January 12, 2011 Steering Committee Minutes

Present: Ed Fire, Ray Kolcaba, Judy Kramer, Elliott Berenson, Lori Zaim, Bill Rowe, Debi Thomas, Becky Thomas, Kathy Kolcaba, Lori O’Neill

1. CALL TO ORDER. 10:07am

2. TREASURER'S AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT: KATHY KOLCABA.

·   Year-end balance: $12,202.24.  99 paid members thus far.

3. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT: RAY KOLCABA. 

·   An email letter will be sent to those who haven’t paid. Then phone calls will be made.

 4. EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT: JUDY KRAMER. 

• ·       Jan 29^th Jerry Graham to speak @ Solon Library
• ·       Feb 19 Book Talk: The Life & Death of the Great American School System
• ·       April 16 Panel discussion on Education

 5. ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT: BECKY THOMAS.

·       Lawrence Lessig, March 28: Event will take place in the CSU moot court room.  CSU may also help   with a hotel discount.  There will be a panel discussion to follow the talk.

·       Send any advocacy items to Becky from now on. 

6. JANUARY 15 MEMBERSHIP MEETING PLANS.

·   Brainstorm issues for the year. 

·   Get into small groups to prioritize the steps needed. 

·   Elliott will give a talk on writing letters to the editor. 

·   Lori O’Neill will talk about gun violence. 

6. OLD BUSINESS. Website discussion.

7. NEW BUSINESS.  In light of the recent tragedy in Tucson, Lori O’Neill spoke to us about gun violence in the U.S.   She will speak at the Jan 15 Membership Meeting.  Lori stressed the importance of visiting legislators on a regular basis. 

8. ADJOURNMENT. 12:00pm

Respectfully submitted,

Lori M. Zaim, Secretary

DECEMBER 14, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

Present:  Ed Fire, Lori Zaim, Becky Thomas, Judy Kramer, Kathy Kolcaba, Ray Kolcaba

1.  CALL TO ORDER. 10:00 AM

2.  TREASURER'S AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT: KATHY KOLCABA.

·   $9,824.32 – bank balance as of 11/30/2010.

·   After deposits totaling $3,390.00 (membership dues), the balance stands at $11,383.86.

3.  MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT: RAY KOLCABA.

·   74 renewals thus far

·   20 (27%) people renewing for two years.

 4.  EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT: JUDY KRAMER.

·   HOLIDAY PARTY PROGRAM. Send info about signing up for membership @ party and about the raffle to win Kelly Clark’s homemade beer.

·   2011 PLANNED ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS.

·      Jerry Graham Jan 29, solon Library, Dysfunctional government 101

·      Book Talk Feb 19^th

·      Movie Night @ Nazellis’ April 9 or 16 Waiting for Superman

5.  ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT: BECKY THOMAS.

·       March 28^th Lawrence Lessig (collaborate w/ CSU?)

6.  OLD BUSINESS.

·      Support Sherrod Brown

7.  NEW BUSINESS:

·      Meet with Committee Chairs to discuss agendas

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT:BECKY THOMAS.

·      Ed Fire, Pres.

·      Judy Kramer VP

·      Kathy Kolcaba Treasurer

·      Lori Zaim Secretary

·      Send out member vote to accept or deny the slate as nominated. 

STATUS OF OFFICE LEASE. 

·      We will sign a lease for 2011 at the same rate and once again ask for Wi-Fi.

2011 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING DAYS. 

·      The S/C meeting date will change to the second WEDNESDAY of each month, hopefully to accommodate more participation.

·      2011 General MEMBERSHIP Meeting DATES. Jan 15,  May 14,

September 17

REVIEW/DISCUSSION OF 2011 COMMITTEES.

8.  ADJOURNMENT.  11:10AM

Respectfully submitted,

Lori M. Zaim

NOVEMBER 9, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

Attendance: Ed Fire, Lori Zaim, Judy Kramer, Ray Kolcaba, Kathy Kolcaba, Becky Thomas, Debi Thomas Absent: Diana Nazelli, Ray DiCarlo, Bill Rowe, Lynn Rustad

1. CALL TO ORDER 10 AM by President Ed Fire

2. TREASURER'S AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT: KATHY KOLCABA:

Balance $8887.31 end of Oct.  After Nov. rent we have $8436.76 

3. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT: RAY KOLCABA

·    Kathy Kolcaba will revise the letter in light of the election.

·    Lori Zaim will purchase stamps and envelopes large enough for letters

·    Members approved format of membership dues form

4. EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT: JUDY KRAMER

·    Meeting of Education Committee on Wed. Nov. 10^th

·    Calendar items for Nov. Dec. and Jan. are in newsletter

5. ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT: BECKY THOMAS

·    Lawrence Lessig has not yet responded about date for forum in April

·    Committee heads should give updates of committee work at Holiday Party

      A. REVIEW OF 2010 ELECTION RESULTS AND ROLE OF PATRIOTS FOR CHANGE IN FUTURE ELECTIONS.

 Will take place in January

6. OLD BUSINESS.

             None

7. NEW BUSINESS.

·    Suggestions for advocacy using petitions online

·    Some names will be eliminated from Steering Committee email list

·    More meetings for Steering Committee?  Perhaps lunch once a month?

A. DISCUSSION ON NEW OFFICERS FOR 2011.

·    As of now officers will remain in present position

·    Need for co-chair for Sustainability Comm. because Kelly Clark is so busy with work

8. ADJOURNMENT – 11:15

Submitted by Acting Secretary

Becky Thomas

October 12, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

September minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Kolcaba 

·   The checking balance is $8887.31 after paying October rent.

Advocacy Report: Becky Thomas 

• ·      The Membership meeting was not well attended.
• ·      Volunteers needed to make phone call @ the Solon Democratic HQ: 33528 Aurora Rd.  Bring a laptop if you have one.
• ·      Political signs are available @ the P4C office Saturday mornings 10-12.
• ·      Send email w/ list of recommended candidates.
• ·      Send link to Judge 4 Yourself.

Education Report: Judy Kramer

• ·      Movie Night Oct 18^th.  Meet @ 6:45 in P4C parking lot to carpool.  Waiting for Superman showing at the Cedar Lee.
• ·      Book Talk Jan. 29^th The Death and Life of the Great American School System.
• ·      P4C Holiday Party Dec. 16^th @ CV Little Theater.
• ·      We would like to invite national speaker, Larry Lessig to talk about the Fair Elections Now Act, for a spring visit.

Membership: Ray Kolcaba

• Thank you to Ray for accepting the position of Membership Chair. 
• We will send a hard copy letter followed by phone calls. 
• We will offer one-year or two-year memberships this time.

Old Business: none

New Business: 

• Ed asked for ideas to get people more involved in 2011. 
• Suggested having each committee meet prior to the Holiday Party to ask for ideas.

Meeting adjourned @ 11:05AM

Respectfully submitted,

Lori M. Zaim

SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

I. CALL TO ORDER 10:04AM

·   APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 10 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING with minor changes.  (Minutes will follow)..

II. TREASURER'S REPORT AND PAID MEMBERS REPORT--KATHY KOLCABA. 

·   Current balance is: $9,290.64, which includes profits from the yard sale fundraiser of $1045.59.

·   148 paid members.

·   RESULTS OF SEPTEMBER 11 YARD SALE.  The yard sale was successful and went well.  Thank you to the Kolcabas for donating their home, barn, and time.

 III. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

·   CHAIRMAN RAY KOLCABA.  Judy Kramer, Becky Thomas, Debi Thomas and Lori Zaim will serve on the committee. 

·   George Lupone will get the time line of events to Ray. 

·   Lori will send a copy of the 2010 recruitment letter to Ray.

 IV. EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT--JUDY KRAMER.

·      October 12-16 Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

·      October 2, Membership Meeting 10:00 Hamlet Club House (Note change of venue).

·      October 18 outing to Cedar Lee to view Waiting for Superman.

·      Nov 20 The film Razing Appalachia will be shown @ 10:00 @ the CF Library.  Bill Rowe will narrate.

·      Dec 16 P4C Holiday Party

·      Ideas for future events:

·      Panel on the U.S. School System

·      Book Talk on new Reagan book: Tear Down This Myth: How the Reagan Legacy Has Distorted Our Politics and Haunts Our Future

·      Outing to see Oliver Stone’s film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

·      Outing to see Fair Game, film on Valerie Plame

V. ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT--BECKY THOMAS.

League of Women Voters will present:

·      County Council District 6 Candidate Forum Tuesday, Sept 21^st, 7-9PM Solon HS

·      Cuyahoga County Executive Forum Tuesday. October 12, 7-9PM Shaker Heights Middle School

Article by Jane Mayer in the August 30^th New Yorker is worth reading. 

  A) RESULTS OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY PRIMARY ELECTION FOR NEW COUNTY OFFICES AND POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

  B) RALLY IN THE VALLEY   October 9, 2-4PM  Candidates, Discussions & Refreshments @ Chagrin Falls Township Hall.

  C) REVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO PATRIOTS FOR CHANGE MEMBERSHIP REGARDING CANDIDATES FOR FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICES IN NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.  A few changes need to be made.  Members will vote on the recommendations at the October 2^nd meeting.

VI. NEW BUSINESS.

·      Voter Registration volunteer needed October 2^nd.  Contact Judy Kramer. 

·      Becky, Judy & Lori will be attending the Coffee Party Convention in Louisville on September 24-26. 

VII. ADJOURNMENT. 11:13AM

Respectfully submitted,

Lori M. Zaim, Secretary

August 10, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

Present: Ed Fire, Becky Thomas, Lori Zaim, Bill Rowe, Lynne Rustad, Kathy Kolcaba, Ray DiCarlo, Debi Thomas

I. Meeting call to Order @ 10:08 AM

·   Approval of Minutes of July 13 Steering Committee Meeting.

II. Treasurer's and Paid Members Report--Kathy Kolcaba. 

·   The bank balance is $9141.94 before paying August rent. 

·   148 paid members. 

·   Report approved. 

III. Membership Committee.

·   Volunteer needed to serve as Chair of Committee for 2011. 

·   Ray Kolcaba may be interested.  Ed will contact him. 

IV. Education Committee Report--Judy Kramer

·   The film, “Rethink Afghanistan” will be shown on August 26^th.  Refreshments will be served.

·   The Education Committee will meet on August 11^th. 

·   The membership meeting will take place on October 2^nd. Location TBA.

·   Ideas for upcoming programs: film about mountain top removal, pros and cons on nuclear energy, Israel, the Unions, and the Myth of Social Security. 

V. Advocacy Committee Report--Becky Thomas:

·   Rally in the Valley October 9.  

·   Corporate "Personhood."  Move to Amend material is available at MovetoAmend.com.

·   Report on August 4 Forum for candidates for Cuyahoga County Executive and Cuyahoga County Council, District 6.  Candidate’s night went well.  There was a great turn out.

VI. Discussion on candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Ohio Attorney General, Auditor of State, Ohio Treasurer, Ohio Secretary of State, Ohio House and Senate, Ohio Supreme Court, US Senator, US House of Representatives-14th District, Cuyahoga County Executive and Cuyahoga County Council, District 6, Ballot Issues.

·   Lori will work on putting together the steering committee recommendations. 

·   Should Patriots for Change make official endorsements? If so,when? Yes.

·   Coordination with Chagrin Valley Democratic Club Rally in the Valley.

Vll. September 11 Yard Sale Report. 

·   Volunteers needed. 

·   Barn is open for donations.

 VIIl. New Business. 

·   Noah Dion from Organizing for America spoke to us about the importance of helping with phone calling and canvassing from the Solon office.

 lX. Adjournment.

Respectfully submitted,

Lori M. Zaim, Secretary

July 13, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

I. Call to Order.  10:04am 

·   Minutes from the June meeting. Approved.

·   Present: Ed Fire, Ray DiCarlo, Becky Thomas, Debi Thomas, Lynne Rustad, Sheila Markowitz, Bill Rowe, Judy Kramer, and Lori Zaim

II. Treasurer's and Paid Members Report: Kathy Kolcaba.

·   Not available. 147 paid members.

III. Membership Committee:

·   Volunteer needed to serve as 2011 Chair of Committee. This job would include organizing mailings and follow-up phone calls. 

·   Judy Kramer will check with the Saturday morning group for a volunteer.

·   Lori will send the Steering Committee an updated list of paid members.

IV. Advocacy Committee Report: Becky Thomas

·   Cuyahoga County Executive Director and District 6 County Council Candidates Night on August 4. 7-9pm,  Solon Library.  Becky has received RSVPs from Trevor Elkins, Rick Taft and Victor Voinovich. Six Patriots are needed to help run the event. Becky will moderate. Volunteers will pick up and screen written audience questions and help with name tags.

·   Judy Kramer, Becky Thomas and Ray DiCarlo attended the Move to Amend meeting given by David Cobb.

·   There will be Coffee Party meeting Saturday, August 17^th @ the Solon Library.

V. Education Committee Report: Judy Kramer

·      The next Education meeting will be Thursday, July 16^th, 

·      The Sustainability meeting has been cancelled.

·      The Afghanistan movie has not been released.

VI. Old Business.

A.   Membership Meeting.  Our next Membership meeting will be held on October 2. Judy will look into possible venues including Hamlet, Township Hall or South Franklin Circle.

B.    Ray DiCarlo is looking for two volunteers to register voters at the City of Bedford picnic on August 15^th.

C. Discuss Role Steering Committee to Play Regarding Endorsement of Candidates and Ballot Issues:

·   Recommend endorsement of candidates for which offices? 

·   Members of the Steering Committee should come up with a list of candidates they are interested in and what their positions are on issues that Patriots for Change has traditionally expressed.

·   The Steering Committee will meet again on July 27^th (10am) to discuss these candidates.  Lynne Rustad will help with State Issues.

·   Ballot issues?

·   When to make endorsement recommendations to membership?

D. Discuss Role Patriots for Change to Play Regarding General Election Activities: This will be addressed at the July 27^th meeting.

·   Use office as headquarters?

·   Maintain supply of candidate’s signs and literature in office?

·   Develop list of volunteers to participate in voter registration, phone banking, staffing the office, and GOTV activities.

      E. The Annual Yard Sale will be held on September 11^th at the Kolcaba’s home.

·   Items may be dropped off starting August 1^st.

VII.  New Business.

·     Ray DiCarlo announced a celebration of Medicare’s birthday to be held at Noon on July 30^th on Public Square (NW quadrant). Sponsored by Span Ohio & Health Care Now. Speakers will include Marcia Fudge, Sherrod Brown, and Dennis Kucinich.

·      Scott Lax is heading up the campaign regarding the new CF police station.  Would like P4C’s support.  We are unable to support the issue due to the fact that many Patriots live in other communities.

VIII.  Adjournment. 11:15am

Respectfully submitted,

Lori M. Zaim, Secretary