Nov. 2012

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

There were 47 members signed in.

50/50 draw tickets were available for purchase.

The September minutes were not voted on last month so a motion was made by Kim to have them accepted as read (they were read at the last meeting) and Barb White seconded the motion. Motion was carried.

The February Annual General Meeting minutes were read aloud by Sue Mazi. Motion to accept was made by Vel LeVatte and seconded by Debbie Thomas. Motion was carried.

After explaining the Annual Treasurer’s Report, Balance sheet and Audit process to the members, Kim read the Annual Treasurer’s report aloud. She explained the various expenses and incomes and the final balance sheet as well.

Mary McKinney moved to have the report accepted as read and Gwen VanNatter seconded the motion. Motion was carried.

Barb White and Cindy Huitema graciously volunteered to audit our books this year. Everything was found to be in order. Thank you both for taking the time to do this.

Debbie Thomas spoke about Haldimand County’s Volunteer Recognition Night. This year was the 12^th annual event, held in Fisherville. Rob Maracle and Debbie Thomas attended. The Dunnville Horticultural Society was nominated for the Community Project Award, which was won by the Caledonia Cenotaph Restoration group. Congratulations to them for winning and to us for being nominated. Ceremony attendees were given beautiful commemorative Haldimand County/Queen’s Diamond Jubilee wine glasses and each of our 2012 directors received one as well.

 

Lori Maracle introduced 2012’s executive to the members and congratulated everyone for a banner year.

 

Lori also presented Judy Jeffery with a bouquet of roses and a gift to thank her for all of her hard work in the past. Judy has been a member of the executive of the DHS for a total of 8 years, with the last 3 being our president. She is stepping down this year and the torch has been handed to Lori Maracle. Don Davis was also presented with a gift, as he is stepping down as a DHS director after many years of working hard for the DHS.

 

Susan Lusted, District 9 Director, swore in the new and returning directors and executive for 2013. 2013’s executive officers are as follows: President: Lori Maracle, Past President: Judy Jeffery, 1^st Vice-president: Debbie Thomas, 2^nd Vice-President: Betty Ballanger, Secretary: Sue Mazi, Treasurer: Kim Christoff. Directors are: Pam Blanchard, Pauline Bradford, Maura Cooper, Janice Croft, Mary-Lou Johnston, Jan Loots, Vel LeVatte, Rob Maracle, Marilyn Stavinga, Ian Steel and Debbie Wilson.

 

Welcome to all the new directors, and welcome back to the ones returning. 2013 is going to be a great year!

 

Maura Cooper thanked the volunteers who helped her in the kitchen for the past year. She presented a sign-up sheet for 2013. Because the society has grown she has asked for 3 volunteers at each general meeting (help is needed at 8 meetings per year).

 

 

Lori Maracle read “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and when she was finished Santa Claus appeared! He handed out candy canes and grape hyacinth bulbs and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

 

Refreshments were set out. There were various sandwiches and desserts that were delicious, and Debbie Thomas’s hot apple cider was a hit again this year. Looks like it’s becoming a DHS tradition.

 

Congratulations to Dorothy Minor for winning the 50/50 draw. Her share was $97.50 and of course our share was $97.50. Thank you to Betty Ballanger and Debbie Wilson for selling the tickets.

 

Our guest speaker for this evening was Elizabeth MacLean. She is a local interior decorator, and she spoke about design and decorating with an emphasis on Christmas.

 

Our first annual photography contest was judged by Christine Edwicker of Christine’s Creative Photography (she was our guest speaker in February 2012) and Elizabeth MacLean. There were numerous photos entered and they were all spectacular. The 4 winners were:

 

Winter: Rob Maracle

Spring: Miranda Bucsis

Summer: Miranda Bucsis

Fall: Doris Thompson

 

Each winner was awarded a 16 gig flash drive to store their photos on, especially the ones they will be taking for next year’s contest.

 

Thank you to Canadian Tire who donated 3 garden tool sets and to Sub Venture, Super Video and A&W for donating prizes. Judy Jeffery graciously donated the beautiful poinsettias. All of these were awarded as door prizes. I think almost everyone went home with something. Congratulations to all.

 

Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 17, 2013.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

 

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make tonight’s meeting the success that it was.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

 

Sue Mazi, Secretary.