National League of American Pen Women–Denver Branch
Meeting Minutes
October 1, 2016
I. Ruthy Wexler called the meeting to order at 9:43 a.m.
II. Members in attendance were: Kelly Ann Compton, Atlanta Sheridan, Eleanor Binnings, Virginia Small, Juanita Pope, Andrea Antico, Marie Kriss, Beverly Chico, and Ruthy Wexler. Diane Chambers attended the presentation only.
III. No guests were present.
IV. Inspirational Reading: Juanita shared information from a playwright mentor of hers which told her to stop sharing her plays with family and friends, but, instead, look for a community of writers who would expand her horizons.
V. No Minutes available.
VI. No Treasurer Reports available.
VII. Committee Reports:
A. Website: Virginia reminded us that she needs information in advance to put on our Branch calendar. She would like to have information on forthcoming presentations so she can put that information on the calendar.
B. Tapestry:
1.Ruthy will talk with the Denver Post Newspaper about having an article put in about the Tapestry for Peace.
2.In a contest update, Ruthy shared that we received the first application from Pueblo whose theme is “Peace Begins With Us.”
3.In order to spread the word about the contest to IB Schools, members were encouraged help find contact information for IB schools throughout the US. Those who volunteered were: Andrea, Beverly (Massachusetts), Ruthy (California), Atlanta (Nebraska), Eleanor (Louisiana), and Juanita (Juanita).
4. Kriss spoke about the all day event Littleton Mackintosh Academy held regarding the tapestry. Former member Joice Fairchild spoke at the event.
C. Membership/Auditor/Budget: Ruthy and Virginia led a discussion on putting out flyers advertising our branch. Kelly Ann shared information on the newest membership avenue of Allied Professionals. It was decided that we need to hold a discussion to answer the question: What do we have to offer? We discussed the need for increasing our Active and Associate membership numbers and the possibility of establishing a percentage limit for provisional members. Andrea suggested that we get meeting notices published in the Denver Post.
D. Programs: Eleanor Binnings will present on digital story telling at our November Meeting.
VIII. Old Business: None.
IX. New Business:
A. Meeting locations: The Englewood Library has been scheduled for November, Our December gathering will take place at Kelly Ann’s home.
B. Upcoming Programs: November — Eleanor Binnings on Digital Story Telling; December — Holiday Party at Kelly Ann’s home; January — Laurel Jean Becker will host a poetry workshop; February — Virginia Small on Graphic Novels; March — Painting Party; April — Guest Critiques
C. It was suggested that we give a coffee table book on elephants to Julie, the woman who stored the Tapestry for us.
VIII. Announcements:
A. October Bully Prevention and Breast Cancer awareness month.
B. Andrea announced a book sale members might be interested in participating in.
IX. The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am.
Following the meeting, we were inspired by Juanita’s wonderful play and discussion on playwriting.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Ann Compton