2010 Annual Meeting

SEVENTY-FIVE MEMBERS, Fellows, and Friends of The Holland Society of New York attended the Society's 124 th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 6 th , at the Union Club in Manhattan. President Colin Lazier called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. He then asked Piet Quackenbush to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States. Following the invocation by Society Dominie Everett L. Zabriskie III, President Lazier called for a motion to waive the reading of last year's minutes. He then reported that the Society had elected twenty-five new members since the last annual meeting. Member Robert Quackenbush accepted a rosette for his grandson Aidan Pieter Quackenbush. President Lazier also acknowledged John V. Banta, Ralph L. DeGroff Jr., Mathias Demarest, Cornelius deWitt III, Robert D. Nostrand, Richard G. Post, Frank J. Vanderbeek, and John R. Voorhis for fifty years of membership. Robert Nostrand was present to receive his Fifty-Year Membership pin.

President Lazier then gave a brief address on the challenges and successes that had faced the Society during the previous year, including the sudden death of former President John B. VanDerbeek IV at a young age. President Lazier also emphasized a number of impressive highlights, including the wide variety of Quadricentennial Celebrations enjoyed by Society Members, New Yorkers, and visitors to New York as well as the publication of the second volume of Flatbush Church Records . He then noted that the Society will be celebrating its 125 th year and that a reordering of the Society's organizational life is in the process. Secretary Rev. Everett Zabriskie then read the Necrology, followed by prayer. Treasurer James Van Wagner Jr. presented his report on the Society's financial condition, followed by Trustee David Lent on Van Wagner's success in bringing clarity to the financial condition of the Society.

President Lazier then appointed as Inspectors of Election Joseph J. Hoagland, Rev. Everett L. Zabriskie III, William Van Winkle, and Stephen S. Wyckoff and asked that Mr. Hoaghland serve as chair. Mr. Hoagland read the slate of Officers. There were 186 proxies for the slate and 1 proxy abstention. The slate of new Officers was declared duly elected. A proposal to temporarily suspend the By-Laws Pursuant to Article V Section 1, relating to prohibitions upon spending unrestricted endowment for 2010 and 2011 as long as such spending not exceed $250,000, was also passed. There being no further business, upon motion, the meeting adjourned.

Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar followed the business meeting. For the first time in the Society's history, the Annual Meeting Dinner was open to anyone willing to pay. Following the traditional Parading of the Beaver, invocation, singing of the Dutch and American national anthems, and toasts, the gathering sat down to dine. Following dinner, President Lazier introduced Dutch Consul General in New York City H. Gajus Scheltema, who made brief comments. President Lazier also noted those Members who had traveled the farthest to attend the gathering and families in attendance with two or more family Members.

President Lazier then presented Holland Society Trustee and Treasurer James R. Van Wagner Jr. with the Holland Society Gold Medal of Achievement to a Member for his service during the past year in stabilizing the Society's financial health during a period of national economic crisis. Mr. Van Wagner gave a thoughtful acceptance speech relating to the need for a healthy financial situation in order for the Society to accomplish the goals set forward in its charter.

With the conclusion of the formal ceremonies, Members, Friends, and guests retired to an adjoining room to enjoy an informal cheese collation and beer donated by HEINEKEN USA.