[THC] homebrew club dues are calendar year

[Dr. L. A. Swihart]

A couple of people have written me notes similar to this: 

Hi Linda - Is there a list somewhere of members with paid up dues? 
I think I paid in the summer or fall but I don't remember
how much or for what time period.  Can you tell me if I am paid up and 
how it works?

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THE ANSWER IS YES there is a list somewhere!  In fact we keep rather 
careful track.  NOTE that dues are "optional" in that while there are 
sometimes perks associated with being a dues-paying card-carrying member 
(perks made possible by having a bit of money), we want everyone who 
would like to participate to participate, dues paid or not.  Nobody gets 
leaned on to "pay up," and all who want to attend any meetings and be on 
the email list and BB may do so without charge unless some kind of 
serious abuse (like they *never* bring beer!) starts to be common.  
Until and unless some movement by the membership decides to make some 
changes, and my impression is that we're far too busy with brewing and 
sensory evaluation activities for that to happen any time soon!

THAT BEING SAID,
The membership list and financial transactions ledger is kept in a 
Google spreadsheet.  Board members and some other members have access to 
it.  Anybody with a question can write and ask about if they paid or 
not, please do. 

Dues are annual and your card (if you didn't get one or lost it, we'll 
get you another one) for this year says 2009.  Dues paid before July 1 
are $10 and cover the remainder of the calendar year.  Dues paid on or 
after July 1 are $5 and cover the remainder of the calendar year. 

This is simplest, easiest to keep track of, and pretty much the way many 
other clubs do it.  At least the "dues are due in Jan" part of it is way 
common.  I'm not aware of other clubs that give a half-year price 
starting July 1, but probably somebody else does it.

L.