Big Sir Sez,
November 2024
It seems hard to believe that this is my last Big Sir Article. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to discuss our Branch matters with you. As I considered this article, one thought prevailed: This is my last opportunity to share “jokes” with everyone. So, here goes:
Why did Rudolph get a bad report card? Because he went down in history.
Why should the number 288 never be mentioned? It’s two gross.
Why did the elves ask the turkey to join the band? Because he had the drum sticks!
Why was the math book sad? Because it had so many problems.
How much do rainbows weigh? Not much. They’re actually pretty light.
Why did the snail paint a giant S on his car? So when he drove by, people could say: “Look at that S car go.
Why do mummies like Christmas so much? Because of all the wrappings.
What word can you make shorter by adding two letters? Short.
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
Hope you liked at least one of those. But if not, I know you will like and appreciate Tom’s leadership next year!!
So, I’ll end with just one more: Where do old Big Sir’s go … to the back of the room with a big smile.
Best Always!!
Rich
October 2024
It is hard to believe we are approaching the end of 2024. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it is a good time to think about those many things for which we should be thankful. While we live in a world filled with political and cultural divisions, war and strife, we need not be impacted by these matters. Rather, our world can evolve around our friends and families. We need only consider these relationships and the freedoms we have to begin to see the vast extent of that for which we should be thankful. I believe it is important to pause and recognize and express gratitude during this season. And I hope you do.
One of the things I’m thankful for is SIR and the many friends and opportunities that it provides. As I approach the conclusion of my time as Big Sir, I look back and think how fortunate I am to have been given the opportunity to serve our branch, to get to know and work closely with our leadership team and to get to know all of you. What incredible people we have in this Branch. Talented, dedicated, active, resourceful, willing to lend a helping hand and above all dedicated to each other and the standards and mission of SIR. Thank you for letting me serve you.
Also, as I step from the role of Big Sir, I am thankful that Tom DiGrande will step into that role. I have seen and experienced Tom’s dedication, commitment, leadership and friendship over the past year. He is an incredible person and will be an incredible Big Sir. Under his guidance, our Branch will continue to grow and thrive. Thank you, Tom, for everything you do. You have been an inspiration to me and others.
Finally, I want to thank our entire leadership team. It is not often that you get the chance to work with such outstanding individuals. Day in and day out, they have been there to not only complete, but to excel at their jobs and tasks. They stand ready to handle the problems and challenges experienced by the Branch. Because of their dedicated efforts, Branch 8 is respected as one of the leading branches within the State organization. My sincere thanks to each of you!
Life is a journey, and I’m pleased to be making that journey with each of you. Best Always and Thank You!
September 2024
Along with Halloween, we have our outstanding Octoberfest on Thursday, October 17,2024. Be sure and sign up and attend if you can.
At our September Luncheon, we discussed the results of our recent survey. 42% of our members participated in the survey. Preliminarily, the following chart confirms that the overwhelming majority of those responding responded favorably.
90% plus stated that:
- SIR provides value in their lives
- They are satisfied/neutral with the branch overall
- They are satisfied/neutral with the lunch meeting
- They are satisfied/neutral with the branch communication
- They are satisfied/neutral with the branch activities
- They are satisfied/neutral with their activities.
We were also pleased to learn that many of our members would like to participate as branch leaders. We are so appreciative of the foregoing support.
As part of the survey we asked for suggestions for improvement and criticisms. We very much appreciate those of you who took the time to comment. Your comments have been and will continue to be discussed by the BEC. We will continue to review your comments closely as we work to improve our branch. For your part, as we roll out improvements, let us know how you like them.
Following for your review is a link to the Survey PDF file:
https://www.sirbr8.com/wp-content/uploads/activities/Sir-Br8-Survey-Results.pdf
Finally, SIR, Inc. put on a Zoom program in September addressing scams and how to handle them. The program was recorded and is available to review. The shorter version is at https://youtu.be/YyksdG0AblQ. The longer version is at https://youtu.be/DwdZqlCtWrY.
requests. I want to express my appreciation for all the many members that assist in running our branch. Tom and I attended a Leadership Summit in March where leaders representing approximately 60% of all SIR members were in attendance. It was gratifying to hear suggestions from the various branches on how to improve a branch and recognize we are already doing them. While we can always improve, it underscored to me just how lucky we are to have so many dedicated members providing such excellent service. This month it will be my pleasure to present Doing My Part Awards to many of those members.
Hopefully this month we will have some more audio improvements. The BEC approved funds for us to purchase new microphones and a speaker for the back of the room. We
hope these will solve the sound problems. Finally, Larry Yarberry needs someone to assist him with managing Traveling SIRs for the next several months as he focuses his time on family matters. Please let Larry or me know at your earliest convenience if you can step up and provide this assistance.
updated on 09/26/2024 by MLF.
Little Sir Sez,
October 2024
As we watch the autumn leaves fall, I want to take time to express gratitude for the hard work ALL the BEC Committee and Activities Chairmen & Assistant Chairmen have done this year. Your efforts have truly made a difference in solving the challenges of SIR Branch 8!
Working together has been an amazing opportunity for me the learn and appreciate the value of the SIR organization. With the guidance and leadership of Rich Carlston, we have grown as a branch, not only with the size of the membership, but with knowledge and advice. Branch 8 has succeeded and emerged as a leader! We all thank Rich and wish him the best in the roll of State President of SIR.
What will 2025 bring?
Challenges and more opportunities for sure. But SIR Branch 8 is ready and up to the task ahead. We are working on and solving the issues with the luncheons, speakers and better communication. Meeting quarterly with other SIR branches will help solve some of our common problems and concerns. Listening to and welcoming our memberships thoughts and comments, will help strengthen the areas of concern brought up in the recent survey.
Let’s work together to obtain the mission / goal of SIR:
“Enhance the lives of our members through fun activities and events – while making friends for life”.
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and Joyous Holiday Season!
Tom
September 2024
Communication & Information!
In the last few months, we have distributed a large quantity of information pertaining to the “State of the SIR Organization” and upcoming changes within our branch.
We have asked for your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and views, in a survey. You have the results from that survey, keeping in mind that only 42% responded.
Some changes or adjustments have already happened or are “in the works”. The BEC is dedicated to sharing any and all this information (transparency) with our members thru various types of communication.
The SIR Website, Newsletter (Hotline)and E mails are the biggest source of communication for the branch. Luncheons only get the message out to about 1/2 of our membership.
So, here is the issue –
Why do we still have some of the membership saying that they don’t see any of these suggestions and views being addressed or changes being made?
Are you going to the Website?
Are you “opening “ and “reading” the Hotline when it comes out (monthly)?
Do you “open” and “read” the E mails from our branch leadership & activity chairs?
Please take the time to do so!
The SIR State Board and Directors, along with ALL the local branch Big and Little SIR’s, hear what their members are saying. The “Communication “ lines are open.
Be Patient!😵💫
Attend a BEC meeting.👍
Volunteer to take a Leadership role in our branch.😉
Join an activity.😃
Thanks for your support, Tom
last updated 10/17/2024 by MLF
