Read about our new rug, our proposal to merge the lots, and other changes coming our way. Important information for shareholders in the Secretary's section.

Happy Reading!

President's Ponderings

Jacquelyn H. Tracy

Just when you think all is calm, all is bright, we are having a year-end flurry of activity at the GBC. We have picked out a new rug; we are moving ahead with our various task forces that will help shape the future of our club; and are looking to create some tax savings by merging the lots owned by the club. Never a dull moment at the GBC!

Don't forget GBC memberships make great holiday presents, and convincing a friend to join is a great New Year's resolution!

Vice President's Views

Donna Carlson

We wanted to update you about some changes to our concessionaire arrangement. We will no longer be working with Millonzi Fine Catering for our membership events this summer. They will be fulfilling their obligations on all outside functions for which they have been contracted. The board wishes Kevin and his team the best in their future endeavors.

Our Concessionaire Search Committee will be comprised of some members from our Food and Beverage Operations Task Force. Chris O'Brien, Chair of this task force has agreed to Chair the Search Committee working with Donna Carlson our Vice-President. Details to follow.

Secretary's Summations

Suzanne Hassan

On Friday, an update regarding the land merger was sent to all Shareholders. This includes full details about the proposed lot merger and a ballot for approval. See below for a summary of this issue. The ballot must be returned by the end of the day Sunday, December 29th. If you are a shareholder and did not receive this communication, please email secretary@galileebeachclub.com for another copy.

Treasurer's Tallies

Brian Forrest

Now that our fiscal year has come to a close, we are in the process of finalizing our books in order to provide documentation necessary for filing Federal & State Taxes, which are due by January 31, 2014. A Cash Management Plan is also being developed to manage the liquidity of the club and to insure that the club always has access to funds as needed.

We have met with our insurance carrier and are awaiting the new rate proposals. Its looks as though we are able to get our flood insurance costs at a level premium for the upcoming season.

With the recent investment in the facility, we now have an excellent opportunity to maximize the utilization of the facility and are looking to grow revenue as it pertains to the beach and private function operations.

Here's looking to a prosperous New Year !!

Board's Briefs

The last board meeting was held on Thursday, December 5th at the GBC. Topics discussed included:

Working on best Dropbox model for storage of GBC documents
Security Codes to the building have been changed and the number increased to allow assignment of certain codes to certain personnel or committees.
Financials are on track to show a net profit by year-end.
Insurance settlements related to the Project Sandy are still in process
Dugout electric and floor waiting input from Insurance agent. However, the heating system will be installed to protect the work already done and so that the floor can potentially be done during the winter time.
Dining room rug has been picked out and is awaiting final pricing.
Strategic Plan Task Forces are rocking!
Advertising in the RI Monthly's Engaged Magazine has been renewed and includes the ability to put brochures in the bride bags for their bridal show.
Manager Search Committee work is ongoing.
Updated by-laws are ready for final approval and submission to the State.

Membership's Memos

Tracy Kubricky

The next deadline is January 15th, for the first third of the balance for 2014 membership. Please let us know if there are any questions regarding your balance. Also, keep in mind, club membership is a great holiday or birthday gift.

Our new computer system makes it easy to track waiting lists. If you are interested in a bathhouse, cabana, or apartment in the future, please let us know.

Function's Fan Fare

Josephine Curzake

Hi everyone. I am so happy to report that Jody O'Donnell, Becki Donnell, and I have chosen carpeting for the dining room. We received bids from four companies and Bart's came in with the lowest bid and an added a bonus; the first cleaning is free.

We have chosen commercial grade carpet tiles, 2' x 2' each, which can be placed in different patterns. If one is damaged or has a stain that won't come out, it can be replaced with the extra tiles that we will have on hand. The carpet is nylon and has a mixture of blues and greens with a little bit of beige.

Bookings have been slow, which is typical for this time of year. Inquiries have started for 2015.

Five hundred advertising post cards have been delivered to Engaged magazine's office by Chris O'Brien. They will be going in 500 Bride Bags to be given out at the bridal convention.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all.

Strategic Sessions

The strategic planning committees are continuing to work on creating our futures plans. Following is the summary of each committee's work.

Who We Are - Marcia Harrop

A draft of the new mission statement, vision statement, and core values will be submitted to the board for review and discussion at their January meeting.

Food and Beverage Operation - Chris O'Brien

The committee is continuing to review menu options and has been talking with individuals in the culinary program at Johnson and Wales University about different food service ideas. Members from this committee will also work on the Concessionaire Search Committee.

Master Plan Task Force

We finally got back our survey and had discussions with attorney Donald Packer about the merger of the lots. The board sends a big thank you to both Lisa Fiore and Gene D'Onofrio for handling this project!

The final recommendation is to merge the lots because a) our structure is already close to the second lot; b) the ability for us to do any significant development on the vacant lot is severely diminished because of coastal regulations; and c) there are significant tax savings for the club if we do this merger. We are in the process of getting the proper paperwork and payment together to submit by year-end, as well as an approval from our shareholders. If you are a shareholder and did not receive a ballot, please email secretary@galileebeachclub.com.

Is one of your New Year's resolutions to become more involved in your club? Remember, except for the Nominating Committee, any member can participate on any GBC committee. Consider joining one of our committees (see the appendix of our Policy Manual on the website for a full listing) to meet some of your fellow members and make an impact on our club. If interested, send a message to president@galileebeachclub.com.

On behalf of the board, I wish you all happiest of New Years, and we resolve to see you at the beach in 2014!

Until Next Month,

Jacquelyn H. Tracy

President
Galilee Beach Club