OGS Region VIII AGM

Folks from across Eastern Ontario, from Kingston to Petawawa, came through the rain to the Ottawa Central Archives, 100 Tallwood Avenue, to hear three presentations and/or attend the Annual General Meeting of OGS Region VIII on Saturday, 21 April 2012. The building's hallways were crowded with exhibits and attendees.

The routine matters of the AGM were dealt with expeditiously. There was a brief mention of the OGS privacy policy and the increasing use of GoToMeeting and webinars. Balloting is underway for changes to OGS bylaws, these being necessary owing to new requirements from the provincial government. OGS now has a special interest group for home children in operation and another, for Scotland, approved for formation with 50 members having expressed interest.

Reports from the various branches and associated societies within Region VIII showed that most, but not all, were still seeing declining membership. However there were encouraging signs with some branches having filled all their committee assignments, and active programs of meetings and publications continuing.

Nancy Cutway, Chair of OGS Conference 2012, reported that registration now exceeds 450 and over 50 vendors have registered.

Mike More stepped down as Regional Director in anticipation of his election as Vice President of OGS. Patti Mordasewicz, Chair of OGS Leeds and Grenville Branch, was acclaimed as the incoming Regional Director.