We’re happy to introduce our 2021/2022 board that was elected by acclamation at the Annual General Meeting held at the Hall on November 28th. The officers, directors and trustees are as follows:
President: Joyce Babula
Vice-President: Elizabeth Iachelli
Treasurer: Rob Plowright
Secretary: Laurie McDonald
Directors: Anna Paletta, Diana Moher, Tom Whalley, Brenda Upton*, Katherine Anderson*, Lesley Hazeldine*
Trustees: Erik Johnson, Gordon McDonald, Mike Pelzer*
*New to the board
We look forward to working with new and old directors in these challenging times to keep the Hall doors open and the lights on – Covid-19 permitting, of course.
One of our first priorities will be to review the rental rates which have remained unchanged for many years and should be brought in line with current costs and overhead.
You may have noticed that some trees at the Hall have been felled – this is as a result of a specialist arborist assessment we had done as part of the outdoor stage project. The arborist identified dead, diseased or dangerous trees that had to come down but we were fortunate that judicious pruning saved the two splendid, heritage maples for future generations. We were able to make some money by selling the downed timber thanks to the help of Joe O’Donnell who volunteered to bring his equipment to split the logs. Thanks also to Rob Plowright, Laurie and Gordon McDonald, Georgette Duhaime and Agathe Gaulin for invaluable help with all the grunt work.
In January the Hall will again be used as a vaccination clinic for first, second and booster shots for adults as well as shots for children. We are waiting to hear about dates and other details which are sure to be forthcoming shortly.
Since we’re approaching year end, thoughts tend towards tax receipts and we hope you will keep the Hall in mind when you’re considering donations. Maintenance and upgrades are a continual drain on the budget, especially now with diminishing income from rentals and the Salmon BBQ because of Covid. Not to mention a hefty increase in our insurance premiums! So any and all contributions will be most gratefully received with tax receipts to follow. You could send a cheque to Gabriola Community Hall Association, PO Box 205, Gabriola Island BC V0R 0X0 or donate online here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/gabriola-island-community-hall-association/
Our heartfelt thanks!
And a heartfelt wish to you all for a peaceful and joyful holiday season. This second Covid Christmas sees us a little older and hopefully also a little wiser than the first as we navigate the challenges of these difficult times. But with family, friends and community there is still much to celebrate so let’s all enjoy the season and stay safe!
Joyce Babula, President
On behalf of the Board of Directors