President's Letter - July 2009

Good morning Artisans

Tuesday night, July 14, ten members attended our meeting-auction.  
Although the group was small the fun was enormous!  Teri, Beth and I separated and priced all the stencils and sale items before the  meeting.  This made it easy for every one to pick, choose, and pay.   The larger stencils were held back for the auction which was held at the end of the evening.

As always, Beth was a most gracious hostess providing her lovely home,  delicious Sangria and a yummy punch with a punch.   We had our meeting  in Beths' cool family room while we enjoyed wonderful sushi, the most   amazing meatball, great Chinese Chicken salad, 3 bean salad and more.   We also had the ever so fabulous, "Fresh Fruit Strudel", from Hans and Harry's.

Before I begin discussing our meeting business, I would like to take  this opportunity  to bring you up to date concerning Joanne Cesena.   You may not all be aware that, Joanne was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  Joanne made us all comfortable talking about her feelings, problems with insurance and seeing more doctors than she has 
toes.  Now confident with her doctor, she feels ready for surgery.  Joanne is scheduled for surgery on August 12th, at 1:00.  We all expressed our sincere concern and offered our help if needed and of course, our prayers.  On August 12th we will all be thinking of Joanne and  and praying for a fast recovery.  I, of course, offered to come and visit her so I could eat the chocolates that visitors always bring.

Joanne's sister, Kathy,  just finished her last Kemo treatment that day.  We met Kathy when she arrived to pick up Joanne.  She is a cute little gal just like our Joanne.  A ball of fire, I might add, we had a lot of fun with her.  Let's add Kathy to our prayer list.

We all love you Joanne.

First, regarding membership, Kara will add new members and revise information where necessary.  I would like to bring closure to our web site problem so if any one has a number for Shelly Swartz, please email it to me.

Next, Teri gave an update on, "Cowsablanca".  Teri received an email from Sean stating that all the cows are back at Liberty Station and that the Auction has been cancelled due to lack of response  from the  supporters.   It seems the Auction too, is a victim of this tragic  economy.  The cows are for sale and anyone can submit an offer.

There was discussion as to different possibilities for the future of, Cowsablance.  Calls will be made by several of our members to people they know that may help direct us to a buyer or another alternative. We still have hopes of generating funds through a sale and then making  a contribution to the Radey Childrens Hospital as originally planned.  
For now it will remain in the brainstorming file, we will discuss it again at the next meeting or before if needed.

Last, Teri and I will go to Orange County on Wednesday, July 22 for a  workshop at Vella Venetian Plaster.  Audrey and Alice may go with us.   If you are interested, please call Teri ASAP.

Now the Auction!  Oh my did we have fun!!  No one left with bruises but we had some fun bidding!  There are only a few left, we'll decide on their destiny at a later date.

I look forward to seeing you in August at Melanie's.  Teri is deciding on one of several options for the August class, I know it will be a good one!

If any one has questions or concerns, please email or call me.

Thank you all and take care.

Brenda Glad
ABS President