November 25, 2024 Villages Hiking Club General Meeting Minutes
Call to Order President – Bob Bogdanoff called the meeting to order in the Foothill Center at 7:05pm
with the following Board Members in attendance: CoVPs Social – Bibi Bruce, Linda Arbaugh; VP
Membership & Website – Jim Beyer and Secretary – Cheryl Allmen; and VP Hiking & Trails – Gordon
Carbonetti. Treasurer – Bert Tang was absent
Officer Reports VP Membership & Website – Jim welcomed guests and members with approximately
49 individuals in the audience and announced that the Club has a total of 355 member with the addition
of 4 new members in the last month: Laurie Aknin, Robin Epifano, Tom Baldwin and Mary Kelly.
Website is doing fine and next year’s dues of $15/year notifications will be sent soon to the members.
Secretary – Cheryl shared copies of the minutes from the previous month’s Board and General meetings
were available for review at the back table and website. Lucy McProud made a motion followed by a
second from Wendy Werner to approve the minutes. The membership in attendance approved the
minutes.
Treasurer –Bob subbing for Bert explained the October and November financial reports indicating the
Hill Land’s Account remains the same-$2,279.72. Balance for the General Account is $16,091.69
(September ’24) and $8,901.19 (October ’24) Because payment for the Santa Barbara Trip trolley and
meals will take the Village’s team time to process and add to the attendee’s HOA statements, the club
may need to borrow (and later payback) funds from the Hill Land’s Account to ensure all payments for
the trip are covered
VP Hiking & Trails – Gordon announced that he had changed all the trails mailboxes and will be
providing more sign-in sheets at each of the trail entrances. King Grading has completed its 2024 plans
and John Trudeau is creating new signs for the Upper Meadows. The Board has designated funds for a
picnic table for the Upper Meadow highlands viewing area and will follow up on obtaining it and adding
“You are Here” signs at the main gate entrances to benefit new members and visitors who are beginning
their hikes. Lastly, Bob announced a special November 21st hike had occurred, celebrating Ben
Friedlander’s 1,000th hike to the top. Congratulations were given to his very special accomplishment!
VP Social – Linda supported by Bibi shared that the Saturday, December 14th Holiday Party title has
changed to the Hiking Club Holiday Hors d’oeuvres Party with Music and appetizers will be served
instead of dinner. Included in the music will be Ed Knott, trios and triennium (3-some) and Carol Baker
and singers to lead the audience in a holiday singalong and dancing will also be available. Cheryl Allmen
agreed to be the MC for the evening. Guests are asked to bring a hardy appetizer and BYOBs. The Friday
December 20th Holiday Lights Walk will be led by Michelle Bresland.
President – Bob shared the Nominations for Next Year’s 2025 Officers, including: President – Bob
Bogdanoff; VP Social – Linda Arbaugh; VP Communications & Website – Jim Beyer; VP Membership (new
position) – Marisue Cody; Treasurer – Bert Tang; Secretary – Cheryl Allmen. VP Hiking & Trails – Gordon
Carbonetti. Election was held and all nominees were elected by the membership for the 2025 Board.
New Business – Bob announced he plans to conduct a 2025 Annual Survey in January and stressed the
value of asking the membership what’s important to them, what topics/speakers/activities/hikes etc.
are of interest for the upcoming year. He also indicated it helps new members get acquainted with the
different options available to them as well. Next Meetings: No December General or Board Meeting.
January General Meeting will occur Monday, January 27th at 7:00 pm at the Foothill Center
Break – 15 minutes break occurred and a thank you given to the social committee and those providing
refreshments.
, Presentation: Speaker Michelle Bresland, presented a very informative talk on her “Trip to Finland to
view the Northern Lights”. She replaced the previous speaker who had to suddenly cancel due to
driving conditions in inclement weather.
Adjourned. Meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Allmen
Cheryl Allmen, Secretary