Valentine's Dance 2-13-2013

It's Polka Time!

We had a lovely and eventful dance this month.  Of course, with it being close to Valentine's Day, most women (and some of the men) wore red.

Our president, Charlie DeFourneaux, was able to join us prior to his surgery.  For all who have not heard from Vi, the surgery was successful and we are all so thankful.

Charlie, Vi and friends

There was a lot of dancing as well as visiting ;-)

During the break, Dennis Rose outlined his views of where the club is now and how he would like to help the club improve.  Afterwards, Charlie called for a vote for two Board positions, President and Treasurer.  Dennis Rose was elected President and Joe Kane was elected Treasurer.

Although Dennis's speech was not recorded, below is his outline for those who did not get a copy at the dance.  He would appreciate any and all feedback from members who have ideas about improving our club.




1. ASSETS
    a. Long, wonderful history
    b. Image of class and dignity
    c. Solid core membership
    d. Hard-working and dependable volunteers
    3. Friendly, very social atmosphere

2. ISSUES
    a. Attrition (loss) of membership
    b. Insufficient new members to offset attrition
    c. Financial stress
        i. Decreasing revenues from dues
       ii. Increasing operating expenses
      iii. Expenses may soon surpass revenues
      iv. Approaching two few members to sustain club

3. UNDERLYING FACTORS
    a. Low profile - the club is nearly invisible
        i. People are generally unaware of ODC
       ii. People will not find the ODC if looking for a place to dance or a dance club to join
      iii. People cannot easily learn about the ODC even if they hear the name in conversation
      iv. Internal communication with the club membership and external communication with the public
           and other clubs and organizations is weak
    b. The dances are not engaging and stimulating, especially for new people
        i. The venue is marginal - parking, building access and dance floor are weak points
       ii. The atmosphere is average - there are no amenities beyond the annual dinner dance and there is
           no BYOB permitted.
      iii. The dance itself is average, with nothing memorable beyond a dance exhibition (when one is
           scheduled)
      iv. The music is lackluster.  If a live band is used, they should provide more excitement than a DJ
    c. There are more dances available, both public and private
        i. Ballroom dancers have more choices
       ii. Dances and dance clubs compete for attendance

4. OPTIONS
    a. Do nothing
        i. Membership slowly dwindles
       ii. The club eventually cannot meet expenses
    b. Take steps to correct the underlying factors
        i. Make the club more visible and easy to find
            1. Website
            2. Flyers and advertisements
            3. Newsletter
            4. Emails
            5. Outreach demonstrations
            6. Charity event
            7. Member excursions
       ii. Improve communication at all levels
            1. More Board meetings than one per year
            2. Communication with membership through newsletter and emails
            3. Communication with other clubs and organizations through direct contact, phone or email
     iii. Make the dance more enjoyable and attractive by improving:
            1. The atmosphere (amenities for members & guests)
            2. The venue
            3. The dance (music and entertainment)
            4. Encourage paying guests who are a source of revenue and potential members