President's Message

President Lin Robinson

Hello Jardinerans! It was another enjoyable program yesterday as we heard the inside story of Albuquerque's film industry. How cool to be Kevin Costner's neighbor and be invited over for a beer. The Program Committee has really done an outstanding job this year, haven't they! Well done, guys! I loved the look on Sharon Masterson's face as she realized she was our choice for this year's Outstanding Service Award. I had spent the previous afternoon having fun going through old yearbooks, scrapbooks, and minutes to research her activities in Jardineros over the years. She has been an "outstanding" member from early on, since joining the club in 1993. We've been lucky to know her. Thank you, Sharon, so very, very much. If you missed the meeting, be sure to take a look at the November minutes. We had some very sad news this month, as well as some very happy news from several members. There are friends you will want to offer comfort and others to offer congratulations. I wish you all a Thanksgiving filled with love, happy moments, and many blessings. See you next month at our special December meeting and at our festive Holiday Party! Lin November 5, 2009

Hello Jardinerans! Many thanks to Barb Lawson, Rebecca Watson-Boone, Judith Austin, Carol Gabel, and Norma Ruptier for the September program, a stimulating and fun discussion on reading and book groups. Fall is here - my favorite time of year. I hope you are enjoying the cooler weather and the many festivals and harvest activities autumn brings. Jardineros is already preparing for next year. The Nominating Committee has presented a slate of nominees, sign-ups have started for committees and hostesses. Our October meeting will be a busy one as we vote for our new officers, continue sign-ups, pay our dues - yes, it's that time again! - and receive the proposed budget for 2010. And we will be enjoying one of the most delightful programs of the year - Who Let the Dogs Out? Mike LaFave, announcer at the renowned Westminster Dog Show, will present our own parade of darling doggies. All the dogs will be from local shelters and available for adoption. You just might find the furry bundle of love you've been needing to make your life complete! See you next month! Lin September 23, 2009     Patty Paws Parsons, Moreau's princess

Hello Jardinerans! Jardineros de Placitas has really been enjoying the fun days of summer. Our June program featuring members artists was superb. When we say "We've Got Talent" we're not joshing. It was followed last week out on the patio with balloon pilot and ABQ International Balloon Fiesta board member Mike Rice (husband of new member Janice McCrary). Mike brought his balloon and Tina Thomas showed us how to clamber into the basket. Another great program. I'm sorry I had to miss the May program with Bob Myers of the Rattlesnake Museum and his slinky friends. The rumors that I was chicken are wholly unfounded! And then the 4th of July Parade! Kudos to Parade Chair Pat Quick and all who participated in the fun. Jardineros' float was beautifully decorated by Sylvia Szarka and crew and manned by an enthusiastic contingent of members. I loved being a part of it all. There's more to come, of course. Janet Stanley, Education Officer for the Very Large Array, will be with us in August. Bring your husbands if they're interested. I remember when the Trippers toured the VLA a few years ago there were many spouses disappointed that the trip was limited to Jardinerans only. So tell your astronomy-minded sweetie to come along; he can enjoy the program and visiting with all the lovely ladies who make up our Club. Sadly I have to report that Tina Thomas will be moving on to Texas in a few days and that Georgia Vasko has departed for Colorado. Tina and Georgia were two of our most giving members, and it was my pleasure to have them as board members last year. We will miss you both so much! The friendships we make through Jardineros last through the years. What a wonderful Club! See you next month! Lin July 5, 2009

Hello Jardinerans! Mother Nature is obviously playing an April Fool's joke on us today. What happened to yesterday's lovely spring weather? Not that the wind and cold deterred you from attending today's meeting - what a fun program. We now know from Turquoise King Joe Dan Lowry of the Turquoise Museum that all turquoise is "real" (real turquoise-colored plastic, maybe) but not necessarily "natural." And that sometimes we might want the plastic over the natural stone. Thanks to Kathy Friedman for persuading him to visit with us and for a whole lot less than his usual $1,500 fee! Thanks also to Sandy Pilcher for having Laura Robbins and Cirrelda Snider-Bryan of Pathways come in March to tell us about the important wildlife corridor we have right here in Placitas. If you haven't seen the wonderful murals outside the wall at the recycle center, pull over one day and take a close look. We have more excellent programs to come. Talented people, don't be shy - be sure to sign up to participate in June's "We've Got Talent" show. It's always a favorite. There's so much going on with Jardineros these days. We have THREE new interest groups starting up - Photography, Movies, and Progressive Dinner. And lots of new members to get to know. Trippers are tripping all over the place, even out of state. And Barb Reeback's Benevolence Committee did the research and helped us make the tough decisions on how to donate over $4,000 this year to local organizations that help us all. Is this a great club or what?! See you next month when we hear about our fellow creatures, rattlesnakes in Placitas!!! Lin      Rattlesnakes want love too. Thanks to Nancie Gilbert for sharing this backyard photo by her husband Sandy. April 1, 2009

Hello Jardinerans! I hope you all enjoyed the makeovers of Susan McGrath and me. We had a blast. My gorgeousness didn't last too long, though. On the 10th I had my gall bladder removed. All went well and per doctor's orders I'm up and walking around. But let's just say I'm not too glamorous right now.       AFTER  BEFORE   AFTER    SURGERY         My very BIG THANKS to Charmaine & Sue M for arranging the amazing transformations. Remember that the Benevolence, Community Service, and Membership committees are having some important meetings this month (please see the Calendar and Announcements for specifics). Even if you didn't sign up as a committee member, your input is welcome, so give the chairs your suggestions. See you next month when we hear about Wild Things in Placitas!!! Lin February 15, 2009

Hello Jardinerans! It was great to see so many of you at our first meeting of the year. Kudos to Pat Quick for arranging a fun program to start us off. Dr. Richard Melzer gave an illustrated history of the Harvey Hotels in New Mexico. What an entertaining speaker! For those of you who couldn't be there, the change to Standing Policy 5 passed, Audit Chair Pat Spaltro reported that 2008 Treasurer Georgia Vasko did an excellent job keeping track of our money, and Parliamentarian Elaine Sullivan got your officers officially sworn in. Janice The Enforcer Dunsirn was introduced as my Sergeant-at-Arms, and I relinquished to her custody the Tek Six Air Blaster I was given at last year's installation to help keep order of you rowdy girls! The yearbooks are now available and once again Cynthia Snowden and her helpers have done an excellent job. I really like the new spiral binding, which One Stop provided at no additional charge. Historian Cathryne Richards presented me with a delightful scrapbook for 2008. I'll bring it to the February meeting so you can see it. We're off to a great year! See you in February.     Lin January 20, 2009

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