January - February 2008

A small Letter to the Members

I just thought that I would drop a note to you folks. We had a turnout of about 170 votes, up from about 105 last year. Thanks for your participation and for your decisive vote to amend the bylaws to permit us to participate in Board meetings telephonically. If a Board member cannot be physically present at a meeting, he/she can vote by speakerphone. Or, we can conduct a Board meeting entirely by conference call.

Herald calls of renewed energy and new beginnings are hollow if we don't acknowledge our bruises. Without getting too "New Age-y," this is as much a year for healing as it is for going forward. The last year was a very rough one for the Board. We made some tough decisions, which strained relationships and friendships.

The good news in all this is that we've found that the Club is bigger than any of its members, bigger than the problem of the moment, bigger than the largest of our probably over inflated egos. When I see the chockfull ride sign-in sheets, or survey the crowded room at our holiday party, it makes me feel that the hours spent in meetings and on phones are worthwhile. Thanks to you all for making the Club what it is and have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year

Regards
Andrea Mercado
5BBC Vice President