ANNUAL MEETING -

We started a new year, (our 44th) on October 18, 2014 with our annual meeting. Below is a copy of the minutes of that meeting:

F.I.S.H. ANNUAL MEETING – October 18, 2014 ~ 10:00 a.m.

Present:  Cindy Basso, Madeleine Bort, Ron Bort, Mary Anne Brady, Bob Duncanson, Kathy Elliott, Judy Ferguson, Larry Garrecht, Ken Henry, Sandy Henry, Pat Keefe, Elaine LaFollette, Mary McRae, Alyce McNamara, Jack Moffett, Ethel Puzey, Michael Ratner, Alice Steckiewicz, Shirley Titus, Diane Wahl, Marilyn Walters and Carolyn Yates.

The meeting began with a welcome from co-chair Ken Henry.  Each attendee introduced themselves and what they do for F.I.S.H.

Yearly Reports

1)    Financial Report –given by Ron Bort, Treasurer.  Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2014:  Bank balance:  $1047.00.  Total Assets = $3072.00. Donations totaled $3,294.00.  Ron reported that this is the first year in several years we have not lost money; partly because we received some generous donations but also because we have been able to send more of our newsletters by email thus spending less money on copies, envelopes and postage. Pat Keefe motioned we accept the Treasurer’s report as given, seconded by Alice Steckiewicz.

2)    Statistics Report – given by Carolyn Yates, Statistician – October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014: 675 total rides this year up from 622 last year. 125 clients at year’s end up from 103 last year.  Currently 79 drivers down from 89 drivers last year. At any given time 20% of the drivers are not available to drive due to illness, vacations, etc. The need for more scheduled drivers will be addressed in future newsletters.

         

3)    Driver/Client/Dispatcher Update – given by Sandy Henry, Volunteer Coordinator. Explained process for becoming a client. Sandy also discussed the procedure for new drivers. The Fayetteville Festival produced two new drivers. One new dispatcher added this year.

4)    R.S.V.P. (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) Report – given by Pat Keefe, R.S.V.P. rep. for F.I.S.H. She explained the program for the benefit of those who are not currently a member.  R.S.V.P. is a National organization sponsored by the government and coordinated by Catholic Charities.   You must be 55 or over to sign up.  Benefit for doing so: excess insurance coverage ($400,000) in case of an accident while volunteering. All R.S.V.P members for F.I.S.H. turn in their hours each quarter (drivers, dispatchers, Executive Board, etc.) 

F.I.S.H. Throughout The Years – Marilyn “Butch” Walters. Butch began with F.I.S.H. when the chapter was formed in 1970. At that time F.I.S.H. was a 24 hour service – no limits to what anyone might be called upon to do. She worked fulltime so she volunteered at night and continued to volunteer when she retired. She just this year decided to stop driving at 91 years young!

Old Business

·       Operations Manual – Elaine LaFollette reported the manual was completed and distributed in March 2014. Very important everyone have this information.

New Business

·       501(c)(3) Update – Ken Henry, Co-Chair reported that this was filed with the I.R.S. in July 2014 by the Hancock Law Firm, which did the work pro-bono for us. It cost F.I.S.H. $400.00 for the application fee for the I.R.S. When we are approved (it may take up to a year for this to happen) we will then be able to apply for funds for our group as a non-profit entity.

·       There were no nominations from the floor for officer positions. The current board is planning to work this next year on soliciting new board members for future years with the possibility of appointing a nominating committee.

·       Nominations and Voting for Executive Board:

Co-chairs:        Ken Henry and Elaine LaFollette (current)

Secretary:         Cindy Basso (current)

Treasurer:        Ron Bort (current)

Statistician:      Carolyn Yates (current)

Bob Duncanson motioned to accept board as it stands; seconded by Mary McRae, All in favor; motion carried.

·       Bob Duncanson, Publicity Chairman reported that in the past he had good results in recruiting new drivers. It is getting tougher. The Post Standard is looking to groups that are serving people. He has contacted them, was told they had our brochure he had sent in – he is still waiting for a further response from them. We need to get the word out and he is asking please come to him with any and all ideas for getting our information out there to attract more drivers. A discussion was held on different avenues we might pursue in recruitment.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Madeline Bort and seconded by Sandy Henry. The meeting was adjourned at 11:35a.m.

    

Respectfully submitted,                                                                      Cindy Basso, Secretary