DANVILLE-ALAMO BOARD MINUTES - Monday, May 2, 2005

President’s Report: Anne Long called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and thanked Marianne Jameson for hosting the board meeting, providing refreshments and allowing us to enjoy her rose garden. Anne reported on the AAUW state convention. Association board members decided not to spend $300,000 for the International Federation of University Women (IFUW), as it would deplete the coffers. Last year’s Danville/Alamo garden tour won an award, which Jo Harberson will present at the installation meeting. The final board meeting of the year will be on June 6 at Anne Long’s home with dinner provided by Anne. Old board members need to speak to their replacements and provide materials such as binder, job description, by-laws and Policies and Procedures. On June 24-27 Anne and incoming President Pat DeRensis will attend the national AAUW convention in Washington, D.C.

Treasurer’s Report: Judy Lauper reported that there was presently $8,607 in the bank. After expenses for the year, she estimates there will be $3700 remaining. She will hand over complete treasurer’s report to new officer on July 22. The last day for turning in expenses to Judy is June 6. Judy suggested that when working out the new budget, members need to set aside money for conventions. Budget meeting will be in August.

Incoming President’s Report: Pat DeRensis stated that the state convention brought to life the mission of AAUW. The Legal Advocacy Fund is now supporting Dr. Pat Washington, who was denied tenure after six years of exemplary teaching at San Diego. California contributions to LAF totaled $132,000, and the top five contributing branches were given recognition. Danville/Alamo AAUW member Jo Harberson supports EF through the Eleanor Roosevelt fund where she matches member contributions dollar for dollar. She raised $7,000 at the convention.

Installation: Pat reported that Dianne Tinnes would host the installation of officers at her home on Sunday, June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It will be a pot luck luncheon, and board members are urged to sign up to bring a dish for 10 to 12 persons. Sally Jess requested that the local scholarship recipients come before the installation to be recognized, so that they might leave early if necessary.

Planning Session: Pat reported that Myrna Matthias would host the meeting at her home from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 18. A continental breakfast will be served.

Membership: Pat reported that there are no new members this month. Susan Terzuoli has the new membership renewals which will be due by June 30. The return address will be to Mary Kelly. Regular members will pay a total of $80.

Programs: Myrna Matthias reported that her goal for the year was to provide free events for members. The Christmas holiday social was a success, but Myrna overestimated the turnout for Wellness Day. She spent $ll0 for food but had much of it left over. Myrna absorbed half the cost. She is donating the remainder of the $200 allotted to her for programs to the two presidents to attend the convention. The Women’s Craft Fair and dinner at Round Hill Country Club was very successful. Myrna’s conclusion was that members do not always value free events.

Spring Garden Tour: Tena Gallagher reported that a total of 179 tickets have already been sold for the tour on Saturday, May 7. Both Tena and Anne Long have tickets available now. Tickets will also be sold on Saturday at the gardens. Tena has contacted all of the owners of the gardens, and there has been excellent publicity in the Contra Costa Times.

Tech-Trek: Jeanine Makely reported that there is $1200 left in the fund for next year. Nancy Andrin from Mills College has been contacted. The five girls chosen from the four SRVSD middle schools have sent in their $50 checks and thank you notes. An orientation meeting for girls chosen from Alameda/Contra Costa AAUW branches will be held on Saturday, June 11 at the Shadow Hills Clubhouse at 1 p.m. AAUW members are invited to attend. Debra Fong-Kong and Cheryl Kohlriter will co-chair Tech-Trek next year.

Local Scholarships: Sally Jess reported that her committee has chosen four very qualified women and plans to give each $750. Since there is $3153 presently in the fund, there will be a shortage of $350, if $500 in seed money needs to remain for next year. If there is not enough money available, committee members have volunteered to make up the difference. Pat DeRensis moved that the amount of seed money be reduced to $250, so that the four women may be funded at $750 apiece. The move was approved. Loretta Lewis suggested that the board set goals for both the Tech-Trek and Local Scholarship committees, so that they know exactly how many persons will be funded each year.

Advocate: Dora-Thea Porter reported that the front page of the June Advocate would focus on special recognition of local scholarships and the installation. The May newsletter is now available online. Dora-Thea urged members to check out the new website.

Nominating Committee: Connie Cady and Tena Gallagher will be in charge of the Garden Tour next year.

Pat reported that board positions still open include co-leader for local scholarships, gender equity and international.

New Business: Anne recommended that new officers attend the district AAUW training sessions at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lafayette on Saturday, June 4.

Myrna Matthias has contacted past Danville/Alamo board presidents about selling used books at AAUW functions two or three times a year to help to pay for the president’s expenses to go to conventions. Gus Slavin has agreed to collect and sell books at the membership brunch in September.

Mary Kelly made a motion to approve a check for $250 to secure Roundhill Country Club for the September 17 membership brunch. Pat DeRensis seconded, and the motion was approved.

Beverley Nidick, acting secretary