National League of American Pen Women–Denver Branch
Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2015
I. Ruthy Wexler called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m.
II. Members in attendance were: Andrea Antico, Diane Chambers, Beverly Chico, Donna Clark, Kelly Ann Compton, Ruthy Wexler, Ann Klaiman, A. Marie Kriss, Neeli Clute Lambert, Nancy Peterson, Juanita Pope, Gwen Scott, Atlanta Sheridan, Virginia Small.
III. Guest in attendance: Mary Waits Joyner
IV. Inspirational Reading: Juanita read “Our Souls At Night” by Kent Haruf as part of her observance that many people experience loneliness at this time of year.
V. The October and November Minutes will be voted on at the January meeting.
VI. The November Treasurer Report was approved. November’s closing balance was $2,548.75.
VII. Committee Reports:
A. Website: A memorial page has been set up for Mollie Rue and Sheila Wright. It was decided to add other members to this page. Virginia says she still needs the comments that were written about Mollie. Kelly Ann will be sending pictures for Mollie page. Discussion was held about having the history of our branch on the website and we were reminded that we our historical information is at the downtown Denver Public Library. It was suggested that we have a field trip to the library.
B. The Blog Project: Ann stated that we need something that grows and is not stagnate as our blog had become. Kriss suggested that we do some sort of showcase on the blog. The question became: How do we get the word out? Discussed were linking the blog to known places and organizations and to make sure the writing posted is good writing. Nancy suggested linking up to National’s Flash Fiction and poetry of the day. Diane motioned for us to develop a Facebook page. After a discussion on what this would entail, mostly who would keep it up, the idea was tabled until January.
C. Tapestry: Kriss heard from the Strong Museum and they have declined the tapestry as they do not have interactive displays for children. Kriss shared that the Denver Children’s Museum is in the early stages of a huge expansion project. She will talk to them about the Tapestry for Peace.
VIII. Old Business: Discussion about needing emergency contact information took place. Kelly Ann agreed to bring a sign-up sheet for people to complete with their information.
IX. New Business:
A. Kelly Ann gave an update on Sophia. Kelly Ann will contact her son for Sophia’s current address.
B. We will be meeting at the Smoky Hill Library on January 9, 2016. Note that this is the second Saturday of the month and not the usual first Saturday. In February, March and April, we will meet at the Eloise May Library. For our March meeting, we only have 1 ½ rooms reserved, so may meet at Ruthy and Andrea’s again.
C. Programs: Our January meeting will include a potluck lunch and our first annual “January Jumpstart” where we will participate in some creativity reminiscent of our September meeting. Our February
speaker will be Lyly (more information forthcoming). In March, our annual guest critique session will take place. No programs have been set up yet for April and May.
D. The NLAPW Biennial will take place in Washington DC April 28 – May 1, 2016. Ruthy reported that it looks to be a great program and she plans on going.
E. Beverly has been teaching history for fifty years and is willing to do a program on women in history for us—possibly next summer?
F. Ruthy shared about Molly’s Celebration of Life and Ann and Kriss shared about Sheila’s memorial service.
X. Branch Announcements:
A. Beverly will be teaching at the Academy for Life Long Learning.
B. Andrea spoke about the Colorado Teen Lit Conference taking place on April 2, 2016. Last year we had
voted to take part in this, but it was too late. Do we want to participate in it this year? The fee for a table
is $50.
XI. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00.
Following the meeting we enjoyed a delicious pot luck lunch and white elephant book exchange.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Ann Compton, Secretary