Miniature Enthusiasts of Ottawa P.O. Box 185, Station “B” Ottawa, Ontario  K1P 6C4 MEO Meeting April 2, 2008 The meeting was called to order by Lynne Patterson, who volunteered to chair the meeting since both the President and Vice-President were away.  Two visitors were welcomed to the meeting, Gayle Baillargeon, a long-time former member and Shirley Fawcett, also from Winchester.  Membership secretary Judy Kingsley asked that members check the roster for any mistakes.  Librarian Joanne Smith announced that  the American Miniaturist and Miniature Collector for both March and April as well as the March/April copy of Dollhouse Miniatures were now in.  There was  $7 collected in fines. Workshop Co-ordinator Linda Beaupre announced that Hope Finestone was teaching Japanese Flower Arrangement on April 9.  The tools necessary are: scissors, craft glue and a small box.  On April 23rd, Steve Reid is teaching “Garden Faces”.  Bring with you the flexible push mold with faces if you have it, Kemper cutters if you have them, a tile, a dowel for rolling, a plastic lid, a water container, gray, black white and green paint. The Nominating Committee, Lynne Patterson, Hope Finestone and Joan Plouffe has attempted to contact all club members to inquire about executive and volunteer positions for next year.  If you haven’t been contacted, please contact Lynne, especially if you are interested in one of the positions. The Rite of Petition was read by Secretary Linda Beaupre as required by the Constitution concerning the election of officers. Due to the cancellation of the March meeting, our guest speaker Judy Froome offered to rebook in the future.  Next month we will have a return of Wisdom from the Workshop, due to its previous popularity. Food and Kitchen volunteers for May are: Kate Forder, Sylvia Croswell and Diane Sodja. Announcements New miniature shop opening ??  Gayle Baillargeon brought a survey for everyone to fill out and return to her to help her decide if there is enough interest for a shop in the area. The Dollhouse and Train Emporium in Port Hope is moving on May 1 to 100 Peter St., or Highway 2 East, Port Hope. The CCEA or “Super Ex” has again included a miniature diorama category for a roombox 15 X 15 X 15.  Club members are encouraged to enter in order to maintain a miniature category, which we have fought to have included.  The Ex is August 14-24 and you must fill out an entry form to enter the competition and submit it probably by July 1st. There is a new on line auction site to check out:   http://miniaturesonly.com Upcoming shows: April 27  Spring Fling Doll, Bear and Miniature Show and Sales, R.A. Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive Ottawa  10-4 May 4 O.M.E.G.A. (Guelph) Miniatures Show and Sales, Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, Belsyde Avenue East, Fergus, Ontario May 4 Syracuse Show, Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway, Liverpool, New York  10-4p.m. May 10  Kingston Show, 53 Young St., Portsmouth Olympic Harbour Marina, Kingston (Exit 614 from the 401.  Take Sir John A. MacDonald Blvd. all the way down to King St, then west on King to Young St. June 8 Montreal Premier Doll and Bear Show and Sale, Holiday Inn, 6700 Trans Canada Hwy, Pointe Claire, Quebec 10 – 4 June 22  Ottawa Summer Time Miniature Show and Sales, R.A. Centre, 2451 Riverside Dr. Ottawa  10 – 4 Show and Tell Joanne Smith introduced the show and tell items. Judy Kingsley brought in a selection of 2mm silk ribbon offered for sale by her friend on line at: www.nickycc.com  The price is about $.60 to $.65 per meter. Gayle Baillargeon brought in a variety of lovely pieces from Venice and a rocking horse that is one in a line of several that she is doing. Kathryn Parsons brought in an antique collection of small dolls commemorating the repulse of the Tartars in the 13th century. Lynne Patterson displayed her treasures from the Montreal show, including 2 golden retriever puppies by Karl, a feathered mask, a pillow with a picture of Teddy and shoes by Judith Blondell. Lorraine Tinsley brought in an amazing 1913 Model T which she made from paper and a little wood for her father. Steve Reid brought in a tiny pewter nativity from Seville, a painted rooster from Portugal, wood medallions (for ceilings) from St. Jacobs and some painted dishes from various pull tabs, done by himself. Muriel Barber brought in her completed Miniaturist’s Workroom and was disappointed that Christina was not there to see that she did complete it! The raffle tickets were sold by Muriel Barber for Christina Dierckx’s piano and bench.  The raffle was won by Pat Gorgas. Barb’s Tips On Barb’s latest trip to the dollar store she found a rug from the top of a straw hat, lamp makings from Christmas tree lights, children’s accessories from baby hangers, bed posts from painted chopsticks, small bottles that could make umbrella or plant holders. After the break, everyone rushed to the back of the room to search for treasures at our very own Mini-Mart.  Sales seemed to be very brisk and we were treated to several new members showing off their wares for the first time.  Life is good!