Tuesday, January 29, 2019

The New Year

Darn it is cold. But I guess it is winter and cold is to be expected. Our meeting went well. Mary opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. We had the usual reports. Judy Epps let us know that she is sending out the apps for the scholarship March 1. She hopes we have enough funds for two scholarships this year.
Mary reminded us that our February meeting will be a catered one (yea!).  But it will be at this meeting that we should bring school supplies. it is that time of year that supplies are low. We will take them to a school or to the teachers' closet. They are so appreciative of what we bring them. So don't forget.
We also need to be gearing up to select nominees for the slate of officers for next year.  That will be a difficult job as our membership is low although we do have over 40 members at this time.
Mary introduced John Thompson, an author and board member for Reading Partners.  he spoke about his child hood and his interaction with educators. he asked us all to consider becoming a reading partner. A reading partner is matched with a school. He/she goes to the school at least one a week and helps students. There is a short training session before you venture out to the school. It sounds like a really worthwhile activity.
Again we had an amazing lunch with homemade soup and sandwiches and desserts. Thanks to all who brought stuff for us to share.

November 2018

Our meeting was held a few days after Thanksgiving. Mary opened our meeting and requested reports from our different officers: Joan read the minutes from our September meeting and were approved by the membership. Judy gave an accounting of our monies. Several interesting events were mentioned. Robin Rogers group is going to sing with the symphony at the Gaillard December 17. Other holiday festivities were mentioned.
Then, Mary introduced our speaker, Brian Hicks Brian is a reporter from the Post and Courier.(My grandad used to call the paper the "newsless courier.") He spoke on the how and where he got information for his new book. He also told of some of the events he chronicled in his writings.
We had a delightful lunch during which time Mr. Hicks signed his book for those who purchased one.
I keep wondering where a lot of our former members are. I also wonder how we can boost membership. If you all have any ideas please let me or Sandy know. All thoughts will be greatly appreciated.