Northend Chapter of PSAS?

[Scooterman]

I recently added the club forums to the recent post, this give more exposure to your discussions.
PSAS always had some sort of continuing similar issues, having a group so large and spread out makes logistics difficult. From what I've seen here, having a North BOD, maybe one or two for now as cy mentioned, having local meetings then every now and then, like three months or so have organizational meeting at an established location makes sense. This allows the club to stay together as a group but still keep it fair to the regional groups as far as logistics and meetings go. These days having real meetings can be done in many ways, there is no excuses for distance, lots of communications available these days. Personally as a group, you need to stay together, it is crucial to the club and leverages you as a community. As far as cost and fees etc, that is the BOD to determine and everyone should have to play by the BOD rules, If you don't like them then next elections do something about it.
Sorry guys, just had to put two in from an outside view! Ok, back to the club!

 

[johnpeezy]

I know I said i wasn't going to post on this anymore but I think this needs to be said. As it pertains to this situation I guess

According to the rules of the PSAS in order for a member to be on the board of directors they have to be a member in good standing, and attend atleast two meeting within that years functions.

so if any of you are interested in being on the board next yer you have to atleast make two meeting. like the Bob Moore and the BBQ.

back to saying nothing, sorry for the interruption.

 

[TJL]

John, you have nothing to be sorry for. I think your posts to this thread had merit, they were informative and needed if only to show that this subject is nothing new and frequently comes to the BOD's attention. I totally understand the BOD's point of view, why should the majority (southend) support the minority of the northend without getting some kind of commitment ie; attendance/funding. This whole situation is not unlike eastern Washington's feelings of paying for road taxes that primarily benefit the I-5 corridor... YET most of the states commerce is routed through King-Pierce-Snohomish counties. With cooperation we succeed as a whole.

Since this thread has deviated off course from its original intent (original intent successful) I think everyone that has an opinion on this should post... comunication is key here to make this a positive outcome.

Todd

 

[TJL]

I want to clarify my last post as to Understanding the BOD's point-of view My intentions were not to make a blank statement about anyones particular view just that I understood that there are two sides to every story. That I have been involved with other organizations that had to deal with this very same issue and was only stating, in my opinion we need to hear from all points of views and as long as we're respectful everyone should get a voice. John brought up a valid point about this kind of North-vs-South being BS, I agree but unfortunately seems to be the heart of the issue in being a traffic congestion in (Seattle/Bellevue) dividing region. Like LA now its not neccessarily a matter of how far, but how long it takes to get from point A to point B. A central location for meetings may be just a wishful 'ideal location' as is still a time issue for several members north or south.

At this point I will stop blabbing for awhile, but highly encourage others to voice thier opinions/suggestions on how best to expand our amazing PSAS club.

Todd

 

[Myteemouse]

I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.


It did the job perfectly! It even showed how little the South enders are interested, in Northend activity LOLOLOLOLOLOL

Mike I have respect for you but REALLY??
Your pushin the envelope of sanity with that comment..
How "LITTLE the southenders are interested" ??
MY wife put up a thread for anyone to help find a meeting place or to host a meeting..
only one person did. we ever said "help finding a venue for a meeting ..
Thats why the next meeting is on Whidbey island.
PSAS BOD and southenders do care..

I see people north of Seattle complain about coming to meetings down south.. EXCEPT when the meeting is worth it to them..
IE; Bob Moore frag swap..
Everyone came for corals and giveaways. not to go to the PSAS meeting..

Be more active in PSAS and we'll have more meeting up north!
As of right now there are two positions open on the BOD this year...Crystal is acting vice pres..AND treasurer.. And Tom Crystal and John are doing the Event coordination.. So they are doing the the best they can to make EVERYONE HAPPY.
not just the northenders or the south...Everyone..

 

[Herefishyfishy]

My comment was a reply to a couple posts prior and was intended as a cheerful comment. If you saw it as other, than I am sorry but let's look at reality. The first time I was asked to step up and offer a location, I hosted last summer BBQ at my own new home. Was a successful event with a decent turn-out in spite of very iffy weather. You and crystal didn't attend as you had more pressing matters. This was not out of line, it was basic reality. The long drive and time at the meeting didn't align with more important issues: your family. I agree wholly with this priority - I live it!

But this is my point exactly! If that BBQ was in Tacoma, you and Crystal would have at least popped in. The hour or two distance in between is what makes all the difference. This is why I feel North-enders are going to be much more supportive of North end meetings than South-enders and the reciprocal. We are not talking about politics, class, style or even favorite teams. We are talking about travel time. I no longer do almost anything south of Shoreline as you rarely do anything North of Renton. Simply a matter of convenience. THUS, South-enders have little interest, in North-end activity.

Me thinks it is quite simple how to proceed. Our tight little group of 20-50 who live here will set up informal probably small gatherings of a dozen to 30 and chat and have fun and come up with what WE wish to do. If some time in future something should evolve from it, at that point we can make proposals to the club. Not requesting any permission, support, nor voted changes from PSAS. Just friends with shared interests getting together for a good time. AND, if anyone from the South end wishes to join, everybody is welcome :>)

 

[krisfal]

I recently added the club forums to the recent post, this give more exposure to your discussions.
PSAS always had some sort of continuing similar issues, having a group so large and spread out makes logistics difficult. From what I've seen here, having a North BOD, maybe one or two for now as cy mentioned, having local meetings then every now and then, like three months or so have organizational meeting at an established location makes sense. This allows the club to stay together as a group but still keep it fair to the regional groups as far as logistics and meetings go. These days having real meetings can be done in many ways, there is no excuses for distance, lots of communications available these days. Personally as a group, you need to stay together, it is crucial to the club and leverages you as a community. As far as cost and fees etc, that is the BOD to determine and everyone should have to play by the BOD rules, If you don't like them then next elections do something about it.
Sorry guys, just had to put two in from an outside view! Ok, back to the club!

Thanks Scooterman! I think it is a good change giving the club more exposure!

And I have to agree with your statement "BOD rules, If you don't like them then next elections do something about it"

 

[Myteemouse]

My comment was a reply to a couple posts prior and was intended as a cheerful comment. If you saw it as other, than I am sorry but let's look at reality. The first time I was asked to step up and offer a location, I hosted last summer BBQ at my own new home. Was a successful event with a decent turn-out in spite of very iffy weather. You and crystal didn't attend as you had more pressing matters. This was not out of line, it was basic reality. The long drive and time at the meeting didn't align with more important issues: your family. I agree wholly with this priority - I live it!

But this is my point exactly! If that BBQ was in Tacoma, you and Crystal would have at least popped in. The hour or two distance in between is what makes all the difference. This is why I feel North-enders are going to be much more supportive of North end meetings than South-enders and the reciprocal. We are not talking about politics, class, style or even favorite teams. We are talking about travel time. I no longer do almost anything south of Shoreline as you rarely do anything North of Renton. Simply a matter of convenience. THUS, South-enders have little interest, in North-end activity.

Me thinks it is quite simple how to proceed. Our tight little group of 20-50 who live here will set up informal probably small gatherings of a dozen to 30 and chat and have fun and come up with what WE wish to do. If some time in future something should evolve from it, at that point we can make proposals to the club. Not requesting any permission, support, nor voted changes from PSAS. Just friends with shared interests getting together for a good time. AND, if anyone from the South end wishes to join, everybody is welcome :>)

Oh if you only knew the back stage conversations about how to try and make everyone happy..The BOD strive to spread out meetings.. But with no one who live even near the north end and with open invitations to help the BOD find a northend location for a meeting or 3 we get one. (which is greatly appreciated).
What is the BOD to do.???
This is were the BOD stands as of now..
BOD tries to spread them out as much as possible..


AND for the comment on the BBQ .. No we couldn't have stopped by..even if in Tacoma and I would appreciate if you didn't jump to conclusions on my behalf..in this case Your 100% wrong...we had family obligations ...
Mike, you of all people know I'm not afraid to drive to your house.. even if for a few tubes of IC gel..

And further more I'm going to Whidbey Island in January for the PSAS meeting.

 

[Myteemouse]

AND I guarantee. next year the new BOD will be having this same problem. North enders wanting north meetings.. ..

We don't here anything from the deep south (Olympia) nor the Kitsap count members.. We are actually gonna have our "beachcomber" meeting on the peninsula this year.

 

[user 2204]

Looks as though things are a S-I-Z-Z-L-I-N-G again. (joking)

Just to let everyone know, I went ahead and checked with the City of Mill Creek and found that for the small room it is $40.00 an hour. So I would assume probably not a viable option at this time. And the counsel chambers are for local business only.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Myteemouse]

40 an hour is o.k.
Thats doable..
Maybe we could have the speaker meeting there..
Shoot us the info in a PM and we'll see if we can secure it for the meeting.

 

[user 2204]

I have an idea... So as to get attendance up similar to the frag swaps and the BBQ... How about grab bags?

I'm just throwing this out there as food for thought. I know the Camaro club does something like this. Basiclly a grab bag would be items or stuff that the club can strounge up from Sponsors, Vendors, and generally anyone who the club could get. Items could be as simple as glass wipes all the way to small coral frags and anything in between.

IMO I didn't join this club for free stuff, the Bob Moore swap or any of those such things. I joined to meet people with a passion for this hobby we call ReefKeeping. Don't want to step on toes as it's only Friday.

Cheers,
Alex


Sorry I should go back to being quite for a moment.

 

[user 2204]

40 an hour is o.k.
Thats doable..
Maybe we could have the speaker meeting there..
Shoot us the info in a PM and we'll see if we can secure it for the meeting.

Thanks Adam. I'll send you a pm about this. As I mentioned, my wife works for the city so I can have her bring me more information and scan the docs to email you guys.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Myteemouse]

I actually just had an idea kind of on the line o the grab bag deal... how bout a small box and put all sorts of mis.. stuff in it..
Every member at the meeting reaches in and "blindly" grabs one item out and it's theirs..
could be icgel, chemicals, food, frag plugs, frag disks, gift certs. Way fun.

 

[krisfal]

I can quickly think of at least 12 "uninterested" southenders who made the drive to the BBQ and I am certain there were more. As Adam said the BOD tries hard to get meetings North, lack of venue is the problem. I know one year we specifically set out to have every other meeting North then South with one thrown out on the Peninsula (tank tour). We ended up scrambling and taking the tank tour kinda north when we could only get one tank on the peninsula, and only managed one other North meeting (at the Treasurers house), due to lack of venue, not for lack of trying.

I have attended most meetings for the last 3 years and location is not that big of a factor in my decision to go or not, I like going to the meetings and it is only one afternoon a month for nine months of the year (I usually make 7-8 meetings) I can drive for a couple hours to get to it,
There is rarely a meeting closer than an hour drive for me. . .

 

[user 2204]

I actually just had an idea kind of on the line o the grab bag deal... how bout a small box and put all sorts of mis.. stuff in it..
Every member at the meeting reaches in and "blindly" grabs one item out and it's theirs..
could be icgel, chemicals, food, frag plugs, frag disks, gift certs. Way fun.

That's awesome Adam. I think you've got my idea down. Grab bags, Grab box all the same concept. Just as long as we can get the attendance up and allow people to have fun in the process.

 

[reedman]

Just a couple of thoughts....

1) there have been threats of splitting, creating new, and every other variation of the club over the years. None have happened because most are too apathetic to do anything (hence the low number of people running for BOD positions).

2) it has been said before, but worth repeating....if you want the meetings in your backyard, become president and you can have that.

3) there are many different goals and motivations for many different people. You can't make everyone happy.

For me, I have lost a lot of interest in the club as it has remained largely a place for new people to learn the basics. I am not saying that is bad as it is great for new people. But, the more experienced people get bored and they tend to be the ones with the deep pockets when it comes to the fund raisers.

Another point that I think has been mischaracterized here is that the club really doesn't (or at least didn't) run on the dues money. It is the fundraisers (the picnic/raffle and other events) that provide the funding for the year. The membership dues may let you have a monthly meeting location and maybe some materials, but not a speaker or door prizes or any other frills.

As Mike (mojo) stated earlier, the early days of the club were small meetings at people's houses just explaining to each other what worked, what didn't, what is happening in the hobby and just socializing. This, to me, was more insightful than any speaker that we have had since. It promoted learning, it allowed mentoring and it moved the meeting around to the different areas. It is a lot easier to do this with a small group. In that light, maybe a chapter of PSAS is a great thing. My personal experience is that when people don't want to drive they won't. That said, the club loses members if this happens enough. I no longer pay dues for exactly this reason.

I guess one final note.....it seems door prizes and freebies are the prime motivator for people to come to the meetings now. Maybe this says something about the topics of the meetings? I'm just posing the question not saying the current BOD isn't doing a good job. Just that sometimes simple observation can help refine the club's operation.

All just my opinion and experiences based on being a member, VP, President and a very active member over the years.

Reed

 

[Ed Hahn]

Going to Meetings in Seattle area was always a pleasurable experience. I have gone to very few in home club meetings in Seattle meetings. The exceptions were tank tours, do it yourself meetings. I always prefered the Speakers. The social gatherings were before or after speaker presentations. The times of meetings has been changed repeatedly. LFS always were competive and willing to help bring in deals. Boy, they were competitive!
The locations of central meetings use to be Bellvue Community College. Here are some of the things people do not see.

Speakers-having personal issues- cancelling
Place where meeting/event is held cancelling/pc equipment not set up as agreed/records of being reserved lost
things that were promised to Bod Members not going through as planned. For example equipment- sumps, tanks, etc.
Weather- intereferring with events...heavy snow, power outages...

with all the above listed. The best thing the club had going for it was people willing to work together, adapting to change on the fly. You can ask what the club can do for you. But why not think what you can do for the club. Don't steal my t shirt Idea! lol I very much enjoy the time spent with you guys. I ask again for you not to split. If you are willing to house a group of people in your house in North or South or bum farkin Egypt speak up. It it works out fantastic. But please do not throw stones at people I and others have learned to love over the years. People working together willing to share, pay it forward, laugh smile, compare notes, lend a piece of equipment. Those are things that make it enjoyable I think. Meeting at one location and communicating as one without complaining of what you do not have. You are lucky for what you do have maybe you forgot? I hope I can remind you. I want to come back to visit. I want to see as many of you as possible. There are always little personable groups having private parties, good for them. Keep it growing. But again. I ask to meet at one place not two each month. If you want to go to home meetings once a month travel. You won't regret it if you can afford it. That brings another issue, Money. Working together you save money- money for travel, someone always willing you know you can depend on, comfort, people that know you put your best foot forward to have a good time. I remember car pooling! I was lost most of the time. lol.

 

[dragoneggs]

AND I guarantee. next year the new BOD will be having this same problem. North enders wanting north meetings.. ..

We don't here anything from the deep south (Olympia) nor the Kitsap count members.. We are actually gonna have our "beachcomber" meeting on the peninsula this year.

Well one reason you haven't heard from at least this peninsula guy is that my business travel seems to always preclude attending meetings. As such... Commenting would probably incite some to jump on me for lack of participating. I can say though that the closer the meetings to me the more likely I will attend if I can. When I can do a couple or three activities on a precious Saturday vs one that requires a lot of driving the unselfish choice tends to be made.

Now Adam... when and where is the beachcomber meeting? That sounds like fun! I hope I can participate more this coming year. I applaud all those that have given their time and energy to advance this org... Believe me I know the pain and perceived ungratefulness from the 1000s of hours I put into youth sports and always feeling like "why can't others step up?". I think though that Jeff and the northlanders (most of them anyways) hearts are in the right place and only want to make it easier for them to enjoy and share the hobby.

I would also like to thank you Adam again for your contributions to PSAS such as the fragging class awhile back!

 

[thatguy559]

well im not trying to do this but maybe we should make a new club for the north end instead of spliting it. its obvious that PSAS is not going to add a north chapter.

so why not make our own club and we can have our own club events and maybe organize something that multiple clubs can attend?