Present: Ray DiCarlo, Judy Kramer, Bill Rowe, Lynne Rustad, Debi Thomas, Elliott Berenson, Kathy Kolcaba, Margo Fire, Ed Fire, Lori Muller-Zaim
Special Presentation-Margie and Ed Fire
The Fires made a gift of a large Patriots for Change sign (4’x6’).
Approval of Minutes: December Steering Committee Meeting. Minutes approved with minor changes.
Treasurer's Report - Kathy Kolcaba.
The checking account balance is approximately $7500.00.
In the future, the Treasurer’s report report will include the following:
• Checking Account balance
• Number of members (total # of memberships and total # of individuals)
• Any extraordinary expenses
Report approved.
Membership Committee Report-George Lupone
Goerge Lupone has agreed to continue as Membership Chair through the 2010 membership drive.
1. Current number of members. 80 memberships and 106 individuals.
2. Plans to recruit additional members. The committee will send follow up letters, email reminders and will make phone calls. Lori Zaim sent hand-written thank-you notes to all 2010 paid members.
Report approved.
Advocacy Committee Report - Becky Thomas
2010 Advocacy planning meeting will be held at the home of Becky Thomas on Thursday, January 14 @ 6:00pm. Dinner will be served. RSVP to Becky @ robrebthomas@sbcglobal.net or 247-6878.
Education Committee Report - Jana Theis/Bill Rowe/Judy Kramer
• The Family, The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power by Jeff Sharlet will be the next book for discussion. Date TBA.
• Lori O’Neill will speak on Gun Control on Feb 6 10am CF Library.
• Looking for a speaker of film for a spring event. Ed suggested having both a pro and a con speaker on controversial issues. Also suggested a possible discussion of the Employee Free Choice Act.
Fundraising-Kathy Kolcaba
• Theatre Party (Mr. Death & the Redheaded Woman) Feb 19th. Tickets are $25 each, which includes the show and the party. There will be a fun raffle and good food. Contact Kathy kathykolcaba@yahoo.com or Debi Thomas cftwp607@roadrunner.com to purchase tickets, help, donate, or bring food items.
• Possible St. Patrick’s Day party at Clair Rahn’s home.
Letters to the Editor Committee Report - Elliott Berenson
Contact Elliott ellb@sbcglobal.net if you would like to participate. The Letters to the Editor page is probably the most read section of most newspapers. Plain Dealer coverage would be beneficial.
Public Relations Committee Report - Diana Nazelli.
Diana issued a News Release on the election of new officers which should appear in this week’s Chagrin Valley Times and the Sun newspapers.
Old Business:
A. Recommendation to membership on approval of Bylaws. Will be sent to membership for a vote. Results should be available no later than the February meeting.
B. Review of functioning committees-leadership. We will hold off on this item until the new by-laws are approved.
C. Calendar of Events for year - continue to publish in newsletter and on web site. Already done.
D. Review of Theater Party plans. See Fundraising above.
E. Possible revitalization of Kazoo Band. Ed is looking for a flatbed truck. The new sign could be used and the kazoo band could ride on the truck. It is important that plans for this be under way by the February meeting.
F. Status of new brochure - Lynne Rustad. Lynne has added photos. We will print a small amount because of our possible change of address. The Nazellis will donate paper and printing.
G. Office Lease the current lease expires on Jan 14th. Ed called Shibley’s office several times to ask for 1st floor space. The issue is unresolved. Kathy Kolcaba will check on space available in the old Curtis Clinic building. We need around 300 square feet, 1st floor, parking.
New Business:
Dates of General Membership meetings: (held quarterly) @ 10am. Location TBA.
• March 20,
• June 19,
• Sept 11,
• Dec 9 to be combined with the holiday party
Pat Moore will write a membership recruitment letter.
Bill Rowe will research “progressivism” and get information to membership.
Meeting adjourned @ 11:28am.
Respectfully submitted by Lori Muller-Zaim, Secretary
