President Lin Robinson called the meeting to order on September 2, 2009 at 9:30 at the
Las Placitas Presbyterian Church and announced there was a quorum present.

Program

The program was a panel discussion led by Rebecca Watson-Boone, one of the Placitas Community Library Co-Directors.

Other panel members were

Barbara Lawson

Judith Austin

Norma Ruptier

Carol Gabel

An enlightening, informal discussion ensued that ran the gambit from "why join a book club/book group" to the diverse characteristics of book clubs. For instance, one of the Jardineros book clubs includes themed menus during the meeting, while another book club focuses entirely on the discussion at hand. Another book club chooses to relax around a kitchen table and combine the discussion in a convivial atmosphere with tasty snacks. The manner in which books are selected, the depth and preparation of discussions, and the group size all vary depending on each individual book club's choices. In other words, each club determines its own guidelines.

All the panel members agreed respect for fellow members in both book selections and listening to each member's presentation is paramount. There was also a consensus that sharing and exchanging thoughts and books expands our horizons.

All book clubs are open to Jardineros members unless they are closed due to limitations on the club size. Any Jardineros member is welcome to organize a new book club. Barbara Lawson will be delighted to discuss the procedure with interested members.

An informative document compiled by Barbara Lawson citing many book club members' favorite books was passed out. Four book-related websites were included. They are as follows:
1. www.sparknotes.com (Similar to Cliff Notes
2. www.tbrNetwork.com (The Book Report Network)
3. www.bookreprter.com (Lots of excellent information on books)
4. Book: Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason by Nancy Pearl (Sasquatch Books, 2003)

Thanks to all the panel members for an outstanding program!!

Introduction of New Members

Membership Chair Barbara Lawson introduced new member Susan Kramer
(Susan is on the left).

Recognition

Lin Robinson thanked and recognized the hostesses for the month,

Wendy Ayala-Hinds, Toni Justice,

Val Forbes,

and Margaret Bolshazy, as well as members having September birthdays. The hostesses provided a beautiful array of delicious appetizers.

President's Report

Now is the time to sign up for committees and hostesses for 2010.

Lin presented a Certificate of Appreciation to our club from Casa Rosa Food Bank. Thank you, Casa Rosa.

Nancy Worden and Wendy Ingram

August 2009 Minutes

Susanne Dominguez presented the August 2009 minutes, which were accepted as written.

Corresponding Secretary's Report

Jo Anne Fredrikson presented a thank-you note from Haven House. It was designed by a local student and was precious!!!

Treasurer's Report

Susanne Dominguez, on behalf of Treasurer Sandy Pilcher, presented the Treasurer's report for August 2009. Starting balance was noted at $-------, with an ending balance
of $-------.

Committee Reports

Community Service:

Sharon Masterson stated the collections of "Coats for Kids" will be extended for next month, along with the planned October collection.

Save the date---Saturday, November 7th is the 165 Highway Clean Up Day. Details to be determined soon.

Wendy Ingram organized a quilt-making project earlier this year for Haven House. The end result is an impressive array of 17 beautiful and unique quilts, handmade by Community Service members and bound for Haven House. They were all displayed today. Kudos to all those generous and hardworking gals who created the quilts!!!!

Holiday Party: Pam Buethe announced the upcoming Holiday Party is scheduled for December 6th at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya.

Tickets are $50.00 per person. Music (cabaret style) will be provided by "Music Inside out Productions." They have a regular "gig" at Marcello's Chop House restaurant in ABQ Uptown, if you wish to listen to them .

Something new being utilized this year is advanced table reservations. This will eliminate the "mad dash" for tables. When you purchase your ticket, you will be assigned a table. Keep this in mind if you wish to sit with specific people. On the other hand, it's fun meeting and getting to know others whom you may not know as well.

Program: Sue Markewitz announced the October program will be "Who Let the Dogs Out" presented by Mike LaFave. Mike is the announcer for the Westminster Dog Show. It will be a dog show.

Nominating Committee: The 2010 officer candidates will be voted on at next month's meeting. The following members were nominated by the Nominating Committee:
Treasurer - Sandy Pilcher; Recording Secretary - Deborah Neuman;
Corresponding Secretary - Barbara Lawson; Vice President - Janice Dunsirn;
President - Pat Quick. Members may still nominate others if they are interested.

Janice Dunsirn, Deborah Neuman, Barbara Lawson

Bird and Plant of the Month

Pat Spaltro spotted one in her tree and contributed some great pictures. It's black with red eyes, white patches on the wings, and as Diane describes it "very spiffy, like it just came from the carwash" ! It looks similar to the cardinal except for the bill and the crown, which is ragged. They've already left the area since they are migratory. Next year if anyone sees one, please advise Diane, because it's quite extraordinary to see it.

The plant of the month is the New Mexico Olive.

Diane also brought home from northern New Mexico samples of the burdock plant. The burdock is not native to New Mexico but is now considered naturalized because it's been here so long. It likes lots of water and high elevations. Due to its tiny burrs, which are similar to tiny hooks, it was the inspiration for velcro. George de Mistral, a Swiss engineer, developed the idea of velcro from examining the burrs attached to his clothing , after being around the plant. Fascinating!!!!

Old Business

Bylaws Committee: Elaine Sullivan, Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, conducted the vote for the proposed amendment to Article VI, Section 5 of the Bylaws.

It was approved and reads as follows :

Section 5 Voting

a) Each Board position is entitled to one vote
b) Casting a vote via email will be allowed if a majority of the Board agrees
that discussion of the issue is not necessary and that a vote by email is acceptable. The Secretary shall record Board members votes by email the same as votes during a meeting.

New Business: No new business

Announcements

Interest groups:

Other

Lucinda, a former homeless person, "created a simple pin in the shape of a house as a fundraiser for the homeless." Nineteen years later, Lucinda now owns a thriving business "dedicated to creating affordable fundraising jewelry for the purpose of bringing much needed financial help and awareness to non-profit organizations." The pins both raise awareness for issues related to the homeless and raise funds for non-profits. Contact Ellen if you are interested in purchasing these unique pins.

Linda Heath announced the Annual Bernalillo Wine Festival will take place this weekend.

Many talented local artists, including Linda, are showing their artwork . Sounds like a fun event and great way to spend the day!

Peggy McCormick was unable to attend today's meeting , so Lin Robinson explained Peggy still needs frozen mice and is still available for wildlife rescues.

Happy Dollars - A total of $4.00 in Happy Dollars were received this month.

1. Best wishes to Sue Markewitz on the birth of her new grandson.

2. Congrats are in order for Diane Pasuik-Shelfer. Her son was recently married in Ohio.

3. Congratulations to Kathy Friedman on the birth of her new grandson.

4. Our very gracious Prez, Lin Robinson, deserves an enormous pat on the back for closing escrows on two houses and moving on the same day!! Quite a feat Lin!

Meeting was adjourned at 12 Noon.

Respectfully submitted,
Susanne Dominguez
Recording Secretary