Jardineros de Placitas MINUTES November 4, 2009

President Lin Robinson called the meeting to order on November 4, 2009, at 9:45 a.m. at the Las Placitas Presbyterian Church.

She announced member Pat Frederick died October 31st. There will be a memorial service held at Our Lady of Sorrows at 9 a.m. on Monday, November 9th and a reception at the Frederick's home following the service. Cathryne Richards is the contact person for the reception details. Check our website for additional information.

Introduction of Program

Pam Buethe introduced the program "Lights, Camera, Action."

It was presented by Anne Lerner of the Albuquerque Film Office. It was very enlightening and entertaining. Some of the topics discussed included the revenue films bring to New Mexico, types of incentives for filmmakers to make films here, and how to become an extra.

Introduction of New Members

Lin Robinson introduced Pastor Elizabeth Lyman as an Honorary member.

Recognition

Guests, as well as members celebrating November birthdays were recognized. Many thanks were extended to the hostesses of the month, Doris Cain, Nancy Kellum-Rose, Joan Jander, and Jo Anne Fredrikson:

The snacks were outstanding and the All Saints Day and All Souls Day decorations were both fun and creative!!

President's Report

Outstanding service Award: Lin Robinson presented the Outstanding Service Award to Sharon Masterson. Congratulations are in order for Sharon! Sharon joined the club in 1993 when there were only 68 members. Alas, Sharon is moving this month to Oklahoma. She will certainly be missed.

Lin reminded everyone the 2010 dues of $50.00 are due. Payments may be sent to Treasurer Sandy Pilcher or mailed to the Club's P.O. Box which is listed in the yearbook.

Lin also reminded members to sign up as hostesses and to join committees for 2010. It's a great way to meet other members.

October 2009 Minutes

Susanne Dominguez: The September 2009 minutes were accepted as written.

Corresponding Secretary's Report

Jo Anne Fredrikson acknowledged a thank-you note from Placitas Community Library for the Chamiers regarding the Scott Chamier memorial donation, and an invitation from Haven House. She also encouraged members to make donations for coffee and tea served at the meetings.

Treasurer's Report

Sandy Pilcher presented the Treasurer's report for October 2009. Starting balance as of September 30, 2009 was $------- with an ending balance of $-------.

Committee Reports

Community Service: Sharon Masterson stated the collection next month will be toys. Please bring them to the December 2 meeting.

Sharon is holding a Community Service meeting Friday at 10 a.m. at her house to discuss how to handle some emergency requests for this year and to discuss next year's program.  She announced next year's Community co-chairs are Mercia Bailey and Ginny Ricciardelli. Congratulations gals!

Sharon also reminded us to sign up for this Saturday's highway cleanup. Contact Annie Gross or see the website for further information.

Christmas mailers for our troops are available at the Merc, the post office, and 1st Community Bank. They are free and have instructions/suggestions on what to fill them with. The cost to mail them is $13.75.

Holiday Party:

Pam Buethe announced the Annual Holiday Party is scheduled for Sunday, December 6th at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya. Tickets are $50.00 each and can either be purchased from Pam Buethe or another committee member.

Programs:

Pam Buethe discussed the December meeting. It will be a social with musical entertainment. Please bring a toy to be donated and cookies for Haven House and Casa Rosa.

Yearbook: Cynthia Snowden, our yearbook editor, requested any changes and/or corrections for the 2010 yearbook need to be received by her as soon as possible as the completed book must go to the printer prior to December 15th. Please email her and try to do so before the deadline so she has sufficient time to complete the yearbook. Thank you Cynthia for the taking charge of the yearbook publication and for all the effort you put into the preparation.

Bird and Plant of the Month

Diane Wise spoke about phainopeplas which are part of the Silky Flycatcher family. She shared some great photos of them taken by Pat Spaltro. Pat spotted them in her yard where they nested earlier in the year. They have red eyes and a ragged crest. They are an inch smaller than cardinals whom they resemble.

Diane requested next spring, if anyone sees them, to please note where they are nesting and contact either Pat or Diane. They are trying to place Placitas on the map as part of Desert Open Spaces and they need documentation via photos.

The plant of the month is sage. Diane passed around a sample of the fringe sage. Sage is a native plant, makes a good ground cover, and blooms in fall. It is used in ceremonies and medicinally by the pueblo people. She recommended a book about how the pueblos use plants, by Bill Dunmire.  It's entitled "Wild Plants of the Pueblo Province".

Diane will be teaching free classes in January and February. The upcoming issue of the Sandoval Signpost will have detailed information. A class in Albuquerque at Bear Canyon Community Center will be held on Thursdays, while Placitas Community Center will host the classes on Fridays.

Old Business

Lin Robinson noted that a quorum was present.

The proposed 2010 budget was brought for a vote. Susan Fullas moved to amend by decreasing the item for "programs" by $250 and increasing the item for "benevolence donations" by that amount; the motion was seconded and there was discussion. On vote the motion failed. Jo Anne Fredrikson moved to amend by decreasing the item for "community service" by $500 and increasing the item for "benevolence donations" by that amount; the motion was seconded and there was discussion. On vote the motion failed. Vote was taken on the proposed budget; motion carried. Thanks to Treasurer Sandy Pilcher for all her hard work.

New Business:  None

Announcements

Barbara Rosner reported Mickey McCaughan is fighting another bout of cancer. Contact Barbara if you are interested in making a contribution toward audio book downloads for Mickey.

Nancy also mentioned a free diabetes workshop. A diabetes educator will conduct it. It will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo on November 14th, 9-10:30 a.m. RSVP at 917-3494.

Trippers Chair Pam Buethe reminded us this month's program is a tea, scheduled for November 12th at the St. James Tearoom. Contact Sue Overley or Judy Gajkowski for reservations.

December's trip is scheduled for December 9th ,and will be at the Utility Shack . If interested in attending, contact Dena George or Pam Buethe.

Pam announced she is hosting a Trippers Committee meeting to discuss the 2010 trip planning at her home on December 10th. Contact Pam for details.

Cathryne Richards announced she brought the Community Center newsletters to the meeting and reminded us the center is holding a Holiday Craft Sale on November 21-22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. She is giving a chocolate and truffle class at the Center on December 8th. Contact her for additional information.

Diane Shelfer announced she is looking for a home for a darling Pomeranian dog who is smart but doesn't get along with older dogs because she is too frisky and young. If interested contact Diane or Clardel Walker.

On behalf of Judy Gajkowski, Clardel Walker reported on "Picture Placitas," a community endeavor. The informational brochure is available at the Placitas Community Library and on the Library's website.

Rebecca Watson-Boone (left) gave us an update on the Placitas Community Library. The good news is the library is still on track to open January/February. The bad news is the State cut the $145,000 funding grant for furniture and related items from their budget.

Happy Dollars

Nine Happy Dollars were received this month.

Cynthia Snowden exclaimed she is very pleased with Lulu, the dog she adopted at last month's meeting.

Sharon Masterson sold her home. We will miss her!

Janice Dunsirn is thrilled with her new twin grandsons. Keep that camera handy!!

Judith Austin's daughter was married recently so Judith now has more grandchildren. We are so happy for Judith.

Diane Shelfer (right) will soon be a great-grandma. Congrats!!

Meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susanne Dominguez
Recording Secretary