MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM our Executive Director.

One of the most important events that we host is the Annual General Meeting. This year our AGM will take place on Wednesday April 19 at 1pm. The AGM completes our governance obligations for 2022 with your approval of the audited financial statements and the nominations and election of the new board members. Thank you to the Board members whose term is up and thank you to those who have put their name forward. The meeting will take place right after lunch, which will be the popular BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger luncheon.

We have faced many unbudgeted structural challenges over the past month and we are slowly working our way to resolving the issues as best as possible. The biggest issue was that our commercial dishwasher required significant service. Replacement costs quoted were between $8,000 to $10,000. Unfortunately, we required an additional $2,000 for an electrician to install new power to the unit.

The roof design and canopy installation at our front entrance is causing significant ice buildup challenges and unfortunately, not only is there not much we can do, but it is our responsibility to deal with the issue. We will need to closely monitor and salt the front entrance until the snow melts and the weather warms up. We will also need to service the handicap door opener on the outside of the building due to melting snow freezing on the unit constantly causing it to short. We ask everyone to be extremely careful when entering our building for the next few weeks.

We are for the most part a break-even operation. Having approximately $12,000 in unbudgeted repairs and maintenance caused us a tremendous amount of stress. We are so grateful for the generosity of Lexus of Royal Oak who have made an incredible donation to support the installation of the new commercial dishwasher. Thank you also to our members who donated to help offset the electrical upgrade costs.

Thank you once again to our incredible volunteers who support our wonderful lunches, members socials and programming.

Wishing everyone a healthy and safe April.

- John Yannitsos