President’s Message for May

Greetings from sunny Florida!

Yes, I’m on another of my frequent business trips. The good news is that this is the only business trip to take me away from home this month. I almost don’t know what to do with myself! Next month is quite another story, though. Fortunately, I remain in e-mail and cell-phone contact on most of my out-of-town trips.

This month’s board meeting was once again quite successful, not to mention a lot of fun. It’s always nice when it’s the guys assembling in the main meeting room that are the ones to close the doors to the Ladies’ Parlor because of the raucous laughter we’re producing, rather than the other way around.

Full minutes are always available on the Web site in the Members-Only area, so I plan only to disclose certain highlights of board meetings in this monthly vehicle.

We have had our second automatic resignation from the board. (See last month’s President’s Message for more about this new board policy.) Roy Olsen has resigned his position as secretary, and our assistant secretary Paul Goodridge has been elevated (shanghaied?) to the office of secretary. Paul’s minutes have already been a joy to read these past several months, so it seems only fitting that he have the title to go along with the duties. Thanks so much, Paul, for your faithful service to this organization.

As for Roy, the board wishes him well. He is clearly overextended, as it has been his work commitments that have kept him from attending board meetings—most regular membership meetings, too, for that matter. But “life happens,” as they say. Roy, I do hope that you manage to rein in your work schedule. We miss you! Know that you are always welcome whenever you can be with us.

Now that the board is down to seven men, our quorum has likewise declined from five to four. I am encouraged that the seven remaining members of the board have had almost perfect attendance at all board meetings, so I doubt that quorum will ever be an issue. You are in good hands.

That is not to say that there aren’t more opportunities for others to volunteer. We have two Pride marches and our annual benefit cruise coming up, and all three committees would welcome more members. Jay has just formed an Outreach Committee, too, and would love your input on other ways SGM can get more involved in the community. And those are just the current ways to be more involved. What are your ideas? What direction would you like to see SGM heading in? This organization belongs to all of us, not just to your elected board members.

As always, we have some great programs coming up, so be sure to check the Web site regularly for updates. The June board meeting will be held on its regular second Monday, June 12, starting at 6:15 p.m.

Until next month, be out, be proud, and blossom!

Carl