The Carolinas Branch of RSCDS --Minutes and Reports of the Branch

1      Minutes of Inaugural Meeting - July 2, 2006
2      Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the Carolinas Branch- July 6, 2006 
3      Treasurers' report -  August 1, 2006
4       Minutes of the Committee Meeting of The Carolinas Branch- September 17, 2006
5     Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the Carolinas Branch - November 18, 2006
6      Treasurers' report - January 31, 2007
7    Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the Carolinas Branch - March 31 , 2007  
8      Treasurers' report - March 31, 2007
9      Minutes of the AGM  of the Carolinas Branch - April 22 2007
10    Minutes from Committee of Management Meeting - July 12, 2007
11    Minutes from Committee of Management -  September  15, 2007
12    Treasurers' Report --  November 17, 2007
13   Minutes from Committee of Management Meeting - November 16 2007
14  Secretaty's Report  - April 20 - 2008
15  Treasurer's Report - April 20 -  2008
16    Minutes of the AGM of the Carolinas Branch - April  20 2008
17   Minutes of  Committee of Management Meeting - July  6 2008

Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting to discuss the formation of a Carolinas Branch of RSCDS - July 2 2006

The organizational meeting of the proposed Carolinas Branch of RSCDS was opened with welcome by Brenda Sleight, Secretary Pro Tem.     Robert Stancik made a motion officially to form The Carolinas Branch of RSCDS.  The motion was seconded by Mike Yates and Mary McConnell.
Discussion of the motion ensued.

Jimmie Hill of Edinburgh, Scotland and RSCDS, was asked to explain the purpose of the branch – to increase and promote Scottish Country Dancing.  The branch is the foundation of RSCDS.  The branch is a local association of individual members that has a voice in RSCDS, and runs classes, balls, etc.  The branch also gives individuals access to Headquarters and will not affect the status of local affiliated groups.

Brian Youngman asked why change from a Headquarters member to a Branch member.  Jimmie Hill responded that RSCDS is branch based and would like all individuals to be a Branch member not an International or Headquarters member.  Membership dues are 10 UK£ plus branch dues (e.g. currently it is 10 UK£ (RSCDS) and 7 UK£ (Headquarters)).

Eilean Yates stated that Shelby, NC is an affiliated group and pays RSCDS 25 UK£  per year and each individual pays membership to Headquarters.

Barbara Youngman asked for Patricia Johnston, “whether affiliated groups would still be listed in the ‘book’ as before?”  Jimmie Hill responded yes, as a branch is made up of individuals not groups.

Jimmie also made known that members can belong to more than one branch whereby the member pays a local branch fee and not any additional headquarters fee.

Jimmie added that headquarters has a welcome packet for new members.  He also said that a branch is an autonomous service organization for local groups – where the more the branch does, the more successful the branch.

Jimmie emphasized that the branch has a direct link to the RSCDS Management Board, whereas, the individual who belongs either to the Headquarters Branch or to the International Branch, does not.

He also added that if a branch member is a candidate, the branch can apply to headquarters for funding (scholarship).

Jimmie said that the obligations of a branch are to uphold the aims and objectives of RSCDS.

Cathy Peterkin asked if the branch was going to have a web site?

If so, she asked if it could contain accurate information.

     Pat Young called the question for the motion on the floor,       to form The Carolinas Branch of RSCDS, to be voted on.  The motion passed unanimously.

     ELECTION of OFFICERS followed:

Mary McConnell nominated Eilean Yates for Chairman and was seconded by Pat Young – passed unanimously.

Brenda Sleight was nominated for Secretary by acclamation and passed unanimously.

Brenda Sleight nominated Caroline Stancik for Treasurer which passed unanimously.

Mike Yates volunteered to organize and set up a branch web site.

     Eilean asked for volunteers for a steering committee – Mary McConnell, Barbara Youngman, Pat Young, Cathy Peterkin and Stan Stancik.  A meeting was set for Thursday, July 6, 2006 at 1pm in Evans Auditorium of Lees McRae College.

     The organizational meeting was adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Young

 

Minutes of the Committee Meeting of the Carolinas Branch- July 6, 2006

            The meeting was called to order by Eilean Yates.  Those present were Eilean Yates, chairman, Caroline Stancik, treasurer, Brenda Sleight, Secretary, Mike Yates, Pat Young, Dale Sleight, Mary McConnell, Stan Stancik, Barbara Youngman, Cathy Peterkin, Jimmie Hill.  Minutes were read from the initial meeting of The Branch. 

            Eilean suggested we consider ourselves as ambassadors when we are talking about The Branch.  Creating The Branch will put us on the map, making us accessible to all.  The Branch is a umbrella under which members of regional groups join.  These regional groups can remain as they are with their structure, dues and organization but with those members that elect to do so, members of the RSCDS and The Carolina Branch.

Jimmie Hill suggested having the membership deadline the end of September, 2006, so that classes will have resumed and more persons can be given the information concerning the new Branch.

            Eilean will approach Larry Boyer, Betty Lee will be asked to talk with Lee Ryan. Barbara will talk with Raleigh and Durham groups, Stan will talk with Charleston group.

            It was agreed by all to have the fiscal year end on March 31st, 2007.

            It was suggested that a request be sent to RSCDS for an accounting format for reporting end of year finances and also to consider who we might get to go over the account at the end of the year.

            Barbara is to look into liability insurance.

            Cathy is to get information on tax exempt status, possibility of setting branch up as tax exempt.

            Mike Yates has volunteered to be Webmaster.  He will set up a web site and also apply for dominion status.  The Branch will support this website.  Jimmie Hill will send the pictures he took of founders to be put on website.

            Motion was made by Eilean for Branch membership dues to be $5 and RSCDS is 10 UK£.  Seconded and passed.

            The AGM will be April 22, 2007 at Lake Norman at 10 AM, place to be determined by Eilean who is familiar with the area.

            Mary McConnell suggested getting with Leslie Dent to work on a design for The Branch.  This was agreed to and                         hopefully will have ideas to vote on by next meeting.

            Next committee meeting will be September 17th, 2006 in Charleston, times and place to be determined. 

Respectfully submitted,

                    Brenda Sleight, Sec.


THE CAROLINAS BRANCH -TREASURER’S REPORT - 8/1/06

        Task #1: Open a checking account for “The Carolinas Branch”

                  

Committee meeting of The Carolinas Branch- September 17, 2006

Present: Eilean Yates, Chairperson, Caroline Stancik, Tres., Brenda Sleight, Sec., Mike Yates, Webmaster, Barbara Youngman, Andrew Peterkin, Pat Young, Dale Sleight, Brian Youngman, Stan Stancik, Irene Stancik.

Meeting called to order by Eilean Yates. Secretary read the minutes from last meeting, Stan motioned to accept, Mike  seconded.  Caroline discussed the progress of a bank account.  Decided on Wachovia since it was represented well in both states and had the simplest terms for setting up an account for The Branch.  Group decided on 2 signatures and we would need a tax ID #.  Also discussed were non- profit versus tax exempt and whether we needed to proceed with the paper work . No decision made until account set up and we can find out what we need to do.  Eilean and Caroline are to go to Wachovia on Monday to set up account and get more details about status. It was suggested to check with Lowell and Mary Finch on guidelines of incorporation and types of banks account available for our group.

Next was discussion on voting by proxy. Motion was made by Mike to get in touch with Jimmy Hill regarding the proxy, seconded by Pat.

Eilean talked about our role as ambassadors for Scottish Country Dance and this was the role the Branch would offer.

Barbara Youngman went over her findings regarding liability insurance.  The rate she was able to find out about was about $282 a year and limited to covering events sponsored by the Branch only.  She will look for more information ( Square Dancers) since it is a probability we will need to have it in the future.

Have heard nothing from Donald MacKenzie (outer Banks area) nor from Joe (Franklin area).

Discussion on setting up a donation box for contributions to world wide fund set up in memory of dance writer Haynes (i.e. Gibson Strathspey). Andrew to get picture and work out a set up to have at dances.

Mary had Leslie Dent rough draft us an idea of a logo for the Branch.  It was approved and discussion as to colors and print were inputed.  Brenda will take back to Leslie for her to do a more formal presentation.

Next meeting to be at St. Andrew’s Day Dance on Saturday afternoon if possible.  All encouraged to read model constitution and note any changes, additions to be made. Pat gave out copies of information regarding the branch per RSCDS.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Sleight, Sec.

   

 Minutes of  The Carolinas Branch Committee Meeting - November 18,  2006

Eilean Yates called meeting to order.  Present were Pete Campbell, Mary McConnell, Barbara Youngman, Brian Youngman, Dale Sleight, Tom Dillon, Pat Young, Brenda Sleight, Cathy Peterkin, Caroline Stancik and Mike Yates.  Secretary read minutes from last meeting, Mike moved that they be accepted and it was seconded.

Account with Wachovia has been set up and everything seems to be in place.  Tax ID number is in process.  Some checks have not cleared and this is being checked into.  Discussed was the formal name for the branch.  It was decided that THE Carolinas Branch would be the official name.  

Pat Young is in charge of  developing guidelines for foundation fund and set up.  Memorial fund would be separate. Eilean proposed and Mike seconded.

Eilean read report from Jimmie Hill- Alex Gray is the Chairman Elect.  The New Constitution passed at RSCDS AGM.

Brenda read a correspondence from David Normand-Harris who announced that he is our contact to the Society’s Management Board. It was decided that Barbara and Brian would contact him as he is residing in Raleigh. It was suggested an email be sent to Jimmie Hill regarding the events taking place and how they will effect our Branch.  Also, a schedule of events, membership form and general welcome would be sent by the Secretary.

The constitution for the branch was based the model provided by the RSCDS with changes reflecting our branch. This final document will be typed up and available for final editing at the next meeting of the committee.

The AGM is set for April 22st at the Hopewell Pres. Church where the dances are held.  It will be from 10 am until 11:30am.  Thanks to Eilean for finding such a convenient location.

The next meeting for the committee will be on Feb. 10th in Cary and time and place to be announced.

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted

Brenda Sleight,  Sec.

Treasurers' report - January 31, 2007
          At the year end, the Tax ID was established  and the account successfully opened along with On line banking facility.
          The current balance of the account is $ 366.35  .  Total deposits comprising membership fees and donations were $ 1558.00.
          Withdrawals, primarily transfers to HQ plus small expenses were $ 1191.65.
          A significant factor was the change in currency rates (US$ to UK£ ) between setting the membership fee in July  and the                       transfer of funds in November.  This currency change cost the branch approx $156.
          Eilean Yates - acting Treasurer


Minutes of  The Carolinas Branch Committee Meeting - March 31,  2007

Present were Andrew Peterkin, Pat Young, Mike Yates, Eilean Yates, Dale Sleight and Brenda Sleight.  Chairman Eilean Yates called the meeting to order.  First item on the agenda was corrections to the proposed Constitution. Mike Yates made the motion to have the term for the Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer to be 2 years.  Pat Young seconded and the motion was passed unanimously.

Discussion regarding the letter to go out notifying all members of the AGM concluded with a draft of the email / letter to be sent this next week. Also it was decided to talk with each regional group head about their representation / representative in The Carolinas Branch and at the AGM.  The letter will announce the AGM as being Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 9:30 to 11:00 at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 10500 Beattie’s Ford Road, Charlotte, NC.

Next was formation of proposed Rules (By Laws).  Andrew had made a template to work with and the finished proposal is attached.

Final item of business was the appointment of Pat Young as Treasurer, replacing Caroline Stancik who has resigned due to relocation.

Further discussion on fine point and meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Sleight, Sec.


Treasurers' report - March 31, 2007
                                                    Total Deposits             $ 1081.00
                                                                                                       $  380.00
                                                                                                       $   64.00
                                                                                                       $   23.00
                                                                                                       $   10.00

                                                                Total                              $1558.00
                  
                                             Total             Withdrawals            $1169.96        (Membership RSCDS)
                                                                                                       $    11.70        (Bank Fee to trensfer money to RSCDS)
                                                                                                       $      9.99        Tax ID # Fee)
                  
                                                                                                       $1191.65
                 
                                                                      Balance                 $  366.35

                                                                                  
                                                   Summary                                   61 Members    (Primary)
                                                                                                        17 Members    (Secondary)

                                                    Total                                           78

                                                    Notes                                                           

 ∙    Tax ID # granted December 2006
 ∙    On line banking with Wachovia

Eilean Yates - Acting Treasurer

AGM  MINUTES

THE CAROLINAS BRANCH - RSCDS

APRIL 22, 2007

 

The Annual General Meeting was called to order by Eilean Yates when quorum was obtained. The  minutes  from the organizational meeting, held in July 2006, were read and accepted as read.

 The Treasurers’ report was given by Pat Young, who had been appointed by the Steering Committee to replace Caroline Stancik who had moved out of state. Total funds available to the Branch are $366.35, representing 78 members.  Some discussion ensued regarding the constantly changing  currency rates and how best to pay  RSCDS dues. Eilean and Mike are checking into feasible plans.

The Branch’s Constitution was presented for ratification. The floor was opened for discussion.  The Steering Committee proposed a  2 year term of office in the Constitution to help ensure continuity in office.  A motion to accept the Constitution was made by Dale Sleight and seconded  by Ken O’Neill.  The motion passed unanimously.  The By-Laws were presented and the floor was opened for discussion.  There was no discussion.  A motion to accept the By-Laws was made by Tom Dillon, seconded by Andrew Peterkin. The motion passed unanimously.

The Steering Committee recommended that the current officer holders- Eilean Yates- Chairman, Pat Young- Treasurer, Brenda Sleight- Secretary- remain in office for the next 2 years.  Dale Sleight moved that the recommendation of the Committee be accepted, seconded by Bob Messner.  The motion passed unanimously.

A discussion about whether a regional group should keep their affiliated status versus Branch membership took place. Mary McConnell, Eilean Yates, Dale Sleight each answered about how each group is a part of the whole and can maintain their affiliation listing if so desired.

A recommendation was made that dues be increased to $28 per individual due to the increasing exchange rates. A motion to accept this increase was made by Mary McConnell and seconded by Kate Matthews.  The motion passed unanimously.

Cathy Peterkin moved that the next AGM be in April 2008, prior to the Loch Norman Highland Games Gala Dance on Saturday Evening at 7:00 PM and was seconded by Pat Young. The motion unanimously passed.  The Branch will provide  light refreshments.

 The Committee of Management will meet as needed, time and place to be determined by the Committee.

Eilean asked if there was any other business to be discussed.  As there was none, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Sleight,  Sec.


Minutes from Committee of Management Meeting,     July 12, 2007

Eilean Yates , chairman, called meeting to order at 7 pm on July 12, 2007.  Pat Young read Treasurer’s report. Brenda read minutes from the AGM.  All were accepted.

Jimmie Hill was present and talked about RSCDS.  He will be the “personal link” for us with RSCDS, replacing David Norman Harris who passed away.  With our size membership, we are considered a medium- size branch.  The Carolinas Branch can request a teacher from RSCDS to tour the Carolinas.

Eilean explained the Committee of Management and that each group is to select (elect) a member to be part of the Committee of Management.  Present were Mary Finch, representing the Columbia region, Mary McConnell from Greensboro Region (also original member of  Steering Committee) ,Barbara Youngman representing Durham Region (also original member of Steering Committee), Stan Stancik representing Charleston Region (also original member of Steering Committee ), Cathy/Andrew Peterkin member-at- large ( also members of Steering Committee). Still working with Asheville, Waynesville, Boone and Outer Banks to get their status. It was decided that the Committee of Management would meet on the weekend of a major dance/game.  Charleston, SC ,on September 15th, Greensboro, NC, on November 17th, Raleigh on February 16th , 2008, Loch Norman (also AGM) on April 19th, 2008, Thistle School sometime during week of July 6 thru 11, 2008.

Eilean informed all present of the increase in dues to $28 to cover exchange rate.  Mike and Eilean have offered to pay the dues out of their Scottish account to save the conversion charge.  All members will get an email to send in dues ASAP and no later than September 1st, 2007.  Jimmie pointed out that we can send the money as it comes in, rather than waiting until all received.

Discussed the Tri-Century Scottish Festival that is to be held on April 26th, 2009.  It was agreed by all that we are interested in pursuing.  Further discussion when more information becomes available.

Eilean brought up idea for Fundraiser- a dance pass to 5-6 dances in the Carolinas.  It was suggested we table this idea until we are more organized and have direction.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Sleight

 Minutes from Committee of Management Meeting,         09/15/07

Members of committee present: Eilean Yates, Pat Young, Brenda Sleight, Andrew Peterkin,  Mary McConnell. Others present were Fran Spicer, Peter Taylor, Norma Wilson, Cinnamon Baer, Pete Campbell, Dale sleight, Mike Yates.

Minutes for last meeting were read and approved.  Treasurer read report,  balance is        $ 722.35. 

October 1, 2007, Eilean will send a check to RSCDS and list of names of full members (Pat Young will compile list). Associate members will not be included.  Eilean has talked with RSCDS (Jimmy Hill) about getting new cards since we had some confusion on exactly what dates the cards were sent .

Eilean will send note of condolence from branch to goldrings.

Wendy Grubb contacted Eilean about  the New Orleans group joining The Carolina’s Branch.  All present agreed that this is a good thing and Eilean will let them know.

Bill McCullough  will be teaching group in Greenville, SC on Sunday Afternoon with per month fro 2 to 4.  Around 5-7 persons are traveling from Greenville to Shelby to dance.

Mary presented idea of a Scholarship Fund being founded by the Branch to pay for a tuition at thistle.  Suggestions were limiting to under 35 years of age, commitment to dance, instructors recommendations.  Cinnamon said N. Florida has partial scholarship.

Mary is to look into different applications and present suggested guidelines at next meeting.

Others suggestions on funding :

Mike (webmaster) said photos not centered.

Brenda requested list of new (1st time) members  of RSCDS in order to request new members booklets.

Loch Norman will be the site of the next AGM and the branch has agreed to help as needed. Motion was made by Mary and seconded by Dale.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20.

Respectfully submitted

Brenda Sleight



Treasurer’s report as of  November  17, 2007

            
Previous balance as of March 31, 2007                                            $   366.35

Deposits since March 31, 2007                                                         $   117.00
(comprised of membership fees and donations)                              239.00
                                                                                                                     1771.00
                                                                                                                       336.00
                                       
Total deposits                                                                                      $ 2463.00
                                       
Sub-totaling                                                                                         $ 2829.35

 

RSCDS dues paid to Edinburgh      for 84 branch members            £840

   reimbursed to Mike & Eilean Yates at $ 2.0792 per £1          <$ 1746.53>
                                       

 Balance as of November 17, 2007                                                   $ 1082.82





Minutes from Committee of Management Meeting,         11/16/07

Present: Eilean Yates ( CHAIRMAN) , Brenda Sleight (SECRETARY), Pat Young (TREASURER), Mike Yates (WEB MASTER), Tom Dillon, Dale Sleight, Jan Nicholson, Pete Campbell, Mary McConnell, Andrew Peterkin, Cathy Peterkin

Minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer gave report. Dues  were sent  to RSCDS for 84 members.  In addition, we have 17 associate members for at total of 101 members.  The treasury has $1082.82 at this time.  The breakdown of our members showing the groups with the largest number of members  is  Greensboro 45, New Orleans 14, Shelby 9, Raleigh/Durham 13. 

There was no delegate at the RSCDS AGM  in November representing The Carolinas Branch due to a misunderstanding .  The appropriate paper work  comes in a mailing  from Edinburgh in the spring and the decision of who will be our delegate in November 2008 will have to be discussed at the AGM in April.

Dues to RSCDS is increasing.  It will now be  £15  per member.  This means we will have to increase our Branch dues. A nice letter was sent to Eilean from  Jimmy Hill with some clarification on the rationale for the large dues increase.

There was a discussion about how to get more members and more involved members in the branch. Marshall and     Anne     McLaughlin were brought up as having a class in Hot Springs, NC and needing to contact them. Jane asked about the feasibility of having a Beginners Ball as a Branch event. No action taken at this time.

A newsletter was suggested and Andrew Peterkin and Tom Dillon volunteered to co-edit  it and to send each group a format to send in articles. April and November were suggested as likely times to issue the newsletter.

April 19th is the AGM at Loch Norman at 9:30.  The Branch  might  volunteer to provide some of the refreshments for the Welcome dance on Friday.  There was some discussion regarding possible future involvement of the Branch in the Loch Norman Weekend.  This is something that will be discussed again.

Mary McConnell is working on the Scholarship fund. 

Bill McCullough is working with the new Greenville, SC group and they are now dancing twice a month on Sunday in Greenville.  Discussion  as to how to help this and other new groups.

Having no other business the meeting was adjourned.

Sincerely submitted

Brenda Sleight

   SECRETARY REPORT-    April 20 2008

CAROLINAS BRANCH

 

            Since our last AGM, there have been several new developments.  There are two new dance groups: one  in Hot Springs,North Carolina and  one  in Aitken,  South Carolina. We look forward to welcoming them into the Carolinas Branch.  Rumor has it that Larry Boyer has (is) starting up a group in Greenville, North Carolina.  He had been involved with the Boone group before moving to Greenville.

            Jimmie Hill is our “conduit” to RSCDS. He is available to help us as needed.  He said at the July meeting that we (Carolinas Branch) are considered a medium-sized branch.  At this time we have 85 full RSCDS Members and 17 associate members. Very encouraging for our first year.

RSCDS will again promote DANCE SCOTTISH week- September 12-20, 2008.  We are going to participate by promoting at the Charleston Games and Dance on September 19-21, 2008.

RSCDS has increased dues and this is to be covered at the AGM by Eilean under new business. Hopefully all members have gotten their latest Scottish Dancer Magazine.  If not, please let me know.  Also any changes of address, phone, email so that we can update the RSCDS master file.

I have applications for Summer School 2008 in St Andrews and also a scholarship application if anyone is interested.

Homecoming Scotland is being talked about.  Eilean will also cover this at the AGM.

Altogether a good year.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Sleight,  Carolinas Branch Secretary

 


 Treasurer's Report - April 20 2008

Previous balance as of March 31, 2007                                                   $   366.35


Deposits since 2007 AGM                                                               $   117.00
(comprised of membership fees and donations)                           239.00
                                                                                                                   1771.00
                                                                                                                    336.00
                                                                                                                   28.00

Total deposits                                                                                $ 2491.00

Sub-totaling                                                                                                   $ 2857.35

 

 

RSCDS dues paid for 84 branch members            £840

   reimbursed to Mike & Eilean Yates at $ 2.0792 per £1          <$ 1746.53>

RSCDS dues paid for 1 branch member            £  10                <$     20.79>

                                              
 Balance as of April 18, 2008                                                               $ 1090.03


Membership report as of April

RSCDS – The Carolinas Branch members                      85

The Carolinas Branch members only                               17

Total Branch membership                                                  102

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - April 20 2008

CAROLINAS BRANCH

 

            Eilean Yates opened meeting.  Thirty Five (35) members were present. Motion was made to  accept  posted minutes of 2007 AGM.  All agreed.  Secretary  report  was  read and accepted.  Treasurer report was read and  accepted .  Balance in treasury stands at $1090.03. 

            Next on the agenda was the discussion on increase of dues.  RSCDS has increased Branch dues to £ 15 per year.  At this time, this translates to around $1.97 US to £.  Discussion followed.  Mary McConnell made a motion  to raise Carolinas Branch dues to $35 per year and $5 for associates per year. Jack Pollock seconded the motion.  Motion was carried unanimously. 

            Next was the appointment of delegate(s) for the RSCDS AGM.  Eilean has been in touch with Jimmie Hill and he is willing to select a delegate(s) to represent  the Carolinas Branch if so desired. Motion was made by Dale Sleight to ask Jimmie to select a delegate , Bob Carter seconded.  Motion was carried unanimously.  Mailings with the proposed agenda, nominees and profiles of nominees  for the AGM should be out mid-September and  will be posted to our website .

            Irene Stancik has agreed to help us promote DANCE SCOTTISH Week at the Charleston Games and Dance.  Posters, flyers and leaflets have  been ordered. Lee Ryan suggested that a packet of these be sent to each region for the classes to use at start  in the Fall.  This ideas was well received and the Sec. will order sufficient quantity to do this.

            Homecoming Scotland was discussed based on the limited information available .  As we understand it, funding has been made available to do an OUTREACH type event where one teacher and one musician would come to our branch for 2 weeks in 2009,  Everyone was interested and Eilean is to follow up and keep us informed.

            The difficulty of being sure to have a quorum for our AGM has brought up the need to change the Constitution to read " 15 persons”.  This is Section VIII, part 4 that states “one-quarter of the members entitled to vote or twenty-five members of the Local Association entitled to vote whichever shall be lesser shall constitute a quorum”.   The proposed change will be posted on web page and voted on at July Committee Meeting.

            A newsletter is in the works, co-edited by Tom Dillon and Andrew Peterkin.  The web page address for the newsletter is tbcnews@yahoo.com.  Everyone was encouraged  to send in articles and dates, general info to be up into the first edition.

            Scottish Fire, the area fiddle organization , represented to us by Debbie Morris (TCB member) would like to work with the Branch to get more information out to the public and dancers.

            Dues will be due July 1st, last day to get turned in will be September 15th,2008.

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Sleight,   Secretary


Minutes of the Carolinas Branch Committee Meeting      July 6  2008
    Meeting called to order by Chairman Eilean Yates.   Welcome to new members  present.  Twenty five (25) members were in attendance.  Minutes were read and  accepted.  Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.

    The main order of business for this meeting was the issue of “what constitutes a quorum”  for general meetings and AGM.  The Branch has members from Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana as well as North and South Carolina.  It becomes difficult to have enough members at meeting to votes on issues.  Eilean proposed that the “twenty-five” in the Constitution, Section 8, part 4 be changed to a more manageable number.  Discussion was short and the motion to change the number to 15 was put forth, seconded by Dawn Dorsey.  This passed unanimously. Section 8, part 4 will now read 15 members.
    The next agenda item concerned  delegates to the RSCDS  AGM in Scotland in November.  Eilean has been in touch with Elma  McCausland about delegates representing the Carolinas Branch at this year’s AGM.  She is willing to help and will be in touch with Eilean later to give us names and addresses of our delegates.
    “Occasional News”, the newsletter co edited by Tom Dillon and Andrew Peterkin is gearing up.  Hope to have an issue by year-end.
     Pamphlets and posters were handed out for Dance Scottish Week.  Irene Stancik  has arranged for Scottish Dancers to perform during the opening ceremonies at the Charleston Highland Games in front of the grandstand.  Encourage all dancers that can to come to the games and participate.  More pamphlets will be sent out to each area group in the near future.
    Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Brenda Sleight, Branch Sec.