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NEWS
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WOMEN FOR A BETTER LOUISIANA
Minutes, General
Membership Meeting
February 24, 2010
The meeting of the General Membership convened at the second floor conference
room of Lake Marina Towers, 300 Lake Marina Drive in New Orleans, at 11:10 AM.
Present were: Lois Lanier, Second Vice President; Myrtle Dubea, Treasurer; Maria
Falco, Secretary; Barbara LaNasa, Newsletter Editor; Nancy Simoneaux, Membership
Chair; Harriet Aguiar-Netto, Science Fair; Margaret Ransone, Rosemary Clark and
Suzanne Mayeux.
Following the
Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of the Prayer, the reading of the Minutes
of the previous meeting was dispensed with by unanimous voice vote.
Lois Lanier, Second Vice President
then reported that both President Christine Trevett and Vice President Pam
Rogers were ill and unable to make the meeting. Rogers had sent a report that
she still had not heard when the Oak Street Planters would be part of the
official “opening” which WBL members might be able to attend. Pam also asked
that Harriet Aguiar-Nettto e-mail any pertinent information about the Science
Fair location, parking, schedule, etc. She is also involved in a new educational
project at City Park.
Myrtle Dubea and Nancy Simoneaux
reported on Memberships: Nancy stated that memberships renewed since January 1,
2010: one Sustainer Membership (Patricia Murray) @$150.00; 26 Members @$25.00
each, plus a donation from Betty Van Norman of $200.00; 2 friends @ $10.00 each;
and one Honorary Benefactor donation from Gwendolyn La Nasa and her husband
Kevin O’Sullivan @$2,000.00. Last year we had 49 members including one Honorary
Benefactor, one Sustainer Membership @$100.00 and five Friends @$10.00 each.
Myrtle Dubea reported receiving 32 membership renewals (see below).
Myrtle Dubea was recently named
one of three Jefferson Parish HEROES for her “environmental and civic pursuits”
on behalf of the Parish for over 30 years, and was awarded a ride on the
Centurions’ Parade over Mardi Gras. Macy’s also awarded her a beautiful suit.
CONGRATULATIONS, MYRTLE!
Helen Busby has problems with skin
cancer and was unable to get her drivers’ license renewed because of
difficulties with her vision. A phone call or card would be much appreciated.
Betty Van Norman is recuperating at home from her skin burns. Mary Lou Gandolini
has rejoined the WBL and is now back in Metairie.
Lois Lanier then called upon
Harriet Aguiar-Netto to report on the preparations for the Science Fair: Harriet
reviewed all the assigned times over the three day event for which members had
signed up and said she would call everyone on the weekend before to remind them.
The Pioneers would be coming on March 18; the set up and location is the same as
last year.
Myrtle Dubea then gave the
Treasurer’s Report: Opening Balance: $6,152.72. Receipts: Dues $425.00; Donation
$125.00 (items received today will be reported next month). Disbursements: P.O.
Box: $48.00; Child Advocacy: $198.45. Balance On Hand: $8,456.27; Of which
$4,508.58 is to be allocated for Child Advocacy and $140 to a brick for the
Lighthouse (subsequently Harriet Aguiar-Netto donated $60.00 toward the $200
needed to buy the brick); Thus leaving $3,807.69 in the General Fund. She also
reported that she had received dues from 32 members and would get with Nancy
Simoneaux to coordinate their records.
Barbara LaNasa urged everyone to
get their information to her concerning the April 21st meeting as
soon as possible since it takes three weeks to get the Newsletter out. Nancy
Simoneaux said she will try to get a Speaker from the Council for a Better
Louisiana. Barbara asked if there would be a Speaker at the May meeting. After
some discussion, it was concluded that the best alternative for the Annual
Banquet to be held at Ralph’s at the Park, would be to hold it as a social event
only, beginning at 11:30 AM, at a charge of $35.00 (with $10.00 going to the
club). Lois Lanier offered to call the membership for nominations of officers
for the coming year. Nominations will be presented at the April meeting and
elections will take place at the May Banquet.
Maria Falco then made a
recommendation that meetings of the General Membership be held on a Quarterly
basis, with Board Meetings to be called at the discretion of the President. This
would eliminate the need to search for Speakers on a monthly basis. After some
discussion of dates, etc., it was proposed that we set the Quarterly Meetings
for December, February, May and September. At the moment we do not meet in March
because of the Science Fair, and break for the Summer from June through August.
A preliminary check of the By Laws indicated no conflict, so it was proposed
that this item be placed on the Agenda of the April meeting as well.
Margaret Ransone, who has been on
the Board of the Metropolitan Crime Commission for twenty-two years, reported
that Mitch Landrieu, recently elected Mayor of New Orleans, gave a marvelous
speech at the Annual Meeting, indicating that the reduction of crime in the city
would be his prime objective and that he was currently conducting a search for a
new Police Chief, with the help of Raphael Goyoneche, President of the
Commission, and other prominent citizens from outside the city as well.
Suzanne Mayeux passed around a
copy of Gambit with an article about “Brass Roots” an organization to
help inner city children aged 9-14 develop their musical talents. It was agreed
that Myrtle Dubea would send a check for $200.00 from the Child Advocacy Account
as a donation to the “Roots of Music” organization in New Orleans. Their website
is:
www.therootsofmusic.com.
On Child Advocacy, Nancy Simoneaux
announced that she was still looking for a pre-assembled diaper changing table
for the NOPD. Nancy also reported that the Speaker’s schedule is prohibiting us
from having the Council for a Better Louisiana represented at April’s meeting.
Before adjourning, Margaret
Ransone passed out copies of a warning from the Better Business Bureau about
possible identity theft by individuals pretending to be working on behalf of the
US Census Bureau (Please see attached).
The Meeting adjourned at 12:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Falco,
Secretary
Minutes,
January
20, 2010
The meeting of the
general membership convened at the Build Smart Learning Center, 1001 S. Broad in
New Orleans, at 10:45 AM. Present were Christine Trevett, President; Pam Rogers,
First Vice President; Lois Lanier, Second Vice President; Recording Secretary,
Maria Falco; Corresponding Secretary, Barbara LaNasa; Linda Kraus, Nancy
Simoneaux, Alicia Davis, Rosemary Clark, Members, and Carol Green, Guest. Later,
Judy Fosco, Francine Hocevar, Harriet Aguiar-Netto and Kathy Wood joined them at
the Venezia Restaurant.
Before the opening of the Business Meeting, Forest Bradley-Wright, Director of
the Center, gave the group a tour of the facilities which included life-sized
examples of the types of building materials and techniques which they were
supporting for the re-building and re-furbishing of older housing in the New
Orleans area in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and especially to take advantage
of State and Federal rebates for such projects. Their purpose was to educate the
public as well as contractors about the materials and techniques that would make
for a “greener” environment. Among the energy efficient items demonstrated were
different types of insulation, lighting, flooring, bathroom facilities, kitchen
appliances, hot water heaters, radiant heating, air-conditioning, non-toxic
termite and pest repelling practices, etc.
Following the tour, the Business meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance
and Prayer. The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as distributed.
The Treasurer’s Report had been forwarded by Treasurer Myrtle Dubea and read:
Opening Balance: $5,468.68; Receipts: $900.15, including Dues ($150), AT&T
Refund ($13.66) Proceeds from the December Tea ($436), and a $200 donation to
the Child Advocacy Fund. Disbursements came to $168.11, including the Child
Advocacy Fund ($94), the Web Page ($44.85) and AT&T ($29.26). Closing Balance
:$6, 152.72, of which $2,707.03 was reserved for the Child Advocacy Fund, $140
for a Brick at the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Foundation Lighthouse, with $3,305.69
remaining in the General Fund. The group was reminded that the Annual Dues of
$25 were now due and several members gave their checks to Nancy Simoneaux to be
mailed to Myrtle Dubea.
Nancy Simoneaux and Linda Kraus then delivered their semi-annual Child Advocacy
Report, including multiple donations to the New Orleans PD Child Abuse Section,
and the NO Child Advocacy Center, and a recent purchase of 250 coloring books
titled “It’s OK to Tell” for the Audrey Hepburn Care Center ( also known as the
NOCAC). Gwendolyn LaNasa and Kevin O'Sullivan (daughter and son-in-law of Barbara LaNasa)
made a donation of $2,000 which they hope Chevron will match, as they usually
do. (Many Thanks!) Linda Kraus is looking at changing tables and will be
purchasing one soon. Also Sgt. Michelle Woodfork thanked us for the decorated
artificial Christmas tree they sent to the NOPD Child Abuse Section this
December.
Nancy also reminded everyone that Susanne Mayeux’s brother died, and that Betty
Van Norman had had a very serious accident at her home recently but is
recovering in the Baton Rouge General Hospital rehab unit.
Barbara La Nasa asked for materials for the Newsletter be forwarded to her ASAP.
Christine Trevette announced that Harriet Aguiar-Netto will be asking for more
help for the March Science Fair during lunch. She also asked if we should
nominate particular vendors to receive Certificates of Appreciation for their
good works this year.
Pam Rogers asked that pictures of this Learning Center be sent to Sue Marchal
for posting on the website. And other items were suggested as possible future
functions to be discussed at later meetings.
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12 Noon.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Falco
Recording Secretary
Minutes, November 18, 2009
The meeting of the General Membership convened at 11 AM at the second floor
meeting room of Lake Marina Towers, 300 Lake Marina Drive, New Orleans, LA,
70124. Present were: Christine Trevett, President; Pamela Rogers, Vice
President, Myrtle Dubea, Treasurer; Maria Falco, Secretary; Harriet Aguiar-Netto,
Helen Busby, Alicia Davis, Charlotte Felt, Judy Fosco, Francoise Hocevar,
Barbara LaNasa, Nancy Simoneaux, Batty Van Norman, Phyllis Hudson, Members; Jane
Bosworth, Guest; and Speakers Nancy Albert (Former President and Founder of WBL)
and Jean Callahan (Former President).
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the Recitation of the WBL Prayer, the
reading of the minutes was dispensed with and accepted as distributed.
Myrtle Dubea gave the Treasurer’s Report: Opening Balance: $5,540.89;
Receipts: $20.; Disbursements for AT&T and Child Advocacy: $131.91; Closing
Balance: $5,468.98. Of that Amount, the Balance for Child Advocacy is: $2,601.33
and for the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Foundation: $60.00. The report was accepted
by voice vote of those present. A thank you letter for our $50.00 donation to
the Habitat for Humanity was also acknowledged.
Nancy Simoneaux reported that there were no new applicants seeking admission
to the organization.
Nancy Simoneaux then gave the Child Advocacy Report on behalf of herself and
Linda Kraus (absent): Various supplies of snacks, drinks, clothing, toys, baby
wipes, diapers, etc., have been given to the NOPD Child Abuse Section since June
1st.Joyce
Adoue made a $100.00 donation and provided a large box of other items much
needed by the children. A changing table is still needed, in case anyone had one
that was no longer in use. Pam Rogers purchased the items on behalf of the club
that cost $104.13. Nancy made a plea to the membership to bring clothing, toys,
etc., to the general meetings of the organization—especially items that had been
outgrown, etc, by family members. She thanked those who did contribute for their
generosity and much appreciated help. She also displayed colorful brochure being
distributed by the New Orleans Child Advocacy Center to explain the Center to
children.
Harriet Aguiar-Netto reported that nothing new had been decided about the
Science Fair except that it would be held from March 16-18, 2010. She was
reminded that the 17th was St. Patrick’s Day and some people might not want to
come because of it. She nevertheless distributed a sign-up sheet for all those
who wished to participate; Pioneers will help out in the AM.
In Area Beautification, Myrtle Dubea reported that there were still no
plantings on Oak Street; that they might cost as much as $900.00 per planter,
not the $150.00 as stated earlier. (We had contributed $600.00 for four.) The
Poorboy Festival is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, and we had not yet
decided when to make our own trip to the location, because we would have nothing
yet to acknowledge for our donation. Later Pam Rogers suggested we open up the
bidding for additional moneys for the planters early in the Spring. When she
asked if we had received a thank you for the money already donated from Mary
Keaney of the Oak Street Association, Myrtle Dubea replied "not yet".
In Legislation, Charlotte Felt reported on the Republican Women’s Club’s
praise for Representative Steve Scalise’s proposals on Health Care Reform. (WBL
being a non-profit, independent organization, no comment was made on their
statement.)
Barbara LaNasa raised the issue of the December Tea since she needs
information for the Newsletter. After some discussion, the decision was made to
hold it at the "New Canal Lighthouse" meeting room on the Lakefront on December
13 from 2-4 PM. Judy Fosco announced that the sale of bricks was going well, and
that Ann Rheams, Executive Director of the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Foundation,
had written a letter thanking us for our donation of $200 at the last meeting.
She had also agreed to be our Speaker at the Tea. Judy Fosco volunteered to
handle the food; a charge of $20.00 per person should be sufficient. Parking is
available across the street on the levee side. Certificates and awards may be
distributed.
Myrtle Dubea asked that the Newsletter also announce that the annual
membership dues will be collected in January. Nancy Simoneaux asked if we should
not cancel the AT&T phone charge since she rarely gets calls on that number.
Myrtle replied that at $30 per month it should be cancelled, and the group
agreed.
Christine Trevett then asked how we should increase our membership. She
introduced Nancy Alberts, First President and Founder, to tell us about the
founding of WBL in 1986 when we had 600+ members. She replied that it had been
formed when the Women’s Council of the Chamber of Commerce decided to form their
own independent group when they had been literally "booted out" of the Chamber.
The group used to meet weekly, had their own mission statement and had
concentrated on environmental issues, like cleaning up trash on major highways,
including ML King Boulevard. Lots of uptown society ladies balked but did it
anyway, and the group got lots of publicity in the process—especially from
columnists in the Times Picayune. She suggested that we might do something
dramatic to get the eye of the public so that more women would want to join us.
She displayed four large scrapbooks of photos, newspaper articles and awards
received by the group in its early days.
Myrtle Dubea suggested we call the New Orleans City Council and write letters
to the editor of the newspaper about getting street signs restored that have
been missing since the hurricane.
Pam Rogers reported on behalf of the Tulane University Women’s Association
that President Scott Cowan will be announcing that the University is starting up
a Center for Disaster Control that will grant Masters and PhDs in Public Health
and Sociology. The event will take place on March 11 at the Freeman Auditorium
next to the Art Gallery. Four community organizers will speak, including
individuals from Levees.Org, Women of the Storm, etc., and that it will be
announced on all their websites and in the Newspapers.
Betty Van Norman praised our participation in the Science and Engineering
Fair in the past. Myrtle Dubea stated the "Taste of Italy" party held by
Jefferson Beautification and the Oswald-Dubea Arboretum was a huge success, with
the proceeds going to the LaSalle Park.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Falco
October 21,
2009
Minutes
Following Registration, the meeting was called to order at 11:00 AM at the Lake
Marina Towers (300 Lake Marina Drive, New Orleans) by President Christine
Trevett. Present were: Alicia Davis, Rosemary Clark, Myrtle Dubea, Judy Fosco,
Lois Lanier, Christine Trevett, Phyllis Hudson, Francoise Hocevar and Pam
Rogers. Guests in attendance were Nancy Albert (former President and one of the
original founders of WBL), Patricia Burke, Mary Cassard, Marlene Duronslot,
Dolores Holt, Mary Hullen, Joan Policastro and Marilyn Spadora
The
Pledge of Allegiance and the WBL Prayer were recited, and the reading of the
minutes of the previous meeting was dispensed with and approved as corrected by
committee by unanimous voice vote.
The
Business Meeting continued with the Treasurer’s Report by Myrtle Dubea: Opening
Balance $5,407.68; Receipts $390.01; Disbursements $331.61; Cash on Hand:
$5,540.89.
No
committee reports were given as most of the committee chairs were absent. Nancy
Albert, our Founding Member, was welcomed and guests were asked to introduce
themselves.
At
our last meeting, members gave Myrtle Dubea donations to give to Habitat for
Humanity in memory of Catherine Gaudin, one of our members who recently passed
away. She reported that we had received a thank you note from them in
acknowledgement of our gift. Christine Trevett reminded members and guests of
the upcoming Science Fair (March 16-18, 2010) and attendees were encouraged to
volunteer for this worthwhile event. Myrtle Dubea advised attendees that a
brick has been purchased to assist in funding the upcoming renovation of the
Lighthouse and we had received a beautiful certificate confirming our donation.
Myrtle advised we have an additional $40.00 toward the purchase of another
brick, if anyone else would like to donate. Attendees asked Myrtle how they
could donate and were told by Judy Fosco there were applications in the lobby of
the Lake Marina Towers.
The
meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am for lunch which was provided by Rosemary
Clark, Judy Fosco and Myrtle Dubea.
At
12:00 noon, Myrtle Dubea introduced the speaker, Mr. Deano Bonano, Jefferson
Parish Chief of Homeland Security. Mr. Bonano distributed information on
hurricane preparedness and flood protection. The information on flood
protection showed when the new levees would be completed. Mr. Bonano advised
the attendees of the innovations that Jefferson Parish has implemented to ensure
the parish will be more prepared for future emergencies. Some of the
innovations highlighted during his presentation were satellite phones, a “safe
house” for parish employees at pump stations, and a new communications trailer
that can operate even if all standard power and communications are not
available. Mr. Bonano advised that communication between parishes during an
emergency have also been enhanced. The handouts provided a website (www.jeffparish.net)
where you can register, at no cost, to be notified of any type of disaster
effecting your home and/or neighborhood. Just go to their “Home” site and click
on the link under “Important Information” entitled “JP Alert Emergency System
Registration”. Several questions were answered before Mr. Bonano concluded his
presentation.
The
meeting adjourned at 1PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine S. Trevett/Myrtle Dubea
President/Treasurer
Remember our troops in your prayers
CHILD ADVOCACY:
Seeks to improve the lives of children through support of specific children's
issues dealing with neglect and or abuse; supports the NOPD's Child Abuse
Section and works to make courts more sensitive to the needs of children in
court cases. Networks With other organizations concerned with children's safety
issues and supports legislation in the best interest of children in our
state/country
The following is a list of the items we hope to provide to the New Orleans
Child Advocacy Center and to the NOPD Child Abuse Section of NOPD. If you can
help us with any of these items please call WBL at 488-2119.
New Orleans Child Advocacy Center:
1. Healthy/fruit box drinks or the HONEST KIDS brand
2. Granola bars
3. Graham crackers
4. Cheese cracker sandwiches
5. Small fruit/jello paks
6. Rice crispy treats
7. String cheese
8. Individually wrapped cookies
Make sure you look at the expiration dates.
New Orleans Child Abuse Section
1. Healthy/fruit box drinks or the HONEST KIDS brand
2. Granola bars
3. Graham crackers
4. Cheese cracker sandwiches
5. Small fruit/jello paks
6. Rice crispy treats
7. String cheese
8. Individually wrapped cookies
9. Baby wipes
10. Play pens (can be used as bed)
11. Pampers
12. Baby powder
13. Baby bottles
14. Baby food and snacks
15. Paper cups, plates, forks and spoons
16. Clothing for newborn to 12 year old
17. Socks for one to 12 year old
18. Spill proof cups
19. Futon
20. Diaper changing table
21. Medical dictionary
22. Clear plastic storage drawers for clothes
23. Fun videos for children
24. Children's books, coloring books, safety approved crayons (regular and large
for toddlers)
November 2009 Newsletter
To read the print version of the WBL Newsletter, click
here.
October 2009 Newsletter
To read the print version of the WBL Newsletter, click
here.
May 2009 Newsletter
To read the print version of the WBL Newsletter, click
here.
here.
January 2009 Newsletter
To read the print version of the WBL Newsletter, click
here.
November 2008 Newsletter
To read the print version of the WBL Newsletter, click
here.
October 2008 Newsletter
To read the print version of the WBL Newsletter, click
here.
Yellow WBL Membership Pin with Your Name
If you would like to have this membership
pin, call WAND RUBBER STAMP WORK, INC. at 467-7878 to check on latest price.
This summer they cost $7.50 plus tax and postage and totaled $9.68. They
are very nice to wear to WBL meetings and meetings with other groups.
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