Date: Aug 22, 2009 13:45-16:10 Members present: Louisa Leung, Crystal Milton, Philip Tai, Helios Tsoi, Alex Wong, Mandick Wong Participated via email: Keith Cho, Peter Poon NORCAL SUMMER GATHERING REVIEW - Special thanks to Louisa for coordinating this event - Good turnout, and most people had a good time - 64 paid participants - need policy for late comers to register - suggest registration desk closing time, and put up sign to redirect latecomers to find the correct person for payment - Too much food - Unclear how to control portion but will strive to have better estimate in future events - Most people preferred to stay indoors - tables brought by Philip was not utilized - Talent show is ok, but not a suitable location - Census presentation received good feedback, but not a lot of people were listening - Most members prefer networking, and often ignore what's happening - Singing at the latter part is very enjoyable - Might prepare lyrics ahead of time in the future - need more motivation and better atmosphere for people to participate - previous experience with good equipment did not generate enough interest - Gift exchange - Probably will do something similar in the future - some people gave gifts, but were too late to get something back - Lucky draw - good members' feedback of gift selection - Photos and videos on website - Some guests felt out of place due to language and food selection reasons - Future events will be more specific as to language and food selection - Most likely, it will still be in Cantonese as most members grew up in Hong Kong - Will translate some of the overall program of future events at the start SOCAL SUMMER GATHERING REVIEW - Much appreciation for Keith and Teresa Cho's excellent preparation, Peter Poon's coordination with the restaurant (very reasonable cost for the luncheon with a dedicated area for our use), and Paul Pang's help. - Steve Wat (59FA) came from NorCal to join the event - 20 members joined the hiking, and 32 members for lunch - Photos and videos on website (and probably more to come) MEMBERSHIP UPDATES - 4 new members in 2009 (all lifetime members) - Cannot contact one of them (even through Ed Sun) - Will need to send snail mail to those without email contacts for events information - Board unanimously propose adding spouse of deceased life member as "honorary members" as described in section 5.1.3 of the constitution. - Helios to draft the constitution amendment, sent it out for board to review, and then to send out to all members for ratification. FINANCIAL UPDATES - Accounts transferred to Philip - CD maturing in Sept. Will renew CD with the same bank (ING) - For more details, please contact any one on the board of directors. WEBSITE UPDATES - All photos updated - Webhosting fee will be paid first by Mandick, and then reimbursed. - Yahoo group moderation issues: - Group should be used for announcements of information relevant to members only - Recent issue with emails to members should be moderated except that they were not using Yahoo group mailing list. - Similar incidents should still be moderated if mailing list is used. ANNUAL DINNER 2010 - Decided on going to a Chinese restaurant - Current top choice is Willow Tree (Dublin) - One Saturday in March. Date will depend on travel plans of Crystal and Mandick - Most likely Mar 6 or Mar 13. - Budget and activities TBD, including lucky draw prizes (if any) DR HINTON'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION - Peter Poon leads the organizing committee - Committee members: Keith Cho, Wing Hui, Crystal Milton, Edward Ng, Paul Pang - Peter will communicate with Dr Hinton to find out his permission and preferences, including location and time of year. - Depending on response, will communicate with BC and Ontario chapters for coordination and support. BIMONTHLY UNOFFICIAL DINNER - Sept 8, 2009 - Louisa will send information to Mandick to put on website - Crystal will send out email about this OTHER BUSINESS - Received thank you card from Anita Chu - DJ expressed thanks for the support received - Census 2010 sponsorship program - Doris reiterated the desires of our support - unfortunately we did not have the chance to reconsider before deadline (July 31) - board would consider similar requests in the future - Heritage Day Celebration - Information from Ivy Mok - Will post on website since it is a community event. - Crystal to send out email to all members: - New photos on website - Bi-monthly dinner (need more info from Louisa) - QES 55th anniversary dinner Dec 13 and related events - 59FA 50th anniversary dinner Oct 18, in Tsim Sha Tsui (more info from Louisa?) - 69FA 40th anniversary dinner (Need more info from Alex) NEXT BOARD MEETING - The next board meeting will be at 12noon on Saturday, Nov 21 2009, at Mandick's home. - Agenda - Annual Dinner Preparation - Dr Hinton's birthday celebration (progress update)