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MEMBERSHIP As of December 31, 2003 the Friends membership stood at 159. This number includes five Honorary Members: Lillian Chow Dorothy Jones Kay Meek Jack Mounce Mary Pearson Sadly, four of our valued members passed away this year: Nancy Bignell Mary Boyse Nora Knapp Rouhy Sahihi We welcomed 36 new members this year. While numbers fluctuate from year to year, we have maintained an average of 168 members for the past seven years. It is also a pleasure to note that some of our newest members are active and enthusiastic in their support of our various events. Welcome to our newest member of the Friends -Nada Stingl LIBRARY BOARD REPORT Karen Carlson, who is the Friends representative from the Library Board, gave us a report about their 2003 activities. Major initiatives completed by the Board in 2003 were: the new Strategic Plan which is a 2--3 year working document to guide them in their planning and decision making. A revised policy for use of Library bequests. With the help of the Foundation and the Friends, the new Donor Recognition Boards were installed. They also dealt with the legal complexities of the two large estate bequests. The WVML Public Consultation Plan was adopted to engage the community and allow them a contribution in planning and to raise awareness of the Library in the community. Leaving the Library Board are Deborah Nesbitt, Christine Cassidy and Jasen Kwong. Nicole Brown, Jennifer Davenport and Paul Tutsch will be replacing them. Helen Davies remains as Chair with Bernie Lauser as the new Vice-Chair. The WVML Board "offered its' sincere thanks and appreciation for all the work that the Friends have done in the past year." ".... they make the Library a better place to be..." ARTIST RECEPTIONS There were 34 guests at the December 5th reception for Artist June Harmon. One painting sold that evening. The Friends who helped with this reception were Edda Davis, Irene Esson, Noelene Harland and Kim Vogt. The reception for photographers Ryan Totten and John Penhall was on the 2nd January. There were 60 guests and Cathie Clinch, Edda Davis and Kim Vogt served refreshments. The next meeting of The Friends will be on Wednesday February 26th 2003 From 12-2 p.m. in the Library's Peter J. Peters Room Bring your lunch Tea and Coffee will be provided. Editor - Mary Holland Printing & Mailing -Natalie Logan & Committee Circulation & Proof Reader -Maureen Eagle Contributing Writers -Sophia Weremchuk Mary Holland Ted Hill