December Disneyland Luncheon

The League Meeting for December was a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Disneyland Hotel on nearby Lantau Island. Twenty-four members and guests were greeted at the entrance of the hotel by the staff and warmly welcomed with a glass of eggnog and carolers singing our favorite Christmas songs in the Sorcerer’s Lounge. The group was then addressed by Martin, our tour guide, who told us what the agenda was for the morning.

Before the tour began, Debra Joyce, President, welcomed everyone, and introduced the guests. She invited all the guests to join the League and talked about the remaining programs Debra announced that there was a correction to the November minutes, which Phyllis Lubbers read aloud. The membership voted to approve the corrected minutes.

After a tour of the hotel rooms and gardens, the group entered the spacious kitchen where a baking demonstration of ginger bread cookies was prepared on our behalf. Then we were divided into small groups of three, and given cookie dough, cookie cutters, icing and candy to decorate our own cookies. The kitchen staff later presented us with our own goodie bag of fresh ginger bread cookies.

Lunch was served in the Crystal Lotus Restaurant with Chef Rudy Muller introducing all the courses. There was traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, and baked cod, as well as tasty appetizers and a Christmas pudding for dessert. The food and service were exceptional. All in all it was a fitting way to start the holiday season. Additional photos taken at the meeting provided by Rachel Monballiu can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Rachel.monhk



*These minutes were posted as drafted and will be approved at the January 2010 meeting.

MINUTES November 10, 2009 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

Robin Ernest wlcomed everyone to the November meeting. She gave a brief outline of the morning's agenda, and then welcomed new members and guests before turning over the meeting to Regine Pocsatko who introduced the program and speaker. Trini Leung, PhD, the Executive Director of Carbon Care Asia, gave a presentation on our "carbon footprint." Dr. Leung explained the concept, which refers to humans' production of carbon dioxide and how it contributes to global warming, then offered solutions that we as individuals could do to offset our carbon footprint. A brief question and answer period followed. Further information on Carbon Care Asia can be found a http://www.carboncareasia.com/.

Robin Ernest, Vice President, conducted the business meeting in absence of the president, Debra Joyce. Phyllis Lubbers, recording secretary, read the minutes of the October meeting. Robin Ernest proposed that the minutes be accepted as read. Jane Buck questioned whether a quorum was present. The acceptance of the minutes was then tabled until a review of the bylaws can be made to determine what constitutes a quorum.

Robin announced that Susan Vermeulen has resigned as membership chair as she is moving to Japan, and a replacement must be found. Robin provided a brief description of the duties involved. Some of the duties include: working closely with the treasurer to maintain current records, and being responsible for the distribution and collection of nametags at the monthly meetings.

Amy Van Laak, Communications Chair reported that members can access the League BLOG archives for information on past programs, in addition to reading the minues of the previous monthly meetings. She encouraged everyone to visit the site.

Sandra-de Lange, Voter Services Chair had nothing to report regardng voter registration.

Robin Ernest read the Treasurer's Report in the absence of the Treasurer, Robin Brown. The checking account had HK$10,150.99. The savings account has HK$19, 383.42. Total assets are HK$29,534.41.

Robin Ernest reminded the membership of the upcoming meetings. On 8 December, the monthly meeting will be at the Hong Kong Disney complex. There will be a tour of the site and a luncheon to follow. On 12 January 2010, the monthly meeting will be held at the US Consulate where members will have the opportunity to meet the new Consul General and his wife. There was no new business. Meeting was adjourned.

Respectively submitted,

Phyllis Lubbers
Recording Secretary

*1. Corrections to the minutes: Hopefully all have read on the blog site. Before we can have them approved, we have to make a correction as the meeting place was to have been the United States Consul General’s residence, but due to the fact that one has not been appointed yet, we have had to move location and change the speaker. The meeting now will be held at Branksome Crest, 12th floor function room. The time and date remains the same, January 12th and the time 10AM – 12 Noon.

MINUTES October 13, 2009 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

Susan Wallace welcomed the members to the October meeting, and then introduced the program and speakers. Ms. Anita To and Ms. Monique Ho from the NGO "Save the Children" gave a brief history and mission of the organizationm which is a right-based organization, as opposed to an aid based organization, and then prceeded to explain the role of the newly reopened Hong Kong office. Their mission is to educate and protect children with the ultimate goal of providing systainable solutions. A brief question and answer period followed.

Monique, Susan and Anita

Robin Brown, treasurer, conducted the business in the absence of the president, Debra Joyce. Susan Wallace read the minutes of the September meeting. Beth Hall made the motion to approve the minutes. Susan Vermeulen seconded, a vote was taken and the minutes were approved. Phyllis Lubbers was introduced as the new recording secretary. Robin then mentioned that he members who have not paid their annual dues would be contacted by email.

Clarification of monthly programs was provided by Beth Hall after member Amy Van Laak asked if members were part of the planning and approval process. Beth said members are included and vote on the programs for the upcoming year. Susan V. indicated that this year's program was an exception, but members were given the information ahead of time.

Amy Van Laak reported that the League BLOG will contain the minutes and calendar of the League minutes and can be accessed anytime by membership.

Sandra Collins-de Lange had nothing to report regarding voter registration. She did encourage everyone to contact their state representatives regarding their position on health care reform.

Robin Brown posed a question regarding US citizens overseas and taxation. Beth Hall responded by saying that there is a local advocate for US expatriates and will look into the possibility of an "educaional session" on this matter.

Robin Brown then gave the treasurer's report. The checking accout has $8,550.99. The savings account has $19,383.42. A sum of $300 will be deducted for the use of the room for the meeting, and $500 will be donated to the "Save the Children" organization. Susan Wallace made a motion to accept the report. Beth Hall seconded and the report was approved.

Bunny and Linda welcomed new members. Meeting was adjourned.

Additional photos taken at the meeting provided by Rachel Monballiu can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Rachel.monhk

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis Lubbers
Recording Secretary

*the minutes were approved by a quorum at the Board Meeting on November 13, 2009