NLAPW Denver Branch
May 3, 2025
I. President Linda Volin called the meeting to order at 9:35 AM.
II. Members present included Diane Chambers, Rachel Seekamp, Atlanta Sheridan, Eleanor Binnings, Sue Luxa, and Risa Waldt.
III. In place of Andrea Antico who was not in attendance, Risa offered an inspirational message. Risa said, “It is such a wonderful opportunity for us Pen Women to be together and connect on zoom. It is wonderful sharing and being inspired by each other’s creativity.”
IV. Treasurers report: Kelly Ann sent in her report, relayed to us by Diane, saying that as our fiscal year ends we have a balance of $150.91. Kelly Ann says that everyone has sent in their checks for their dues and only one person has chosen not to renew her membership.
V. Committee Reports
a. Diane also reported on membership. Diane is frustrated with Meet Up, the app we are using to spread awareness about our organization and our branch meetings, because some of the people who are responding to our posting by RSVP seem not to be real people or not people who are serious about attending the meeting. Diane says many times when someone replies she then sends them a message asking for them to contact her by email so she can get their email address and send them the meeting invitation and zoom link. She says often the people never respond to her message and just disappear. Atlanta asked Diane if she thinks it would be worth it for us to renew our meet up subscription for Meet UP for another six months when this session expires. Diane said she’s unsure. So far we have only one person who has actually attended a meeting after finding us on meet up. Diane said one thing we could do is have all of our members RSVP to our meeting postings so it will show more people who are attending, and also members could leave a review afterwards on the Meet Up site which might also gain us some positive attention.
b. Rachel brought up an idea about setting up an email list on one of the apps like Constant Contact or Mailer Lite to make it easier for us to manage our member and guest lists and for sending email notices and meeting invitations. It might alleviate some of the work for keeping the guest list up to date and prospects or guests on the list can un-subscribe anytime they want. Everyone in attendance agreed that this is a good idea so Rachel will pursue setting it up.
c. Linda read the report from our web mistress Virginia, who reports that everything is up-to-date on our website and working properly.
d. Eleanor reported that the critique group is going well and there are slots open if anyone is interested in joining.
e. Regarding the tapestry, Sue Luxa has good news. Diane Chambers relayed the information to us from Sue, who was late to join the meeting. Diane said that the activity director at the memory care unit which is in the same complex where Sue lives at Windcrest has expressed interest in the tapestry. She thinks she can separate the six panels and use them for sensory activities with memory care residents. Sue will have more information about this later. Risa had an alternate suggestion for the tapestries if it doesn’t work out at Windcrest. She said we could contact the national Museum of Women In The Arts for a possible placement of one of the panels.
VI. Linda brought up the subject of finding some craft fairs where we could sell and sign our books. She said one possibility is Windsor Gardens in June. She will find out more information for us. Others talked about the possibility of doing another book signing at Barnes and Noble.
VII. Rachel reported on programs. Our presenter for our June meeting will be Janelle Hard who will present on memoir writing and healing. We do not have a meeting in the month of July. Our August presenter will be Kristin Martin who will speak about story-mind-mapping.
VIII. Linda reminded us that the next biennial will be in Washington DC in 2026 and proposals for a pre-presentations are now open. Details can be found in the Pen Woman magazine. There will also be a writers’ retreat. Members can find more information about it at nlapw.org.
IX. The editor of the Pen Woman magazine is asking for writers to submit stories of 600 words or less. Also book reviewers are needed so anyone who is interested can contact the book review chairperson at the national office.
X, As members were talking about finding more opportunities for book signings and sales opportunities, Diane announced that Highlands Ranch will have a fall craft fair on September 13th at the Eastridge Recreation Center. She will look into this event.
XI. The meeting adjourned at 10:29 AM followed by a program in which Rachel played a recording for us by a presenter named Erin Swann titled. “How to Craft an Emotional Journey for Your Readers.”
Respectfully submitted by
Diane Chambers