Things have been happening so fast lately that I can�t seem to keep track of them. Not only that, but I seem to have caused a bit of confusion about the increase in our membership dues. UOAC will be increasing their dues as of the 1st half renewals which should be out this month. As result of this increase as well as the increased expenses to have our News Letter printed, you will note that we have increased our membership dues to $33.00 for regular membership, and $12.00 for Associate membership effective this month.
At our meeting in Langley last month, it was finally decided that due to the lack of attendance at our meetings, we would hold them every second month in the New Year. As a result of this decision, the schedule for meetings in the first half of 2003 will be, January in Langley (Jessoma Farms), March in Coquitlam (Dogwood Pavilion) and our final picnic either late May or early June. We are also looking at trying to start LOCAL coffee social groups similar to the one organized by Dick Westerlund in the Burnaby/New Westminster area, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who is interested in starting one in your area. You can contact me either by phone or email and let me know the details.
Plans are being finalised to hold a �VISITOR�S TRAINING SESSION� in Langley on Saturday, November 23rd at 10:00 am. It will very likely be an all day session with a buffet lunch provided. It will be held at our meeting facilities, i.e. JESSOMA FARMS, and will be run by Sandra Dunbar, Patti Johnson, Evelyn Zaklan and Andy Manson. We anticipate having a �Rap Session� at the end to solicit your input as this will be our first under the new guidelines. Andy guarantees a good attendance by the ET�s. Anyone interested in being involved in this program, please contact either Sandra at 604-942-1495, Evelyn Zaklan at 604-596-1928 or myself at 604-464-1960. As we are cutting back on our meeting dates, this Visitors Program is one of the most important functions this organization has. Please plan on participating.
We are also putting together a Spring Raffle with lots of fantastic prizes. The monies collected will go towards assisting our Chapter and the various activities we undertake in support of Ostomates of all ages. We would like to see each member take at least one book of tickets to sell and help us with our worthwhile endeavours.
As we do not publish a Newsletter in December, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Very Merry Xmas and hope that the year 2003 brings us all health, happiness and a bit of stability to our troubled world.
Don�t forget the November meeting, Sunday, November 17th, 1:30 pm, Dogwood Pavilion, 624 Poirier St., Coquitlam. Hope to see you all there..
CHEERS ALL
JIM |
