The 2010 Family Chairman

Type: Discussion and Vote Required.

Submitted by Samuel Louis Gensic.

Its that time of year again to decide who will represent the family for the coming year. I propose be a 3 step process for the election of The 2010 Family Chairman:

1) Nominations. If you are nominated in the comment thread of this Agenda Topic (online) or during the actual meeting, you are in the running. 2) Try Outs. During the meeting, nominees have an opportunity to communicate their vision for taking on the role of The Family Chairman, any particular noteworthy ideas or action points of their campaign platform, and/or express any other reasons why they do or do not want to hold this position. 3) Vote. We will decide The 2010 Family Chairman via a ballot vote, one per person.

Mizpah Shrine Circus

Type: Discussion and Vote Required.

Submitted by Samuel Louis Gensic.

The Mizpah Shrine Circus is coming to Fort Wayne from January 21-24, 2010. I propose that we consider and discuss; and if there is enough interest, decide on a date that would work to all go together. That’s right – it’s time to revisit the kid/carnie in you and once again experience the fearless lion tamer, crapping elephants, circus peanuts, fire rings, glow sticks, and flying trapeze acts!

The Gensecretary

Type: Discussion and Vote Required.

Submitted by Samuel Louis Gensic.

With the increasing importance of keeping accurate records, tracking historical data, and preserving the integrity of the content of The Gensic Family Meeting and its related experience, I propose we appoint a secretary (hereafter known as The Gensecretary).

This appointment should take place at the start of the meeting via a ballot vote; one ballot per person, one person’s name per ballot. The Gensecretary will assume his/her role immediately and will serve a two year term.

Roles and responsibilities should be to record Meeting Minutes and assist The Family Chairman during his/her time in office. Other roles and responsibilities may be determined via forthcoming discussion and/or by future polls.

The Family Pie President

Type: Discussion and Vote Required.

Submitted by Samuel Louis Gensic.

I propose that a poll be created to see who will become The Family Pie President. Candidates for this honored position will be the first 7 people nominated and seconded (seconding your own nomination is not allowed). Once the candidates have been selected, the poll will be posted and open for 48 hours, voting members will not be limited by cookie or IP address, and after the polls close, the winner will be recognized at the actual Gensic Family Meeting of 2009.

Upon determining The Family Pie President, he/she will assume their role immediately – and become the authority of all things pie. This individual will serve a one year term and even have higher authority than The Family Chairman when it comes to making decisions related to pie(s). Other roles and responsibilities of The Family Pie President will be determined via forthcoming discussion and/or by future polls.

Official Voting Process

Type: Discussion and Vote Required.

Submitted by Benjamin Mark Gensic.

I would like to formally announce that I will be drafting a document for the family’s consideration and voting approval/ratification this year’s meeting. This document will be both descriptive and succint (unlike Pirate Farkle). Interestingly enough (or not), the subject of this document is the Official Voting Process for family meetings. This proposed document will set forth the official process and requirements for Agenda Topics which require a vote. This will explain how a voting item is introduced/proposed, seconded, considered, and ultimately voted upon. In closing, this would simply validate a process which is currently in use based on past precedent.

Autopilot Voice: “So…Ben, we’re gonna vote on a process which tells us that which we already know how to do?”

Answer: Somewhat, yes. But this officially establishes a voting process and is important for two other reasons.

One – potential conflict exists with the undefined powers of The Family Chairman to improperly allow agenda items to be voted on without proper procedures (yet to be approved) being met. My intentions of pointing this out are not to accuse the present chairman of any wrongdoing, but simply to add the proper checks & balances to our family.

Two – this demonstrates my faith in The Gensic Family Meeting and adds credit to my character and (pure) motives.

Finally, I would like to formally announce that I am running for election as The 2010 Family Chairman. I know that you don’t have to actually “run” for election. And actually, I believe you can be elected against your will. However – just so everyone knows – I am a family member that actually wants to be elected.

Thank you for your consideration.

Imaginary Void

Type: Absurdity, Discussion, and Vote Required.

Submitted by Paul Michael Gensic and Melissa Jean Gensic.

Melissa and I are considering never allowing little Jacob Bear to believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and all the imaginary stuff that goes along with those characters. However, to fill that Imaginary Void, we would like to teach him that Jedi Knights really existed “a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.” We are also open to other suggestions to fill the Imaginary Void.

We would like to open this discussion to the family to hash through the pros and cons associated this decision. We also propose that this become a voting item, ultimately leaving it up to the family whether we will or will not leave Santa (and company) out of his life.

The Family Register Of Favorite Pies

Type: Absurdity, Discussion, and Vote Required.

Submitted by Paul Michael Gensic.

I propose that this year we officially establish The Family Register Of Favorite Pies, where we combine our individual favorite pie lists to form a collective family favorite pie list. The pie that makes it to the #1 position will be prepared and eaten by all following its establishment as The Favorite Pie Of 2009. I propose we do this every year so that over time, we see where our tastes have changed from year to year.

Matt, The Family Historian, will be charged with recording these favorites for years to come in The Family Register Of Favorite Pies; so our future generations will have a strong pie heritage to reflect upon and identify with.

Four Berry Pie

Type: Absurdity, Discussion, and Vote Required.

Submitted by: Paul Michael Gensic.

I would like to propose a vote to officially outlaw Four Berry Pie from the family. Any members caught in the treasonous act of eating, preparing, or thinking about this pie will be banned from partaking of any of mom’s most commonly accepted pies.

Cancelled!

Type: Discussion and Vote Required.

Submitted by: Jacob John Gensic.

I propose we cancel The Gensic Family Meeting of 2010. We don’t need the meeting anymore. It’s served its purpose and is nearly proving to be a waste of time now. Furthermore, being elected Family Chairman is considered being elected “The Family Gayness Coordinator,” in my book.

Discussion is welcome, but the truth is hard to argue.

The Crystal Ball Of 2010

Type: Discussion Required.

Submitted by: Elizabeth Lou Gensic.

These days, everybody is obsessed with answering the question, “What are you doing?” … be it via a status update on Facebook, a tweet from Twitter, or a blog post. C’mon now – I just want to shake these people and say, “Wake up and smell the coffee! Who are we kidding? By the time anybody actually reads your status, tweet, or blog – it’s already old news!”

What I’m more concerned with is the future.

Instead of signing up for these new services and dwelling forever in the past, I’d rather only travel back in time but for a moment…as a way to learn about the future. That’s why I think The Mirror of Galadriel or The Wizard of Oz’s Crystal Ball were so important. They were ahead of their time. In essence, they transcended time; because they told us about events in the future! Instead of answering the question, “what are you doing?” we should be answering the question, “What are you going to do?”

So, I’d like to propose a discussion about the events of this upcoming year by borrowing from the words of Jack Nicholson [(Batman, 1989) right before he pulled the trigger on somebody who didn't have the foresight to move beyond the past or the present]. “Hey Eckhardt, think about the Future!”

What are you going to do in 2010?

Ribar od Godini

Type: Absurdity and Vote Required.

Submitted by Matthew Mark Gensic.

The precedent was set last year; each family member will have exactly one minute to present their case of who they think should be awarded the title 2009 Family Fisherman of the Year. Following the presentations, each family member will have one vote which will be written on a piece of paper and given to The Family Chairman, who will tally the votes, announce the winner, and award the Ridbar od Godini trophy. Family members who are physically absent are not excluded from this process, they will just have to plan ahead and/or be creative.

Comb Overs

Type: Absurdity, Discussion, and Vote Required.

Submitted by Jacob John Gensic (11.11.09) and Matthew Mark Gensic (11.14.09).

According to the meeting minutes from last year, comb overs were found to not be in style for calendar year of 2009.  During deliberations, a quick rat-hole side discussion led to a similar vote that took place; the result of which officially declared Paul bald. After the conversation returned to the original topic, there was dissension that ran throughout. Thus, this agenda topic was “tabled” for discussion until next year. Well, since it’s next year, Jake and Matt propose the question: “comb overs – are they back in style for 2010?”

By the way, Matt would like to point out that, “if you didn’t see this one coming, you were in a coma the past couple of family meetings.”

Agenda Topic and Poll Submission Process

Just like last year, it goes like this. To submit an agenda topic, a poll, or idea for this year’s meeting, simply email me at samuelgensic@gmail.com with the official name of your agenda topic, poll, or idea in the subject line, followed by as little or as much as you want to say about the agenda topic, poll, or idea in the email itself.

If your submission is an agenda topic, it will be organized into one or more of the following three categories: absurdity required, discussion required, and/or vote required. I will post agenda topics to the Home page of the website.

If your submission is a poll, it will be considered; then, most likely added to this year’s polls. By the way, this year we will most likely use a poll to vote for certain agenda topics. That’s all I’ll say about this for now. At any rate, remember this – a toll’s a toll, and a poll’s a poll. If I don’t get no tolls, then you don’t get no polls! So, submit your poll today!

If your submission is an idea for the meeting, then just email me.

Once  agenda topics and polls are posted, all will be able to read, consider, and provide feedback by posting comments. Providing feedback via comments will be strongly encouraged (you do not need an account with WordPress to post comments). In theory, this site will become an aggregate of information relevant to the purposes and functions of the meeting. Also, any content posted here will be directly applicable to our intended uses, both present and future (insert close-up of Paul’s dancing eyebrows and flicking tongue here).

Please keep in mind that by frequenting this site as a collective whole, you will be in the driver’s seat, so to speak…and to some extent – even determine the direction of the site. Yep, kind of like driving with your knee (even though it’s really the side of your quadricep!) while texting, listening to a book on tape from Dr. Dobson, and trying to change out of your work clothes cause the weekend’s here, baby. Don’t forget – I still have the gavel and am the one driving the 16 wheeler and if you swerve into my lane you’ll be the one that’s sorry. In other words, I will provide structure (or reprimand, Jake) where needed. Remember that your posts, comments, and discussion threads may serve for or against you.

Also, as all of you know, since Matt, Stacie, Paul, Mel, and Jacob Bear will unfortunately be unable to join us in Indiana, I hope that this encourages you to engage and interact more often on this website. So, if you’re using a Mac (like Jess, Evelyn, Stacie, Matt, or Mom), “bookmark” this site using Safari. If you’re using a PC (like Dad, Ben, Jake, Abbie or Mel), add it to your “favorites” with Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Speaking of, let’s fire away. Christmas will be here in less than 2 months.

I’m looking forward to your submissions…

A Letter

Dear Family,

It’s exactly two months before Christmas.

So, even though I already started, let me start by saying this – I’m honored to be representing you for another year. I take pride in holding this official position, although holding it doesn’t quite feel as official as I’d like it to be, as I don’t ever quite know what it is I’m officially holding, if you know what I mean.

I appreciate all of the constructive criticism I’ve received regarding The Gensic Family Meeting of 2008; before, during, and afterwards. Overall, it was encouraging, tactful, and helped to provide me with a vision for refinement and ingenuity. Based on your feedback, there were many well-received tangibles that occurred last year – the website, polls, and three generations of representation, to name a few. And yes, there were disappointments – a dropped presentation as a result of technical difficulties, Matt’s last-place finish in the pull-up contest, and the lengthy duration of the meeting itself.

I believe that since I was re-elected as The Family Chairman, this confirms your continued trust in me that this year’s forthcoming meeting will be a promising one.

With that hope in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to share a few of my thoughts…

As you all know, Matt, Stacie, Paul, Melissa, and Jacob will be unable to gather with us on Rapp Road this Christmas. As a result, this year’s meeting will certainly be different. We will miss the absentees, undoubtedly. Their absence will have a direct effect on the social dynamics of the physical meeting [we are looking into possible options (such as Skype) for "bringing" their presence to the table, so to speak...but more on this later]. Also, last year’s feedback pointed out that the meeting was too long, to which I was in full agreement. In light of these facts stacked alongside the amount of worthwhile absurdity, discussion, and interaction that manifested itself through the medium of last year’s website, I’m encouraging everybody to consider this year’s website as an extension (that “grows out so long”) of The Gensic Family Meeting, if not a large component of the meeting itself.

This doesn’t mean I’m planning to eliminate the actual meeting. It simply means I’m trying to remember the past (the good and bad), consider the present (the gap between our physical locations this Christmas + the benefits of world wide web), and plan for the future.

My goals are twofold. First, may all of you see this meeting as a discussion that starts now and ends with the closing of this year’s actual meeting. Second, and when the actual meeting itself does draw to a close, may it end in a place where everybody is wanting more.

What does that mean, exactly? I guess we’ll find out in the days to come…

So, let the meeting begin!

Regards,

Samuel Gensic