President’s Letter
November 15, 2016

As we are approaching the Holiday season and especially Thanksgiving it always gives me pause to think of all that has happened throughout the year and makes me realize just how blessed I am to have the life I do and to live, work and play in this great country. And to be surrounded by wonderful individuals like all of you, my fellow Skalleagues, so I just want to say thank you for being a part of our Club and for your friendship.

Well we had a very nice turnout for our dinner at the Doubletree Hotel, Deerfield Beach. The food and service were good and the comradery was exceptional as always. For those who didn't make it you were missed.

Some of the highlights of the evening was picking on Carlos, but then again that is ongoing isn't it. While we are mentioning Carlos he gave us an update on the 2016 World Congress that was recently held in Monaco. David Fisher from Kenya was elected President and Little Rock, Arkansas was awarded third best Skal Club in the World.

We had the opportunity to welcome two guests to our dinner this month, Amanda Bende a delightful young lady who is a student at FAU enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism program. The other is a newly transplanted Long Islander, Stuart Weiner a long time hotelier and member of the Long Island Skal Club who will hopefully be joining our Club.

The members in attendance voted on changing our fiscal year to the calendar year which passed unanimously and the change will go into effect January 2018. At our January 2017 meeting we will present our proposed slate of Officers and Directors for your 2017 Board of Directors.

Please be watching your emails as the 2017 dues invoices will be going out later this month. You will note that there is a whopping $1.00 increase for 2017.

On a not so wonderful note, we were all given an update on the status of Paul Cook and it does not look good. Please include Paul and his family in your prayers during this very difficult time.

Our Holiday Party is quickly approaching so break out your holiday attire, dust off your dancing shoes and let's get ready for another swinging evening at Benevento's on Wednesday December 14th. Invitations have already gone out and when you RSVP, don't forget to include your entrée selection. Don't forget that if you have items you would like to donate for our live or silent auctions please reach out to Dick Stafford. My wife Sharon and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Best wishes to our members celebrating birthdays this month:

At this time I would like to again thank you all and wish you and your families a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Remember to log onto our club's website http://www.skal-ftlauderdale-palmbeaches.org to get more information on our club, event pictures and the upcoming Skål Monthly Reception and Dinner Meetings.

Until we meet again may your travels be safe and all your journeys an adventure.

Skål,

With Hospitality,

Ian
Ian Black
President
Skål International Ft. Lauderdale & Palm Beaches