October 30, 2011 Meeting at Mary Jo's B&B

Heavy snow south of the White Mountains caused several of our members to stay close to home. In Campton, it was a beautiful sunny day. The grounds of the Colonel Spencer Inn were white with the fresh snowfall. Contrasting were golden leaves and apples still on the trees. All was reflected in the pond across the street with mountain views in the background.

Book discussed was Richard Harvell's first novel...."The Bells". Some of us loved the book and Harvell's descriptive writing....others enjoyed the book....and one did not like it at all. I understand that a couple people who were not able to be there found it to be so-so. Of course, we had an excellent discussion. We all relate differently to books.

We voted on the book for our January 29, meeting. Majority voted for "The Wives of Henry Oades: a Novel" by Johanna Moran.

Our December 4, meeting will be held at Pembrook at 12:00 Noon. Book to be discussed is Octavia Butler's "Kindred". This is our holiday meeting. Each member is to bring a wrapped book for the Yankee Swap. We discussed if this should be a newly published book. Decision was that it could be any book....as long as it was a "Good Read".

There was a lengthy discussion about how we might make a holiday contribution to the community. First suggestion was for childrens books to be contributed to a Vermont Library that suffered flood damage. It was then pointed out that there are needs closer to home. Joy suggested that we do something to aid women in need.

Mary Jo is going to check with the Whole Village to see if we can contribute toilet articles (shampoo, hand cream, tooth paste, and beauty supplies) to the women's shelter or safe houses. She would also ask if they need adult and childrens books. Marilyn is going to check with the local Food Pantry in Campton to see what foods or supplies are needed. It was suggested that this should be a year round project....not just for the holidays. At each meeting, we can gather non-perishable foods. Each member can take a turn delivering the food to her local food pantry. All thought that this would be a good idea.

Hot chili and corn bread were a hit on this winter like day. And of course delicious deserts..... Thank you to all who provided our feast!