well within a volunteer operation before. Les Benson and his dedicated editors share the responsibilities of putting together our newsletter by rotating duties every month. Just like clock work, the newsletter is in my mailbox on time the week before the month-end general meeting. Many of you don't realize what a huge effort is taken with the newsletter. Did you know we have two Advertising reps? The newsletter 1abeling "bee" organised by Cal Woods is just the tip of the iceberg. Cal also takes care of all the labels, renewal notice inserts, and also stays on top of the strict rules for our Second Class postal rate. By mailing Second Class, we save roughly half our postal cost each year—enabling us to spend more on other services for you!
BB&C Presidents tend to worry about "the operation"—looking for executive members who are having problems with their responsibilities, or volunteers who are causing problems. So far this year, I've had an easy time of it. Larry Kohlruss, our former Membership Director had to resign recently. He has moved to Alberta looking for employment. I thought to myself, "OK Joe, here's your first real crisis of the year". No problem. The first member I called to ask if he was interested, thought about it for a couple of days, and agreed to take on the job. A big "thank you" to Ron De Beck for saying "yes", and so willingly stepping into the Membership Director duties. As I said before, "quite a team".
