May 2016

DMARSPA MAY 26, 2016, MINUTES     President Justine Finley welcomed members, with a special welcome to our newest members and visitors.  She alerted people that if they used a parking meter, they should put in enough money to last until 1 p.m.  Change could be provided for people.   Hopefully, parking in the Hall of Pride will be available next month.     Shirley Corkhill introduced our May program, "Grace From The Garden:  Nurturing Your Inner Self," presented by Deborah Landwehr-Engle.   Deborah has authored several books, including two she will speak on today.  The one book features a foreword by the Dali Lama.  It has been translated into three languages.  She is a DM native and is cofounder of a women's program for spiritual growth.   She offers publishing services for authors.   She currently lives near Winterset.       Deborah believes that education had a big effect on her.   Her dad was a one-room school teacher.  Education was a foundation for her life.  Teachers do so much more than just teaching the content; solve problems, work as a team, have self respect.   You, as teachers, opened up something in your students.  Once students graduate, they don't have that structure, so it's up to us to keep nurturing our inner growth based on what we've learned.  Today, she shared some of those stories of people who nurtured souls.   She grew up the youngest in a large family that read all of the time.      Her favorite thing was going to the downtown library on a Saturday morning.  Some of her favorites were:  GONE WITH THE WIND, TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD, STUART LITTLE BOOKS.   Her friend loved to write, and developed a newspaper.   That inspired her to write a magazine.  Then they started making books.  At Hoover, they became coeditors of the Hoover Challenger.  For one story, they drove to Osceola and rode the train, doing a story afterwards.  She gave special thanks to her teachers:   Mrs. Maxwell, Jerry Wadden, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. McIntyre, Mrs. Yelick,    She Asked DMARSPA members to think about all the students each one touched through their careers.  Deborah related stories of moments when these teachers inspired her life, and nurtured her soul.  She went to Iowa State and got a degree in journalism.   Her friend became a reporter for a Texas paper, winning several awards.   Both maintained the love of writing.  After Deborah graduated from college, she worked for Meredith and the DM Register; but she wanted to freelance where she could have the creative freedom she used to have.  In the late 90's she started a column for Meredith about gardening.  She was flooded with names of people with stories.   She decided all of these good news stories, involving gardening,  needed to be put into a book, called GRACE FROM THE GARDEN.  She combined a honeymoon and interviews for her book.  Every single one of the people she met on the way, inspired her in some way.  Many stories are about helping kids.  One side trip was to Spokane, Washington, to interview kids who were in a troubled kids program in the juvenile justice system involving growing gardens.  Produce was given to homeless people.  Another story was about a garden in Hell's Kitchen in NY.  Small plot is reserved for just dirt so kids in that neighborhood can put their hands and feet in the dirt.  We need that not only physically, but for spiritual renewal.  One of her books even got a review in Oprah's magazine "O."   Another book was given to Prince Charles.  One day, when she was feeling bad for no reason, she asked God to heal her fear- based thoughts.   That inspired her to write another book.  She receives emails from all over the world telling her what the book has inspired in them.   Her book ONLY LITTLE PRAYER YOU NEED features a foreword by the Dalai Lama and  Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.  "We are made to live lives of tolerance, respect and compassion.   This simple yet extraordinary book gives our entire human family a tool to do so starting today." (Desmond Tutu)  Her granddaughter is taking up writing now.         
She discussed how we nurture our inner selves - 1. Following our dreams, no matter what state of life we're in. 2. Listening and asking questions so we can learn from one another. 3. Connecting with nature, and also with a greater power in this world. 4. Embracing joy rather than fear. 5. Knowing that each one of us has unique gifts and talents to share with the world.    Her next book is coming out in September.     A question session followed.     Members were able to buy her books afterwards.
     Justine thanked the speaker     March, April and May birthdays were recognized.     President Finley conducted the Pledge to the Flag, and paused for a moment of silence for those no longer with us; those who have special needs; and in gratitude for the fellowship we share , and the food we are about to receive.     Tables were dismissed for the buffet line, catered by Baratta's.     After lunch, President Finley thanked the wait staff for all they do to make our day  possible.     After some humorous jokes, At 12:15 p.m. The May 26th meeting was called to order by Justine. A. Secretary - Sherry Wilkinson read the April 28 minutes.  Minutes will be approved as read. B. Treasurer - Rosemary Hillman.  Please remember to mail or give your dues to Rosemary. As soon as the dues are paid, she can send the dues to the state organization.  Deductions for scholarships have been written and sent.  The scholarship fund is back to $360.71.   The other $1000 was taken from the checking account.  Balance for May 28, 2016, was $9,948.70.   Deposits - $1.924.00.  Expenses:  Baratta's $1144.00; Supplies-$133.64.  Total expenses - $1277.64.  Still have half of the people who have not paid dues.   Need to have dues paid to publish our directory.  The latest we can get dues is July 1.   She does have a list of those who have paid, if anyone wants to check.  Report will be filed for audit. C. Courtesy - Sue (absent). D. Legislative Update - Gary Thelen:  no report Old Business: E. Dues:  Remember dues are due.  Please get your check to Rosemary Hillman as soon as possible. F. Please inform Bill and Joelle of any changes in address, phone or email. G. A cashier chairperson is needed. H. If you have not filled out a volunteer sheet, please do so today. I. Please continue to record volunteer hours in your directory separate or label if time is with student (tutoring) or community (church).
New Business: A. The Program Committee will meet June 13, at 11:30 a.m., at Noah's.  Please send suggestions with contact information to President Finley by June 13. B. The new retiree luncheon will be in June.   Invite new or newly retired school personnel who express an interest in becoming a member.  Lunch will be gratis for those who come.  A personal invite from you is the best way to recruit President Finley recognized guests and visitors. Dee Fleischacker read the answers to the puzzles. The door prize was won by Gary Thelen President Finley adjourned the May 26th meeting at 12:30 p.m.  June 28 will be our next meeting, with the program, "The Panama Canal," presented by Gary Thelen. Respectfully submitted, Sherry Wilkinson Secretary

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