Chapter Minutes

June 1, 2003

The Gateway Decorative Artists meeting was held on June 1, 2003 at the Carrollton Club. Board members not present were Janie Parisi due to family considerations and Suzanne Glidden, who was out of the country. President, Allison Bacon, called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. She then welcomed all returning members and guests and announced a patriotic theme for today’s paint-in, which would be taught by Jan Rosenburg. She stated her desire to complete today’s business meeting by 2:30 p.m. allowing one-half hour for discussion and voting on a new meeting location. Allison then called on Vada Galvan to give the invocation.

Allison called for a motion to accept the April minutes as published in the newsletter. The motion was made by Vada Galvan and seconded by Jeanne Abraham. The motion passed. She then asked for a show of hands to accept the Treasurer’s report as filed. All agreed.

Allison then announced that three of our teaching members had passed the TDP program developed by the Education Committee of SDP. Congratulations were given to Gloria Falk, Vada Galvan and Janie Parisi on their accomplishment. Recognition will also be given to those who passed this program at the National Convention in Indianapolis. Allison then asked for everyone who had submitted items for the silent auction at National to stand up and be recognized and thanked them for their support of this new event.

Allison announced that our first chapter field trip would be a visit to Kimmswick on June 21. The plan is to meet at the Blue Owl for lunch at 11:00 and then spend the afternoon touring the town and shopping. Members planning to go are requested to RSVP to Allison so she can alert the Blue Owl how many to expect. Allison also reminded members attending convention not to forget the get together in the lobby area prior to the banquet.

The next order of business was the discussion regarding a new meeting location. Allison then explained the format we would follow for an orderly discussion of the proposed new meeting site. A comparison handout had been given to each member when signing in. The membership was first notified of our need to find a new location at the Christmas party 2002. Donna Wessel mentioned the search for a new location at the February 2003 meeting when she talked about some of the challenges facing the chapter this year. Allison developed a survey form with a list of criteria by which to evaluate a prospective site.

A total of 17 sites were visited and evaluated. Many more were ruled out because of cost or other considerations. The Board thoroughly reviewed the surveys and chose 5 locations to bring to the membership for a vote. A time limit was set for discussion of each location. A vote would then be taken to narrow the choice from five to two. A final vote would determine our first choice and a runner up. It was agreed prior to the voting that if for some reason we were unable to book our first choice, that the runner up would then become our new meeting site for 2004. The result of the first vote was as follows:

Bridgeton Community Center (on Saturday)--0
Days Inn – S. Lindbergh--19
Maryland Heights Community Center--1
May Center at DePaul Hospital--20
St. Ann Community Center--15
Total--55

The choice was narrowed to the May Center and Days Inn. The final vote was then taken.

May Center--33
Days Inn--23
Total--56*

*Another member signed in between votes

Having made our choice, Donna Wessel made a motion that the May Center be booked as our new meeting location for 2004 with the Days Inn as alternate should the May Center not be available. Jan Rosenburg seconded. Program Chairman, Toni Dosser, was asked to book the May Center. Confirmation of the preceding will follow in the next newsletter as well as at the September meeting.

Toni Dosser then updated the membership regarding upcoming programs and seminars. The Friday and Saturday surfaces for the Rosemary West seminar need to be paid for today. The cost of the deed box is $38 and will be picked up at convention. The lazy susan is $28 and will have to be ordered. Patterns for the projects will be mailed out when received. Signups need to be completed today so that Toni can confirm with Rosemary. Debbie Christenson will teach a sharing workshop on October 11. The surface is on display and may be ordered at a cost of $18. The workshop fee is $15. The Christmas party committee headed by Linda Nelson and Laura Heathcote is up and running. There will be a workday at Annett Dozier’s studio on July 12 with another date in August to be announced. The by-laws committee will have a meeting the week following convention.

Toni also announced the special plans being made for September when we typically invite prospective new members to visit. A short business meeting will be followed by a light brunch and a silent auction with the chapter paying for the luncheon. Members were invited to sponsor a table whereby they would be responsible for decorating and setting their table. This would include choosing a theme and providing the “linens, china, silver, glassware”, centerpiece, etc. The member would also supply her table’s dessert. It should be very interesting and entertaining to see the variety and imagination, which will be sparked by this endeavor. Allison will coordinate the donations for the auction. These items do not necessarily have to be painted pieces. Proceeds from the auction will be used to defray the cost of the luncheon with any remaining monies going into the general treasury.

Retreat projects were on display and the color booklets were available. Retreat committees were up and running. Ellen said that class size would be limited to 15 people. Some classes were limited due to the number of surfaces the teacher was able to procure. Retreat registrations will continue to be accepted following today’s business meeting. Teachers planning suitcase workshops during the summer displayed samples and provided sign-up sheets. Painted and/or unpainted suitcases and duffle bags should be brought to the September meeting. Ellen said she is not asking for donations for Shriner’s Hospital for September. She also reported having received $260 from various people and organizations to benefit the memory box program.

Maureen Wasserman is chairing the nominating committee this year. Her goal is to have at least two people on the slate for each office. Anyone desiring to run for office should contact Maureen. Allison also thanked Mary Jane for her wonderful efforts in providing today’s refreshments.

Cindy Hicks reported that we had 56 members present today along with three guests – Jo and Jim Lair and Dixie Reeb. Dixie became a chapter member today. Cindy reminded members that she would like to be notified in the event of illnesses, deaths or other notable occasions. This would then enable her to alert the Board, area reps and any other interested parties. Secret pal gifts were distributed and door prizes, donated by Gerry Klein, were awarded to Michele Kasban and Lida Gillam.

Allison closed the meeting with a reminder to everyone to stay for the patriotic flag paint-in taught by Jan Rosenburg. The cost for the project would be $4. With no further business to discuss, Mary Jo Kumer made a motion to adjourn at 2:05 p.m. Judy Sloan seconded the motion.

Respectfully submitted,
Donna Wessel
Recording Secretary