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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.

Women for A Better Louisiana
P.O. Box 8361
Metairie, Louisiana 70011-8361
info@wblno.org

Copyright© 2004-2010 Women for A Better Louisiana All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/08/2010