Dear SRAA Family: 

This will be brief and not in the usual newsletter format. 

First of all, there are MANY thanks to disperse:

to Jim Berry for co-ordinating ArtFest this year, for the donation  of his original for fund-raising, and to his crew who         helped  line up all the spaces on Friday

to Paula Knauber and all her kitchen crew who gave out bowls of hot soup to hungry, cold and wet folks

to Paula and Tim who put out (and took down)  signs on the worst and wettest  day of December

to Darlene for all her publicity efforts

to Charles, her husband, who coordinated bringing the Chorus from Hobbs Middle School

to all those who baked goodies, made soup and brought all the other accompaniments

to Larry Frazier for his generous donation of his original and two giclees for the raffle

to Linda Wicker for her donation of MANY door prizes

to all of you who participated in ArtFest in any way -- exhibitors or shoppers.

We took in close to $700 which covered the building rental, the darn eight hour insurance and a few supplies and left us with almost $200.   Pat D'Asaro was the high bidder on Jim Berry's cat; Patti Underwood won the first place raffle - the original Larry Frazier that was a rose.  Charles Peschel won second place, and the third place winner was a delightful 84 year old lady who was thrilled with winning the lilies of the valley.  Once again we were KO'ed by the weather, but the participants with whom I have spoken said they had a great time.  Once again, I want to say "thank you" to everyone; it is the mark of a good organization when its leader can leave "the flock" and everything goes off without a hitch.

Another round of applause to Darlene and Charles for hosting a most delightful Christmas gathering in their home on the following day.  The men gathered around the football games and the ladies (and Jim Miller) gathered in the living room for much laughter and merriment.  Thanks to all who brought yummy non-fattening :) goodies.

We received our $500 check from the SRACF today.  Given what has been front page in the News Journal for the past two days, this may be our last.  We shall see........  Another round of applause to Paula and Patti who did the tedious leg work necessary to getting the Grant Application done correctly and in a timely fashion.

At this half-year point of this current Board,  I feel that our little boat is sailing smoothly, with a steady wind and many great mates.  Thanks to ALL who have contributed to making our art community a family of creative, energized and innovative individuals.

On behalf of Linda, Paula, and Patti, I want to wish all of you a very peaceful and joyous Christmas and a new year filled with blessings.

Marianne Richardson, President