National League of American Pen Women–Denver Branch
Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2015
I. Ruthy Wexler called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.
II. Members in attendance were: Marie Kriss, Virginia Small, Ann Klaiman, Beverly Chico, Nancy Peterson, Pat Kennedy, Juanita Pope, Kay Taylor, Donna Clark, Florence Elliott, Diane Chambers, Kelly Ann Compton, and Ruthy Wexler.
III. Guests in attendance were: Anne Gross, Alana Story, Kimberly Hamelin, Kathleen Visovatti, Melody Mock Duiso, and Gail Hamilton.
IV. Inspirational Reading: Juanita read from a devotional written by Joshua DuBois based on his daily writings to President Obama.
V. Introduction of Gail Hamilton who would be our presenter after the business meeting.
VI. Introductions: Members and guests introduced themselves.
VII. The February and March Minutes were approved as written.
VIII. The January (corrected), February and March Treasurer Reports were approved. Our current balance is $2,069.08.
IX. Committee Reports:
A. The Blog Project: Ann reported that we need more people on the committee. Persons interested should contact Ann. The current blog prompt is “Measuring your life in coffee spoons.”
B. Website: Virginia reports that the website is going well. She encouraged members to send a picture and short bio as each branch member gets a personal page on the website. Also, if you are have any events going on, please let Ann or Virginia know and they will get it posted on the website.
C. Membership: Kriss will present our 2015-16 budget in May. Anne Gross, Kathleen Visovatti, and Alana Story have applied for membership. Kimberly is planning on applying today.
D. Tapestry: No update.
E. Programs: In May, members and guests are asked to bring in books or something that have inspired or helped them with writing. Please contact Ruthy or Kelly Ann for further information. The June planning meeting will be held at Juliana’s house.
F. Outreach Projects: No report.
X. Old Business: Ruthy and Kelly Ann shared their experience at the Pikes Peak Branch 60th Anniversary celebration.
IX. New Business:
A. Discussion ensued on the possibility of a joint meeting with the Pikes Peak Branch. It was agreed that September 19 would work best for this venture. Ruthy will continue communication and planning with the Pike’s Peak Branch president.
B. Annual membership dues need to be sent to Kelly Ann by April 24, 2015. An e-mail will be sent that will show what each member owes.
C. A brief discussion was held on National’s Long Range Plan Initiative. Almost everyone agreed that the survey sent out by National did not ask the right questions. The main question it was missing was about the reasons people didn’t join or ceased membership. This discussion will be continued next month
X. Announcements: Kay announced the new Stories on Stage performance “Old Friends” will be performed in Denver on April 12 and in Boulder on April 11.
XI. The meeting was adjourned at 11:01.
After the meeting, Gail Hamilton gave a very interesting presentation beginning with her singing an aria. She shared about her life and the writing of her memoir Soaring Into Greatness.
Respectively submitted,
Kelly Ann Compton, Secretary
