Thirteenth Annual Meeting – an afternoon of business, entertainment and food
On May 17 AIL members and guests met in the Ware Campus Center for the 13th Annual Meeting of Adventures in Learning. The afternoon was celebratory as the year's accomplishments were recognized and volunteers were honored.
Maureen Rosen's artfully done photo retrospective, “Gonna Fly Now,” captured class participants and study group leaders in the classroom and at AIL-sponsored trips and events throughout the year. AIL President Morris Edwards lead the short business meeting that included his announcement that AIL had a record-breaking year with the highest numbers in membership and course registrations to date. By-laws were amended and the 2012-2013 Board of Directors was voted into office. Additionally, Morris presented a check for $15,000 to Beth Cahill, vice president for Advancement. The money will be added to the Colby-Sawyer Fund.
Morris announced that due to the vibrancy of the program and as a way of giving back to the members for their ever-increasing support, the annual membership fee for 2012-2013 will be reduced to $40.
Volunteers were recognized and thanked for their dedicated service leading 40 courses in 2011-12. Joanna Henderson, Julie Machen and Bill Sullivan were recognized as Distinguished Study Group Leaders. This distinction is given to those study leaders who have lead 10 AIL courses. Special recognition was given to Chuck Kennedy as he reached the 25 course milestone. Sheldon Boege was recognized for his many years of service to AIL as facilities coordinator. Sheldon was responsible for placing all courses in the appropriate venues and insuring that all technical equipment was in working order, ready for study group leaders' use. It would be impossible to count the number of hours Sheldon gave to this job, and he will be greatly missed. In order to keep the business meeting as short as possible, individual officer and committee chair's reports were not presented. However, these reports are in the Annual Report. The Annual Report was handed out to everyone at the meeting, and is available on-line by clicking here.
Immediately following the business meeting, the Granite State Stompers performed to everyone's delight, and following their performance, members and guests met to enjoy each other's company at a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception.
If you missed Maureen's photo retrospective, or you would like to watch it again, please click on the video below.
