TGAGNOI – General Membership Meeting --  4/19/07

Old Ursuline Convent

1100 Chartres Street

The meeting was called to order at 7pm by President Madeline Axtman in St. Mary’s Church next to the Convent.

Madeline announced that a letter writing campaign is being solicited by N.O. Tour Operator Robert Florence to request that the National Park Service discontinue providing free tours.  The free tours provided by unlicensed National Park Service Guides affect the livelihoods of many licensed local guides and tour operators.  Please see the TGAGNOI website for further details.

The NAFTA Conference will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel July 18-22.  Tour Guides are needed to volunteer for the event.  The Valentinos have already expressed interest in providing a venue for the event at the Basin Street Station.  Check the TGAGNOI website for further details.

Gene Reyes spoke briefly about the May 8^th Pompeii Fundraising Event.  He reviewed the itinerary and schedule for the Mobile trip which will cost $79 per person.  It should really be an entertaining and enjoyable event….so sign up now!

Mary LaCoste will provide a Stained Glass Tour of Sacred Places on April 22^nd.  There is also a Symposium of Stained Glass at Trinity Church.  See Mary for details and cost to attend the event.

Sheila Pippin recently published a children’s book on “Katrina Through Mango’s Eyes” and presented a summary of the book, rescuing her parrot and other animals post Katrina available after the meeting or at Barnes and Noble.

Julie from Ursuline then gave a synopsis of the exhibit and set up a video presentation to view at the end of the meeting.  29,000 people have enjoyed the exhibit on display until June 1^st.

Estelle secured Jazz Fest tickets which were raffled among the members.  Our thanks to the Jazz Fest for providing tickets.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.

Members then enjoyed viewing the beautiful Vatican Mosaic exhibit.

Respectfully submitted by Estelle de Verges, Secretary.