GOVERNOR GENERAL S CURLING CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2011 MINUTES The Annual Meeting of the Governor General s Curling Club was held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Gatineau, Quebec, on Monday, 12 September, 2011. President Verne Kean called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm. He welcomed the members to the meeting; highlighting it was the first being held in conjunction with the annual Safari, this year celebrating its 30 th anniversary. Vice President Rod Matheson introduced other members of the Head Table: President, Verne Kean; Past President, Grover Clare; Vice President, Terry Begin; and Vice President, Gerry Tomalty. Past President Grover Clare announced the roll call, asking Members to stand, identify themselves, and name their curling club affiliation. In addition to the Executive Committee, thirty-seven Regular and Emeritus Members attended the meeting. At President Verne Kean s request, Roger Wilson moved a motion to wave the reading of the minutes of last year s meeting as circulated to the membership. The motion was seconded by Bruce Neill and was unanimously approved by the members. TRIBUTE TO DECEASED MEMBER Vice President Rod Matheson noted the passing last year of Emeritus Member Elwyn MacDonald. He paid tribute to Elwyn s memory, outlining several significant contributions he made to curling over his many years of active involvement. MATCH CAPTAIN S REPORT Vice President Gerry Tomalty reported that the Spring golf event had been held at the Prescott Golf Club June 17, 2011, with assistance from Neil Dufour. The event attracted 22 golfers, with an additional 6 members attending dinner. 1
Gerry also indicated that Radium Resort in the Lake Windermere area of B.C. was being considered for the 2012 Safari, scheduled for September 9 to 12. He provided a brief outline of the area, and the various golf courses and other activities available. BRIER HISTORY EXHIBIT Vice President Terry Begin reported on the Governor General s Curling Club s involvement in the Canadian Curling Association s (CCA) Brier History Exhibit initiative at the 2011 London Brier. He indicated, as a first effort, it was well received by those attending, and the CCA were very pleased. We have been asked to provide support for the same Exhibit at the 2012 Saskatoon Brier (12 potential volunteers already have come forward). Terry also acknowledged the special contribution made by his wife Kathryn in preparing, for handout at the event and for subsequent distribution, a brochure outlining the history and role of the Governor General s Curling Club. Copies were provided to those attending the AGM who hadn t already received one. There is a possibility an Exhibit could also become part of the Tournament Of Hearts venue in future years. MEMBER RESIGNATION President Verne Kean informed the members that Mike Swift, Secretary/ Treasurer, had received a letter from Roy Taylor, the Club s longest standing member (1965). Roy, being unable to participate in the future, had offered to resign to make room for someone else who could play a more active role. President Kean stated the Executive had reviewed the request and agreed unanimously not to accept the offer on the basis of the honorary nature of Membership. Verne agreed to ensure that Mr. Taylor received an appropriate response. SECRETARY/TREASURER President Kean confirmed that earlier this year the Executive had received and accepted a request from Mike Swift to step down from his duties as Secretary/Treasurer. He also, being diligent as always, had recruited a replacement, Jim Young. It was noted that Mike recently suffered a mild heart attack, and although unable to attend the meeting, was well on his way to recovery. Mike has held the position of Secretary/Treasurer since taking over from Brian Arkinstall in 2005. 2
Verne noted that Mike had provided great support to the Presidents of the Club, and made special efforts to keep the Membership informed. Jim Young agreed to assume his duties beginning with this meeting. TREASURER S REPORT President Kean then introduced Jim Young as the incoming Secretary/Treasurer. Jim presented a Treasurer s Report. After accounting for all the expenses associated with the Safari the Operating Account will show an estimated balance of approximately $4,500. The Investment Account, which records the proceeds from the sale of merchandise, shows a balance of $3,566, and the Savings account a balance of $5,636. In total the Club currently has $13,702 at its disposal. NOMINATING COMMITTEE/NEW MEMBERS Past President Grover Clare then presented the Nominating Committee Report. There are 12 applications pending for membership, some for an extended period. One application was being accepted to fill the existing vacancy, created by one Member being elected to Emeritus Membership by the Executive Committee. At the last minute the newly-accepted member Robin Wilson was unable to attend the meeting due to personal commitments. Her nominator, Warren Hansen, addressed the membership, highlighting Robin s extensive involvement in curling both as a competitor and builder, noting in particular her long affiliation with the Tournament Of Hearts, and read a letter from her expressing her regret for not being able to attend as originally intended. President Verne Kean then presented an emeritus badge to Grover Clare as the new Emeritus Member, and thanked him for his years of service to the Club and its Executive. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE Vice President Terry Begin presented nominations for the 2011 2012 Executive: Past President, Verne Kean; President, Terry Begin; 1 st Vice President, Gerry Tomalty; 2 nd Vice president, Ian MacDonald; and Match Captain, Bruce Neill. 3
Terry then advised that Vice President Rod Matheson was resigning from the Executive Committee following completion of the 2011 Safari, and thanked him for his efforts during his term on the Executive. Bruce Neill had been nominated to join the Executive, but asked to take the position of and stay in the position of Match Captain for several years, providing continuity to organization of the Club s major events, in particular the annual Safari. As a consequence, to replace Rod, Ian MacDonald was nominated to the position of 2 nd Vice President. Bruce s decision also provides the opportunity to change the service commitment to the Executive from five to four years, thus making it less onerous. A motion to approve the new Executive was proposed by Jim Sharples, seconded by Don Bond, and received unanimous approval of the Members. OUTGOING PRESIDENT S REMARKS President Verne Kean thanked the Members for their patience and support last year, as he underwent his treatment for cancer. He especially thanked those members who had sent cards and made many telephone calls to wish him well. President Kean thanked Vice President Terry Begin for stepping in to take over the President s duties, and noted the excellent job he had done. He then proceeded to introduce Terry as the incoming President, and presented him with the 2011 2012 President s Chain Of Office. NEW BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP: President Terry Begin stated that there have been and are continuing concerns being expressed over the number of applications for membership and the limited openings available, since the Constitution limits the number of both regular and emeritus members. Also, with the Club embarking on new initiatives with the C.C.A. regarding the Museum and Hall of Fame project, and accepting responsibility for exhibits at major national championships, additional willing volunteers are needed. The matter is further complicated by the eligibility of women for membership in the Club, which has created another large pool of worthy and deserving candidates. The waiting list is long and growing; many nominated candidates being very worthy of consideration. Several solutions, some which might change the existing membership structure, had been discussed at length and in detail by the Executive, but found unsatisfactory. The Executive felt that any change must preserve the concept of membership in the Club being primarily honorary. 4
The Club s Constitution was examined, and it was determined its simplicity and flexibility could allow a simple change which would provide a practical solution to the issue. As a result it was decided, as outlined in the Notice Of Meeting, to amend Section 4.03 of the Club s Constitution, by deletion of its last clause, to read: The Executive Committee may elect to the status of Emeritus Membership, such of the members who have rendered distinguished services to curling for a long period, provided that not more than five shall be so elected in any one year. This change simply removes the limitation of twenty-five members from this category. The amendment provides the Executive Committee with the ability to recognize through emeritus status more members who have rendered distinguished services to curling for a long period, and thus makes room for the nomination of more new members by creating up to five vacancies each year in the ranks of the general membership. Removal of the limitation of a total of twenty-five in the Emeritus category does not create a requirement to name five new members each year, but simply provides more flexibility in appointing new members than is permitted under the present limits of the Constitution. A motion for acceptance was proposed by John Doty, and seconded by Roger Wilson. The discussion that followed centered on an increase in authority of the Executive Committee by eliminating the cap of twenty-five Emeritus Members. President Begin emphasized that the change provided a straightforward solution, and stressed there was no intention or requirement always to elevate five members to the Emeritus category each year, and that the Executive Committee was still obliged to demonstrate that a member had earned election to the Emeritus category. The vote was called and the motion approved. 5
EVENTS President Begin then asked Bruce Neill, new Match Captain, to provide an update. He advised that the following locations were being considered for future annual Safaris: 2013 Winnipeg (Manitoba), 2014 Quebec, and 2015 Kingston (Ontario). He also is suggesting possible changes to the annual Spring golf day that could include the options of: (a) golf and dinner, returning home the same day (current format); (b) golf, dinner and accommodation, returning home the following morning; or (c) adding a second round of golf to the latter. He mentioned the Heritage Golf Course, north of Montebello as a possible location. He welcomed any comments members might have. Marion Dupont raised the issue of whether any consideration had been given to inviting spouses to participate in the event. Bruce indicated there had not but it would be discussed at the next Executive Meeting. CANADIAN CURLING ASSOCIATION INITIATIVE President Terry Begin outlined the discussions that had taken place with the CCA regarding the large quantity of curling memorabilia warehoused in Ottawa. Currently only basic lists exist. Following a meeting with Danny Lamoureux and Warren Hansen, a strategic plan has been developed which will assess the inventory, document what is on hand, and catalogue the items. Unfortunately work on the project has been delayed but is expected to get underway sometime next year. The Club has agreed to provide assistance to the CCA in this endeavour. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE President Begin indicated the Executive of the Club was in the process of establishing a Membership Committee. The intention is to review and document policies and initiation procedures, as well as codify membership requirements. The intention is to have this new committee in place within the coming year. There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting was proposed by Garry Henderson, seconded by Gordon Stockdale, and unanimously approved. 6