Villages Hiking Club Board Minutes
Thursday, June 20, 2024, Forum Room – Cribari
Call to Order Meeting was called to order by President Bob at 9:36am with the following Board
members in attendance: VPs Social – Bibi Bruce & Linda Arbaugh; VP Membership & Website –
Jim Beyer; Treasurer – Bert Tang; Secretary – Cheryl Allmen; and VP Hiking & Trails – Gordon
Carbonetti. Guy Hoover, member of the fall outing committee, joined to give additional
information on the Santa Barbara trip plans.
Reports
Secretary – Cheryl emailed both the April 24, 2024 Board Minutes and the April 26, 2024
General Meeting Minutes to the Board. After a few wording changes given to both minutes,
Gordon moved acceptance of the board and updated /general April minutes, seconded by Bert.
Motion passed
Treasurer – Bert followed up on all the fiscal reports dated May, 2024 Reports previously
emailed to the board members. The Hill Project Lands Fund balance remains the same:
$2,279.72. The General Fund Financial Report has an ending balance of $7,573.26. Gordon
moved acceptance of the monthly fiscal reports, seconded by Cheryl. Motion passed.
VP Membership & Website – Jim shared the Club has 341 members including 9 new members
(Allan Baumgartner, Mark Scianna, Ann Tran, Terri Matsumura, Bill Quach, Tonya Johnson,
Barbara Kong, Sandy Pollack, and Stephen Thornberg) and l dropped member. He indicated the
web continues to be strong and is appreciating the addition of Marisue Cody’s support with the
name badges and Lucy overseeing the name badge distribution at the general meetings. Bob
indicated the recent marketing by himself and Cheryl at the May Villages Orientation for New
Residents yielded increased interest by new residents joining the Club. After group discussion
related to handling donation procedures for members who have passed away, Bert indicated he
will reach out as a “reasonable effort by phone” to determine if family members wish the Club
to send a memorial contribution to a charity of choice in honor of their deceased family
member. No action will occur if there is no family response. The Board also decided to delay
discussion until later in the fall on the topic of possible increase of annual membership dues
because of high inflation and increase of costs for food at socials/meetings.
VP Hiking & Trails – Gordon reminded the Board that due to the Villager newspaper changing
from weekly publications to twice a month and the increase on-line updates as well as hotlinks
to information, we’ll observe its impact on the promotion of our hikes and attendance. He will
continue sending our weekly blasts by emails. Gordon and Cheryl commented on the need for
more leaders to be trained and added to the Rambler hikes since both Sy and Guy are
challenged in locating enough leaders for the weekly Rambler hikes. Lastly, he shared that the
Committee for the October 23-25th Fall Adventure Santa Barbara Trip is making progress on the\planning of the event available by train and by car. Guy explained the details and costs
regarding Amtrak. Due to the train’s later arrival on Wednesday and time needed for check
into the motels, there will be no reception on Wednesday evening.
VP Social – Bibi announced the Thursday, September 19th End of Summer Picnic, which is
coordinated by Rose Egan. Event will begin at 4:30pm at the Gazebo and includes music by Ed
Knott.
President – Bob encouraged the Board members to give thoughts for next year's officers and
who would like to continue in their roles. He indicated that after 7 years, the Hill Lands
maintenance was completed. King Grading has finished the Garden Step & the Upper Meadow
refresh between Oak & Fox.
New Business-
Next, Bob brought up the topic of the Fall Outing related to its planning and asked the Board
member’s input on the motel handout. He reminded the Board that since Guy Hoover had
suggested a Santa Barbara trip numerous times and the committee also preferred it, the
following individuals volunteered to join the planning committee, including: Bob Bogdanoff
(lodging), Gordon Carbonetti (hiking), Guy Hoover (train, parking & trolley activity), Lucy
McProud/Deb Siedband (hiking & bike activity), Bernice Capitano (group dinner) & Wate
Bakker.
After contacting 10 different motels, Bob reported that October 23-25 (Wednesday to Friday)
are the best dates. He explained that 5 motels gave him the necessary feedback and costs.
After discussion with the Board, it was determined that the Milo Motel was the most
affordable motel with an beach view and lots of amenities and Bob indicated he would follow
up with them and sign a contract for 20 rooms. Cheryl suggested having a second motel as
backup since Santa Barbara will possibly be quite popular with those wanting to join the
adventure. Guy has researched transportation and recommends traveling by Amtrak
(approximately $81, round trip) or by car, approximately 5 hour drive from San Jose. Once
more logistics are solidified and the signed contract to the lovely beachfront Milo Hotel arrives,
information with be forwarded to the membership for signups via emails.
Board Meeting: No July Board Meeting; Thursday, August 22, 2024, 9:30am, Forum Room in
Cribari.
General Meetings: Monday June 24, 7:00pm back to the Foothill Center, Liz Giarratana-“Month
Long Hike on the River Thames Path in England; No July General or Board Meeting; Monday
August 26, 7:00pm, Foothill Center, Jim Koska – “iPhone Tips”; Monday September 30, 7:00pm
Foothill Center, Kim Silverman – “Professional Life Coach”; Monday October 28, 7:00 Foothill
Center, Margaret McDaniel – “Travel”.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:30am.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Allmen
Cheryl Allmen, Secretary