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by SPAH President Tom Stryker Hi Folks! Wow what a convention it was in St. Louis! I am still recovering and reveling in the excitement of it all. Bill Dulin, Joe Fey and the Gateway Harmonica Club did a marvelous job with all of the location logistics. Thank you so much, Gateway Harmonica Club!
Although a bit crowded in the lobby, having the registration and various booths in one central location really worked out well. The idea of having booths was an instant hit, as was having the Visitors & Convention Bureau for the next convention (Sacramento)
be there. You can be sure that this is how we will proceed in the future.
Harmonicas & Health, under the able leadership of Dr. Victor Yun, with co-chair Terry Rand, really took off. Especially with the detailed studies and work presented by Dr. John Schamnan suggesting that playing harmonica has many, many health benefits.
Young @ Harp really kicked up their heels with performances and dazzled everyone. Kaleena Hutchins is a true leader with great spirit. Kaleena’s mom and sister also helped out a lot.
The entertainment was great this year and the jazz jam sessions, under the able leadership of Randy Singer, once again proved that jazz is alive and well. So many good players amongst the “amateur” ranks.
Our membership has now risen to 930 as of the St. Louis convention. This is great and our goal is to have 1,000 members by August 2009, so please get out there to help us achieve this.
SPAH 2009 in Sacramento is now in our sights and the ‘Coots are rarin’ to go. Under the able leadership of Bud Gardner, it will be a great SPAH. Bud and the ‘Coots were involved in St. Louis and gained a lot of experience. The ‘Coots are determined to meet and exceed the bar raised by the Gateway club, so stand by . . . .
Effective January 2009, the annual membership dues will be increased, by $10.00, to $45.00. There has not been an increase for 8 years and the economy this year really drove home the need to increase the dues.
Also, the Board voted to change the voting procedure in the bylaws. Now the presidential candidate will choose and run with a vice presidential candidate. In this way, two people who can work together effectively will go into office. I think this is a great change.
In addition, the treasurer and secretary will be appointed by the incoming president and vice-president. This has been done with the same logic as voting for president and vice president.
Finally, I thank the board of directors for their hard work the success of the St. Louis convention. When you get the chance, let them know when how much they are appreciated. So much more to say about St. Louis 2008, but I will leave that for others to say in this issue.
President
Tom Stryker |
