Notes from April 3, 2019 Meeting
Dear Everybody,
We opened our business meeting by greeting an original founding member of the group and longtime friend of Audrey Hickman – Bonnie Lucas. Bonnie was in the group about 29 years ago when it was meeting around a single table. Audrey, thanks for talking Bonnie into visiting. She is now the President and CEO of Law Enforcement Specialists, Inc. Her company places sworn officers into off-duty, private security details (construction, private security, traffic and crowd control, workplace, retail, etc.) Her contact information follows:
Bonnie Lucas, President-CEO
Law Enforcement Specialists, Inc.
602-295-5631 (cell)
623-825-6717 (office)
Bonnie@LESAZ.com
www.offdutypoliceofficers.com
The 50/50 raffle was won by Brooke Schiavone, who directed that the entire $57 be donated to Valley View Community Food Bank’s Jesse Ramirez (CEO). Thank you, Brooke. The food bank is preparing to grapple with potential shortages of food that are a result of any border closings that might occur, and reduced budgets in the schools that funded feeding programs. The food bank is also seeing an increase in requests for help from seniors in the Sun City and Youngtown areas.
Judy Haenel of The Tulip Tree flower shop has designated her store as a drop-off point for non-perishable donations for Valley View Community Food Bank. Thank you, Judy. We have been handing out a lot of Jello at the food bank, and oddly enough, it’s something few people think to donate. Sick kids and sick seniors all like their Jello, and cherry remains the favorite flavor among every age group. We also hand out a lot of boxed macaroni and cheese, tuna, and other foods that are shelf stable and don’t require refrigeration. Other items that are a godsend are evaporated and powdered milk (don’t say ugh – it’s great when there’s no way to keep fresh milk), and any kind of personal or baby products. Broken packs of diapers are also welcomed. We also take pet food so that our families actually eat the food we give them and don’t give it to their companion animals. I know we all have our own worries, but life is really hard for folks who don’t have much of a margin between them and the panic caused by actual hunger. Most of our clients are elderly, disabled, children, or the working poor. They aren’t who’d you’d expect them to be.
We talked a bit about the upcoming newsletter, which is taking a look at spring and the approach of summer, and seeks to debunk the old Arizona wisdom that the state dies in the summer and nothing happens. If you want to give me a suggested topic for your business, I will create an article for you. And if I can think of anything to say about you, I will do so, but there are no guarantees without prodding.
Lupe gave a last call for goody bag supplies for her 10th year anniversary event. She needs enough items for 100 bags if you are going to contribute. Let Lupe know if you have something you want her to include in her treat bags.
Brooke announced that there will be a Bunny Brunch at Z’s Fine Jewelry on Saturday, April 20. There will also be a Ladies’ Night on May 3 featuring wine, things to eat, and things to make. And the week of Mother’s Day the store will host kids’ crafts and discounts for dads. Brooke is also anticipating a continued frenzy of dance events with her dancing progeny.
Audrey said that her family will be in Washington, D.C. for the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 22. There also will be the local tradition of the Wigwam Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20.
Susan Fitzgerald told us that Rotary Club of Peoria Arizona is helping create a calming room for the Phoenix 911 call center. The group commends both the Fitzgeralds (Susan’s husband is Chuck) and Rotary for their support.
Marie DeAngelis mentioned that she is trying to put the “personal” back into “personal banking.” She has been with MidFirst Bank for a few years, but has been in banking for more than 40 years. She is also gracious about making our deposits for us, which is deeply appreciated. We are grateful to Michelle Torres for pointing Marie our direction after Michelle deprived us of her presence on Wednesday mornings. We are also hoping that Marie makes good on her promise to speak to us about scams to avoid. Marie?…
We wrapped up our meeting at about 8:40, and went back out into the world to fight another day. We’re women. It’s what we do.
Be careful on the roads. Driving while stupid is going on a lot out there.
Jody Serey
SereyJones Publishers, Inc.
www.sereyjones.com
623-561-0240
SereyJones Publishers, Inc.
623-561-0240
www.sereyjones.com