November Meeting & Elections

[DeletedAccount]

The November meeting will be held at my house (MAThueson's) in san Antonio on November 14 at 2 pm.


ADDRESS: 18736 Rogers Glen, San Antonio, TX 78258

Outside 1604 at Bitters (half way between 10 and 281)

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=US&addtohistory=&sear chtab=address&searchtype=address&address=18736+Rog ers+Glen&city=San+Antonio&state=TX&zipcode=78258&s earch=++Search++


That is a VERY long URL... oh, well. I am bad at directions and will get you lost.

Send me a PM if you would like a phone # in case you get lost.
This is a meeting that everyone needs to attend. We will be voting for the coming years officers. Annually we vote for PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, and half of our BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

This is the perfect chance for you to get more actively involved in the club. We are in need of folks that are willing and able to help. This is not a huge time commitment, but it is important that you attend quarterly BOD meetings and help out on issues. This has been a wonderful experience for me and I hope to see many new, enthusiastic faces on the Board next year! We have come a long way but need everyone's help to more us even further!

There will be door prizes and raffle items from GARF at the meeting!

Hope to see everyone there!

[wkopplin]

I will throw my name in for BOD. I promise to make the environment super clean and cure all disease if elected.... :)

[MikeDeL]

What all is involved with being a BOD? Are we adding on BOD or are directors running for reelection?

[scuba_steveo]

I will throw my name in for BOD. I promise to make the environment super clean and cure all disease if elected.... :)

same here, put my name in the hat, it is time for me to give back.

[DeletedAccount]

Mike-

The Directors hold a two year term with alternating end dates. This means that half of the Board is up for re-election this time, and a few have moved away.

A BOD will need to attend BOD meetings, attend as many regular meetings as possible, serve on committees, help to better the club, assist in resolving issues, and be an overall good helper.

For the volunteers, I have you on the list for the ballot, and thanks!

[::pete::]

Im in for BOD :D

[MikeDeL]

I could be a BOD. Put me down too. I wouldnt mind helping.

[GaryP]

Blake,

What is your position on the national deficit? How about health care?
Reinstating the draft?

Gary

[reefer]

i'd like to know what the are the electees stances on reef. is being a recreational hobbiest ok? or do you only support medical reef for those who suffer from work related stress and depression. also do you support increasing the legal amount of frags a person can purchase for "personal use"? or must one sumbit to weekly water checks, or perform 10%water changes as a form of detox and rehab?
j/k!
:confused:

[wkopplin]

I like the deficit as long as my taxes do not go up, I think everyone should get healthcare whenever they are sick and Canada should pay for it. I like the draft, but only if it is really cold.

I also think that we should get a personal exemption on our taxes for every living thing (including pods) in our tanks. I think they might cost more per capita than a kid.

Aw heck, put me down for VP. I like Halliburton.

[beareef19]

Blake, down for V.P. thats great now lets get some more of our members to nominate themselves and we will be able to have a real election and not like the one that happens on the 2nd.

Barry

[wkopplin]

Who is running for President, Misti?

[MikeDeL]

Vote for Mike and make all of your wildest dreams come true. LOL

[scuba_steveo]

Vote for Steve and I will make all fish related expenses tax deductible. :)

[wkopplin]

Anyone going for President (or re-election)?

[NaCl_H2O]

Anyone going for President (or re-election)?

Blake w/Budro as a running mate - it worked for Bush!

[matt]

Blake, down for V.P. thats great now lets get some more of our members to nominate themselves and we will be able to have a real election and not like the one that happens on the 2nd.

Barry

Amen... now if we're going to have a real election, let the smear campaigns begin. I'll second Blake's self-nomination (of him, NOT me!) and while I'm at it I have to report that his opponent lied about his past reefkeeping medals and has flip-flopped on several important reefkeeping issues. The fact that I have no idea who Blake's opponent is is simply not relevent; the allegations are still true.

In all seriousness, I hope there's a good turnout and several interested candidates for the board. MAAST is a young club just beginning to grow rapidly and could become a real force in the reefkeeping community. There is a large leadership vacuum left by departure of Chris Pugh (president), Jim Norris (vice president), and Tim Marvin and myself to a smaller extent.

Vote early and often!

[MikeDeL]

There is a large leadership vacuum left by departure of Chris Pugh (president), Jim Norris (vice president), and Tim Marvin and myself to a smaller extent.

Vote early and often!

Did I miss something? Where did Tim go?

[wkopplin]

I nominate Misti for President.

Thank you for the endorsement Matt! Everything he said about my opponent is true. One of his medals was earned when he hooked himself while fishing in his own tank!

[technomex]

A source close to the election, wishing to remain annonymous, has reported seeing some of the candidates smoking nori during a recent frag-swap. We, the constituents of MAAST would like to know if these allegations are true.

Let the smearing beging.

[RobertG]

A source close to the election, wishing to remain annonymous, has reported seeing some of the candidates smoking nori during a recent frag-swap. We, the constituents of MAAST would like to know if these allegations are true.

Let the smearing beging.

Are you sure it was Nori? Let me guess they did'nt inhale. LOL

I will place my vote on the behavior of the candidates.

Ya, what is the deal? Who is putting the ballots in place.

I second Misti for president!

:-D

[DeletedAccount]

I am getting ballots ready, and there will be plenty of room for write-ins for those that do not step forward until the meeting.

[alexwolf]

I would like to be on BOD.

[StephenA]

I'd like to put my name in for VP. I think I could help keep the club growing in a positive direction for the local central Texas SW hobbyist.

[dan]

WOW!! THAT'S FUNNY!!!! put me down for bod. i'll help in what ever way i can.

[beareef19]

But they never INHALED!!!!!

GET OUT AND VOTE

VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

[SuperXdude]

i'll see if wife will let me out the the cage, let alone cough up 25 clams this year.

[wtrujillo]

my wife and i are interested in joining who do we need to get in touch with.

[wkopplin]

Misti (MAThueson), just see her at the meeting.

[georgeortiz]

I have three nominations. MISTI for President she has done a great job with holding the club together without the assitance of some of the major forces who helped keep MAAST organized. She is always very helpful and always responds to questions in a timely manner. So I 3rd her nomination.

I would also like to see GaryP and Instar elected to the B.O.D. they are always willing to take the time to answer pm's and help out anyone in need of information and are pretty knowledgeable. I think this should be a good criteria for members of the B.O.D. besides the dedication to the clubs evolution.

:-D see you guys at the meeting!

[Brett Wilson]

Vote for president A vs. president B or wild reef eating mantis shrimp will come out of the rockwork and destroy everything in your tank! :P jk

Good luck to those running :)

<hides back under his own rock>

[GaryP]

George,

I have volunteered for the BOD. I did this directly to Misti. Thanks for your kind words.

Gary

[Tim Marvin]

I'm still here, it has just been hard for me to get down to very many meetings lately. The last board meeting I was able to make it to was at Matt's place. If I can do it from Austin, I'd be honored to stay on as a B.O.D.

[Tim Marvin]

I beleive this post is intended to be serious. I know we all like to joke, but this is coming down to the time. Misti does an excellent job, but I didn't notice her volunteering for president.... This is not an election for who we want but for those that want to volunteer. We can only vote for a person that wants your vote. So unless Misti has a list of those volunteering already we need to hear from those that would seriously like to hold a position so we can put you down and vote on it.

[NaCl_H2O]

Excellent point Tim! This is all about volunters that can dedicate the time necessary to keep building MAAST!

I honestly want to help this org, but I hesitate - only having attended one meeting in the past (at Blakes) and knowing the combnation of work and my hobby :-D will interfere!

I hope to make it to the next meeting, but I may be traveling for work on Sunday?

I can throw my name in for a BOD position if someone can give some details on what that involves? I think officer positions should be members that have been on previous BODs, or very active members.

Also, I will be happy to help with newsletters or any other committee type activity.

- Steve Rodgers

[MikeDeL]

Seriously it would be great to be on BOD. Since I have found this club I have met nothing but great people, I have recieved a TON of help advice and I know that there is alot more to come. This is great club and I would like to help it out any way I can.


Thanks,
Mike

[DeAngelove]

I second the below statement! ;-) Since I will be officially joined up by the meeting, I would like to throw my name in the hat for BOD.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the meeting (as always). :)

Remember - Vote for Denise for BOD! :-D

Thanks!
DAB


Seriously it would be great to be on BOD. Since I have found this club I have met nothing but great people, I have recieved a TON of help advice and I know that there is alot more to come. This is great club and I would like to help it out any way I can.


Thanks,
Mike

[Ram_Puppy]

HOw many people sit on the board? I only work 3 days a week and wouldn't mind helping, with the obvious hesitation of: I know only most of you through the written word, I have only been to one meeting, and I have only had a tank up since January. (though, not a single saltwater FISH has died in my tanks.. (inverts (mostly crabs and snails) that is another question.

My name is Stephen, and I approve this message.

[Ram_Puppy]

oh, and on a serious note... I work sunday nights, but use to work days, I think the standard 'sunday at 2' meeting is just as much a hinderance to some people making it and joining as location is. Perhaps we could rotate, saturday one month, sunday the next... or some such thing.

[DeletedAccount]

We have had quite a few Saturday meetings and the turn out has been fairly weak. That is why we decided to stick to Sunday.

[Instar]

George O, Thank you very much for your vote of conifidence and suggesting me for part of the BOD. I do appreciate it!
I would be happy and honored to serve on the BOD but I am not confident that my schedule will allow me to attend meetings right now. I will certainly help if and when I can but I believe it would be better to wait until next years election for this nomination.

[Chris]

As first President of MAAST, I will be making an appearance as well as running for position of Board of Director to assist in forseeing the future of MAAST remains bright and eventful.

Due to time constraints don't believe I'm able to completely fulfill all of the duties as President for another term but I'm hoping someone steps up *cough*Misti*cough* who will be able to have the patience and dedication the position requires.

~Chris ;)

[StephenA]

Misti would make a great president!

[DeAngelove]

I agree with StephenA and Chris! :)

Misti ... hope we're not pressuring to much! ;-)

[StephenA]

Just make sure you vote for me for Vice President! ;-)

[Jimnorris]

MAAST is rich in people who will lead us in the year coming. Having been the VP for the last year I thank you all who share alittle bit of themselves with me. It was so very rewarding! I will continue to be a member---from long distance. This forum is a great place for me to escape to from my busy day.
Who ever is the next BODs, President and VP will have my full support.
Your friend,
Jim Norris

[::pete::]

Due to time constraints don't believe I'm able to completely fulfill all of the duties as President for another term but I'm hoping someone steps up *cough*Misti*cough* who will be able to have the patience and dedication the position requires.

Sorry to hear that Chris, but what are the responsibilities of the president say, compared to a BOD?

[matt]

Wow, Chris lives! Hi ya Chris; I tried calling you a few times to no avail. Please give me a call when you have a minute; you know my number. I'm REALLY glad to hear that Chris is running for the BOD and I hope that people will remember that MAAST exists in no small part due to his work a few years back.

Now, with regards to President, it would be nice to have a few candidates, because this is an important position. Misti is currrently doing almost all the day to day work for the club, and despite her top-shelf work, this is not a good thing. While she does an EXCELLENT job of keeping things going, any time the work is loaded up on one person it's not good for the growth and development of the organization. So we need to have more people running for these offices with the FULL UNDERSTANDING that there is a pretty serious comittment of ongoing work to do. It's not that it's a huge time and labor committment, but it's really important that what needs to be done is in fact done, and it's also important for the growth of MAAST that all the main officers, especially Pres and V.P. stay active on the board, at the meetings, and within the reefkeeping community in general to promote the club and keep us growing. Another thing to remember is that Misti is currently treasurer, an important position and she's the most qualified for it. So, if she's the only presidential candidate, the BOD will have to decide what to do about the position of treasurer. Can one person be president and treasurer? While I see her as uniquely qualified for each position, I don't think philosophically it's good for the club to have one person filling both positions. Maybe on an interim basis until the BOD can find another treasurer? Something to think about anyway. And, it is true that she has not indicated her interest in being president. What do you think, Misti?

In the past year, the growth of this club has been very impressive with all sorts of new people contributing. And I wasn't even around for the very early pre-club days when this was a small EBB on yahoo (or something like that) Anyhow, maybe it would be a good thing for those interested in these important offices, like president and V.P. to post something on this thread about what it is they'd like to do in the position; I'm not talking about some big campaign stump speech (I think we've all heard enough of those for a few hundred years!!!) but there ought to be something for voting members to go on when electing the new club leadership.

Regarding BOD elections, there are several good candidates out there, all of whom would have lots to contribute, and sitting on the board is not nearly the responsibility that president, treasurer, V.P. positions are. There is one requirement though, you MUST be able to attend board meetings. This has been an issue, and I would suggest that all people interested in being on the board please consider this before you throw your name in the hat, or hat in the ring, or whatever...

After posting this, I realized I should add that it's been alot of fun to be on the board and involved with the EXCELLENT people that have worked hard to get this club up and running. Obviously I'm in the same sort of position as Jim; out of the area but still really interested in the growth and well being of MAAST. I'm sure the new leadership will do a great job as well!

[::pete::]

Nicely put, Matt.

With members stepping up and putting their names in for different positions I will add that the responsibilities of the individual positions can be viewed off the home page via ByLaws link.

[georgeortiz]

Matt,
All great points that is why your imput is so valuable to the club! I believe we who have made a nomination for Misti understand that she has had to take on multiple tasks in this transitional period. It is for this reason that I can at least say that I believe she is the best person to nominate.
I think you had an excellent idea on how each candidate should express their views in a post or two. Why they should be appointed to thier perspective offices and thier use of this position to further the betterment of the club should definetely be addressed.

Do we have a list of the positions with the nominations yet? Maybe we could get a brief blurb on the requirements for each position and a pre-requisite that the President and Vice-president be former board members. This way the club is ensured that the candidates have shown responsibilty with regards to club leadership and service.

my two cents!
:lol:

[wkopplin]

I will take over Treasurer if she wants to be President. Being a former banker and current financial guy, I can handle that. Whatever I can do to help.

[scuba_steveo]

I will take over Treasurer if she wants to be President. Being a former banker and current financial guy, I can handle that. Whatever I can do to help.

"Blake the monster skimmer"

LOL...J/K

Blake would make a great treasurer

[GaryP]

I'd just like to suggest that this meeting would be an excellent opportunity for those of you that have never attended one of the meetings to do so. Of course it would also be a great opportunity for you to become a dues paying member as well. Not only do our paying members support this website, but the money is being accrued to support several worthwhile ventures that are currently in the planning stage. Please come out to the meeting and learn more. I always look forward to putting a face with the folks that we correspond with here.

Gary

[Shark_Bait]

This the first meeting that I will be able to attend. Am I supposted to bring anything?
I am driving up from Corpus anyone know a reasonable (cheap) hotel that takes pets in the area. Also curious as to how long the meeting usally last; bringing the wife and making a "weekend" out of it. We have never been to SA and hope to see some things while were there.

[DeletedAccount]

I do not know any places that accept pets... This meeting will prob be over at 5ish.

[CD]

Shark Bait-

I found this link for you...it shows a listing of all the pet friendly hotels in SA with addresses, ph. numbers, etc....

http://hotel-guides.us/texas/san-antonio-tx-hotels.html

HTHs :)

Wendy

[Ram_Puppy]

look for hotels in or close to the 78258 zip code, and around the bitters and 1604 intersection, your best bet for an inexpensive motel is probably going to be the howard johnson over on I-10, about 8 minutes away.

[Bucky-Katt]

Sorry I'm not going to be able to attend, we are moving to a new building at work this weekend and i have to report in on Sunday to make sure that my new office is set up right.

I'll try and be at the next one though!

have fun everyone!

Brian

[Shark_Bait]

Thanks for the help. Found a room in the Best Western. glad I could finally get to attend a meeting and become a "card carying" member; and get to some of the stores you guys always talk about. Do I need to bring anything besides $$?
Thanks and see you Sun

Rob

[DeletedAccount]

There are going to be some awesome raffle items available at the meeting! Please come and check out the goodies!

Misti

[::pete::]

Any hints?

[DeletedAccount]

Stuff from GARF and one biggie from.... aaahhhhh, you have to come to see!

[StephenA]

Just Make sure you come to the meeting and help mold the clubs future!

And remember to vote for me for Vice President :D

[sharkie]

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it. :(

Feeling a little under the weather. Have fun with the election!

chiu

[DeAngelove]

There's always neat raffle prizes... you have to come to check them out! :)

See everyone there! :)
Oh yeah, vote for me for BOD!

Thanks! ;-)
Denise

[::pete::]

Misti thank you for opening your house to us again and congrats to all that were voted in.

[matt]

What were the election results?

[Crab Rangoon]

Wow, totally let this slip by me, haven't been too frequent on the computer lately. Hopefully the next one doesnt pass me by.

[Sherri]

Thanks Misti and congrats to all new BOD members...

[NaCl_H2O]

Congrats & thanks to all the new & old BOD members

Thanks Misti & Blake for your dedication & time. I felt a little too "New" to MAAST to run, but I am eager to help on whatever committee can use some help!

[alexwolf]

Thanks for the meeting Misti!!! I appreciate everyones vote for me for BOD :) and congradts to Pete, Steve, Chris, and Gary for getting elected!

[NaCl_H2O]

Wait a minute ... the BOD page hasn't been updated yet with the new membership! Hey folks, I thought we voted in a Pro-Active group, come on you have had hours since the meeting ;) ;)

[scuba_steveo]

LOL NaCl H2O...We do not become BOD until January.

[MikeDeL]

Congrats to the new BOD members and Officers. Thanks Misti for hosting. Just because I wasnt elected does not mean Im not willing to help out anyway I can. If you guys need help with anything let me know.


Thanks,
Mike

[NaCl_H2O]

LOL NaCl H2O...We do not become BOD until January.

Hah! I guess they didn't discuss the "Transition Period" yet ;)

[scuba_steveo]

Congrats to the new BOD members and Officers. Thanks Misti for hosting. Just because I wasnt elected does not mean Im not willing to help out anyway I can. If you guys need help with anything let me know.


Thanks,
Mike

Mike, I am sure you will be taken up on that offer.

[alexwolf]

Oh yes, meeting commitee, newsletter committee, i know they need desperate help.

[MikeDeL]

Just let me know.

[DeAngelove]

Haha... yeah... same here.

I definitely would like to be more involved with the club than I already am, and want to help promote and grow the club as well. :)

I know Gary said the Education committee was needing help... I think I would like to do that... just let me know! :-D

DAB

[DeAngelove]

Oh yeah... congrats to Misti and Blake on their new positions, and the rest of the newly elected BOD. :)