April 9, 2008

          Call to order 1:05 p.m. by Advertising Board Member Judy Lynch with 16 members in attendance.

Welcome to members. Judy explained the other board members, Ronne Lindsay, Carmen Cardwell, and Lindy Simmons were not able to attend due to illnesses. Judy thanked Farmers Rockwell Agency from LaPine for providing a wonderful luncheon, and Outback Gardens and More for being the Guest Speaker as well as The Lodge at Summer Lake for being the Business of the Month.

Julie Crowel representing CV Library and Raven Ridge Studio announced that the Spaghetti Feed at the CV Community Hall to benefit the Stone Family was a fabulous success. Julie spoke about the community participation in this fundraiser, and how it made her very proud to be part of this small community. Julie also announced that there would be an upcoming Weather Spotters class here in Christmas Valley on May 6th in the evening. May 5th there will be a Friends of the Library book Club Meeting and on May 19th there will be a presentation from the John Day Chinese Museum with artifacts with the topic of Chinese history in Oregon at 7pm.

Pat Stagner with CVParks and Rec and North Lake 4th of July Fireworks Fund, discussed the fireworks fund, that all is done by volunteer and donations. They are currently raising money for this years display. Donation cans will be out next week for the 4th of July raffle of a very nice crocheted quilt done by Donna Griffiths in the pattern of the American Flag. They also intend to do the Chicken Poop Pool again this year on July 4th at the lodge. Pat also let the members know that the Park and Rec will be placing playground equipment at the library. CVParks and Rec will be sponsoring summer fun classes for children (at least 6) and are currently looking for a scrap-booking volunteer to share their talents for one of the classes. Other members gave contact names of people they knew that does do scrap-booking and it was also suggested that perhaps some of the high school kids be contacted for their needed community hours project as well.

Donna Griffiths with Tinsel Tailor announced she is now open again for business! Star Lutz was present, a new member to the community as of October 1st this past year and announced that she has a new business called Dirt Works which does excavation, landscaping, site prep etc.

Amy Carter and Judy Rockwell from Farmers Insurance Rockwell Agency discussed the numerous different community activities they are involved in and sponsor (t-ball, football, baseball, wrestling) Judy sits on the LaPine Chamber of Commerce Board, is involved with Air Life, and is President of the Toastmasters Club. Judy and Amy informed the members that there are lots of different types of insurance available, including a new parent discount for parents of children ages 0-4 yrs commenting that studies have shown they are the safest driving group of drivers. Their agency handles fire, police, and teachers' policies as well. Judy made it clear that she will not over insure a client; she will educate you on your needs and not try to sell you something you don't need.

Anna Curry with Greater Oregon Federal Credit Union wanted to remind everyone that clean up day is coming up, and she will be spearheading that again this year.

Jana Kittridge representing Bella Media and Central Oregon Women for Agriculture, brought the members up to date on what COWA has been doing, also wanted to remind people that there is the annual beef dinner and pie auction for Fort Rock Grange coming up to benefit the Preservation/Reservation Project. There is also the Centennial Celebration on September 13th and 14th to look forward to, the events include a parade at 2pm on Saturday, also a BBQ from 5-7 pm and dance dessert social. On Sunday of the celebration there will be pastries and coffee served. There will be a quilt show, Dutch oven and spinning demonstration on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Celebration. Fort Rock is also creating a centennial postmark that they will be able to use on one day to postmark outgoing mail. There will be a community meeting the first week of May to discuss and further plan these topics.

Hank Burroughs with Fort Rock Historical Society let it be known that someone else before him stole his thunder on the Centennial Celebration announcements. All members enjoyed a good laugh in this great atmosphere! Hank updated the members on the spring break tours that came in, he said they were down from what they had known the previous year, yet had more local people visit, he thought it could have been due to possibly the weather conditions and fuel economy. The good news is that membership renewals are up and also the requested amount of tour groups compared to the last two years.

Katy Matchette announced that she is now a digital slave to the Chamber resizing ads for the new Tourist Guide. And Dennis Matchette added that he’s the floor sweeper! (Katy added that he also dusts. (and sensing the thought in the room but before anyone could ask, Katy let it be known that he is not for hire)

Kerri Puckett, Chamber Coordinator, presented web statistics for the month of March, and again asked people to check their listing for accuracy.

Judy Lynch, Advertising Board Member of CVCC, announced and reminded people that the Community Clean up Day will be Saturday May 17th, Anna Curry will be this years coordinator and thanked her for taking on that task. Judy said all would meet at the community hall, work the roadway of the town-site, thought it may be a good project for the high school kids needing to do a community project.

Guest Speaker, Lori Adams with outback Gardens and More, brought several items from her gift shop including Bamboo socks, tee's, Trapp candles, and pamphlets. Lori reminded people that this is now the time to do deep watering before we get into the restriction times of summer and can't water as freely, so the plants will have a reserve for those less water times. Lori has done lots of research in finding varieties of species that will grow here in our environment, stating that some species of roses do very well here, and they are a good way to get lots of color. She has a list you can pick up of trees and roses, and also get on her mailing list. On the 19th she will host a 'Chat and Chew' session, which is where you come in, have lunch and discuss plant related issues and questions. Lori will also host a Mothers Day Luncheon on May 9th at 10 am, creating container gardens, it will be $15 per person, no more than 40 people so be sure to sign up early. On June Thursday 26th from 10-11 am she will host a Kids Garden Club for ages 6-9 years old focusing on landscaping. Once again this year she will also host Hot August Nights on August 16th from 5-8pm. There will be a BBQ, live music and an end of season sale.

Marie Brain representing The Lodge at Summer Lake, April's Featured Business, gave a little background on The Lodge. The current owners, Marie and Gary Brain, Gil and Jan Foust purchased it in 1994, have learned and grown, currently have new carpet in and out, and are, to Gil and Gary's delight, having a new dishwasher installed. Marie conveyed the importance of the owners' commitment to the community stating that they live there; they eat the same food as they serve, and have great vendors who have served them well over the years.

Marie provided treats under the seats of all members, and invited them to draw them at this time, (I got a free desert; my favorite meal!!)

Judy Lynch, once again reminded folks about the clean up day on May 17th, and adjourned the meeting at 2:10 pm.