IN TRANSITION

MORE CHANGES IN MEETING PLACE
There is a saying that the only constant in this life is change. We're beginning to feel that may be true for Shreveport Writers Club! After many years of meeting at the same time, in the same place, we made a series of decisions this year to alter our meeting date, time and place, for a variety of reasons.

Some of those changes are working well, but unfortunately the issue of our meeting place is proving difficult. After two months, our new location informed us we would need to start making some contributions for the use of the facility and suggested we 'pass the hat' at meetings. However, our first contribution in that mode was pronounced insufficient and a request was made for $50 for each use of the space. Given our current membership, that fee is impossible as twelve meetings would take us past the amount of our annual income!

The SWC executive board did quite a bit of research and has found that free meeting space is nearly impossible to find, and where it exists it is not reliable, as far as our being able to claim priority on a regular basis. Our best option for the short term is the Annex building of the Bossier Arts Council, 630 Barksdale Boulevard in Bossier City, which we can use for a fee of $20. The space is large, easy to access on the ground floor and has ample parking very close to the entrance at the back of the building. This is also the location of the East Bank Theatre. If you are not familiar with the area, drive by before August 7 to learn the best route for you and plan to meet with us there August 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

MINI-CONTESTS
Now something fun! SWC members have accepted a suggestion from the board that we try some monthly mini-contests, open to paid members only. Volunteers will take turns choosing a topic or genre or writing exercise to assign each month. Members may participate for no fee and will bring their entries to the following meeting. The member who initiated the contest will find a volunteer judge, someone who enjoys reading and who will remain anonymous. The judge will be asked simply to read all the entries and pronounce one the favorite. Pamela Raintree has offered to create a traveling trophy/vase to go home with the contest winner each month.

For August, members may write a personal essay of 1000 words or less on the theme of "Summer in Shreveport/Bossier." DAVE HICKS proposed the topic and will find a judge. Bring your essays to the meeting with a cover sheet including the title, your name and contact info. No personal information should appear on the pages of the essay. At the September meeting DAVE will bring back the essays and the judge's selection and our first monthly winner will take home the traveling trophy.

In the meantime, other volunteers will make assignments for mini-contests in August and September, etc., so there is always a little friendly competition in the works, just another way to keep us writing.

DUES
We welcome new SWC member JOHN BRIZZI. As of the July meeting, Treasurer DAVE HICKS reports we have 17 paid members. If you are not one of them, please plan to get your dues paid by the August meeting. New rosters will be distributed in September and we want to include you. Also, you are only elegible to share in Round Robin Reading, Making a Mark submission awards, and now the new mini-contests if you are a paid-up member!

June meeting

SWC met Saturday, June 5, under the able leadership of new VP CHRISTY COWDEN. We welcomed visitor John Brizzi. Members passed an amendment to the bylaws which made some minor changes in assignment of officer duties.

Membership fees for 2010-2011 are DUE NOW! Several members paid dues at the June meeting. Others are reminded to take care of that quickly, as new rosters will be distributed soon and only paid members will be included. Also, some of our activities are reserved for members only, such as Making a Mark awards and Round-Robin Reading. Members will also enjoy reduced contest fees for the 2011 contest and will be able to participate in some mini-contests planned for members only this year.

MARIAN POE and BARBARA MOORE agreed to serve on the planning committee for a one-day conference to be held in conjunction with the 2011 Shreveport Writers Club contest. A third volunteer is sought for early planning. President BECKY HAIGLER will join the committee as well. Please let one of these ladies know if you would like to be on the core committee, or if you just want to contribute some suggestions for the event and logistics of the conference/contest.

Members voted to make a memorial donation to Willis-Knighton Hospice in honor of Marjorie Clayton.

New bookmarks with updated meeting information were distributed. Members are encouraged to watch for opportunities to share them with potential members.

July Meeting Notes

Right, outgoing President and Secretary, Russell and Jean McConnell, presided at the July 26 meeting of Shreveport Writers Club. Russell was presented with a table plaque thanking him for his four years of service to the club.



At left, Dr. Wilfred Guerin who spoke to the club on "Objectification," or bringing our thoughts, memories and feelings into form in poetry and prose.











Right, Becky Haigler, incoming President, holds new SWC information bookmarks and a gavel made for the club by outgoing President Russell McConnell.

Vice President Shirley Brown handed out updated membership rosters, reminding all that dues for 2008-2009 are now past-due.