The Annual Business Meeting of the California Genealogical Society was held on Saturday, January 12, 2013. A total of fifty-three members attended the festivities starting at 12:00 p.m. with a social hour in the Education Room organized by Diana Edwards and Linda Okazaki.
Several members responded to the call for "appetizers to share" so everyone enjoyed good food and a chance to meet members and renew acquaintances with old friends.
One nice feature was the wall banner that stretched across the room listing the names of all 1050 of our current members and the year they joined.
President Jeffrey Vaillant welcomed members and gaveled the business meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Minutes of the 2012 meeting, the 2013 calendar year budget, and committee reports were distributed to all. Secretary Lisa Gorrell presented the minutes from last year's meeting which were approved.
Treasurer Laura Lee Karp gave reports on the reading of the society’s books and on the financial health of the society before presenting the 2013 budget, which was approved. President Vaillant stressed the point that income from membership dues doesn't cover "opening the doors of the library" in terms of rent. Income from research, publications sales, events, classes, tours and other fundraisers still leaves a shortfall which is filled by member donations and income from the society's endowment.
Nominating Committee Chair Karen Lemelin
introduced the nominees for seats on the board of directors. Diana Edwards and Shannon Reese were elected by acclamation.
Committee reports were delivered by Diana Wild and Henry Snyder (Library), Sandy Fryer (Membership), Chris Pattillo (Investment), Shannon Reese (Publications/Marketing), Kim Cotton (Research), Jim Sorenson (Technology), Ellen Fernandez-Sacco (Strategic Planning) and Jane Lindsey (Events).
Just before the meeting ended, new board member, Diana Edwards, brought the centerpieces from the reception to present to two lucky members. Kyrha Dahan and June Lindquist each took phalaenopsis orchids home for being our "newest" and "longest" members. Kyrha joined the society in 2012. June has been a member for thirty-eight years – since 1974! Congratulations, ladies!
The business meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. The board of directors met briefly to elect officers for 2013:
President – Jeffrey Vaillant
Vice-president – Ellen Fernandez-Sacco
Treasurer – Laura Lee Karp
Recording secretary – Lisa Gorrell
Corresponding secretary – Karen Tracy Lemelin
Before closing, I want to acknowledge Patricia Smith, our second Saturday Desk volunteer. She does yeoman's work during all of our membership meetings. Thank you, Pat!
Photographs courtesy of Kathryn Doyle, Jane Lindsey, Arlene Miles, and Linda Okazaki.
Copyright © 2013 by Kathryn M. Doyle, California Genealogical Society and Library.
