Stockton Chapter Meeting Minutes for April 6, 2002
By Violet Dutra, Secretary

President Terri Torres called meeting to order at 12:40 PM. in Conference Room A Dameron Hospital following the video presentation of "An Untold Triumph." Those present were Jerry Paular, Anita Bautista, Sue Mangrobang, Virgie Melear, Mel LaGasca, Mario Oribello, Letty Perez, Violet Dutra, and guests UOP students Mark Quijano, Kristine Raguindin, and Ryan Himeda.

Minutes of March 2, 2002 were approved as distributed.

The students were introduced as members of Kilusan Pilipino (UOP club), which is presenting a program entitled "Echoes to be Heard," for their Pilipino Cultural Night, on Saturday, April 20. A souvenir program booklet will be distributed and they requested that our chapter advertise in the booklet. It was moved/seconded (Melear/LaGasca) that we purchase a half page $50.00 ad in the student program. Motion passed. Terri will e-mail the chapter's advertisement to the students on Monday, April 8.

OFFICER REPORTS
President Terri Torres reminded those present that there would be no meeting on May 4, and reviewed the May 4 Conference "Reclaiming the Legacy: a Conference on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders" that will be held in San Francisco for those who wish to attend. The next Stockton FANHS meeting will be held on June 1, 2002, with Ana Marcelo as speaker on "Catering to America: 80 Years of Restaurant Pinoys."

Terri reviewed the need to plan for the July L.A. Conference. Volunteers will be needed to man the bunkhouse display at the conference and are asking our members who attend the conference to volunteer for the duty. A final sign-up sheet will be passed around at the June meeting.

She announced that the April newsletter was ready for distribution to those present. The others would then be mailed. The next newsletter will be for July 2002, deadline for articles is June 20.

Terri updated the news on the request from the Monterey Language School; through the FANHS e-mail network someone was located to teach the class.

Terri had received an e-mail from Benjamin Alban who was looking for people interested in participating in a panel discussion on April 24 about teen suicide at the San Joaquin County's Mental Health Dept. A description of the program was distributed to those in attendance for their review. Several members seemed interested in participating.

Vice President Mel LaGasca reported that the Museum Project Bylaws are being reviewed and legal advice on structuring is being sought. Next committee meeting to be announced.

Treasurer Virgie Melear reported that there is $4840.60 in checking account, with some outstanding bills still to be paid.

All items have been moved from the smaller storage unit to the 10' x 10' unit and the rent has been paid.

Virgie reported that she still needed to look into the copyright issues regarding our license plates. The Midwest chapter was told they could order plates from us and in our next reorder, we will also have Pinay plates made.

In March, Dawn Mabalon brought some of her Berkeley students to Stockton to spend the day "visiting" Filipino American history. Virgie Melear and Anita Bautista participated as speakers. (See attached) The students first went to work an hour or so cutting asparagus, then met with Virgie and Anita for a question and answer session at Trinity Presbyterian Hall. Dawn would like to make this a regular semester event and it was suggested that more lead-time be given in the future for more chapter participation.

Secretary Violet Dutra passed around a thank you card from the Villa family, a letter from the Sister City Committee, and newsletters received from other chapters and the Asian Chamber of Commerce.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership: Violet Dutra reported that we have 127 members (25 members are in arrears). Membership directories are ready to be distributed to members only. They will be mailed with the current newsletter.

Fundraising: Mary Louise Lopez has contacted volunteers to take charge of the dessert table and to assist with the White Elephant table for the April 27 Museum Benefit event. Sign up sheets were circulated for those who can bring desserts, prizes, and white elephant items and who can assist in any way. Violet Dutra reported that 113 tickets have been distributed, 122 mailed to members, and as of this date, 30 tickets were sold, 7 returned, and $20 donated by someone who could not attend. Five press releases were mailed to area newspapers and one to cable TV.

October 19 Recognition Award Night: Reminder to send in nominations before July 1st.

OLD BUSINESS
Little Manila Landmark project meeting will be held at Philomathean Club House on Sunday, April 7, 2002 at 1:00 P.M.

NEW BUSINESS
Virgie Melear reported that the SUSD had contacted her to have us participate in their Multicultural Exhibit that will be held on May 16 at St. Mark's Plaza. Terri asked if anyone could volunteer for this event, but more information was needed. Terri will contact SUSD for more information and then contact chapter members. [Update as of April 21 - not enough volunteers to make the exhibit possible, Virgie Melear contacted SUSD to decline.]

Letty Perez donated to the chapter 40 issues of their premiere edition of Frank Perez's book "Saga of the Early Filipinos in America". They are being sold at $5 a copy. Virgie Melear gave Letty a receipt for her donation.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 P.M.

Next meeting will be held on June 1, 2002 at 10 AM at Dameron Hospital, Conference Room A, with presentation "Catering to America: 80 Years of Restaurant Pinoys" given by Ana Marcelo.

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