The meeting called to order at 10 am by President Les Slowik. To recognize the recent passing of three members—Dennis Pretti, Pam Lochrie and Howard Oatman—Les called for a moment of silence.
 
The July meeting minutes were approved by acclamation as published in the newsletter.
 
Susan Norton reviewed the treasurer’s report. Balances are money market account $6,515 and checking account $4,170. 
 
Les recognized the delicious coffee and snacks provided by the coffee committee. Thank you, Tizza Chace, for the goodies. Please note that if there are any leftovers, baggies are available for take-home.
 
We had several new members joining us today: Jim and Madge DuBois, Betty Jacobson, Lina Paloma, Steve and Donna Reed, and John and Karen Sinclair.
 
Linda Ash sent a card to Reid Worlton, who is recovering from surgery, in addition to sympathy cards to the families of Dennis, Pam and Howard.
 
Janice Shepherd still needs presenters for Armchair Travelers. She will retire as the organizer after this year and needs someone to work with the Central Library to continue this very popular program.
 
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office will put on a drone demonstration for our Plane Crazy people on Aug. 15 at 4 pm at Canyon View Park.
 
The August Lunch and tour of the police department and 911 call center is full. The September tour will be on a Friday, Sept. 22, and will be limited to 20. In October we will tour St. Mary’s Care Flight Heliport. November will be a special lunch at Chez Lena. The cost is expected to be between $15 and $25, and the restaurant will be able to accommodate up to 40 diners. Members are reminded that if they sign up for a tour and are not able to attend, as a matter of common courtesy and to allow for stand-byers, to let the organizers know.
 
Janet Johnson reminded us that Dinner Club will resume in September and new members are welcome.
 
Interest in bumper stickers was lackluster, and this project will not be pursued now.
 
Katie Sullivan still needs volunteers for set-up and clean-up at the pig roast. Reservations and payment are needed by Aug. 25. So far 35 have signed up. We were reminded that discreet alcohol consumption is ok, but no glass containers are allowed in the park.
 
Les said the Redland Community Center is a possible location for a holiday party. He’s looking for volunteers to help organize it.
 
The raffle was held with several nice donated prizes. Winners were all pleased with their winnings.  Thank you to those who contributed to the prizes!
 
Those with August birthdays were recognized.
 
We had two speakers from District 51 to discuss the November bond and mill levy proposal. Because county employees by law cannot push for this legislation, Emily Shockley and Angela Christensen were constrained in what they could say freely, Basically, they said the $110 million would address a “tsunami of needs,” including specific items for each school, and allow for five additional school days (we’re now 15 days short of the national average.)  The website citizensforsd51.com/has detailed information on how the money will be spent.
 
Other Business
Susan Hanson introduced Adie Tilford, a concerned Grand Junction parent who is organizing an eight-week program for high school teachers that will deal with teenage suicide, communication and successful teaching techniques. To let the teachers know the community supports them she would like organizations to either fund or provide snacks for these sessions. Susan proposed that we consider a donation of $200-$300. This will be taken up at a later meeting.
 
 
Copies of Senior Blue Book are available to take home.
 
Susan urged anyone who is an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of its Smile program. When you use smile.amazon.com/ instead of just amazon.com, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase costs to a charity of your choice.
 
The final Music in the Grapevines concert put on by the Art Center Guild will be this coming Tuesday.
 
Meeting adjourned at 11.04 am.
 

October 2016 Minutes
 
President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church hall. He read a letter from the Centennial Band thanking us for our contribution.
The last month's minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.
Treasurer Susan Norton reported interest of 16¢ in our money market account, now at $6,509.42. Our checking balance stands at $2,469.48.
We thanked I.P. and Martha Potyondy for preparing coffee and Tizza Chace for bringing her homemade pastries. 
Grand Junction mayor Phyllis Norris spoke to us about budget issues. While the city will not meet its 2016 budget, under the new city manager it will balance revenue and expenses with cuts. Priorities are public safety; infrastructure, including water, sewers and golf courses; and economic development. It expects the budget to be $142 million in 2017. In a brief Q&A, she responded to questions about promoting the city to tourists, the future of the Two Rivers Convention Center, the second phase of the Avalon Theatre and an event center at Las Colonias Park.
We introduced four new couples as members: Douglas and Cyndi Haynes, Jim and Ann Thomas, Ernie Stech and Yvonne Spaulding, and Steven O’Brien and Candace O’Rourke.  We also had two visitors.
Linda Ash said she sent cards to Peggie Pretti and John Waage for health issues, and to John Neste, whose brother died.
Jim Hughes asked for photos to update the website as he’s been making changes.
Regarding events, Joan Robinson will have tags available at next month’s coffee for the Salvation Army Giving Tree. Ladies golf is over for the season. Wayne McCalla did not have any special outings planned, but will welcome ideas. The wine group will meet on Nov. 2 at Chez Lena, details to come in an email from Dennis Pretti. Janice Shepherd has Armchair Travelers presenters lined up for every month except April. Next week’s lunch and tour at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is full. The November tour will be at WSI Global. I.P. made an appeal for help on the committee.
Other events in town of interest are an upcoming live screening of the Bolshoi Ballet, a performance of the Western Colorado Chorale at CMU’s Moss Performing Arts Center, an observation night on Oct. 29 with the Western Colorado Astronomy Club, and the Women of Distinction breakfast on Nov. 3 at which Ruth Trowbridge will be honored.
Because of fall clean-up of Highline State Park was cancelled for lack of litter, before another planned clean-up we will scout out the area to access the need.
The raffle had several items donated by members.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 am.

​Minutes, April 13, 2016
President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.
Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $6,505.06 in our money market account and $4,429 in our checking account.
Sherry Schenk and Janet Johnson were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. We will need help after July.
Chris Thomas, CEO of Community Hospital, was our guest. Among the topics he touched upon were the hospital’s primary care strategy, a Medicare share savings program and a health information exchange, Quality Health Network,
Guest Raya Novak signed up herself and her husband Miguel as members at the end of the meeting.
Linda Ash announced the sad news of Jim Boylan’s passing. She also sent out cards to members recovering from injuries or surgery: Tony Portella and Kay Braukhoff. Janet Johnson will fill in for Linda when she’s away next month.
Bob is still looking for others who are interested in a trip to a NASCAR race in Phoenix on Nov 13. Wayne McCalla has a tentative date of Aug. 2 for a Jeep trip in Ouray. A trip to Dinosaur National Monument is also possible, and interest in another Morrow Point boat ride was sounded out. Details will follow.
Janice Shepherd urged us to attend the final Armchair Travelers session of the season. It will resume in October. Both the April plant walk led by Doug Grodt and the May tour of SunCrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works are full. In June we will visit Leitner-Poma. Dennis Pretti invited interested members to join him after the meeting for planning on the new wine tasting group.
The raffle had several prizes donated by members.
The meeting adjourned at 11:04 am.

​Minutes, March 9, 2016
President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.
In Treasurer Susan Norton’s absence Bob reported we have $6,505.06 in our money market account and around $4,000 [exact figure unavailable] in our checking account.
Wayne McCalla and Sherry Schenk were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. We will need help after May.
Dana Liesegang, local author of “Falling Up, My Wild Ride from Victim to Kick-Ass Victory,” gave a moving talk about how the military treats sexual trauma, her efforts to walk again, and the power of forgiveness.
In addition to four guests, we had a new member, Lori Newsom.
Linda Ash sent out several cards to members recovering from injuries or surgery: Carol Todd, Lindarae Rindels, Marilyn Montoya and Jan Burch. Services for Marcia Norton will be held this Saturday.
Dennis Pretti invited interested members to join him after the meeting to discuss a new wine tasting group. Wayne McCalla asked for interest in a late July/early August Jeep tour in Ouray. Janice Shepherd gave a brief description of the March and April Armchair Travelers presentations. The March Lunch and Tour of KKCO is full. In April Doug Grodt will lead a wildflower walk in the Monument. May’s tour will be to SunCrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works.
No new candidates were forthcoming for officer elections. Accordingly, Bob Noble, Susan Norton and Dennis Pretti will continue in their present positions. Wayne McCalla is an ex officio officer with his work on special outings. Beverly Kingsley has agreed to help Wayne.
The raffle had several prizes donated by members.
The meeting adjourned at 11:04 am.

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at
10 am at the First Christian Church hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.
Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $16,042.70 in our checking account and $6,504.54 in our money market account. This is a $473 net increase over last year’s balance. We had 22 new members join last year, and have 215 memberships (single and joint) now. To date, 81 have paid for 2016.
Janice Shepherd and Cindy Duta were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. Ruth Trowbridge has volunteers lined up through May.
Steve Jozefczyk, business development manager for the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, spoke about GJEP’s efforts to attract business to relocate or expand in the area and to support local businesses.
We had two guests and a new member, Eileen Egloft.
Linda Ash said she had sent cards to James Boylan and Bob Norton, who have health issues, and to Tony Portella on the passing of his wife Carmelita.
We had updates on several activities. Paula Struckman said Janice Shepherd, Arlene Alberts, Les Slowik and Tizza Chace have joined the potluck committee for 2016. Armchair Travelers continues to attract a very good crowd. We will tour Reynolds Polymer next week as a Lunch and Tour; February will be a tour of the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
Dennis Pretti and Jim Hughes sounded out interest in a bi-monthly or quarterly wine potluck. Details are yet to be worked out.
The raffle had several prizes donated by members.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 am.

​Minutes, November 11, 2015 President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church hall. Since this was Veterans Day, he asked that veterans be recognized before proceeding with the meeting. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter. Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $1,702 in our checking account and $6,503 in our money market. Martha Potyondy and Heather Holly were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. Last month’s minutes should have included Geri Mishmash as having helped with coffee. Ruth Trowbridge needs help for January (1 person), February (2 persons) and March (1 person). Our scheduled speaker city council member Chris Kennedy was not present because of a business emergency. Fortunately we had a second speaker, Sue Schore, who had a presentation on a relatively new program in our community. Members of the local chapter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation meet twice a month to create full-size quilts to be given to veterans. The website www.QOVF.org has full information, and interested members can contact Sue at sschore@outlook.com. We had no guests, but five new members: Penny Hopkins, Doug and Marilyn Griswold, and C.J. and Judy Neste. Linda Ash said she had sent a card to Jane Wethington and that she herself was recovering nicely from surgery. We had updates on several activities. Paula Struckman gave details for the New Year’s Eve potluck. Geri Mishmash said all the Giving Tree gift tags were taken, but gift cards and cash for the Salvation Army were welcome as well. Martha Potyondy was collecting $20 for the holiday party. Janice Shephard said the October Armchair Travelers presentation had around 200 attendees. She will be presenting a program next month on hikes done by the Great Old Broads for Wilderness. The raffle had several prizes donated by members. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 am.

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at
10 am at the First Christian Church hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.
In Treasurer Susan Norton’s absence Bob reported we have about the same amount in our checking account as last month. In other words, “we still have money.”
John and Lynn Dierks, who were visitors last month, were introduced as new members. Also present were guests Sue Lund and John and Judy Ness.
Linda Martin, Sharon Lovell and Ruth Trowbridge were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments.
Janet Roland of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) talked about its program for kids who need a voice in court proceedings. Volunteers are not mentors, but serve in an investigative role. CASA also has other positions open to help, as in office work and publicity.
Linda Ash reported that long-time former member Anna Plessinger had died and a card was sent to her family.
Dennis Pretti suggested some members might be interested in a self-guided trip to Paonia during its Mountain Harvest Festival on Sept. 25. The time of the Nov. 3 wine tasting has not been settled yet; it may be at 7 pm instead of 6 pm.
Next week’s lunch and tour will be at the new Community Hospital medical plaza. Changes have been made to the schedule for later tours. November will be a walking historic tour of downtown Grand Junction with lunch at Café Sol afterward. There will be a small charge for the tour. There will be no tour in December. According to I.P. Potyondy the planned Oct. 21 of the Ute Water Conservancy District is problematic. Before we can tour it, members must clear a security check (full name, Social Security number, $6 charge). No cameras, cell phones or bags allowed at the site. A show of hands indicated most members were not interested in the tour with those requirements, but an email would be sent out to all members to determine if I.P. should follow through with it or go with a different idea. I.P. asked for ideas for next year’s tours and urged members to join the committee to help plan the tours.
Janet Johnson had a sign-up sheet for volunteers for our fall clean-up at Highline State Park on Tuesday,  Oct. 13. It will conclude with a picnic.
The raffle had concert tickets and a bottle of wine.
The meeting adjourned at 11:05 am

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter. Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $3,112.55 in our checking account and $6,500.71 in our money market account. Four new members were introduced: Jim and Pamela Hughes, Betty Lewis and Glenda Heath. Helen Stenmark and Alberta Husch were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. We did not have a guest speaker. Linda Ash reported on cards sent to three members in the past month. Susan Norton’s aunt passed away. Jamie Kaul’s mother died. Cynthia McCalla is recovering from surgery. Webmaster Joe Wharton asked for someone to help maintain the website in addition to Susan. He also solicited suggestions for changes to the site. Regarding special interest groups—Barbara Mysenburg announced the availability of the cook club’s reading list for the upcoming season. I.P. Potyondy gave a brief rundown on the next three lunch and tours: WPX Energy, the downtown fire station and the new Community Hospital medical building. Bob Noble reported on our farmers market booth and July 4 parade float. The booth yielded 18 contacts of people who said they were interested in the club. The Facebook posting about the parade has had 51 hits so far. Altogether, both were time and money well spent. Dennis Pretti said the two tours on the Glenwood Springs outing were very interesting. Those are ongoing and available to others if they weren’t able to go last month with the group. Other than another wine tasting at the end of October, no special outings are planned. Ideas are welcome. Dates were discussed for a fall clean-up of Highline State Park. Oct. 13 was chosen, and Janet Johnson will contact the ranger to make arrangements. The pig roast will be Sept. 7 at Canyon View Park. The price this year will be $20 for members, an increase from last year’s $17, but is still subsidized by the club. The cost for non-members is $25.50. Payment should be received by Del Wharton by Aug. 28. Alberta Husch reminded us that she’ll order magnetic name tags for $7. Joyce Olson said if anyone was interested in Grey Gourmet, it was possible to arrange to ride along on a delivery route to get a feel for it. The raffle had tickets to a Jazz Among the Grapevines concert. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 am

Minutes, June10, 2015

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at
10 am at the First Christian Church hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.

In Treasurer Susan Norton’s absence Bob reported we have $3,264.17 in our checking account and $6,500.18 in our money market account.

We had two new members: Cindy and Mike Duta and Lynda Knight.

Alberta Husch and Del Wharton were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments.

Guest Doug Van Etten spoke about the tremendous interest the community has shown in the formation of a local chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society. The public is invited to its meetings, but participation in its field trips is limited to once only without membership. Information is available at www.cas-gj.org.

Linda Ash reported on cards sent to Marcia Norton, who had surgery, and to the family of past member Jean Studer, who passed away in May.

Dennis Pretti said the Glenwood Springs trip on July 25 was on with 22 people signed up.

Doug Grodt gave a brief run-down on next week’s Lunch and Tour at a lavender distillery and a visit to WPX Energy in July.

Wayne McCalla said he’d welcome anyone who wanted to ride with him to a July 7 piano recital by Jundi at the Aspen Music Festival.

Our application for a booth at the downtown farmers market has been approved for June 25. A few volunteers have signed up so far.

Participation in the 4th of July parade was approved with a voice vote. Total cost for the application and decorations is expected to be about $75. An email blast will ask for volunteers before the event.

Dinner club is signing up members for the next season. Joe Wharton observed that those who haven’t been to a happy hour recently were missing a great get-together.
For the raffle, we had several items donated by members.

The meeting adjourned at 10:50 am.

Minutes, May 20 .2015

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the 
newsletter.

In Treasurer Susan Norton’s absence Bob reported we have $3,707.23 in our checking account and $6,499.66 in our money market account. 

We had two new members: Bonnie Null and Mary Herrera.

Ruth Trowbridge and Del Wharton were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. 

Barbara Bowman, director of the GJ Visitor and Convention Bureau, gave a presentation on the many aspects of the bureau. With a staff of ten and over 90 
volunteers, it was worked to attract visitors from around the world to “Colorado wine country.”

Linda Ash reported on cards sent to Mary Lou Martin and Geri Mishmash. She also expressed appreciation for the support she received after her brother’s passing.

Dennis Pretti proposed an outing to Glenwood Springs which would include a historical tour of the downtown

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at 10 am at the First Christian Church Hall. The last month’s minutes were accepted as published in the 
newsletter.

Treasurer Susan Norton’s reported we have $3,566.50 in our checking account and $6,498.06 in our money market account. The increase in our checking account was brought about by the payment of dues. Susan has a spreadsheet showing 2014 revenue and expenses which is available to anyone who’d like to review it. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read. 

We had a new couple who just joined, Tom and Susan Connor.

Alicia Adcock and Doug Grodt were recognized for preparing the coffee and refreshments. A brief discussion arose regarding the possibility of establishing 
a regular coffee committee instead of relying on monthly volunteers.

George Humfeld and four other members of the Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus sang two songs as a Valentine’s Day treat.

Avery Glassman, curator and program director of The Art Center, gave a thoughtful presentation on what it means to look at a work of art. Her goal as curator is to “design an exhibition that will be in itself a work of art.”

Linda Ash said it was a healthy month. She sent a card out to only one member, Cathy Zippert, who is recovering from surgery.

Bob Noble announced that the club had purchased a portable headset and transponder for the library. This will be kept there securely and designated for Armchair Traveler use. Janice Shepherd then gave a description of what to expect of Terry Adcock’s talk in March. She urged attendance at an upcoming talk on end of life discussion and at a library game night on March 1.

Doug Grodt will be doing a plant walk on the Monument in April. The March Lunch and Tour will be of CMU’s Theatre Department.

Dennis Pretti has set up another wine tasting for May 11. He and Wayne McCalla are developing a one-to two-day trip to the Ouray/Silverton area. Details will follow.Linda Ash said ladies golf will resume in March.

Barb Hill noted several special events at the Regal Theatre: Metropolitan Opera in Hi-Def, ballet and an art show on Rembrandt.

Judy Saxon brought up the need for volunteers at both Mesa View Retirement Center and Community Hospital.

For the raffle, we had tickets from the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and the Mesa County Concert Association.

The meeting adjourned at 11 am.