President:  Bruce Lucas
Treasurer:  Debbie Meyer
Secretary:  Mary King
Member at Large:  Lynne Shanrock
 

Over half the board remain in residence during the summer months.  Additionally, Ann Funk has been voted by the board as Summer Studio Manager.  Should a studio issue arise and an elected (operations) board member is unavailable, please feel free to contact Ann Funk for guidance on studio matters.  Thank you, Ann!
 

Potter's Wheel Safety
Last week a safety issue involving a member almost occurred due to a potter's wheel button not switched to the "off" position after the machine was cleaned up and vacated at the conclusion of a throwing session.  Please be sure to hit the "off switch" when completing a session.  Last Tuesday, five potter's wheels' on/off switches remained in the "on" position overnight.  Please double check to make sure the unit is switched "off" once your throwing session is completed.

Plates of Plenty (POP)
Last week, the POP team enjoyed a great turnout for the Plates of Plenty (POP) pizza plate making party!  Thank you members for your time, creativity and goodwill in support of the less fortunate.  While the club supplies the clay, glaze, firing, pizza and beverages for this most worthwhile event, POP is a successful endeavor because of your interest in the well-being of others.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the POP project is donated to the Valley View Community Food Bank (VVCFB).  Last year, VVCFB provided 712,700 meals to area residents.  In a recent newsletter, Jesse Ramirez, President and founder of VVCFB has underscored that seniors are a growing percentage of the food bank's recipients.

"In 2021, seniors were an increasing number and larger percentage of our clients.  We have tried to meet that need by partnering with the Sun City West Foundation to open a pantry at their building on Monday mornings.  We have a Thursday pantry for seniors in El Mirage where clients can supplement their bi-weekly visits and receive fresh produce and bakery items.  We are also working on ways to increase deliveries to home-bound seniors."

Members, based on Jesse's comments, your direct involvement in GCA Plates of Plenty program has a positive impact on seniors in our area.  Congratulations on YOUR efforts through POP!

Monitor's Corner
Have you been waiting for the Summer Monitor Program to volunteer to serve a three hour monitoring shift?  Here's your opportunity!  Based on its 2021 success, the Summer Monitor Program is now carried forward to this year.

Let's review.  From June 10 through September 1, 2022, due to reduced summer studio traffic, a monitor may work on clay art projects at the first elevated table located at the studio work room entrance.  This table allows instant access to the studio lobby.  This is the only table to be used by an on-duty monitor for the summer program.  While engaged, the monitor must perform all regular duties of the position.  No exceptions.  The monitor will earn three (3) credit hours for the shift served.

Fall Fest Art Walk (FFAW) November 19.2022
The community plans to resume the November Fall Fest this year.  At this point, GCA will maintain the Village Center location occupied during the Market at Grand events.  Also, an expanded studio patio presentation will be available for additional GCA sales opportunities.  At this point, CAM plans to bring the Fall Fest event to a higher visibility level throughout the Surprise area.  Music, food and entertainment is now a consideration for the event.  You will be updated as details continue to develop.

Have a great month!