National League of Pen Women Denver Branch
Minutes of the Zoom Meeting on August 1, 2020
Present: Ann Klaiman, Raymond Cober, Andrea Antico, Beverly Chico, Atlanta Sheridan, Kay Taylor, Diane Chambers and guest Aimee Geurts
Atlanta opened the meeting at 9:45 am.
Inspiration – Ann read an inspirational piece from Amy Wallen in Dear Writer: An anthology of letters of encouragement from successful women writers to fellow writers, in which the author compared the art of writing to neurosurgery. Beverly noted that it reminded her of the current research she’s doing on medical headwear.
Atlanta told our guest about the role of a provisional member in our branch. Ann added that one way to become a member of the National Pen Women group is by submitting news articles for which one is paid. She also mentioned the three subjects of writing, art and music which Pen Women undertake to be members. She added that Virginia Campbell is a composer and that composing music is her area of expertise as a member of the national group.
Minutes of the July meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Diane reported that as of the close of July the branch had a balance of $958.54. The July report was approved.
Website -Diane noted that Virginia took down our old calendar on our website and that she was in the process of figuring out how to put up the new improved calendar.
As an aside Ann noted that she had received a note from Carol about getting three poems published and that Ann’s review of Carol’s second book of poems had been received without any revisions.
Membership – Diane reported that she received numerous responses from our posting on Colorado Writers’ Cafe Meet-up and had expected 8 to 10 guests. She sent the zoom link but she said there might have been a problem getting on the zoom link for the meeting. There was a brief discussion about having men as members since several men had responded to the Denver Meet-up notice. Diane noted that the National Association of Pen Women does not permit male members but that our branch had accepted Ray, a notable exception.
Tapestry Update – Diane reported that the Award letter had n=been sent to the winner of our contest and that the school is excited to be getting the prize, a section of the Tapestry.
Programs – Andrea has been volunteering to coordinate the monthly branch programs. Since no one else volunteered for this position, Andrea said she would review the existing list of programs. Atlanta will look into the cost of an unlimited Zoom account for future meetings.
Diane explained how we did in-person meetings in the past. She’ll continue to try to set up Zoom meetings for the group. Diane also noted that there has been some interest expressed in setting up Wednesday evening critique group sessions possibly to begin in September. Andrea suggested looking into other platforms on Google or Microsoft. Ray suggested the possibility of using Skype. Kay will check with Anthony Powell, the Artistic Director of Stories on Stage, about doing the January program. Diane suggested that Ann consider putting on a poetry workshop for our chapter.
Announcements – Diane gave news form National. She reviewed the rules and benefits of membership. Diane added that there was some great news to report concerning National. The gallery of the Pen Women’s Building in Washington D.C. has been featured on the First Friday Dupont Circle Art Walks. Some 650 people visited the Pen Women’s building to view paintings exhibited there and to listen to concerts and lectures held there. These events bring much needed revenue to National. In addition 220 new members joined the group in the last two years. Lastly, Diane announced that after 20 months or arduous work the National organization influenced the District of Columbia to pass a new law giving property tax relief to the NLAPW for the Pen Arts building, for as long as the League is the owner and operator of the property and uses the building for the purposes and activities of the League. The law is retroactive to 2016. This relief will greatly aid the financial state of Pen women and allow them to keep the much revered building housing the organization. Diane reminded the group that the Biennial celebration of the National League of Pen Women has been postponed from April, 2020 to April, 2021.
The next meeting of the Denver Branch will be Saturday, September 5th on Zoom. Diane will send the link to the meeting out the morning of the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40am.
Respectfully submitted:
Kay Taylor
