After a rainy week, 85 folks ventured out for a night of fun at our October Social. The group included 47 Full Members, 26 Associate Members, 9 new Associate, and 3 representatives of the charities. The evening began with a Business Meeting to announce a slate of officers for 2016 and proposed changes in the by-laws regarding the incorporation of MASS and the 501 (c) 7 non-profit status of the club. Then checks of $4668.57 were presented to The Interfaith Food Pantry in Aberdeen, represented by Joe DeLuca and the Moore County Special Olympics, represented by Melinda Ransdall. That’s a total of $9337.14 net proceeds raised by MASS at our September Fundraiser!!

Table decorations exemplified the “It’s Fall Ya’ll” theme of our Host Team including: Brenda Phelps, Ron Jones, Pat & Tom Royal, Betty Tarr, Robin Myers, Venetia Batten, and Gene Day. DJ Chigger Woods had an excellent variety of tunes for dancing. Bob Taylor won the 50/50 drawing.

We are in the process of recruiting Host Teams for 2016. Obviously, some preparation has to take place to arrange the tables and put table cloths on them. And someone has to work the sign-in table, handle the 50/50 drawing, and clean-up. In addition, there are expenses and time involved to purchase plates, cups, forks, spoons, knives, and plastic table cloths for the food table. These items plus decorations have to be stored and replenished. The members who bring food have to purchase and prepare it.

I often hear complaints of having to serve on a host team, select a theme, decorate, and bring food. So, one option is to simplify the process. We could eliminate having a food table and just let people bring snacks for their own table if they want food. We could eliminate themes and decorations and just put out tablecloths. We could eliminate 50/50 and raise the entry fee.

These are only suggestions at this time. Members need to think about this and make your wishes known to members of the Board. Associate Members are eligible for being on a Host Team and may serve on a committee but cannot chair a committee. Since we have a Business Meeting scheduled for the November Social, all in attendance will have an opportunity to respond to a checklist of the options pertaining to socials for 2016. The Board will make a decision based on your responses.

The November Social is also our re-up meeting. Existing members who renew or new members who join for the upcoming year will not pay an entry fee for that event. November is the only month the fee is waived when applying for membership.

See you in November with a “Thank A Veteran” Theme!

Until then, Keep Shagging!!!

Yvonne Jordan

Madam President