BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: JULY 30TH, 2013

President Nizar Abouchami reported that Past Presidents Angus McKenzie and Jim Rigby are continuing to meeting with the City of Spruce Grove regarding issues related to the unspent trail money; that Angus McKenzie is still looking for volunteers to work shifts at the Casino on Thursday, August 29th and Friday, August 30th (shifts run from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, 7:00 pm to 2:30 am, and 11:30 pm to 2:30 am each day); that Directors must prepare their strategic plan for presentation at the Club Assembly on September 12th; that plans are in the works for a Tri-Club baseball tournament for September 15th; and that the District Governor Visit will take place on October 31st (replacing the regular Board meeting for October).

The Board agreed to renew our contract for the May 31st, 2014 Lobsterfest Dinner and Charity Auction with auctioneer Danny Hooper at new terms; to move our regular meeting on August 15th to the Shotz Family Sports Lounge at the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre; to not use our official name tags for off-site events, unless required; to accept the resignation of Celia Leathwood; asked President Elect Victor Moroz to look into a community fun-raiser activity for October; and to support the cost of hosting seniors at Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary presentation from 2:15 to 3:15 pm Thursday, August 29th.

Community Service Director Barry Twynam and Rotary Foundation Director Brad Mastaler reported on the progress of negotiations with the City of Spruce Grove regarding recognition of our many contributions to tree planting in the City.

Community Service Director Barry Twynam reported that he still working on his 2013-2014 budget proposal; that the Goodwill Industries Store in Spruce Grove is looking for volunteers to help with their store renovations on Tuesday, August 6th and Wednesday, August 7th; and that the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society is seeking volunteers for their Farm and Heritage Carnival, and Corn Roast Supper on Saturday, August 17th.

Club Service Director Rita Sharek reported that speakers for August and October are booked, and September is almost booked; and that members are asked to respond to Club duty requests from their captains.

Club Administration Director Tony Zeglen reported the near completion of the Memory Albums project; the progress of the Humanitarians in Spruce Grove ad campaign; the creation of a Club Twitter Account; potential new members; a discrepancy between our Club Bylaws and the current version of the "How to Propose a New Member" brochure; and that a Fireside is being planning for every three months in 2013-2014.  After some discussion, the admission fee for new members was set at $75.00.

International Service Director Neil Hollands reported that he still working on his 2013-2014 budget proposal; and that his committee will be reviewing our commitment to all of our current projects, including Belize Literary, Project Amigo, Operation Esperanza, and container shipments of medical equipment.

Youth Service Director Randy Hetherington reported on scholarships awarded; a planned Vocational visit to Parkland School Division; Spruce Grove Composite High School Interact Club executives for 2013-2014; RYLE, RYPEN and RYLA openings; Youth Service/New Generations Reunion; District 5370 Youth Exchange Orientation; strategic plan for 2013-2014; Children of Ecuador Interact Club participation; and pending items.

Vocational Service Director Ray Frayne is working on his budget and strategic plan for 2013-2014.

Rotary Foundation Committee Chair Brad Mastaler is working on gaining access to Foundation records; adding members to his committee; and ensuring that 100% of our club contributions to the Foundation in 2013-2014.

Treasurer Jan Vanderblij reported that Directors must submit their budget requests to by August 15th, so an operating budget for 2013-2014 can be presented at the Club Assembly meeting on September 12th.

Next Board Meeting:  5:00 pm, Tuesday, August 27th