Dave Dodgson to lead Acton Seniors Centre again in 2006

The Acton Seniors Recreation Centre's Annual General Meeting on February 28th was well attended. In fact, a record 65 members were present. Mayor Rick Bonnette brought greetings from the Town of Halton Hills and commented on some of our achievements over the past year. He said he especially enjoyed participating in the Rock-a-thon with his wife, Josey, in the wee small hours of the morning (still in his hockey clothes straight from the arena). He congratulated the centre on all the volunteer hours members have put in over the past year. Recreation and Parks director Terry Alyman updated us on some of the recreation plans for the next few years. He mentioned the park planned on the east side of the community centre, which hopefully should help alleviate some of the parking problems, once it is complete. He stressed how useful it would be in planning the future recreational activities of Halton Hills, if people completed the survey they would find in their latest Spring and Summer Recreation Brochure. (You can also complete it online, mail it or drop it in the box at the Acton Arena.) The department hopes to work closely with all seniors. 2005 president Dave Dodgson spoke on some of the highlights at the centre and how much the hard work of all the volunteers was appreciated, and introduced the board, thanking them for their support. One of the highlights of last year was the appointment of Jon Hurst as a Member at Large, which Dave felt could only be of great assistance to us. Our membership is over 300. We now have two thermometers in the centre displaying membership and our "Building for the Future" Fund. We hope to improve the centre, and hopefully interact with other groups to the betterment of both the seniors at the centre and businesses in town. Davepraised the new programs, which have started up in the past year, and congratulated the Hiking Club on their achievements. Quite a few people joined the centre because of the Hiking Club, and have now taken on the challenge of being more active at the centre. One new skill being learned by everyone at the front desk is how to operate the new cash register, which will make things easier for the Treasurer Faye Pink in the future (once all the kinks are sorted out). He also thanked Wendy Krever, who is the centre's co-ordinator and Sherry Mitchell, our administration/registrar for all the help over the past year, keeping things running smoothly. Faye Pink presented her financial report for 2005 and it was accepted. Donna Rowley, past president and chairperson of the nominating committee, assisted by Margaret Anderson, introduced a slate of members willing to accept the challenges of positions on the board and committees. Returning as president for another year will be Dave Dodgson. Bryan Alder, Victor Bissonnette, Louise Marjerrison will be new faces on the board bringing with them a lifetime of experience and lots of enthusiasm. Margaret Anderson and Margaret Dodgson will be familar faces returning for another three years. Many members were wearing attractive new wooden name tags made by the Craft Committee and they were admired by everyone. If you would like your own personal name tag, the craft group would be happy to make one for you. Just leave $5 in an envelope with your name at the front desk. Following the business part of the meeting there was a break for refreshments and then we were entertained by a great band, the Hee Haw Band, and as special treat they even brought the Mini Hee Haw Band. Have your renewed your membership for 2006? It's a bargain at $20 per year. Pat Patterson has asked me to mention when spring cleaning if you find any gently used puzzles, books or games you no longer need, we could find good homes for them at our Spring Fling on Saturday, March 18. Don't forget the male nurse practitioner, Roger Firsoff, will be speaking at the centre on Monday, March 13, from 2-3:30 p.m. On Tuesday, March 21, there will be a Spring Fashion Show featuring models from the Acton Seniors Centre and clothing from the Alia Fashion Store in Milton. Jane McAllister won the 50/50 draw.