Executive Report
Secretary's Report
Nov 22, 2008
Welcome to our final meeting of the year and as we go forward into the new year, let us come back with renewed strength in keeping our organization going.
During the course of the year, we had six general meeting , and on Jan 19, which is our usual recess period, we held a meeting to elect new executives. You elected me as your new secretary and thank you for your vote of confidence.
On April 20, we had our annual Brunch at Sydneys. Although the venue was rather small for our crowd, it went well. Unfortunately, the Brunch from which we award the Ottey Scholarship, this year we had no applicants.
In July we had our usual successful picnic. It seems to get better each year.
Next, was our Reunion 08 event on Sept 13, and it was a huge success. We had rave reviews from our patrons. I believe there were a number of factors that contributed to this.
First, (and by no means in a specific order), the location was midway. It was easy access for both those coming from the east and the west. Second, we did extremely well on the ticket sales. We all deserve a pat on the back, with special kudos to Del and Alva. They sold approx 100 tickets. Third, we negotiated some good deals with TBH. Fourth, were the donations of liquor and gifts from members and friends of VTHS. All these greatly reduced our expenses.
Then there was the food. It was excellent.
Challenges:
However, to get to that success, we faced many challenges. The first challenge was the change in two managements. At one point, the telephone number was disconnected. I went there the Saturday only to find the doors chained. I went back the Sunday on my way from Church. My poor mother was sitting in the car in the parking lot, and I was inside negotiating with them and making sure that our function was still on track. One evening, Dawn, Wena and I visited to discuss the contract with the new management. We came away more assured and comfortable that the function will go ahead. However, because the original owner did not scratch the taxes off their copy, TBH said that they will now have to charge us taxes on the $25. It was a challenge negotiating with them to include the taxes.
There was also the challenge with the caterer. TBH had engaged this new caterer, the one who catered for us. With the change in management, I found out that TBH was no longer using him, So again, I had to fight the battle of getting him.
There were many other challenges and I am not going to bore you all with them. But I have to mention a few more. I delivered the second deposit of $3400, but because of the change in management, the cheque was made out to TBH and should have been Bels Banquet Hall. Del, Tammy , Alva and I had to do a relay of efforts to get the cheque changed and delivered on time. Alva dropped off the final cheque in my mailbox one early morning on his way to work. Many thanks to Alva, Del and Tammy for all your efforts.
The other challenge that I must mention, is the collection of ticket monies to make the second deposit that was due on August 30. Only A few members answered the call. I also want to mention that if only each member could take and sell ten tickets, rather than just a few carrying the burden of selling umpteen tickets.
The other challenge was members helping out after the dance. Most of the members left. Only a few of us remained to take care of the bar stock and empties Alva, Errol, Tammy, John, Angie and Sharon. and I. Alva was lifting heavy stuff, when he is not supposed to because of his surgery. Del and I were cleaning up in the bar, picking up empties, etc. Fellow members, we are all in this organization together. We come to the meetings and we have fun together. We struggle together, and therefore, we need everyone to work together, for the common good and continuity of this organization. Del raised this issue in the past, and as we go forward, let us all give a hand.
Projects:
However, it is not all doom and gloom. Despite our challenges, we made huge progress. We made a good profit and we are in good financial standing. Apart from the reunion profit, other donations were made. Thanks to Alva for soliciting and receiving funds from his company. Thanks to Derrick, Del, Alva, Dorothy and Tammy for individual donations. Del will highlight those in her report. As a result or our good financial standing, we are going forward with of some of our financial commitments. The sterilizer and supplies will be purchased, donation will be made to the Hugh Shearer, as well as other donations to the school. The president will further elaborate on those commitments.
Finally, many thanks to all the members for their great effort in ticket sales and contributions. Thanks to the fundraising committee. A special thanks to Eva for initially telling us about TBH. Thanks to Angie for helping me out on the Minutes taking and other duties. Thanks to Del for her guidance and information. She has done this for over 30 odd years and a pro at it. Thanks to all the members who have become our other family throughout the year. We have done great work for the good of our alma mater. We all deserve a pat on the back for our efforts as many alumni have stopped along the way. We are in our 36th year and still going strong. We are the envy of many alumni. In the course of our recess, please think of new ways, new initiatives of how we can keep this wonderful organization going. Again, thank you for your confidence in electing me as your secretary, and finally, my condolences to all those who have lost a loved one during the year. God knows, it too many now.
All the best for the holiday season and God bless you all.
Elma Dixon
Secretary
VTAA
Nov 22, 2008
Welcome to our final meeting of the year and as we go forward into the new year, let us come back with renewed strength in keeping our organization going.
During the course of the year, we had six general meeting , and on Jan 19, which is our usual recess period, we held a meeting to elect new executives. You elected me as your new secretary and thank you for your vote of confidence.
On April 20, we had our annual Brunch at Sydneys. Although the venue was rather small for our crowd, it went well. Unfortunately, the Brunch from which we award the Ottey Scholarship, this year we had no applicants.
In July we had our usual successful picnic. It seems to get better each year.
Next, was our Reunion 08 event on Sept 13, and it was a huge success. We had rave reviews from our patrons. I believe there were a number of factors that contributed to this.
First, (and by no means in a specific order), the location was midway. It was easy access for both those coming from the east and the west. Second, we did extremely well on the ticket sales. We all deserve a pat on the back, with special kudos to Del and Alva. They sold approx 100 tickets. Third, we negotiated some good deals with TBH. Fourth, were the donations of liquor and gifts from members and friends of VTHS. All these greatly reduced our expenses.
Then there was the food. It was excellent.
Challenges:
However, to get to that success, we faced many challenges. The first challenge was the change in two managements. At one point, the telephone number was disconnected. I went there the Saturday only to find the doors chained. I went back the Sunday on my way from Church. My poor mother was sitting in the car in the parking lot, and I was inside negotiating with them and making sure that our function was still on track. One evening, Dawn, Wena and I visited to discuss the contract with the new management. We came away more assured and comfortable that the function will go ahead. However, because the original owner did not scratch the taxes off their copy, TBH said that they will now have to charge us taxes on the $25. It was a challenge negotiating with them to include the taxes.
There was also the challenge with the caterer. TBH had engaged this new caterer, the one who catered for us. With the change in management, I found out that TBH was no longer using him, So again, I had to fight the battle of getting him.
There were many other challenges and I am not going to bore you all with them. But I have to mention a few more. I delivered the second deposit of $3400, but because of the change in management, the cheque was made out to TBH and should have been Bels Banquet Hall. Del, Tammy , Alva and I had to do a relay of efforts to get the cheque changed and delivered on time. Alva dropped off the final cheque in my mailbox one early morning on his way to work. Many thanks to Alva, Del and Tammy for all your efforts.
The other challenge that I must mention, is the collection of ticket monies to make the second deposit that was due on August 30. Only A few members answered the call. I also want to mention that if only each member could take and sell ten tickets, rather than just a few carrying the burden of selling umpteen tickets.
The other challenge was members helping out after the dance. Most of the members left. Only a few of us remained to take care of the bar stock and empties Alva, Errol, Tammy, John, Angie and Sharon. and I. Alva was lifting heavy stuff, when he is not supposed to because of his surgery. Del and I were cleaning up in the bar, picking up empties, etc. Fellow members, we are all in this organization together. We come to the meetings and we have fun together. We struggle together, and therefore, we need everyone to work together, for the common good and continuity of this organization. Del raised this issue in the past, and as we go forward, let us all give a hand.
Projects:
However, it is not all doom and gloom. Despite our challenges, we made huge progress. We made a good profit and we are in good financial standing. Apart from the reunion profit, other donations were made. Thanks to Alva for soliciting and receiving funds from his company. Thanks to Derrick, Del, Alva, Dorothy and Tammy for individual donations. Del will highlight those in her report. As a result or our good financial standing, we are going forward with of some of our financial commitments. The sterilizer and supplies will be purchased, donation will be made to the Hugh Shearer, as well as other donations to the school. The president will further elaborate on those commitments.
Finally, many thanks to all the members for their great effort in ticket sales and contributions. Thanks to the fundraising committee. A special thanks to Eva for initially telling us about TBH. Thanks to Angie for helping me out on the Minutes taking and other duties. Thanks to Del for her guidance and information. She has done this for over 30 odd years and a pro at it. Thanks to all the members who have become our other family throughout the year. We have done great work for the good of our alma mater. We all deserve a pat on the back for our efforts as many alumni have stopped along the way. We are in our 36th year and still going strong. We are the envy of many alumni. In the course of our recess, please think of new ways, new initiatives of how we can keep this wonderful organization going. Again, thank you for your confidence in electing me as your secretary, and finally, my condolences to all those who have lost a loved one during the year. God knows, it too many now.
All the best for the holiday season and God bless you all.
Elma Dixon
Secretary
VTAA