June 2002
President's
Message
President's Message
Bob Coffey
Last September my opening statement in this column was ìthis promises
to be a year of changeî and it has certainly measured up to that
prediction. We moved our meeting venue to the First Unitarian Church and
for the first time all four of our monthly sessions have been at the same
location. The church facilities have worked very well and I am pleased
to announce that our rental agreement has been renewed.
A new milestone was reached in our 71 year history in the changing of the name of our organization to the Delaware Photographic Society. Our legal council has just notified me that the certificate has been received from the State of Delaware making it official. The formal application to the IRS for non-profit tax status 501(c)3 should be completed soon.
The service terms of elected officers have been extended to two years, beginning with next yearís election. In the meantime, most of the current officers agreed to serve a second term and were re-elected last month.
For years we have needed to replace the antiquated and problematic computer program used to run the annual WIEP. Work is now underway by DPS member, Bill Sperry, and I am optimistic that he will be able to accomplish this huge task in time for our 70th WIEP. He has already set up programs to help our Slide Director and Print Director keep track of the competition scoring throughout the year. We greatly appreciate Billís contribution of effort and expertise in this endeavor.
We were fortunate to be able to arrange for WIEP Sr. Fellow, Fred Green, to present his multi-image show, "Sails in the Wind" for your enjoyment. Our tours and field trips to interesting new locations this year were well attended.
Our third year of the popular Instruction Night programs reached record attendance, resulting in moving from the small classroom into our regular meeting room. In culmination of an exciting year, we registered our 200th member, Roberta "Bobbi" Elko, and we extend to her a warm welcome.
This was a highly successful
year, but it did not just happen. It was the result of many dedicated
members who gave freely of their time, energy and enthusiasm. I commend
you all for a job well done and challenge you to continue the good work
next year.
- Bob Coffey