The November meeting was attended by 18 members and guests, the speaker for the evening being Alan Robson who spoke on the new sport of Geocaching.

Being the end of the year, this is, of course, the time for reflection on the "Year That Was". The verdict will seem to be "not too bad, but room for some improvement". Your executive sees a cloud on the horizon and it's always best to address any problem before it becomes a real problem.

For the first time since our founding, Mid-Island seems destined this year to experience little - or zero - real growth. That it isn't negative is a definite plus, I suppose, but we should never be satisfied with that. Average attendance at meetings has been in the 16 to 18 range ever since this spring and this is in contrast to around 24 during 2006 and 2007, definitely a drop and not just attributable to an off-month. What your executive would like to know is "Why?". What can we do?

Of the current attendees, a dozen or so are the stalwarts who are always there. Because of this, there's little sense in trying to thrash this out at a meeting - preaching to the choir, so to speak. The concerns which most interest us are of those who have for one reason or another have become lukewarm in their enthusiasm or dropped away altogether. Please : we need to know why.

I suspect that the current economic troubles may have something to do with it. In one way or another, we've probably all been affected negatively. Nevertheless, consider: there are very few less expensive activities than continuing to enjoy coin collecting, even if you can't afford the MS-99s any more. Remember, too, that a coin meeting wall-to-wall are those with whom you share common interests and concerns. " HMCS Mid-Island " is a big open rowboat; no bridge; no magic source of propulsion beyond that which each of us puts into it. And until now, it's been plenty; hopefully, it will again be just as good. Soon.

The December meeting will be, as in years past, our Christmas party - open to all members, their families, significant others and so forth. This year we haven't asked the Restaurant for a special menu since so many in the past have chosen other items. But perhaps they'll put a holly leaf on your weinerschnitzel if you ask.

Continuing with past tradition, all proceeds from the December get-together will be donated to a charity, having been voted as being the "7 - 10 Club" the same as last year. This charitable organization specializes in supplying meals and box lunches to those who require them, no questions asked. And their cupboard is always in danger of going bare, perhaps more in these more difficult times than ever. All items in the auction are donated and prices realized will be turned over in their entirety - no commission. In the spirit of the season, now is no time to be looking for bargains; please bid generously. Make you feel all warm and fuzzy. In addition, any money raised by selling tickets will also be donated.

We should mention that the yearly dues for 2009 are payable as of the end of December. Indulging in our usual financial wizardry, we have found it possible to hold the line on membership dues for yet another year at the low, low price of $12.00. For this unbelievably piddley sum, during the upcoming year you will receive twelve issues of the Journal , full voting privileges, twelve meetings in our upscale digs and the company of a handsome, personable, humble group of your peers. And they say magic deals are a thing of the past!

It is also not too early to be giving consideration to the election of officers for the upcoming year which will take place at the January meeting. New blood always welcome.

 

Wayne Jacobs is numismatic expert. He is the award winning author of numerous articles. He is the secretary and editor of the "Mid-Island Coin Club Numismatic Journal"of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island , British Columbia. The MICC journal are hosted here: MICC webpages Copyright 2006 Wayne Jacobs. This article may be reprinted freely for non commercial purpose only if the resource box is left intact, linking back to us.