Hello All:

I have received a number of e-mails asking about arrangements for Denise, information on that is below. Also, with the passing of Denise, there is a vacancy on our board. Below is also information regarding how we are handling that - Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding either subject. Thanks!

Denise Arrangements
There will be no formal service or arrangements that are held for Denise. In keeping with her usual selflessness, she made known to her family that her final wishes were to donate her body to science. It was her hope that by donating her body, she could help the lives of others and perhaps even prevent someone from having to go through what she did. She stressed to them that there was no need to spend money on a funeral or memorial service and to instead do something that will lift the spirits of the lives she touched- throw a party in her honor. With that being said, on her 53rd birthday, Saturday- May 11th her family will be holding a party, celebrating her life at North Point State Park. Denise was a key figure in working to save that park from development and preserving it. That party is open to anyone- admission to the park is $3.00 per car. Her family is asking that anyone who attends bring a dish to share with those in attendance. In keeping with that same theme, RBIA / TPIA will also be holding a party in Denises honor- Our First (hopefully of many) Summer Kick Off Block-Party on the RBIA Field. The date of that is scheduled for June 8th. Details to follow. Those interested in honoring Denise in another way can make donations to the Sato Project, which works to help the 250,000 stray and often abused dogs on the Island of Puerto Rico. Denises dog, Josie was adopted through the Dead Dog Beach Project, just a little over a year ago. Visit: www.satoproject.org

RBIA Statement on Denises PassingWe, as a community are extremely thankful and appreciative to Denise for her 7+ years of service to our community as an officer in our organization. Denise served as our Secretary for a number of years, and most recently as our Treasurer. She has been instrumental in the success of this organization, since the death of Jackie Nickel- applying her knowledge of finance and bookkeeping, and navigation of government to help advance our organization in more ways than one. Simply put, Denise helped to get us where we are today- taking care of non-profit paperwork, corporation paperwork, introducing us to a better way to bookkeep, etc. Shortly before Denises passing, she submitted her formal resignation to the Board and shared with us just how much this community meant to her and that it truly pained her to resign, but that it was necessary giving her health so that we have time to ask her any pertinent questions we had and so she could hand over to us all records and files. Her resignation now leaves a vacancy in the position of Treasurer, on our Board. A nomination will be made by the Board for a new treasurer at our upcoming meeting, to be voted on by the membership. Until such time, the following steps have been taken to ensure the smooth operation of day to day business. The Duties of Treasurer will be split among Kevin, Kim and Bob. Membership Payments may be made with Kevin. Any checks will be issued by Kim, with approval of the Board and in accordance with the approved budget.

Just as when Denise was Treasurer, any deviation from the approved budget will require approval of majority of general membership necessary to constitute a quorum, as stated in our Bylaws. Denise also handled member issues and complaints. Member issues and complaints can be brought up and discussed with any of the Board members, or at a general membership meeting. Our organization remains committed to transparency. Requests by members for records, financial statements, budgets, bylaws, etc. are always welcome. In keeping with that same theme of transparency, many items of interest are published on our website for public inspection and review.