Sons in Retirement Branch 146 Walnut Creek Area Devoted to the promotion of Independence and the Dignity of Retirement

Minutes of the Branch Executive Committee Meeting
August 13, 2009

I. Call to Order, Opening Remarks and Introduction of Guests

Big Sir Stu Somerville called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.
There were no guests.
He presented some highlights from the August 3rd State Sir Meeting:

• New officers were elected.
• There are 150 active Branches and one Provisional Branch.
• Membership declined by 3.5%.
• Finances are in good shape. This information is available on the State Website.
• A paper, “Publicity and Activities for Branch Recruitment,” was presented and discussed in detail. Copies of the paper were sent to BEC members.
• It was suggested that each issue of Sir Happenings be reviewed. It will contain the latest recruiting and retention ideas.
• A new recruiting brochure has been posted in many public places that potential members might frequent.

Today we will honor past Big Sirs and we will elect Officers and Directors for 2010.

II. Members in Attendance

Officers and Directors:
Somerville, Hallett, Gates, Burk, Schroeder, Darius, Fuchs, de Golia, Hockel, Mitchell, and Rettew
Committee Chairmen and others:
Nunn, Hertweck, Ahlf, Lyman, Calloway, Obera, Marchione, DeVoe, Richmond, Barry, Richter and Wilson.

III. Secretary’s Report

Gates stated that the Minutes of the last BEC Meeting on, July 9, 2009, had been distributed to BEC. He called for comments and corrections. The Minutes were approved without change.

IV. Treasurer’s Report

De Golia reported that July Revenues were $5017 and Expenses were $7277.67 resulting in a net loss of $2260.67. This was due, in large part, to a pay-out of $1918 for the Boulder Creek Golf from funds received earlier.
The BEC accepted the Report.

Voluntary Donations have been received from 212 members to date. Based upon a member count of 260, 81% have complied. There are 48 members who have yet to contribute. Total funds received amount to $4511. Estimated annual expenditures are $5600.
A review of the roster showed that quite a few newer members have not contributed. It was decided to contact the sponsors of these members and have them tactfully remind their new recruits of our donation policy. In addition, the rest of the non-contributors will be called by a BEC member as a reminder and also as an opportunity to find out the reasons these members may choose not to contribute.

V. Little Sir’s Report

Today’s speaker will be Charles Mead-Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County.
Our September speaker will be Jerry Feitelberg, a former pharmacist for the Oakland “A’s.” He currently has an Alameda Cable TV baseball program. His topic is “Baseball and Steroids”.

VI. Committee Reports Needing Approval

Activities Coordinator
Terry Marchione has succeeded Dick DeVoe as Activities Coordinator. He outlined his current thinking on where he should focus his efforts:

• Making sure that newer members are aware of activities and assisting them in joining. He will join the “Welcome” session for new inductees following our luncheons.
• Solicit input on a list of potential new activities. This list will be placed on the tables at lunch.
• Work with the Webmaster to improve the information about current activities which is available on the website.

Member Recruitment and Retention Committee
Callaway reported that we are inducting 64% of the guests which attend our luncheons. That is good. He encouraged us to reach out to today’s guests to make them feel welcome.

Calloway also discussed the Member Survey which had been circulated for review. Slight modifications were recommended. He will announce at today’s meeting that the survey will be distributed at the next luncheon. The survey form, along with pencils, will be placed on the tables and there will be time allowed in the luncheon schedule for members to give consideration to their responses.

Luncheon
Lyman reported that he is expecting 199 people (including 4 guests and the speaker) at the luncheon. He guaranteed 182 to CourseCo.
He reported on the meeting with CourseCo regarding issues with meal quantities and timeliness of receiving the menu. Changes will begin with today’s luncheon.

• CourseCo will supply food chits based upon the number of fish and meat orders provided by Bob Lyman.
• They will provide 5% contingency food chits so we can see whether overruns are going toward fish or meat.
• CourseCo will provide the menu in time for Bob to get it in the SirCall.
• They will serve only Decaf coffee.
• They will mix the starting service of our tables from the front of the room or the back of the room every other month.

Membership
Hallett reported for Hertweck that there will not be any inductees
He requested that the BEC approve the resignation of Lou Schrepel, Badge #246. It was approved.
After this change, our total active membership count will decrease by one to 260, including 4 HLM’s.
There are no men on our Applicant List.

Dinner Dance
Rettew reported that an announcement will be made at today’s luncheon about the October Dinner Party.

Travel
Richter requested approval for three travel events.

• A Day at the Races on October 23 at Golden Gate Fields. This is a State event and will cost $25. Participants will provide their own transportation.

This was approved by the BEC. The SIR Form 53 for the outing is on file.

• Four Aces performing at the Mondavi Center, UC Davis on February 19, 2010. The price will be $76, bus transportation included. This was approved by the BEC. The Form 53 is on file.
• Cruise to the Caribbean on the MS Silver Cloud. The date is March 10, 2010 for 7 days, returning March 17. Package is all inclusive (air, food, drinks and tips). Cost varies based upon the type of cabin, from $2970 to $3570. This was approved by the BEC and the Form 53 is on file.

Joe Barry of the Garden Club requested approval for a trip to the San Francisco Academy of Science. Cost is $22 for the bus and $20 for admission (unless you are a member of the Academy). This was approved by the BEC and the Form 53 is on file.

VII. Adjournment

There being no further business, Somerville called for a motion to adjourn. Motion passed, meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am.

Pete Gates,
Secretary

Final: August 20, 2009