AGT monthly meeting for December 2021

The Authors Guild of Tennessee met December 2, 2021 for their annual Christmas dinner meeting at Mimi’s Café. Attendees brought one book each for direct exchange with another member.

The following members and guests were present:

Sam and Charlene Bledsoe, Jerry and Anna Morton, Cyn and Brent Taylor, Russ and Sherry Fine, Cheryl and Jim Peyton, Art and Monty Stewart, Linda Fitzpatrick, Kaye George, Susan Kite, Laura Derr, Leoma Gilley and her special guest, Ben Rubera, Randy Carpenter, Patricia Crumpler, and Chef Walter Lambert.

Welcome by president Cheryl Peyton: Announcement of the passing November 24^th of AGT member Carroll Helm and AGT memorial gift of $100. Cheryl spoke briefly about Carroll and how he was unable to attend most meetings but always kept his membership current.

November minutes: Minutes of the November meeting have been approved online.

Treasurer’s report:  President Cheryl Peyton gave the treasurer’s report. Balance as of November 1 was $1,525.95. Balance as of November 31 was $1,972.26. Total amount of outstanding checks is $183.98. Available balance as of today is $ 1,788.28.

 

Fairs and Festivals: Report on 2021shows/fairs/festivals given by Cheryl Peyton.

2022 AGT Committee Chairs/Officers approved by unanimous vote:

President: Cheryl Peyton

Vice President: (pending)

Treasurer: Russ Fine

Asst. Treasurer: Randall Carpenter

Secretary: Leoma Gilley

Board member at Large: Mary Gaines (need to fill one more)

AGT Committee Chairs for 2022:

Membership: Bobbi Chapman

Retail: Linda Fitzpatrick

Publicity: Sam Bledsoe

Library: Laura Derr (note changes in library operations in next paragraph)

Programs: Kaye George

Directory and Tax Reporting: Bobbi Chapman

Training: Sam Bledsoe

Website: Leoma Gilley

Beginning in 2022, the Librarian will transport a reduced tote back and forth to meetings that is comprised of only one book per absent member. At the January meeting, attendees will pick up their books that haven’t been checked out, as usual, but will have brought only one book to make an exchange with another author, which may be arranged for in advance.

Sue Kite suggested that each AGT member consider joining Kindle Unlimited and read books through that outlet.

Since no one has volunteered to coordinate fairs/festivals and the setup and take-down of the equipment, Cheryl suggested that we form ad hoc committees composed of those interested in a particular fair, and take turns coordinating the events. More of an effort will be made to describe particulars about fairs and to identify a general profile of those most likely to attend to help authors choose fairs that fit with their genre.

Program: AGT president Cheryl Peyton gave an interesting talk about the History of Christmas Customs and other Yuletide Trivia.

Meeting adjourned at: 8:55 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2022 at 10:30 am at Faith Lutheran Church. Fully vaccinated members only.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Cyn Taylor/AGT Secretary 2021