Villages Hiking Club – General Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 29, 2024, Vineyard Center
General Meeting was called to order by Bob Bogdanoff at 7:06pm with the following Board
Members in attendance: CoVPs Social – Linda Arbaugh; Treasurer – Bert Tang; VP Hiking &
Trails – Gordon Carbonetti and Secretary – Cheryl Allmen.
CoVP, Social–Bibi Bruce and VP Membership & Website –Jim Beyer were absent related to
health issues. Guests were introduced and 45 individuals were in the audience.
Officer Reports
VP Membership & Website – Jim (Bob substituting for Jim who is working through some health
issues and targets June meeting return in person.) Jim indicates the current membership is 333
members including 3 new members: Mary Lou Guzman, Amy Luong and Duc Luong. Bob
shared that Jim has completed 14 new name tags and Lucy McProud has agreed to continue
being the designated badge person at our General Meetings. The website continues to be
current and the Club’s weekly emails and updates from Jim will now be provided via MailChimp.
Secretary – Cheryl reported copies of the March 25th General Meeting Minutes as well as the
March 21st, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes were available for review at the back table and once
approved will be added to the Club’s Website. Motion was made and seconded to approve the
March 25 th General Meeting Minutes. Motion Approved
Treasurer – Bert shared Hill Project Lands Fund balance remains the same: $2,279.72. The
General Fund Financial Report has an ending balance of $5,443.93 (bank statement: $5,608.70
since some checks have not cleared yet). Total income of $902.00 included new membership
dues and several Nevada City Hotel outing payments. Expenses covered membership refunds,
5 months of Mail Chimp subscription payments and social committee food reimbursements.
The next 6 months of the Mail Chimp via PayPal will be paid and most likely reported as an
expenditure at the next meeting.
VP Hiking & Trails – Gordon updated everyone on the May 7-9 th Spring Trip to Nevada City
which will include a visit to the Empire Mine State Park with gardens and museum items
relevant to the gold rush. 25 individuals are registered to attend the majority have made
reservations at the historical hotel, National Exchange Hotel. Two other parties nearby at the
Northern Queen Inn. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking is somewhat congested in
downtown Nevada City. Attendees with a Handicap Parking pass are encouraged to bring it.
People are on their own to arrange carpooling. Tuesday will include a reception and on
Wednesday attendees are to meet up at the state park for hiking information and tours at 9am
followed by dinner at 6pm. He next asked members to think about leading local hikes and to
contact Guy or Sy to make arrangements for promoting the hikes.
VP Social – Linda shared the April 20 th Safari Dinner was cancelled since there were not
enough rsvps. She also announced the End of Summer Picnic which will be held on September
19 th beginning around 4:30pm at the Gazebo with some lovely music. She also announced the End of Summer Picnic which will be held on September 19 th
beginning around 4:30pm at the Gazebo with some lovely music.
President – Bob announced all contracts have been signed and King’s Grading has started its
work on the Hill Lands update. Included in the updates will be fences at the Rawhide Entrance,
Garden Step replacements and Upper Meadow repairs. He also announced we’ll participate in
the Club Expo next Saturday and the New Resident Orientation May 15 th .
Next General Meeting: June 24, 2024, 7pm Foothill Center, Liz Giarratana –“Month Long Hike
on the River Thames Path in England”; Monday August 26, 2024, 7pm Foothill Center, Jim Koska
– “iPhone Tips”. No scheduled May or July General meetings.
Before our Break, Bob indicated a surprise: Carol Baker led us on a song: Swinging Along the
Open Road. What enjoyment it was for the whole audience to join in on the special hiking-
related song!
15 Minute Break Bob gave a special thank you to the social committee for providing
refreshments and to Helen Ware for the handmade cookies.
Presentation was given by Jane Ruona on the informative topic “Easy Tips to Increase Your
Longevity” which included handouts and special brain, heart, lungs, mental health, Sepsis,
Gastro, Muscles/Joints, and immunizations to help keep us healthy and enjoy hiking.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:55pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cheryl Allmen
Cheryl Allmen
Secretary