The Annual Member’s Meeting held on Sunday, Feb. 9th, 2020 was a well attended event. A great showing of members from all corners of New England were on hand to usher in a new season. Spirits were high as we got down to the business of the 2019 season ending awards, HOF Truck Committee news, 2020 schedule, Officer Elections, and Special Awards.
Members were greeted at the door and memberships were available from Steve Masse and Valarie and Steve Tucker. Paul Masse had his modified model collection on hand, and he also helped Ric Mariscal man the NEAR t -shirt table. Ric and Pete Newsham teamed up to run the merchandise/memorabilia raffle that raised a little over $200 for the club. The man behind the camera that you never see is NEAR member Brad Cowan, thanks to him for all of our photos.
After a delicious luncheon served by Jim and the Thompson Staff, the business side of the meeting began. Current Board officers Rich Goucher,President, Skip Matczak,Vice President, Rob Quinn, Recording Secretary, Paul Masse, Bruce Nichols,and Dick Berggren were elected by popular vote. These officers ran un-opposed. Our open chair for Treasurer/Membership was nominated from the floor, as was another Board member. Elected by the membership by popular vote was April May Preston for Treasurer and Oscar Hancock for Board Member. Many thanks to these two for stepping up and helping our club!!
After being elected as a new Board Member Oscar Hancock, along with Rob Quinn, introduced their vision for the HOF Truck. They proposed that NEAR should authorize a new Hall of Fame Truck Committee. This group will take over fundraising, upkeep, everyday operations and responsibility for events. The truck will remain owned by NEAR and used for NEAR activities. The group displayed a new layout for the graphics on the truck that was very impressive! They also have a great many sponsors lined up to share the costs involved. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to establish the Hall of Fame Truck Committee. All sponsor, donor, gift monies and expenses will be run through the NEAR Treasurer’s office for proper book keeping and reporting. Fantastic job, guys!
