SAAHJ General Meeting

Jan. 21, 2006

Tito’s Restaurant

Members and guests in attendance, per sign-in sheet: Margaret Garcia, Javier Rodriguez, Joseph de Leon, Edward Leal, Joe Sandoval, Henry Medrano, Mary Anthony, Carol Schliesinger, Nora Lopez, Martha Tijerina, Ernie Villarreal and Ed Tijerina.

Call to Order/Welcome/Introductions

Joe Sandoval called the meeting to order at 10:53 a.m. Joe introduced a special guest, Javier Rodriguez, a founding member of the Association. Introductions by all present followed.

Approval of the November minutes/Secretary’s Report

Carol Schliesinger asked if there were any corrections or additions to the November minutes. Ed Tijerina made a motion to accept the November minutes as submitted; Marta Tijerina seconded.

Treasurer’s Report

Nora Lopez reported the following account balances: Operating fund-- $6,513.83, Scholarship Fund-- $68,843.96. Nora also mentioned the check for the Distinguished Speaker Series will be paid the following week and the total cost was approximately $1,600.

Old Business

Distinguished Speakers Series Update

Ernie announced he is still looking for ideas on possible topics/speakers for the 2006 Series. He mentioned Alfredo Corchado, Mexico Correspondent for the Dallas Morning News is a potential speaker for the 2^nd quarter event addressing the Mexican elections. He is considering partnering with the World Affairs Council to host a media panel during the third quarter. Nora suggested bringing a speaker from Mexico to talk about the growing tendency to elect left-wing leaders in Latin America and how it’s affecting the U.S. and Mexico.

Donation Request from The Rattler

Joe reported on Dino Chiecchi’s behalf, that the Association would purchase the camera for The Rattler instead of giving them a check. Dino can get a reduced price on the camera and the paper will reimburse the SAAHJ.

2006 Scholarship Gala

Ernie agreed to chair the gala since Dino and Luis Mercado were not able to chair it. Joe said Mary suggested the Executive Board could step in to help the Gala Committee with some of the tasks. She also suggested recruiting members so the tasks can be divided even further. Joe said he hopes the Board will be able to help. Ernie said the San Antonio Express-News has confirmed their Presenting Sponsor commitment of $5,000. Margaret asked if the TV stations would be likely to buy tables. Mary mentioned their support has varied from year to year. Javier Rodriguez asked about the scholarship application process. Mary explained the process and said the application is posted on the Association’s website.

Media Mixer

Ed said the mixer at El Mirador was a great success. Next mixer will take place at Piatti Restaurant; either on Feb. 8 or 22. Margaret asked who is usually invited to the mixers. Joe explained the Association posts flyers and emails to members and other professional organizations.

New business

Henry Guerra Lifetime Achievement Nominations

Joe gave a little history on this award, now in its sixth year. He reminded the members on who is eligible to vote, since students and guests cannot cast a ballot according to the Association’s bylaws. Carol Schliesinger read the list of nominees and said no nominations were received via email and the board nominated Lionel Sosa and Maria Elena Torralva. She asked members present if there were additional nominations. She distributed the nominees’ bios and ballots to the members eligible to vote. Marta Tijerina said that Mrs. Torralva is no longer the Executive Director of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. Carol said she currently sits on the Kelly USA board.

Javier Rodriguez and Joseph de Leon counted 9 votes for Lionel Sosa, 1 for Maria Elena Torralva, 1 write-in for John Quiñones.

Locations for 1^st quarter meetings

Joe asked for suggestions for location meetings. Carol will call Monica Taylor to inquire about possibly having a meeting at the AT&T Center in February. Nora offered to host the April meeting at the Express-News. Margaret offered to check with Cutting Edge Communications to see if they could the March meeting.

Funds returned to the Association

Ed said he received a check from the Comptroller’s Office for $5,187.74. Ed said the Executive Board suggested depositing in the Operating Fund, so it could be unrestricted funds available for something the Association would like to invest it in. He asked the members for their opinion. Nora said that all the funds raised by the Association is restricted and has to be used for scholarships. These funds would be available for other projects without restrictions. Marta made a motion to deposit the funds in the Operating Fund. Margaret seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Announcements

Carol said James Muñoz sent a letter to the Association announcing he’s raising funds for the American Diabetes Association’s Walk for Diabetes. Any donations and support will be greatly appreciated.

Marta Tijerina is working with the American Heart Association on a live expert panel. She asked if anyone knows of a cardiologist that would like to participate, please contact her. The panel on Cardiovascular Health Issues will air on Feb. 2 from 7-8 p.m. on CTSA.

Our Lady of the Lake University will host “An evening with Bob Rivard” on Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m. Bob Rivard will talk about the state of journalism and bilingual media.

Ed Tijerina said Teresa Niño is now Director of Marketing for the Express-News. He also said American Voices featured him in a section of the publication addressing how Americans have conflicting views of the Alamo. The section is titled “The Battle between Citizenship and Ancestry”

Mary Anthony said the Association for Women in Communications is accepting nominations for the Proliner Award.

Margaret said her former position at the Edwards Aquifer would be advertised in the Sunday’s edition of the Express-News.

Carol said Southwest Mental Health Center would be celebrating its 120^th anniversary of serving children in the community throughout 2006.

Next meeting
Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 18. Location TBD.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11:42 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Schliesinger

SAAHJ Secretary

Back to Meetings