Attendance: Judy Kramer, Bill Rowe, Ed Fire, Debbi Thomas, Becky Thomas, Ray DiCarlo, Lori Zaim, Lynne Rustad, Visitors Phyllis and Dave Larson
Meeting called to order at 9:30 by President Lynne Rustad
Minutes Approval: July 14, 2009 minutes approved
Treasurer’s Report:
• In writing: Balance $3649.64
Communications/Membership:
• Two meetings for Membership Committee coming up Sept. 17th and October 20th
• Total memberships as of today: 122 voting members and 92 paid memberships
• Membership Committee will begin work in Nov. for 2010. Phone banking will be done in office to reach all members. A possible change in dues will be considered.
Fund Raising Committee:
• Ed Fire reports: 8/29/09 Craig’s list tutorial 10:00 AM, Chagrin Falls Library for all members who want to sell things on Craig’s list and donate 50% profits to Patriots
• 9/12/09 Patriot’s yard sale at Kolcaba’s house 9 AM-1:00 PM. All profits go to Patriots
• Rowe/Bloomfield benefit to be tabled until further notice
• The Masonic Temple and the C.F. Historical Society are not available
• Subletting office: We will continue to try to find someone to share office space and rent
• Diana Nazelli will host a fund raiser/football game party at her house in November for the Ohio State/Michigan game
• An email will be sent by Lori Zaim to survey membership about a benefit trip for Patriots. Possible destinations: Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or somewhere closer.
• Local excursions could be planned for Patriots to raise money and to enjoy each other’s company
Advocacy:
• 8/11/09 Ed Fire, Judy Kramer, Lynne Rustad, Ray DiCarlo, Becky Thomas and Phyllis/Dave Larson will attend the Q@A with Senator LaTourette at Hamlet
• 8/17/09 Ed Fire, Judy Kramer and Phyllis/Dave Larson will meet with Senator Voinovich’s aide.
• 10/7/09 Meeting scheduled at Chagrin Falls Library 7:00 PM to learn about Cuyahoga County Reform bill on ballot in November. We will partner with LWV.
• No update as yet from Organizing Committee for Democrats for Cuyahoga County Reform
Education:
• 8/22, 10 AM - Three Cups of Tea discussion will be presented on at the library
• 8/26 - Those wanting to hear author, Greg Mortenson should car pool for the event at Severance Hall
• 9/17/09, 7:00 - Chagrin Falls Library with Pat Moore to celebrate the Constitution’s Birthday. Title: The Great Debate. Lori and Becky will bake cupcakes.
• Holiday Party will be held in December
Health Care:
• Ray DiCarlo met with John Conyers and other legislators in D.C. about single payer health insurance. He was gratified to be among strong supporters of this plan.
• 9/3-9/7/09 Patriots will volunteer at Geauga Fair to speak about health care reform
• 9/30/09 Lynne Rustad will speak at Hamlet on implications for seniors of health care plans under consideration
• 9/?/09 Book Discussion: The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care will be held in partnership with Geauga Change
New Business:
• Diana Nazelli spoke of upcoming election for Township Trustee. She and Steve Thomas need our support
• If you want to have a coffee contact one of them
Next Steering Committee: Sept. 8th, 2009
Meeting Adjourned at 11 AM
Respectfully submitted,
Acting Secretary Becky Thomas
