This will be my final news article for the current year. I would like to thank the membership for their support over the past year.

Your Board achieved several significant accomplishments in a difficult year. Covid and a change in Board membership created a very challenging environment. Regardless, your Board adopted an SMS system including revised SOP’s, demonstrating our commitment to safety. Major renovations to our Clubhouse and a new security system provide a robust and safe environment for the social aspect for our membership. You read details of these accomplishments in the President’s September report. Difficult decisions regarding a fee increase and expulsion of a member are never easy but imperative for the financial and social health of the Club going forward.

Seven of the ten Board members you elected in October 2020 resigned from the Board. Two did not renew their membership, one moved as a result of a work transfer, one resigned for personal reasons and three disagreed with Board decisions. What does this tell the membership? It demonstrates to the membership the AFC has the resources to withstand traumatic events. With these losses, your Board succeeded in accomplishing the aforementioned results and achievements. I want to thank Kevin and Duncan for their steadfast commitment to their Board nomination and election. I want to thank Chris Palmer, Warren LeGrice, Bevan Tomm, Ken McKeen, Randy Kelley and Clark Closkey for stepping up when called upon to assist in difficult decisions made for the benefit of the membership and the sustainability of the Club in the future.

Your current Board ends its term by leaving the club with financial sustainability moving forward and a standard for ethical behaviour, demonstrating an intolerance for inimical behaviour. While constructive discussion is always encouraged and productive, rogue actions and divisiveness can not be tolerated.

I want to thank the Board for having the courage of their convictions. It is a pleasure working with those who understand the definition of good governance and act as effective Board
members.

Just a reminder that the upcoming election is even more critical than last year’s. Please carefully consider your choices and elect those who you believe would best be suited to manage the affairs of the club. The club’s future depends on it.

Finally, a special thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the heavy lifting throughout the year and without whose help we could not have been successful.

Ken Funk