BROCK HOUSE SOCIETY - newsletter
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NEWSLETTER – WINTER, 2009
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Last year, in the newsletter, members were made aware that due to the downturn in the economy, we anticipated a decrease in our payouts from the Vancouver Foundation. Early in the year we found out things were worse than expected and we could only hope to receive 50% of what we received in 2008, and to receive 50% it would be deducted from our capital. In the 2nd quarter, there was an upturn in the market and we received income from our endowment.
By the time, this newsletter goes to print the long awaited re-roofing will have commenced. Last year the re-roofing seemed urgent but unobtainable, members were generous in their donations to Brock House but raising sufficient funds seemed daunting, if not impossible.
Last Fall a decision was made to apply to the Gaming Commission for a Capital Grant of $100,000. (for the roof) In order to qualify for this grant we had to be able to match the $100,000 figure. Thanks to the members donations of approximately $80,000, for the “Roof Fund,” and monies from the Care and Conservation fund, this figure was met.
At the same time, we applied for a second grant, the Operating Grant of $100,000 and were again successful in obtaining it. This grant allows us to spend 20% on small maintenance items, 80% for utilities and member services. We have been able to renew the carpets on the third floor offices, replace the stair carpet leading to the basement, plus new carpet for the billiard room and refurbished the billiard table-playing surface. The computer room now has new chairs.
Two exciting acquisitions were the purchasing of the Roland RG3 Baby Grand Piano in the cafeteria replacing the old Upright which was the bane of every good pianist. The Brock House Restaurant paid 50% of the cost of the baby grand. A Yamaha p155 keyboard has replaced the old upright on the second floor.
Thank you to Canby Martin and Leora Williams for all the help in purchasing the two pianos.
Last year we raised the Brock House membership from $25.00 to $30.00. There will no change in 2010, however if passed, and the Harmonizing Tax is enacted, the 12% tax will reduce the $30.00 membership fee down to $26.79. The finance committee will review membership fees when they prepare the 2011 budget.
The Finance Committee would also like to remind members that donations should be in by December 31st in order to obtain the tax receipt for 2009 tax year. They would also like to thank all the members who generously donated to the roof fund.
Anne P. Cumpston,
President
It gives me great pleasure to say thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who donate so much of their time and creativity, and without whom we could not run Brock House. Who are they? They are the greeters, first person you meet on the way in, the office staff, the cafeteria servers, the library, woodworkers, summer and winter fair organizers and helpers, musicians, the entertainers, the social organizers, the many committees, the Directors and the Executive. It is always amazing how hard people work on behalf of Brock House, it is an exciting and dynamic place because of the volunteers who constantly and consistently bring new ideas and enthuse us with their energy. We are always looking for new volunteers to assist around Brock House. If you are a new member, who would like to volunteer, please give the office a call at 604-228-1461.
We are fortunate to have a very dedicated staff who works hard on our behalf. Sophie Djordjevic – Administrator, always available to members and keeps Brock House running smoothly – Sophie is a multi-tasker extraordinaire, and is ably assisted by Vera Enshaw, Lee Murray and Nebojsa Stajcic. A big thank you for your hard work and dedication to Brock House.
Board of Directors.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The financial position for the first nine months compared to budget was favourable due to us obtaining the Operating Grant. The operating grant helped to offset the reduced revenue from the Vancouver Foundation due to the down turn in the market.
The Care and Conservation Account, which includes the Roof Fund, and Capital Grant stands at $286,000 and we estimate that this account will be reduced to approximately $100,000 after the new roof is completed. Future expenses will be the boiler and the roof in the conservatory. It is imperative that we retain a good balance in this account for any other unexpected future capital expenses.
The restaurant and membership revenue did better than expected and expenses have been carefully reviewed.
The Finance Committee receives the Finance Statement on schedule and the committee carefully reviews them each month.
Isabella Kilgour
Treasurer
HALPERN SERIES OF THE PERFORMING ARTS
The first program of 2009, which took place on February 22nd, was a return visit of the UBC Opera Ensemble who performed arias for ‘Falstaff’.
On May 22nd, we entertained with a lively and colourful performance by ‘Poema Flamenco’. The audience who, caught up in the excitement, tapped their feet and clapped their hands in time to the enticing music often accompanied the two dancers.
On October 16th we had the pleasure of presenting one of our own. Brock House member Helen Hansen, vocalist, performed in concert with Bill Coon, guitarist, Rene Worst, double bass and Michael Creber on Piano. Their repertoire consisted of swing from the 30’s and 40’s with some jazz.
On December 4th, the final presentation of this year will be a viola recital by Thomas Beckman.
We have been disappointed that attendance has been down this year, and hope that the last presentation will be well represented as the Helen Hansen performance.
Pat Ajello, on Behalf of the
Halpern Performing Arts Committee
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee solicits nominations from all members of the Society for the 2010-2011 Board of Directors. According to our by-laws, nominations shall be in writing and each signed by at least two members, accepted in writing by the nominee, and submitted by noon on the 15th day of February 2010.
The Nominating Committee encourages you to participate in this democratic process. To assist you in becoming involved, a Nomination Form will be available in the office of Brock House anytime after January 4, 2010. The AGM will be on March 10, 2010.
Joan Stace-Smith, Chair
Nominating Committee
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Enclosed in this Winter Program mailing is a membership renewal form. Please help us by returning this with your $30 membership fee as soon as possible.
Registration for the Winter Program will commence upon receipt of your program. You may mail in your application form from the back of the Winter Program along with your payment or come to the Brock House office to register.
Any class not meeting the minimum enrolment requirement by the first class will be cancelled and funds will be refunded. Let us make our programs a success and register.
On behalf of the staff, Vera, Lee, Nesa and I, we wish you a wonderful Christmas Season and a healthy, happy New Year.
Sophie Djordjevic
Administrator
contact information
3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, B.C. V6R 1B3
Telephone: 228-1461 Fax: 228-0511
email address: brockhouse@telus.net
BROCK HOUSE SOCIETY - 3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, BC, V6R 1B3
phone: 604-228-1461
