General Membership November 2, 2024 Meeting

The Fall General Membership meeting of the Twin Palms Neighborhood Organization (TPNO) was held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the iconic Ocotillo Lodge Clubhouse. The two featured speakers were JR Roberts, President, Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, and Eric Chiel, local resident and Founding Past-Chairperson. The balance of the agenda included reports on Accomplishments since our last General Membership meeting in April, 2024, and updates on Ongoing and Planned activities.

Around 40 people enjoyed a full continental breakfast staring at 9:45 am, with time to socialize with their neighbors before the formal portion of the meeting began at 10:15 am.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The meeting was chaired by Board Chairperson Carol Munro who introduced our guest keynote speaker JR Roberts, President of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation. He shared an informational update on the status of the theatre renovation, fundraising campaign, and projected grand opening in late 2025.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE APRIL 2024 MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Carol provided updates on our Little Free Library Dedication event on May 15th, our $2,500 Community Grant to the PSMC Beam Program, and the 2 recent Eric Chiel led guided tours of the neighborhood provided at no cost for residents.

PRESENTATION "TWIN PALMS LOST/TWIN PALMS FOUND PART 2"

Eric Chiel, our Founding Past-Chairperson, is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the rich history of our neighborhood. In part 2 he focused on the history of the Ocotillo Lodge which has undergone a number of fascinating changes over the decades.

ONGOING AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES

Larry Johnson gave a brief financial report and said 2024 voluntary dues memberships are still be accepted. Carol gave an update on the status of the William Krisel Exhibit, our Twin Palms social media accounts, our pending application for Federal tax exemption status, and ONE-PS activities.

Carol reported on our Upcoming Social Membership Meeting on January 9, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00 pm. The program will feature a presentation by Sven Kirsten and Peter Morazzi, the authors of a new book entitled “Palm Springs Tiki, Polynesia in the Desert”.

Tony Vardaro updated the membership on the February 17, 2025 Twin Palms Home Tour during Modernism Week. Volunteers are still be recruited. Tom Eich reviewed opportunities for volunteer engagement in TPNO, and encouraged people to sign up. Carol reminded everyone of our Community Grants and Neighborhood Initiatives programs and said we are always looking for new ideas. She also shared examples of some of our past Community Grants and Neighborhood Initiatives.

Carol opened the floor for membership Comments and discussion.