Metro Denver Club????

[ojreef]

Hi everyone,

I have to admit that since my wife passed away in Dec. and my son-in-Law and two grand children were in a major head-on collision (Not his fault) in April. I've been kept busy.

Anyhow, I was just curious. Did I miss anything? From what I can tell, the Metro Denver chapter exists in name only.

Hopefully, I am wrong and someone can fill me in. Do we have a club? Is/has their been an election? when our we having a meeting?

If nothing is going on with the Denver club, I am curious where we (Metro Denverites) are.

Anybody have any information or comments?

TIA,

[Peterock]

i dont know either i would love to find that out as well.....

[Misfit6669]

I think Dave has been heading it up, VYPR or something like that.

I am pretty sure they had a meeting last month but wouldn't bet on it.
Brian

[adams0816]

hal theres even a web site up & running for the rmrc its www.rmrc.info . everybody involved is trying hard to get it all goin, right now I think the meetings are at the denver aquarium. Just go to the website & get some of the info.

[ojreef]

Brian and Adam - Thanks for the info.

I had already checked the Metro Denver Reef site on the new web page. It has NO info posted. It did invite you to contact the club which I did. So far, no answer.

As for the meeting's, I don't think they have had one for a couple of months and, nothing on the board for May.

As far as the Downtown Aquarium meeting is concerned, I think it will be great. But it is for the entire club.

I am interested in in monthly in-home meeting's like Ft. Collins have every month without fail.

Other then Karl (Thanks shipmate) it doesn't appear like anyone else in Denver is interested. Of course, I can't believe that and hope to see more feed back from the Denver folks.

Hopefully the Board will fill me in and maybe show me where I have missed something.

[rmougey]

I also think that the Denver group was being looked into by Vypr2002 and someone else. I too would like to see something happening along the lines of the Northern Colorado's group events, but here in Denver. I beleive there was an actual meeting recently, though I was out of town.

Here's are two threads referencing the Denver group, which is the last I've heard:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=776395

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=771492

Not sure if there is a followup meeting planned given the upcoming frag swap (which may run late May).

My two cents.

-Rob

[rmougey]

"Here's are" ?????

I need to go to bed......

[burkleman]

I would really like to start seeing meetings in the metro area as well, and from what I remember Dave was looking into it. I am not sure that I have heard anything about board members for the metro chapter. And I think the big thing in the past was that either no one was volunteering to host or that there were ppl volunteering but no one to organize anything. But I could very well be mistaken.

Brandon

[ojreef]

Thank you so much for the- fill in Rob and Brandon. It was greatly appreciated.

I remember the March meeting now. I really wanted to attend but, two of my grand children were celebrating their birthdays in Platville, Co. on the same day. Since this was the first Birthday since Grand Ma had passed away, there was no way I could have missed it.

Enough about me. It appears that the March meeting was well attended. So it appears that Metro Denver has still got a high amount of interest.

I noticed that Cris had volunteered for May. Of course with his great tank it is always a treat to go to his house for a meeting but, he has been more then generous and is always a great host.

From what I read in the previous post's, it appears that Metro Denver might be it's own problem. Anotherwords, if we had volunteers to host and people that would be willing to take on a leadership role we might not have a problem.

If we want to have a Metro Denver club, I guess it's up to us. which, sounds fair to me.

Since the questions I originally addressed seem to be answered above, Might I suggest that somebody that is more computer literate then this (me) 70 yr old goat start a new topic something like: Metro Denver RMRC organizaton/reorganization with a reference to the two threads that pointed out the lack of volunteers to host and organize THE NEW METRO DENVER RMRC?

As a final thought, I am surprised that more Metro Denver people haven't responded to this thread.

As another final thought. Clown-a-round of Fort Collins was elected to head up her club and with her fellow club officers have managed to have meetings/events every month. It would seem to me that once we have leader and volunteers to host, our club could be as big as it used to be. Just IMHO.

Thank' again for taking the time to read this long entry.

[firefighter1_emt_cop]

There has already been a "metro chapter" meeting at Dubitup's house and to be honest, there were only a handful of people that showed up (6 people at the most). IMO its not that there isnt anybody to host, its the lack of interest from members to attend. There is also a "board" already in place for the metro chapter, with Dave (Vypr2002) being the head of it. Im sure he wouldnt mind some help, but if I recall, the RMRC bylaws only require one board member per chapter, all the other positions are "optional".

Nate

[rmougey]

Hence the confusion with what RMRC is vs the chapters.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but the RMRC is there to provide frag swaps, speakers and organized presentations on a bi-monthly (or so) basis. Each Chapter (Metro, North, CS?) has a representative on the RMRC board.

The Chapters are there to provide smaller monthly meeting venues and interesting topics. It basically a chance to visit, ogle someone else's tank and wish something they had was yours! ;)

The Metro Chapter shouldn't be just one person, but rather should be the RMRC representative (who might also be the chapter president), plus one or two additional folks that can help setup monthly member meetings in folks homes or other sites.

So to the folks that attended the small metro gathering, what was talked about? Did anyone post a thread with a synopsis of the meeting? Anyone ask for additional help or post requests for follow on meetings on reef central in the RMRC discussion board?

So, who's going to help correct me? Clarifications invited.

-Rob

[firefighter1_emt_cop]

Rob, you are correct on the function of the main RMRC and that of the chapters. Chapter meetings are for more of a social gathering where the main club meetings are there for speakers, frag swaps, and conferences.

The chapters are welcome to have more than one board member for their chapter, but the chapter will only have one representative who will sit in on the RMRC board meetings and have a vote. It is IMO up to the chapter president to assign a comittee to head up events, etc or you as a chapter can also set up elections/appoint more board members. As soon as a metro chapter meeting has a sufficent number of members show up for a meeting then this would be something to discuss further at the chapter meeting itself.

As far as what was talked about at the last metro chapter meeting....we basically just went over how Alex's tank was set up, equipment, suggestions, etc and then "socialized" with each other and talked about our own tanks. There was no synopsis of the meeting posted.

Follow on meetings....as far as I know Cris was talking about hosting the may meeting, but after that I dont really know. If you or anyone else is willing to volunteer their home then I would suggest sending Dave (vyper2002) an email or PM so he can start a list.

Nate

[firefighter1_emt_cop]

I should add that I believe an area for meeting minutes for both the RMRC and the chapters is going to be set up on the RMRC website. larry is putting in a lot of work in his spare time to get everything added that the board wants, and also functioning properly. The new website is coming along nicely but I dont believe it is completely finished yet.

Nate

[bmwardo]

I agree with everything Nate has said. In addition to his comment above:

"larry is putting in a lot of work in his spare time to get everything added that the board wants, and also functioning properly. The new website is coming along nicely but I dont believe it is completely finished yet."

This may include our own forums on the website along with the ability to hold elections for officers, among other things. These are all things that will help organize RMRC and the chapters and make make finding information easier than on our forum here on RC.

Speaking as a member- I don't know what needs to be "organized?" This thread is very similar to a half dozen others that all deal with the same issues. Members then say they would love to start attending Metro area meetings and they ask those in the leadership positions why there aren't any. So basically: the members are asking the "leaders" why the members aren't volunteering to host a meeting. Ironic.

The above supports Nate's comment: Where's the metro members interest? I suppose you could organize 6 people (there are 720 ways to do it! ;) )

Just my opinion and what I have seen over the past year or so. Would I love to see the Metro chapter meet the needs and desires of those that want to be involved in it? Absolutely.

[vypr2002]

I have resigned from my position due to the percieved lack of "leadership". good luck and hopefully someone will "step-up".
I cannot read the posts attacking board members again.
If your angry or frustrated about the club YOU put in some time and get things going.

[rmougey]

Have I managed to miss the posts that you are referencing vypr?

-Rob

[Misfit6669]

What has happened Rob is this. At least from what I can tell. The Metro area was very active, I used to drive up from the Springs every month. It then got a little screwed up for a while and there wasn't any meetings. A few people complained about the lack of meetings in the Metro area. A few more people would jump in and kinda "pile on" so it seemed. Dave stepped up a got a meeting or two put together but very few people showed. And now folks are asking about the meetings again. I can see where Dave would be getting bent.

Everybody keeps asking for cake but when somebody takes the time to bake it, nobody eats it. At least that's what I am seeing from waaaaaay outside. I could be way off, its happened before.;)

Brian

[rmougey]

Way outside indeed! Hmmm.. maybe you could put in a good word with Santa? My fish need a new... well.... everything!

It's hard to pull stuff together, which is why it's nice to have a couple of people to help out. I'm aware that the Metro group died (withered?) a while ago and was encouraged to see it possibly rising from the ashes.

I'm not aware of any recent meetings other than the one several weeks ago. One meeting does not make a club, nor does it define the people attempting to put it back together.

I think it's normal and natural to ask what's up. It builds interest and allows other's on the board a chance to find out what's going on. Once the RMRC site is fully up, it will provide a place for info as well as posts here (or there once larry gets the BBS up and running).

If I may venture an opinion, it seems that there is just a general lack of information out there for the RMRC and it's chapters. Again, I'm sure that as the website matures, meeting minutes or similar will be posted for RMRC, treasurer reports will be posted and summaries of the chapter meetings will be available.

However, till the website allows those things, this forum is our information pipeline. I know from several posts that the RMRC board met a couple of weeks ago, but no one posted a summary of what was discussed nor did anyone seek input from the group prior to the meeting (at least I'm unaware of any).

Clubs are, at best, difficult to run and demanding of personal time. But it can be very rewarding..... save for some of the folks that you really wish weren't part of the club. ;)

I, for one, would like to see Dave continue to try and put this back together if his personal schedule allows. But information sharing is important... both from the person (or people) putting it together and from the folks that benefit from those efforts.

Now where's that dead horse.......

-Rob

[Peterock]

So in a nut shell what is being said

1- Do we have a metro chapter
2- Who is the president or what ever for the metro chapter if we have one at all.
3- If there is no one leading the metro chapter, What is all intell in running the chapter, What do i need to do if i want to voll to run the metro chapter...........

send me pms please.

[larryl]

Now where's that dead horse.......
http://www.rockclimbing.com/forums/images/smiles/icon_deadhorse.gif

:)


1- Do we have a metro chapter


If someone plans a meeting, finds a volunteer to host it, announces it, and gets people to show up, then yes. :)



2- Who is the president or what ever for the metro chapter if we have one at all.


Nobody at the moment.



3- If there is no one leading the metro chapter, What is all intell in running the chapter, What do i need to do if i want to voll to run the metro chapter...........


I am not familiar with rules in the club bylaws about how the chapters need to be organized (if there are any). I'd say if you want to, go ahead and plan a meeting, and in the mean time get the bylaws info from the board so that any elections or whatever else that makes it official can be done at the meeting. Just post an announcement thread and/or send an email to [email protected] so it can be posted on the web site.


Larry

[Clown-N-Around]

Here is the link to the bylaws http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=668987.

Here is the relevant section on Chapters

Article V. Chapters
V.1. Rocky Mountain Reef Club is composed of local Chapters.
V.2. A local or regional group may join as a Chapter by a 2/3-majority vote of its members and approval of the Board.
V.3. A regional Chapter may be added, combined or divided based on population and participation. Such change would be recommended by the board and approved by a 2/3-majority vote of the active Premium Members in the affected region(s).
V.4. Members should designate a Chapter affiliation at the time of enrollment, which can be changed by the member at any time. A member can have only one Chapter affiliation at a given point in time.
V.5. Each Chapter shall elect or appoint a minimum of two officials, either at a Chapter meeting or online through the Society web site. The local Chapter may determine titles and terms of office.
V.6. Each Chapter will appoint or elect one voting Delegate to the Board of Directors. The Delegate may be one of the Chapter officials, or any Premium Member in good standing, over the age of 18, who has attended at least four Chapter or Society meetings in the previous twelve calendar months.


The metro chapter exists since it was already approved by the board and was voted on during the March 26 meeting at Alex's house.

Dave was appointed as interim President. The board may or may not appoint a new interim President until elections can be held, since very shortly (in the next month or two) we plan to hold online elections for both the Chapter and Main RMRC boards. Anyone who meets the criteria (as listed above) can be nominated, or nominate themselves, for a board position.

[Clown-N-Around]

I want to thank all of the wonderful Northern Colorado folks that have volunteered whenever I have posted a request for hosts. I consistently receive 6-8 responses, which will in turn be about 3-4 months worth of meetings. The metro chapter, on the other hand, gets 2-3 responses, which makes it extremely difficult to plan more than one meeting at a time, and requires constantly soliciting for new hosts.

I really appreciate all of Dave's hard work and hope that the metro folks can support their next leadership by attending meetings, volunteering as hosts, and by being respectful by voicing concerns privately first. I really want to see the metro chapter thrive since I will eventually be trasferring my membership there (as soon as we sell our house, and buy one in North Denver, so who knows when!). [FYI- Since I am moving, in the upcoming online elections, I plan to run for the main board instead of the North Chapter, but I will continue to visit my friends up North ;) ]

[CastleRock]

"The metro chapter exists since it was already approved by the board and was voted on during the March 26 meeting at Alex's house."

ROFL the RMRC was STARTED and was FOUNDED IN the METRO AREA AS the metro area club. :rolleyes:

I find that pretty funny
OK im out of this since I have nothing nice to say

[Clown-N-Around]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7348109#post7348109 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CastleRock
"The metro chapter exists since it was already approved by the board and was voted on during the March 26 meeting at Alex's house."

ROFL the RMRC was STARTED and was FOUNDED IN the METRO AREA AS the metro area club. :rolleyes:

I find that pretty funny
OK im out of this since I have nothing nice to say

Thanks for the humor :lol:

Yep, I have nothing but respect for the fine people that started RMRC and hope we can continue in their tradition. Also, the main RMRC club has recently established Downtown Aquarium (how much more metro Denver can you get?) as their meeting location.

It looked like some people were asking about what to do to start a metro chapter, which we would need to continue home meetings, so I clarified that it didn't need to be started because it already exists and was made official according to the new bylaws and everything.

[ojreef]

Since I started this thread with several question, I just wanted to thank ALL of you that have responded.

If I had been able to attend the meeting in March, I would have known the answers.

Anyhow, thanks for the fill in.

It appears to me that the ball is in the Metro Denver's ballpark. In other words, if we don't step up to the plate and Vol. to be a leader of the Club and especially host meetings, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

I'd like to point out that North Club with Clown- A-Round's excellent leadership has managed to have a meeting EVERY month.

I know many of you have offered to host meeting's in the past and for one reason or another, you weren't afforded the oppurtunity and. In many cases your offer wasn't even acknowleged. Well, lets try again.

I did notice that Peterock (Karl) had vol. to be a leader and that's great. Thanks Karl.

Maybe if the Board acknowleged peoples offer's we may get more offer's. Just a thought. A simple Thank you would go a long way.
Also, if we (Denver) jumped on the band wagon to encourage any one that vol. to do anything, It would help.

Think how you would feel if you made an offer and it was not acknowledged.

IMHO I think this may have been a problem in the past. Well, The past is the past. Let's start anew.

So, all of you great people that have vol. in the past, please try agan.

"Tanks",

[The Grim Reefer]

So like how many people usually show up at these meetings?

[Peterock]

Ok everyone thanks to ojreef and all the talk on this post. I am thinking very hard about voll. for the metro denver leadership position. I know there are a few things that need to happen prior to me being elected but i would like to know. How much work is involved and what type of things does the MRC (metro reef club) want to get rolling. ie. activities, i see there are a few meeting lined up and ready good, but other than that what else do you think would be a good idea to bring metro a little closer together. sorry for the mis spelled words here i am on vikiden at the moment.

[jdallred]

Grim, this time last year is when the RMRC started having issues and the re-org started soon after (mid-June 05), however at the end of 04 we would typically have around 20-30 people show up at the home meetings and around 80 (give or take a few) showed up for Calfo in March of 05. In the past 7 months or so most of the meetings typically have seen around 5-10 people. IMO, if we can get the re-org finished, the Metro chapter worked out, hold elections for both RMRC and Metro, then I think we can restore confidence, interest in the club will increase, and the numbers will get back to where they were before. Here is a list of the past 11 months worth of meeting and how many attended;

RMRC
July – cabby (17)
Aug – crisc (36)
Sep – frag swap (35 or so)
Oct – no meeting
Nov – Fishgeeek (6)
Dec – Christmas lunch @Cinzetti’s (8)
Jan – no meeting
Feb – no meeting
Mar – crisc (15 or so) - new reefer meeting (ktani also had one up north the day before but I don’t know how many showed)
Apr – no meeting

Metro
Mar – dubitup (7)
Apr – no meeting

Hope this answers your question and sheds some light on why this thread has gone the way it has.

[The Grim Reefer]

Once I get moved in and set up we might be able to host one. Let me see how things go.

[jdallred]

Thanks Grim, I'll put you on the list as an alternate for now.