WOW – we are well over 230 members and from all accounts we continue to be growing strong. It is that time of year again when many of your membership’s will be expiring, the expiry date is May to May – please feel free to check with me in person or through email to see when your membership is coming due.

I am pleased to initiate the commemoration of Honourary Membership Status for those members who have volunteered their time and efforts to the benefit of the Ontario Steelheaders. For the first time ever it is my privilege to recognize a select group of individuals who have demonstrated tireless commitment to the betterment of the organization.
Darryl Choronzey; Pete Gilles; Rod Jones; Grant McAlpine; Doug Swan and Rich Weiler

Please keep in mind that all membership dollars received are 100% directed to the Ontario Steelheaders and their goals and objectives. The money received from the actual membership fees is relatively small in comparison to the donations, grants and bursaries from businesses, government organizations, as well as, other community group funds. However, to be looked upon favourably by many of these organizations it is beneficial for our organization to show a wealth of members within its membership roster. The power is in the numbers, as it demonstrates to these various organizations that we have a committed (and large) group of people who continue to renew their memberships and support the efforts through a spirit of volunteerism to better the fisheries.

I want to say a special thank you to all the members who are out their promoting the benefits of membership to others in hopes of soliciting new members.

On a somber note, it is with great sadness to report the passing of one of our long standing members, Ms. Florence Gray (Flo). Flo passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in February of 2013. On behalf of the Ontario Steelheaders, I express our condolences to her family and friends.

Also with a heavy heart, I report the passing of another longtime friend of the Ontario Steelheaders ; Mr. Fraser Reid. Again on behalf of the Ontario Steelheaders we wish to express our condolences to Fraser’s friends and family for their loss.

I continue to view my role as Membership Director as being an interactive role. I have the responsibility to ensure that our members receive the information, handouts, memos, updates etc. that our directors prepare for us. You should note that the most recent membership application form provided an option for those of you who wish to opt out of receiving mail through Canada Post and only receive email communications. I realize that for some of our members continue to depend on receiving our communications through Canada Post and this will continue. However for those of you who have selected to opt out and receive email communications only, I thank you, as this does reduce our overall operating costs. However, regardless of how you wish to receive your communications please ensure that I have received your most up to date contact information.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE – MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE YOUR CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS AND ALL CONTACT INFORMATION. I have received a lot of returned mail and email’s stating incorrect addresses and if I don’t have your phone number, I have no way of making sure that you receive the information that we are disbursing. As such if you haven’t been receiving any communications then you may want to check in with me to ensure that I have all your accurate information.

I continue to ask for any and all of your input regarding any suggestions that you may have, as this is YOUR organization and your input is valued. Please send your comments via website contact form, or include them with your membership renewal.

I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead of us in the coming year. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions regarding your membership or club communications, and I would be only too happy to assist.

Madeline Walker
Membership Director
Ontario Steelheaders