Jack McConville, Chairman of the Board, told the meeting that, of the two recent vacancies on the Board one had just been filled, and the second successful candidate would be announced in the next couple of days. The Board Member to act as Liaison with our group would be decided upon shortly. The Board's major project for 1998 was the replacement of the Library's main computer - which is 6 years old - and the software which is 16 years old. A major task indeed! Procedures Joanna Knight suggested that, unless an issue was straightforward or urgent, the meeting should not be required to vote on new issues in the month that they are raised, but that they should be tabled for a month. This would give time for thorough consideration and discussion pending a vote at the following month's meeting. The Executive Committee is now meeting formally on the second Thursday of the month, and members should feel free to raise any comments, questions or concerns about any issue with the Committee. Casino Nights The necessary documentation for making our next application for a Casino Licence has now been received at our request from the Gaming Commission. In view of the foregoing, Joanna Knight requested that we should consider over the next month whether or not we wish to run another Casino just as soon as we are permitted by the Commission. A vote on this will be taken at the March meeting. If the vote is favourable, then Ann Goodhart will prepare a proposal for the proposed use of funds for our consideration at our April and May meetings. Library Art Gallery The reception held on March 2 at the commencement of Peggy Smith's exhibit "The Four Seasons" was an extremely well attended, happy event. It was hosted by Elsa O'Connor and Joanna Scott and, as Peggy is herself a long term member of the Friends, a few other Friends attended in support. The "red dot lady" - Bridget McDowall -was kept very busy! Peggy is, of course, a long term resident of West Vancouver. She started painting as a hobby in 1965 for her own enjoyment and before long her paintings became much sought after. She paints on location and can often be seen at work in and around the North Shore. Her love of the outdoors is reflected in her paintings which are mostly in oil, but with some watercolours. Her impressions of Capilano Canyon are among her most appreciated works and have been featured in national magazines. Next month is the display "Recent Works" by Robert Florian. Although this will be Robert's fourth show in the Gallery, most of the friends will know his work through "The Story House" in the Youth Services Department. His large mural there represents a welcoming fireplace with a cosy fire blazing merrily. Robert has painted a frieze around the room representing "cottage" themes. Born in Vancouver, Robert has lived most of his life in West Vancouver, although he has travelled throughout Europe studying the works of the great impressionists. "Recent Works" are examples of Robert's evolving style which includes bolder uses of colours, shapes and simplified forms to intensify nature and capture the essence of the local landscape. The Friends were privileged to receive an exclusive "teaser" for this exhibit in last month's newsletter for which Robert - a Library staff member - very kindly (and at very short notice!) provided a sketch of the Bookmobile for our "Treasures" feature. Board Liaison Report