March 9, 2019

NLAPW—Denver Branch Minutes

  1. Ruthy called the meeting to order at 11:00 am.
  2. Inspirational Reading: Ruthy read several inspirational quotes on writing.
  3. Members in Attendance: Beverly Chico, Raymond Cober, Kelly Ann Compton, Ruthy Wexler, Carol Ehrlich, Karen Gonzales, Ann Klaiman, Sue Luxa, Nancy Peterson, Atlanta Sheridan, Kay Taylor, Cathy Wield
  4. No Guests in Attendance.
  5. Approval of Minutes: The February Minutes are currently unavailable due to technological issues.
  6. Treasurer’s Report: Our current balance is $1059.38.
  7. Committee Reports:
    1. Website: Ruthy read Virginia’s report: There have been many technical issues with the site but I [Virginia] have decided to move forward and make the following changes:
  1. The Members page is now Meet Our Members. The page itself has been updated. Pages for people who are no longer members have been archived or removed. Newsletter pages older than 2017 have been moved to the Archives page.
  2. The News and Announcements page has been temporarily removed. The name will be changed to Spotlight and the page will be reconfigured.

Possible upcoming changes:

  1. I am working on a new calendar format which will allow more information and possibly a Google map.
  2. I am looking for different banners for each page instead of a static one used on all pages.
  3. I’m working on a privacy policy statement. The national site does not have a statement but I am going to include one on our site to avoid possible legal problems.
  4. There will be more changes. I will announce them when they are done.
  1. Membership: This is Cathy’s last meeting. Cindy Massey is joining and Kelly will contact Eunice about becoming a member as she has expressed interest in joining us.
  2. Tapestry for Peace: Ruthy reported that she has contacted Kerry Olson at DPS—Further work with the tapestry is on hold right now.
  3. Poetry-to-Go: Ann spoke about the program and how it is for students that puts teens students’ poetry on placards in RTD buses. It is now run by the Columbine Poets. If we make a donation, our name goes on the placards. Our branch will donate $125.00 to the cause.
  4. Old Business:
    1. We need a new membership chair and someone to be responsible for getting us a venue each month. Ray volunteered his home for meetings which is near Parker.
    2. April’s meeting will be at 9:30 am Ross-Barnum library (though everyone should be there by 9:00 to help set up.) 1st & Lowell Speaker will be author Christine Eber. We will have a business meeting following her talk. Her book: When a Woman Rises
    3. Guest Critique: We will hold the Guest Critique the first Saturday of May at Candlewyck Community room. Everyone took some of the flyers to put out in the community. We will have lunches brought in, Kelly & Ruthy will make the desserts. Please put the flyers out to spread the word and let branch members know where you put them.
    4. Nancy is turning over the old state records for NLAPW to Ruthy who will look them over and will take them to the main Denver Public Library in the Western History Department.
  5. New Business:
    1. Ruthy is stepping down as president and Diane will be stepping in to take the remainder of the year. Ruthy will continue to support our branch and will assist Diane when needed.
    2. We do need a new membership chair.
  6. Announcements:
    1. Lighthouse & Stories on Stage are collaborating on ”May my words fly free” (Words beyond bars—from people who have been incarcerated. Thursday night April 4.)
    2. Ray reedsy.com. a site for freelance editors Ray has the opportunity to join it.

Following the business meeting, Ruthy led us through some creative writing exercises.

Meeting adjourned at 12:24 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Kelly Ann Compton, Secretary

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