President’s Letter August

August is here, and with it, “The Dog Days of Summer.” It was probably in grade school that we learned that the month of August gets its name from Caesar Augustus, son of Julius Caesar. We also learned that Julius Caesar came up with what we now call the Julian Calendar, hence the need for a new monthly name. However, I always thought that the hottest and most unbearable days of the season, the “Dog Days”, were something that came from the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

True, it is a time when old dogs like me, just want to sit in the shade and do nothing, but the term also goes back to Greek and Roman times. As it turns out, the canine connection refers to Sirius (the Dog Star, not the radio station) in the constellation Canis Major (large dog). At that time Sirius (the brightest star in the northern hemisphere) was seen to rise just before or at the same time as the sun. Who knew!

I’m still feeling lazy, even after a delightful cruise. In the July President’s message we outlined the process for electing a new board of directors. Indeed this was accomplished on July 12 th . The Nominating Committee had a great number of talented members to select from and their slate was passed unanimously. The new board will take office on October 1st and the newletter officers and Board Members will be updated.

Notice that annual 2023 dues are now being collected. Our fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. The bylaws state that members whose dues must are not paid by November 1st will be dropped from membership and the directory. Like any organization we need to know the membership numbers so that we can plan our budget. Dues and directory ads are our only source of income.

The War Memorial will be ready for us to return in November, hopefully, but will we be ready for them? With inflation we don’t know what they will charge. Facility rental and food all comes out of the lunch price.

With best regards for the balance of the summer.