Notes from June 5, 2019 Meeting
Dear Everybody,
It was our business meeting and monthly raffle, so we started with a rousing 50/50 raffle that was won by Lupe Encinas, who then graciously donated all $55 to Judy Haenel to put towards the expenses for Pass It On Day.
Our wait person, Amberley Barteau, revealed that her family’s ranch outside Wickenburg is a source of grass fed local beef, and certain times of the year pork and lamb. Date Creek Ranch is operated by her mother Savannah Figueroa and her brother Ryan Barteau. The website is www.datecreekranch.com. The Facebook and Instagram are @datecreekranch. Her mother’s email is savannah@datecreekranch.com. The ranch also offers tours and other events. We talked about the possibility of going together to buy some fresh, local meat.
Judy Haenel revealed that she has signed on to put together about 400 smiling mugs for Make Someone Smile, July 24-28. She asked if we would be interested in doing a Design and Wine Evening or two to assemble mugs. We indicated that we would be on board to help her however we can. As soon as details are firmed up, she will let us know when and where we will assemble mugs. Brooke already indicated that her kids are ready to roll, so we will provide them with something other than wine.
Natalie Stahl was presented with the first copy of her new book, Aisles for Miles, published by SereyJones Publishers, Inc. The official release date is June 14, but the book is available for pre-release ordering on Amazon at https://amzn.to/2KrWcGQ. The author has graciously indicated that she will be happy to sign your copies.
Beth Deemer inquired about volunteer opportunities for kids at Valley View Community Food Bank. Volunteers of all age persuasions are welcome. To inquire about volunteering, email volunteer@YourFoodBank.org or call 623-444-9866.
Speaking of Valley View Community Food Bank – the food bank is going to get a boost from Z’s Fine Jewelry. Brooke contacted me after the meeting, and by the end of the day there was a plan in place and an army of very excited volunteers at the food bank. Here is part of my conversation with Brooke: Hey Jody! I wanted to reach out to you and chat about the food bank. We have done little donation drop off projects in the past, but we would love to do something more! After talking with Joe, we would really love to work with Jesse and Valley View Community Food Bank. We feel like that local need is so strong and we know during the summer months they are in need even more.
The idea for the event is to do a weeklong “diamonds do you good initiative.” We are thinking about doing some type of diamond dig beach theme and raising money for them. Joe and I are working out the details over the next couple of days and can give you more then … Joe and I will work out logistics today and tomorrow so I can have the details to you by Friday! The dates we are looking at are June 24th-29th. The idea is to have a diamond dig where clients pay a set amount, get a cup, and sift it with the chance to win a diamond. Those funds will be donated. Also we can do a food drive that week for essentials the food bank needs so this will yield physical food donations as well and monetary donations for you to fill additional needs.
So watch for final details about this fun event that will especially benefit some of the most vulnerable members of the westside community – kids and seniors. And thank you, Brooke and Joe, for taking this on. It is deeply appreciated.
Robin McCombs thanked Cathy Smitch for doing senior graduation pictures for her daughter. She said the only problem was trying to pick out a favorite photo from all her favorite photos. Ami Fraus announced that her pants project for Vicki Mikoch was successful, and Vickie will be going to New Mexico for the summer with new pants. In other clothing news, Landrie Stahl – who is being married on August 3 – is having problems finding a suitable modest-yet-beautiful wedding gown. She said that one gown she tried was so heavy that it cut off the circulation to her arms, which obviously is a problem since purple arms clash with bridal white.
Landrie and Kade (fiancé) are also very concerned about tacking down housing before the big day. They are settling in the East Valley, and rents have gotten into the nausea range, especially for a young couple just starting out. Any viable suggestions will be great appreciated.
Next week’s member speaker is Wendy Terrell, so come prepared with hair questions.
The meeting was eventually adjourned, once we got everything said.
Best wishes, and have a great rest of the week.
Best wishes,
Jody Serey
SereyJones Publishers, Inc.
623-561-0240
623-451-0834 (cell)
Correction (6-6-19):
Audrey pointed out to me that Savannah Figueroa is actually the fiancée of Amberley’s brother, Ryan Barteau – and not Amberley’s mother. Amberley’s mother owns the ranch, and Amberley’s brother and future sister-in-law do the bulk of the managing. For complete information, refer to yesterday’s notes.
Also, a couple of you have asked again for the Amazon link to where Natalie’s book is listed for pre-release sales. Here it is again: https://amzn.to/2KrWcGQ