Recap of February 2012 meeting

HI GANG:

HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH EVERYONE. WE HAD A SLIM TURN OUT FOR OUR FEBRUARY MEETING. HOWEVER, MANY NEW ITEMS WERE DISCUSSED AND DECISIONS WERE MADE. WE WOULD LIKE TO PASS THEM ON TO YOU ALL. SOOOO HERE GOES.

1. OFFICERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED
To start our year off with a bang we finally made the leap to a real style organization with officers and the whole enchilada.

Chairman - Dianna Contreras - She has been with support group since 2005 and has some marvelous new and energetic ideas.
 
Vice Chair - Kathie Hall - Some things do stay the same....Kathie has agreed to help in any way she can.

Secretary - Our very own Becky Schnee - she has been the keeper of the blog and our directory...plus she is willing to step up and do more for our group.

Treasurer - Our resident Chiarian - Hope Morris has graciously accepted the position of Treasurer.

Shelley Norris is retiring her active duty for the 2nd or 3rd threat - and has become the Member at Large.  After 12 + years of dedicated service, her retirement is well earned.  

2.  MEETING TIMES/PLACE
Due to lack of meeting attendance, we are changing the meetings back to once every calendar quarter....that means we would meet -
Jan - April - July - Oct  
So NEXT regularly scheduled MEETING will be THURSDAY, APRIL 19TH.  ST JOE'S OUTPATIENT REHAB 11AM-1PM

We are hoping that our crowds will increase as it is not easy getting quality speakers to speak for 7 or less people per meeting.  So we are hoping at any rate to get more of you back to our meetings.

Also we are changing the day of the week back to Thursday at 11:00 am -1:00pm.  The location will remain the same - St Joe's Outpatient Rehab - Conference Room.  We are still looking for an evening meeting place and are open to suggestions as to times and places....with hopes of making time for a Kids with Chiari (or Syringo) as well.

3. OFF SCHEDULE MEETINGS
 As some of you miss our monthly meeting - feel free to put together an impromptu meeting if you wish.  But be sure and notify Dianna and or Kathie what you are planning so 1.) we all keep on the same page and don't cross plan without knowing and 2.) we can advertise in "general email" and "blog", so those who wish to attend whether in the "area" or not can.

4. FIELD TRIPS
We are hoping to plan some field trips to different facilities around the valley - just to do something different ex . ActiveForever - store that has marvelous items that make everyday living a little easier.

5.  FUND RAISING
We have been talking about fund raising not only for the large Charitable Organizations but for our group as well.  So we can develop a 'general'  fund....what a novel idea...suggestions were: bake sales, raffles, CM/SM  T-shirts, bracelets, car washes etc....you get our drift - maybe not the most glamorous ways to make money - but certainly tried and true.

6.  FORMING COMMITTEES
It was decided we would form working committees so more persons can be part of the crew.  And several of  you have already volunteered - so thank you so much.

7.  RECRUITMENT OF NEW MEMBERS
We discussed incorporating those of like symptoms as we have done in the past....Ex:  Transverse Mylitis, Spinal Cord tumor persons etc all have similar symptoms so all can benefit.  So see what you can come up with each of you.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW - ENOUGH ALREADY DON'T YOU THINK....WE ARE STILL IN THE PLANNING STAGES SO LOOK FOR UPCOMING PLANNING SESSIONS - NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MAY BE CALLED UPON.

Thanks again to all of you for your continued support.  Let's make it a great 2012 year!!!

Shelley and Kathie,
AZ Syringo & Chiari Support Group