Member meeting:
The annual potluck thank-you supper was held at the GFC on Sept. 18,
2008, at 6 p.m. with 42 members plus their guests attending. As usual, the
culinary offerings were awesome and much enjoyed. It was a beautiful evening
and many members took advantage of the weather to tour the gardens. Major kudos
to their horticulturalist, Natalia Bjorklund, whose expertise is evident this
year. If you have not yet seen the GFC, make time to see them while the autumn
display is at its best. A huge thank-you is extended to all of you for the
hours put in and contributions made.
Every single hour you put in is valued and appreciated. Keep up the good
work, even if it is at one hour at a time! No one is more selfless than our own
Advisor, Kevin Jarek. We are so lucky to have Kevin! He puts in so many hours over
and above his own more-than-full-time job; he is always available for advice,
help or teaching. We would not be where we are today without him. Thank you,
Kevin!!
Project sanctioning form: Kevin presented the updated form.
It should help simplify the process of presenting projects in 2009 and beyond.
Keep in mind that all projects must be sanctioned every year, and for your
hours to be counted, you must work on a sanctioned project.
If you want
to work on something, simply complete the form and send it in. If there are
questions after the executive board reviews it, the project coordinator will
contact you.
One of the
goals for 2009 is to have a Web page for each project with before and after
photos. We have a camera, labeler and labels you can borrow, so start snapping!
It would be nice to have Show & Tell at our meetings too.
Elections: It is proposed the bylaws be
amended as follows:
1. That the
membership at large proposes candidates and not a nominating committee.
2. Effective January 2009, elected positions to
be effective for 2 calendar years and officers may serve up to three
consecutive terms in whatever position they may be elected to.
3. It is
further proposed that commencing January 2009, the vice president, executive
secretary and one member at large serve a 2-year term. The president, treasurer
and one member at large would serve an initial 1 year and in 2010 move to a
2-year term. By this method a minimum of three experienced officers would stay
in office, thereby achieving continuity and a smooth transition.
After 1
year on the board, any member may run for president.
All board
positions are open for re-election. Vice president, executive secretary and one
member at large are vacant. Meg Hunsader, Jane Lauer and Tom Brinkman have
completed their terms of office. Our sincere thanks for their valuable service
and contributions - they will be sorely missed.
The current
incumbents for president (Mary Learman), treasurer (Pam Hagen) and one MAL (Ken
Wegner), and recording secretary (Deb Neuman) are willing to continue to serve.
Position descriptions will be sent separately.
If you are
interesting in running or would like to nominate a member, please e-mail Mary
at britmary7@yahoo.com or call 920-739-9496.
The slate
will be presented at the October member meeting, and the actual elections take
place at the AGM in November. Terms commence January 2009.
Committee news: Karen DesJarlais is stepping down
as chairperson of the Education Committee, and will be replaced by Kathy Baum. Lynn
Coffeen will take over Kathy’s duties as state representative.
Dues: Many members paid their dues of $20
and took part in a drawing. If you have not paid your dues yet, these may be
sent to Denise at the UW-Extension office or directly to the treasurer, who
will also be collecting them at the October meeting.
Hours: are also due Oct. 1. You may submit
these to UW-Extension by mail, e-mail, or hand in at the October meeting. Since
the board needs to review and count them, please submit them as soon as
possible.
Habitat for Humanity: Looking for volunteers. New
graduates may team up with existing members for hours.
Paperless WIMGA newsletters: There are now 144 members in our
county. Only about one-third have signed up for the online letter. Before 2008,
16 members received the newsletter by email. Since February 2008, only 24 more
have signed up. This means that our group alone incurs all the costs associated
with processing, printing and mailing for more than 100 of our members.
Please help
us reach our goal of 90% participation by e-mailing Susan Mahr at
smahr@wisc.edu to add your e-mail address to the online database. In addition
to the newsletter, you will receive Susan's Scoop six times a year, and other
interesting and valuable articles periodically.
Meeting adjourned: at
Respectfully
submitted,
Mary
Learman, president