september 26, 2013

President Bob Noble called the meeting to order at
10 am at the First Christian Church Hall with a minute of silence in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001. A copy of the August minutes had been placed on each table in the meeting room, and it was explained that distribution of the minutes in this manner, in addition to publishing the minutes in the newsletter and on our website, was being tried instead of the usual reading of the minutes. The executive board is also looking into making revisions of the club by-laws and will report to membership later. The minutes were accepted as recorded.

Treasurer Susan Norton reported we have $1,870 in our checking account and $6,489 in our money market account. The subsidy to this year’s pig roast was $634.02. Susan discussed how we now have a positive cash flow with reduced expenses, but we need a cushion since expenses, specifically meeting room rental, could rise at any time. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

Guest Mary D’Amico, a case manager with Partners, gave a presentation on the Partners mentoring program.

Mary Tirone and Reid and Marilyn Worlton were recognized for preparing the coffee. The need for volunteers for December and January was noted.

New members David and Toni Austin were introduced.

Linda Ash reported that she sent cards to John Lorentzen, who had knee surgery, Mel Davis, who had gall bladder surgery, and Roger and Wendy Bain on the death of Roger’s father.

Doug Grodt gave details of the upcoming Sept. 18 tour of Pig-a-sus, a pot-bellied pig sanctuary, and lunch at the Strayhorn Grill in Loma. Janice Shepherd spoke about the holiday luncheon which will take place in lieu of the December lunch and tour. It will be at the Clarion Inn on Dec. 18, with a choice of three entrees for $21.50. The price includes a contribution to HopeWest on behalf of a harpist who will play for us.

Dennis Pretti urged more people to sign up for the Sept. 19 bike ride in Glenwood Canyon. Canyon Bikes will rent bikes if needed and shuttle us from Glenwood Springs to the east end of the canyon, and we’ll ride back. The cost is $18 for the shuttle and $39 for both shuttle and rental. Details are in the newsletter.

President Bob Noble announced that the club has arranged for a group clean-up at Highline Lake State Park on Oct. 8. We will meet at the ranger’s station at 10:30 am and will be given bags for picking up litter. After an hour’s work we will have a lunch of brats and burgers which the club will pay for. A sign-up sheet was available at the activities table. Information would also be in the October newsletter and would be sent out by e-mail as well.

Janice Shepherd urged members to attend the Armchair Travelers’ presentation on Oct. 21 in the renovated Mesa County Central Library. She will present Cambodia and Viet Nam, which she and her husband visited last spring.

As to unfinished business, the board has not made any decision on what to do with surplus money. That and revisions to the bylaws will ultimately be presented to membership for a vote. Suggestions are solicited on both issues.

Helaine Cohen reminded us that the Texas Tenors will be performing with the GJ Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 26. Her husband Jess and she are underwriting the concert as a present to the community to celebrate her 80th birthday.

Carolyn White announced the Symphony Guild would be selling tickets for Champagne, Canapés and Cheesecake before the Oct. 8 Symphony performance.

Geri Mishmash requested that someone help with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which should have tags for gifts made available at the November coffee.

Jan Curtis missed this meeting and therefore we did not have the usual merchant donations for a raffle. 

However, since Helaine Cohen had provided two tickets to the Texas Tenors, it was decided by vote to raffle the single item rather than refund the tickets already bought.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:59 am.