President’s Letter – January, 2007

By Dick Stafford

Greetings Fellow Skålleagues!

The club held its first dinner meeting of 2007 in the Chef's Palette Café & Grill at the Ft. Lauderdale School of Culinary Arts. Members and guests enjoyed an excellent meal and were able to watch the staff prepare the dinner in the kitchen on one side of the dining room. On the other side of the dining room we watched the students as the listened to their instructors and then worked to prepare the dishes being taught that night. At the conclusion of dinner Gary Irwin, the Restaurant Manager introduced his staff to a standing ovation for their efforts.

The board reported to the members that the club ended the fiscal 2006 year in excellent financial condition. In reviewing the membership growth, it was pointed out that our club realized the highest percentage growth rate in Region IV. It was also pointed out that 2 clubs (Greensboro and Sarasota) in Region IV have been deactivated due to low membership.

Lee Smolinski presented the board's nominating committee selections for officers and board members for 2007 to the membership for election to office. By unanimous vote the following members will be your officers and directors starting in April 2007:

The year 2007 marks our 30th anniversary as an active SKAL Club. The board is planning a special celebration for the event which will be held in conjunction with the Installation of Officers formal dinner on April 17, 2007. Please make you calendars for this special occasion. We will announce the venue and program at next months meeting.

The location for our upcoming meeting is:

February 20, 2007 - we will be at the City Place Marriott in West Palm Beach.

Don't forget to check the clubs website www.skal-ftlauderdale-palmbeaches.org for additional club news, the upcoming Call to Meeting and pictures from the January Dinner.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the West Palm Beach Marriott on January 20th.

SKAL!

Dick Stafford
President