3rd District President Ralph Peterson reports from the International Convention in Couer d' Alene, Idado!
Just click on any headline below to view that story!
August 31, 2010
The first full day of the convention was great. There were some great talks, one from the NFCA CEO and Scott Ginserg, a motivational speaker. Both spoke on membership retention and the NFCA speaker also spoke on the possibility of losing our tax free status unless we can continue to document our fraternal efforts through our NFCA portion of the Lodge of the Year form.
The Reports and Finance Committees completed their reports. The Law committee started their report. The resolution to transfer the authority to increase dues from the International Board to the International Lodge was defeated.
The resolution to develop a new short form of Installation was defeated.
Declarations for office were made. The current President, Vice President and Secretary declared for re-election. D2 International Director Bill Fosmoe declared for Treasurer. There is another delegate from D6 who also declared for Treasurer. As always the nominations remain open until election.
There is an excellent Folk Art show. AnneGrete Peterson, Hampton Roads 3-522 won first place in the Adult Amateur knitting category and Sally Abrahamson, Maine Nordmenn 3-664 won 3rd place in Adult Amateur wood carving. Congratulations to both.
For those you where the weather was in the 90's it is about 60 here now.
More reports tomorrow.
August 30, 2010
This is the first full day of the Convention. Our committee work continued most of the day but all work had to be completed by 2 PM so the information could be processed for the delegates Monday Morning.
The majority of the D3 delegates arrived today. People were busy signing in and meeting old friends. The cultural show was also accepting items for display.
The opening ceremonies were held at 4 PM followed by a very moving memorial ceremony. The evening ended with the Presidents reception which was held on 3 boats that were tied together as we cruised the lake.
I had my 2 hours off so I took a short walk through the very nice city. It would be nice to have more time to sight see but that won’t happen.
Most of D3’s resolutions look like they will make it to the floor and probably will make it all the way. We will know by Monday evening.
The 8 District Presidents are members of the Presidents council and they voted me as their chairman for the next 2 years.
There doesn’t appear to be any contested races so far but there has been some rumors that more candidates will appear.
I am now off for the opening of the first full session. The 3 D delegates are all here but we have no alternates.
More tomorrow.
August 29, 2010
I arrived at Spokane WA about 10:30 PM on Friday and after a small delay arrived at the convention hotel shortly after Midnight.
Saturday Morning the various committees started working at 8:30 am. The International board also convened. The committees consisted of 18 members from every District and all 3 countries. I headed up the LAW committee which included Gerald Erickson, a current D2 member but former member of the Washington lodge. We managed to get through our 9 resolutions and come to agreement by days end. I am sure that there will be a lot of discussion on a couple of our resolutions.
D3 Treasure Peter Vatne is on the Finance committee and was also on station. After the days work we had dinner together.
Sunday morning will find us back in committee meetings to finish up the resolutions. Then its off to register, deliver some items for the cultural show and get ready for a Presidents council meeting and the opening ceremonies. Not much spare time but I hope to walk up town some time and look out the window of my $249 a day hotel room. Which has a great view by the way and for that price should have a great view and more. Many of the delegates arrived on Saturday and more will arrive this morning.
More later.
|
