Carole J. Greene, President
After enjoying our summer vacation, the NPC Board of Governors met Sept. 1, on its new “first Tuesday” meeting day. A few board members could not attend, but those who did took care of some important business.
Membership Chair Karla Wheeler presented one membership application, which we accepted, so we have grown by at least one member per month—and often many more—during the last year. With so many journalists and authors desiring membership, our club must be doing things right.
Program VP Randy Jones has nearly all the presenters lined up for the entire 2015-2016 year. I won’t announce them prematurely. I’ll just say our presenters will entertain, inform and challenge us to broaden our viewpoints. Look elsewhere in “Scoop” to learn about the program for our Oct. 19 luncheon. REMINDER: this year, our luncheons (except in December) will occur on the THIRD MONDAY, so mark your calendars.
Helene de Neergaard has been our luncheon photographer, but she has asked to be relieved of that responsibility. If any member would like to volunteer to take photos for use in “Scoop” and to send to Florida Weekly, please contact me.
Reports from ad hoc committees covered three events: First, our quite successful summer mixer at the Avenue 5 restaurant followed by watching our own Randy Jones in his villainous role in The Naples Players production of “Legally Blonde.” Next, a special outreach to FGCU journalism students scheduled for Oct. 29. Look for a detailed article in this “Scoop” issue about that. Finally, a report on the plans for our Dec. 7 holiday party and annual meeting. We have booked an exciting journalist for our entertainment and edification. We voted to cover from our NPC treasury the cost of one mimosa or champagne flute per person. We will enjoy a festive three-course turkey-and-trimmings meal. For the first time in years, guests are welcome. Because of the special menu, prices are set at $40 for members and $45 for non-members.
Speaking of luncheon prices, I need to remind you that our standard meeting costs will now be $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Non-members must pay in advance by purchasing Eventbrite tickets or sending a check to our reservations coordinator.
Connie Kindsvater has asked to be relieved from the position of RSVP coordinator. I need someone who is computer savvy and detail-oriented. Connie will teach you. If interested, please respond to me ASAP.
During October, I will appoint a nominating committee to determine who of our general membership would strengthen our board by becoming an officer or governor. If the committee contacts you, please consider this an honor as well as a responsibility. We have a lot of fun at our board meetings.
Look for Phil Beuth’s article in this issue of “Scoop” about our upcoming fundraising drive for our scholarship fund. Thank you, Phil, for spearheading this effort.
Finally, new member David Silverberg presented a report on an exciting special event he’s setting up for NPC—and for the community. On Nov. 21, at the Barnes & Noble Waterside Shops location, we will hold a book fair to showcase NPC authors and their books. Authors will be on hand from 4:30 to 7 p.m. (times subject to change) to talk about their books and autograph them. The deadline has already passed for submitting a book to be juried, but no deadline exists for inviting your friends and neighbors to buy books on that day. Here’s the super bonus: if you mention the NPC Book Fair at the check-out counter, B & N will donate a portion of the sale to our scholarship fund, administered by Champions for Learning. That’s all sales, all day long, not just our NPC authors’ books. Put this date on your calendar and come out to support our authors—and our scholarship fund.
Our next board meeting is Oct. 6. If you know of an issue we should explore, let me know immediately.
See you Oct 19 at 11:30, Hilton-Naples.