Gwinnett Senior Golden Olympics 2007

Closing Meeting May 19, 2007

Today there were mixed feelings among our many senior friends. There were happy feelings for all the medals given to our athletes for great efforts and performance, and sad because our event is ending. Our Senior Olympics require two yearly meetings. The opening and closing ceremonies were our yearly meetings with an attendance of over 300 members. We also have monthly meetings for the board and any members that would like to join us to plan for our event. These meetings are held the 3^rd Monday each month.

Our first annual meeting was at the Opening Ceremony. There we requested nominations for the only position that was open this year, the President. Al Sandham, who has been our President for seven years, has taken on other duties such as Treasurer of FOGCSS (Friends of Gwinnett Co Senior Services) and decided to give another person a chance at being the President of the Senior Olympics. He will still remain with us as a Member at Large. Since there were no nominations from the members, Bob Giselbach, who was one of the original members of the Gwinnett Olympics along with his lovely wife, Eileen, stepped forward.  

He accepted the nomination to continue this outstanding event for the Gwinnett Seniors. Al was presented a beautiful plaque for his time and devotion to our seniors and will be truly missed by all. The positive side of this change is that Bob knows the By-laws and every rule needed by the county to run this wonderful event.  And second, Al will still be close by if ever needed.  All the following positions will remain the same for the next two years:

President – Bob Giselbach

Vice President – H.D. (Doug) Jones

Secretary        -- Marie Hickman

Treasurer        -- Eileen Giselbach

Historian        -- Susie Dodson

Members at Large – Dana Dow & Al Sandham

We had a delicious brunch, prepared by Long Horn Restaurant: omelets, grits, sausage, biscuits, donuts and hot and cold drinks. What a special treat!

Al conducted the first part of the closing meeting: the welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation. He also made a motion that we give a $400 donation to Dana Dow for Chateau Elan' Parade of Homes (funds raised for Gwinnett Children’s Shelter) and a $250 donation to FOGCSS. Diane seconded it. All the members voted in favor of doing so. During the business meeting Al gave his speech and resigned. Then Bob announced the activities for the rest of the day which were fishing, apple peeling and corn shucking. He presented the medals for Shuffleboard, Holey Board, and Fun Games. The day ended with Ice Cream and Cake celebrating Bob Giselbach and Susie Dodson’s birthday.

Everyone had a great time. We are already getting new addresses from seniors asking us to put them on the mailing list for next year!

Have a Great Summer and hope to see you at some of our meetings.  Our next meeting is June 18, 2007.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                       Marie Hickman, Secretary