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What's happening at the Galilee Beach Club

Issue: 14-8
August 2014
In This Issue
President's Ponderings
Secretary's Summations
Treasurer's Tallies
Board's Briefs
Entertainment's Events
Committee's Comments
Manager's Minutes
Quick Links

Galilee Beach Club

Board of Directors

  
  
  
long beach 

 

Greetings!

 

Read on to hear a short history of our club. Also, hear what the board and other volunteers have been doing to help everyone enjoy their GBC membership.

 

Happy Reading!

President's Ponderings

 

 

How the heck did it get to be the end of August already? Every year it seems like July moves at a nice steady pace, but August flies by in about one second. Right now we need to make every moment count. As we head into the final week, I have a few items that I wanted to mention:

 

Fireworks - Please be sure to read the message sent out earlier this week regarding fireworks. During this summer there have been several occasions when fireworks have been shot off on or around the Galilee Beach Club property which have then been attributed to our association. Please note that at no time has the board or staff of the GBC sponsored, provided or approved fireworks at any of our own events or at any outside functions.

 

Gratuities - Ever had one of our wait staff refuse a cash tip from you?  That's because contractually Millonzi Fine Catering is not allowed to accept cash.  The food slips that you sign have a notation for "additional gratuity" so that if you wish to tip the dugout staff (remember dugout food purchases don't have a tip included) or increase the tip for the dining/deck staff you can do so.  Historically at season's end, some members also like to give a gift to the dining and club staff that have given them extra special service throughout the season.  If you are unsure how to do so, please see either Kevin or Deb for advice.

 

Shares/Shareholders/Investment/Profit - One of the things that we have tried to do with our monthly newsletter is to clear up any rumors when we hear them floating around. So, I wanted to take a few moments to talk about the role of a shareholder in our club and to do so, I need to provide a little history, so please indulge me for a few moments.

  • Prior to our club being a Shareholder organization, the club was owned by Dot and Earl Folsom and Natalie and Ivan Fuqua. It was truly a family run business and their kids and grandchildren all helped out. They did a lot of the work themselves and put a lot of love into the place. When they decided to retire, many people were very upset that their family club, their summer home might not exist any longer. Where would we sit in the summer? Would we have to go to the town beach? Will we still be able to see our friends who sit in the spot next to us? It really was a devastating thought that our club might not exist any longer. A small group of people starting figuring out how we could maintain our little oasis and our family of beach goers. Preservation of the club became the main goal.

  • 75 founding shareholders purchased the club from the Folsoms and the Fuquas. The dollars invested were used to finance a mortgage and to provide some initial operating capital. The creation of this shareholder structure was purely a way to preserve our club for the current members and generations to come. The entity was not structured to provide the shareholders with any income. The return on investment for each of these founding shareholders was the ability to continue to enjoy our club with their families.

  • Over the first few years, the founding shareholders were assessed some additional contributions to help with the operating and capital needs of the club. The shareholders have the economic responsibility to maintain the buildings and grounds and to operate the business for the benefit of the entire membership base. We do this because we want to make sure there is a place for our family, our friends and our community to enjoy every summer season.

  • It has been over 20 years since the Shareholder structure was created to preserve our club. Children and grandchildren of the original shareholders are continuing to enjoy the facilities. Many members of this new generation are now members and shareholders themselves because our club was preserved and continues to be preserved by the shareholder structure. Perhaps you are one of them? I think that the individuals who proposed the shareholder structure and those who were on those first boards had to be both really brave and I say this with the utmost respect - a little naïve too. I am sure that if they really knew what work would need to be done to create this new ownership structure and maintain our club, they might not have gone through with it!

So, the big long history lesson is because we had been hearing that the club has become "more of a business just concerned with making a profit for its shareholders." I would certainly agree that we have become more of a business. We have needed to institute business policies and practices because our club hosts more outside functions. More functions result in more operating capital to keep the club running smoothly and keep the facilities in good condition. Shareholders seeing a profit is a misconception.

Please know that the shareholders do not, nor have ever gotten, a share of any profits at year-end or any time. Our by-laws set the maximum price of a share buy-back at the price paid for the share. There is no guarantee that the association will buy-back any share at any time. As I mentioned above, the purchase of a share by any person or family is not a for-profit financial investment, but an investment in securing a future for the club and a home for all of us for the summer.

Personally, my father becoming one of those founding shareholders was one of the greatest gifts that he gave to our family. My membership, which gives me the ability to sit on the beach, see the boats in the channel, be able to eat lunch by just signing my name, and hang with my friends is what I live for the other months of the year. I don't take it for granted for one little second. It's summer in Galilee - I have nothing to complain about. It is a privilege for me to be here. I hope you all feel the same way. 

Secretary's Summations
  

The Annual Shareholder Meeting time has been set for Sunday, October 5th between 10am and 12 noon. This is earlier in October than usual in the hope that we will catch more snowbirds before they fly south. Please mark the date and plan to send in a proxy if unable to attend. A quorum is essential for business to take place. We need to pass the budget and to carry out elections.

 

Special Shareholder Meeting - At the June 29th Shareholder meeting a motion was made, "that no further weekend functions be booked in June (2015) after Father's Day with a vote at a meeting in August." This Special meeting took place August 3rd. The survey results in regard to the motion were reviewed. On the strength of which the Board's recommended motion was "To continue selling Functions between Father's Day and July 1st as we have been doing all along." This motion was approved. The discussion  also mentioned this issue can be revisited in the future as necessary (if business outside of the summer season increases) and that we will review operationally the best way to handle moving cars and/or people during these events so that both function clients and members can be satisfied (i.e. dedicate a section of the parking lot or beach on outside function days. 

Treasurer's Tallies
 

My first year as treasurer has proven to be challenging, educational and enjoyable. I am especially glad that it gave me the opportunity to meet and get involved with many members on various levels.

 

As the busy season begins to wind down at GBC, I am pleased to report that GBC is still slightly ahead of the budget forecast for 2014. Off season projects presently include renovating the upstairs kitchen. An updated kitchen will offer the club the ability expand its menu choices and hopefully offer a more attractive function menu as well.

 

I realize summer is a busy time for everyone, and or that reason I wish to thank all the members who submit their payments in a timely manner.

Board's Briefs
 

The last board meeting was held on Thursday, August 7th in the Dugout. Issues discussed included:

  • All the items on the 30 day list were accomplished.

  • Board agreed to follow-up on company using the club for a photo shoot.

  • The annual meeting was discussed and it was decided to hold it earlier in the fall with the hope that more shareholders can attend in person. The date of the annual meeting was set at October 5th from 10 am - 12 pm

  • The September newsletter will include information how voting at meetings and through a proxy should work.

  • Board agreed that all of our staff and Kevin's staff have been exemplary this season.

  • It was determined that the General Manager will attend the board and annual meetings going forward as the board moves from an Operating Board to a Governance and Planning board.

  • The rug will be cleaned at the end of the season (maintenance was included with the purchase!) and we will have the vendor look at how to fix where the rug is wearing at the end of the bar.

  • Financials are trending as expected.

  • General Manager and the Buildings & Grounds Committee are working on getting estimates on projects that may be included in last year's budget.

  • The Entertainment plan for next year will be reviewed to see if there needs to be more quiet dinner nights (background music versus a band) or how to best plan for "big" band nights vs. "small" band nights.

  • The Rules and Grievances Committee is working on resolution of some issues from the season.

  • Membership numbers are" 163 members (25 were new) and 14 Dining members (2 are new)

  • The board agreed to provide the 2014/2015 Slate of Board and Officer Nominations in the newsletter and it will be included in the Shareholder meeting announcement for approval by the Shareholders in October.

Entertainment's Events

 

We are in the final few weeks of the season, but there is still plenty of fun to be had!!!. We will wind down the summer on August 30th with the band "Black and White" from 8-11:30pm. Our final hurrah of the summer will be on the 31st with a bonfire and music from Carolina Sound. Don't miss out on the fun!!! Make your reservations now!!!  

Committee's Comments
 
Strategic Planning

The strategic planning committees are continuing to work on creating our futures plans. The summary of each committees work is below.

Who We Are - Marcia Harrop

 

This task force prepared the survey used to gather information for the special shareholder meeting. They are in the process of determining the next possible steps for this team.

 

Food and Beverage Operation - Chris O'Brien

 

The near-term goal of the task force will be to develop a comprehensive Private Function Plan for the beach to adopt and use. This plan will be submitted to the board before the board before the board's September board meeting with the intention that the board will review the plan and present it to the shareholders for approval at the annual shareholder meeting in October. The goal of the plan will be to maximize revenue for the club, while maintaining a minimum level of intrusion into member enjoyment of the beach club.

 

Master Plan Task Force - Lisa Fiore

 

This task force has been investigating what are the allowable options for our buildings and grounds based upon Town and Coastal Resources Management regulations. They are also creating a wish list of things that we may want to do in the future to review with these agencies as well. From there the planning will begin.

 

 

Nominating Committee - Donna Carlson

 

The 2014 Board of Directors Nominating Committee recommendations are as follows:

 

President *                Kara Bell

Vice President       Robert Fuest

Secretary*                 Christopher O'Brien

Treasurer                  Brian Forrest

Past President *       Jacquelyn H. Tracy

Trustee                     Josephine Curzake

Trustee*                    Joseph Fiorenzano (One year term)

Trustee*                    Paula Viau Hann (One year term)

Trustee*                    Tracy Kubricky

 

* Denotes the open positions for which the Committee has made its nomination recommendations. All other Board of Director positions are fulfilling their elected terms of office.

 

Because of the way the slate fell a few years ago the number of new officers were larger in one year than the other, therefore Joe Fiorenzano has agreed to fulfill a one year term to even out the transition each year. Paula Viau Hann's one year term is to fulfill the Trustee position being vacated by Kara Bell.

 

Thank you to Mick Coppolino, Agatha Fiorenzano, Dan Harrop and Diane Placco for partipating on this committee.

 

Manager's Minutes

 

I would like to publicly commend my top notch staff for their professional, caring attitudes and work ethic all summer long. Thank you to Patrick, Corey, Todd, Libby and newcomers Kerri, Ben and Preston. Thanks also to CJ, Aaron and Chad who have already left for college. You make me look good every day. Kudos!

 

We still have a limited selection of Galilee Beach Club Merchandise for sale. See a staff member in the parking lot to get yours. We have:

Navy Zip Up Hoodies $30.00 size xxl

Light Blue Pullover Hoodies $30.00 2 medium 1 large

Khaki Baseball Hat $11.00 1 remaining

Canvas Beach Bags with Zippered Closure $25.00

Men's Royal Blue Polo Shirts - $22.00

Cold Cups, Insulated with Lid, Straw and GBC Logo $7.00

 

Here's hoping everyday until Labor Day is full of sunshine and great memories!!
    
Until Next Month,
JT signature 
Jacquelyn H. Tracy

President
Galilee Beach Club 

Mission

To preserve a multi-generational family oriented beach club that provides a quality casual social experience and protects our natural resources.