Present: Judy Kramer, Lynne Rustad, Ed Fire, Becky Thomas, Lori Zaim, Debi Thomas, Bill Rowe, Elliott Berenson, Ray DiCarlo
Minutes Approved: August 11, 2009 minutes approved unanimously
Treasurer’s Report:
• Quarterly report deferred, Treasurer Kathy Kolcaba absent. Ray DiCarlo offered to audit the books again this year.
Communications/membership: (Zaim)
• As of 9/8/09 103 paid memberships (128 individual members).
• Trip again discussed as potential fundraiser. Lynne Rustad will develop e-mail survey to assess Patriots’ interest in such an activity and ask them to suggest possible destinations.
• No response to ad to share office. We will run the ad again this month in the newsletter before publishing in local papers.
Fund Raising:(Fire)
• The Craig’s list tutorial was well done. Five people attended.
• Lori Zaim will advertise our fund raising yard sale on Craig’s list.
• Yard Sale Donations – The Kolcaba’s barn is full. They still need volunteers to work on the set up and sale of items Sept. 12-13th.
• Football game/fundraiser at Diana Nazelli’s – The date is Nov. 21st during the day. Time to be announced. Debi Thomas will organize a football pool to raise money. Attendees should bring an appetizer and drinks to share.
• Next meeting for Fund Raising will be called by Ed Fire in November
Education: (Kramer)
• Sat. 919/09 10:00 AM – Pat Moore will speak about THE GREAT DEBATE: in celebration of our Constitution’s Birthday. Lori Zaim and Becky Thomas will bake cupcakes.
• Holiday Party will be held 12/3/09 at the Chagrin Valley Little Theater (second floor) at 6:30. Bring appetizers and drinks
• Education Comm. will meet at 10 AM on 9/9/09
Advocacy Report:(Thomas)
• Obama’s speech to school children – The partial censoring of his speech in Chagrin Falls caused many to write and call the Superintendent of schools
• Some Patriots will attend the next School Board meeting to share concern about President’s speech
• 10/9 7:00 Chagrin Falls Library – LWV presents ballot information about Cuyahoga County Reform
• 10/21 Candidates’ Meeting for local Chagrin Falls candidates will be held at Hamlet at 7:00. League of Women Voters is the sponsor.
• Health Care Vigil in Triangle Park was well attended (55) and many personal stories were shared. Pictures and report were sent to MoveOn
• Visit to LaTourette’s office 9/16/09. Eight of us met to discuss strategies for presenting information at this meeting. Another call for participants will go out this week. We will meet at 8:30 in the office parking lot to carpool.
• Several of us are registering voters next weekend at Dave’s Supermarket.
Health Reform Report:(DiCarlo)
• 9/30/09, 2 PM: Lynne Rustad will present a senior focus on health care reform at Hamlet.
• T R Reid’s The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care may lend itself to book discussion in cooperation with Geauga Change this fall.
• Booth at Geauga Fair was not that well attended, but 140 signatures were collected for a national petition on single payer health care.
• 9/23/09 (Xenia) and 9/28/09 (Cleveland) “MadAsHell Doc’s” tour. These single-payer supporters who are doing a national “car-avan” tour will come to Ohio in September. The Cleveland event will be held at the Laborer’s Hall, 3250 Euclid Ave. Cleveland. Flier will be distributed electronically. Contact Ray Di Carlo for details.
ByLaws: Deferred until Sherri Culver returns to town
Other Business:
• Endorsements: In general we decided not to endorse candidates for a primary, but we will consider endorsements for the Nov. election at our next meeting (perhaps Diana Nazelli, Stephen Thomas, and the Cuyahoga County Reform Bill).
• Lynne Rustad will inform Rosemary Palmer of our decision.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
August 11, 2009 Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
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
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
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
July 14, 2009 Steering Committee Minutes
Present:
Judy Kramer, Lynne Rustad, Ed Fire, Sherri Culver, Becky Thomas, Lori Zaim, Debi Thomas, Bill Rowe, George Lupone, Kathy Kolcaba
Minutes Approved for 6/9/09: Unanimous
Treasurer’s Report:
• Quarterly Balance 3529.00
• We have paid July’s rent.
• Fundraising activities will be essential to insure financial health of the organization through 2010.
Communications/Membership:
• From 6/14-7/14 there were 40 new paid members
• Total number of memberships for 2009 – 77
• Total number of members for 2009 – 105
• Number of members submitting dues payment with PayPal since it was introduced – 6
• Membership strategic planning will continue with a meeting 9/17 at 10 AM and 10/20 at 9 AM
Advocacy Report:
• Judy Kramer, George Lupone and Becky Thomas attended the Organizing Committee for Democrats of Cuyahoga County Party Reform. We were energized and optimistic about their plans for reforming the Democratic Party in Cuyahoga County.
• The Steering Committee made a commitment to attend the Forum organized by this Party Reform Committee. George Lupone made the motion, Judy Kramer seconded. The date will be established soon and emailed to all members.
• A possible panel discussion with experts about Pakistan and Afghanistan will be tabled for now. There is too much on the agenda this fall.
• We will co-sponsor a meeting with the LWV on Cuyahoga County Reform, the ballot issue for November. A date will be set in October as soon as we know the ballot language, etc.
Health Care Reform Report:
• We will co-sponsor a meeting with Geauga Change at the Geauga West Library on 7/22/09. Gary Benjamin from UHCAN will discuss reform issues at the state and federal level.
• Lynne Rustad will present a senior focus on health care at Hamlet in September.
• 9/22/09 Book Discussion: The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care by TR Reid will be co-sponsored with Geauga Change
• Some members of the Saturday Coffee and Politics group are working on fliers to counter myths being circulated by opponents of Obama’s health care reform plan.
• Plans made to visit Senator Voinovich’s office in August to present Patriot’s position on much-needed public option for Health Care Bill. Although Patriots has favored a single payer system, we are aware that Congress has ignored this option, even though 70% of the American people prefer it. A public option could help to contain costs by fostering competition with the insurance companies. Judy Kramer will call for an appointment, and Ed Fire, Kathy Kolcaba, and Lynn Rustad will meet with the Senator.
Education:
• 7/22: Three Cups of Tea Book discussion.
• A fund raiser is planned for November presenting Bill Rowe, food/drink, and a possible auction
• Pat Moore will be contacted about presenting a program on the Constitution on Sept. l7th at the library
Fundraising:
• Ed Fire and Kathy Kolcaba volunteered to head a Fund Raising Committee. Potential committee members will be contacted.
Other Business:
• Sherri Culver will write an ad for the newsletter to try to find someone to share office space/expenses with us.
• Kathy Kolcaba will contact Larry Shibley about obtaining WiFi coverage for our office.
Becky Thomas - Acting Secretary
Judy Kramer, Lynne Rustad, Ed Fire, Sherri Culver, Becky Thomas, Lori Zaim, Debi Thomas, Bill Rowe, George Lupone, Kathy Kolcaba
Minutes Approved for 6/9/09: Unanimous
Treasurer’s Report:
• Quarterly Balance 3529.00
• We have paid July’s rent.
• Fundraising activities will be essential to insure financial health of the organization through 2010.
Communications/Membership:
• From 6/14-7/14 there were 40 new paid members
• Total number of memberships for 2009 – 77
• Total number of members for 2009 – 105
• Number of members submitting dues payment with PayPal since it was introduced – 6
• Membership strategic planning will continue with a meeting 9/17 at 10 AM and 10/20 at 9 AM
Advocacy Report:
• Judy Kramer, George Lupone and Becky Thomas attended the Organizing Committee for Democrats of Cuyahoga County Party Reform. We were energized and optimistic about their plans for reforming the Democratic Party in Cuyahoga County.
• The Steering Committee made a commitment to attend the Forum organized by this Party Reform Committee. George Lupone made the motion, Judy Kramer seconded. The date will be established soon and emailed to all members.
• A possible panel discussion with experts about Pakistan and Afghanistan will be tabled for now. There is too much on the agenda this fall.
• We will co-sponsor a meeting with the LWV on Cuyahoga County Reform, the ballot issue for November. A date will be set in October as soon as we know the ballot language, etc.
Health Care Reform Report:
• We will co-sponsor a meeting with Geauga Change at the Geauga West Library on 7/22/09. Gary Benjamin from UHCAN will discuss reform issues at the state and federal level.
• Lynne Rustad will present a senior focus on health care at Hamlet in September.
• 9/22/09 Book Discussion: The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care by TR Reid will be co-sponsored with Geauga Change
• Some members of the Saturday Coffee and Politics group are working on fliers to counter myths being circulated by opponents of Obama’s health care reform plan.
• Plans made to visit Senator Voinovich’s office in August to present Patriot’s position on much-needed public option for Health Care Bill. Although Patriots has favored a single payer system, we are aware that Congress has ignored this option, even though 70% of the American people prefer it. A public option could help to contain costs by fostering competition with the insurance companies. Judy Kramer will call for an appointment, and Ed Fire, Kathy Kolcaba, and Lynn Rustad will meet with the Senator.
Education:
• 7/22: Three Cups of Tea Book discussion.
• A fund raiser is planned for November presenting Bill Rowe, food/drink, and a possible auction
• Pat Moore will be contacted about presenting a program on the Constitution on Sept. l7th at the library
Fundraising:
• Ed Fire and Kathy Kolcaba volunteered to head a Fund Raising Committee. Potential committee members will be contacted.
Other Business:
• Sherri Culver will write an ad for the newsletter to try to find someone to share office space/expenses with us.
• Kathy Kolcaba will contact Larry Shibley about obtaining WiFi coverage for our office.
Becky Thomas - Acting Secretary
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 9th, 2009 Steering Committee Minutes
Attendance: Judy Kramer, Bill Rowe, Ed Fire, Debbi Thomas, George Lupone, Becky Thomas, Ray DiCarlo, Sherri Culver, Lori Zaim
Meeting called to order at 9:30 by Vice President Sherri Culver
Treasurer’s Report:
None given, treasurer out of town
Membership:
• Maybe 65 paid members. Not definite because we didn’t have the list.
• Calls were made to 30 former members who had paid in 2008. ¼ responded favorably
• Pay Pal has gleaned five membership payments
• Web site needs updating. Nothing has been done since April. Who is responsible?
Advocacy:
• Registration of voters this summer and fall will be done under the NOA group headed by Pearl Livingstone and Norm Robbins
• Senator Voinovich has not yet decided whether to support public funding of elections
• It was decided to abandon the program AnySoldier due to lack of participation
• Becky Thomas will attend the Education committee Tues. June 16th to help plan a forum on Afghanistan/Pakistan/Iraq
Education:
• Volunteer service fair was well supported by organizations (17) but attendance was sparse. Everyone involved worked hard, but we probably shouldn’t do this again. The bake sale brought in $105.
• Three Cups of Tea will be presented on 8/22 at the library
• Those wanting to hear author should car pool for the 26th event downtown
• Cuyahoga Treasurer Jim Rokakis will speak Sat. the 13th at 10 at the library on foreclosures and the land bank
• Fund raiser featuring Bill Rowe with a sample of songs from the play written by Bill Rowe and Shelly Bloomfield will be in Nov. It will include a sale of Bill’s books, CD’s an Kelly’s homemade beer
Health Care:
• Ray DiCarlo and Lynn Rustad will continue sending Action Alerts about health care HB676
• Marcia Fudge declared support for HR 676 after a visit from Ray DiCarlo and others
• TR Reid will talk at Trinity Cathedral on 6/20. Call Judy or Ray to carpool
New Business:Discussion of By Laws
• Judy Kramer moved to amend the proposed Bylaws to say that committees will appoint their own chairperson instead of the President doing so. Seconded by Ed Fire
• (Vote: 5 for the amendment, 2 against, 1 abstained)
• Ed Fire moved that the amended Bylaws be submitted to the membership for approval. Seconded by George Lupone. Vote unanimous in favor.
• Ed Fire recommended we devote a meeting to getting people involved in leadership and fund raising.
Next scheduled Steering Committee: July 14th, at 9:30.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20.
Respectfully submitted by Acting Secretary,
Becky Thomas
Meeting called to order at 9:30 by Vice President Sherri Culver
Treasurer’s Report:
None given, treasurer out of town
Membership:
• Maybe 65 paid members. Not definite because we didn’t have the list.
• Calls were made to 30 former members who had paid in 2008. ¼ responded favorably
• Pay Pal has gleaned five membership payments
• Web site needs updating. Nothing has been done since April. Who is responsible?
Advocacy:
• Registration of voters this summer and fall will be done under the NOA group headed by Pearl Livingstone and Norm Robbins
• Senator Voinovich has not yet decided whether to support public funding of elections
• It was decided to abandon the program AnySoldier due to lack of participation
• Becky Thomas will attend the Education committee Tues. June 16th to help plan a forum on Afghanistan/Pakistan/Iraq
Education:
• Volunteer service fair was well supported by organizations (17) but attendance was sparse. Everyone involved worked hard, but we probably shouldn’t do this again. The bake sale brought in $105.
• Three Cups of Tea will be presented on 8/22 at the library
• Those wanting to hear author should car pool for the 26th event downtown
• Cuyahoga Treasurer Jim Rokakis will speak Sat. the 13th at 10 at the library on foreclosures and the land bank
• Fund raiser featuring Bill Rowe with a sample of songs from the play written by Bill Rowe and Shelly Bloomfield will be in Nov. It will include a sale of Bill’s books, CD’s an Kelly’s homemade beer
Health Care:
• Ray DiCarlo and Lynn Rustad will continue sending Action Alerts about health care HB676
• Marcia Fudge declared support for HR 676 after a visit from Ray DiCarlo and others
• TR Reid will talk at Trinity Cathedral on 6/20. Call Judy or Ray to carpool
New Business:Discussion of By Laws
• Judy Kramer moved to amend the proposed Bylaws to say that committees will appoint their own chairperson instead of the President doing so. Seconded by Ed Fire
• (Vote: 5 for the amendment, 2 against, 1 abstained)
• Ed Fire moved that the amended Bylaws be submitted to the membership for approval. Seconded by George Lupone. Vote unanimous in favor.
• Ed Fire recommended we devote a meeting to getting people involved in leadership and fund raising.
Next scheduled Steering Committee: July 14th, at 9:30.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20.
Respectfully submitted by Acting Secretary,
Becky Thomas
Monday, June 1, 2009
May 12, 2009 Steering Committee Minutes
Present: Lynne Rustad, Judy Kramer, Ted Buczek, George Lupone, Sherri Culver, Ed Fire, Lori Zaim
Meeting called to order @ 9:38AM
Minutes: April 14, 2009 approved.
Treasurer’s Report:
• Balance: $3515.85 plus $143.48 (transfer from PayPal): $3659.33 total
• New Members: 5 (paid w/ PayPal) for a total of 47 households or 64 individuals (does not include snail mail members)
Membership Communication Report:
• Current Membership (see above figures)
• Actions taken since last meeting to increase membership:
o Letters sent to former members and those who have never been paid members via email, included PayPal links. Received five PayPal memberships.
o Thank you letters for dues payment sent.
o Membership Committee meeting: Thursday, May 14 to discuss further actions.
Newsletter – proposed articles: Education information, Volunteer Fair, Public Option for health care reform, Employee Free Choice Act (ECFA) - Card check to facilitate union organization), Three Cups of Tea info. It was suggested that the newsletter was not provocative enough and that most people don’t read it. But the monthly presence makes it important. (A lot of work for nothing).
Website domain name transfer: Up in the air. Gary has received no response to phone calls or email requests. Ted said that the new provider should take care of name transfer.
Dot Mac contract: Gary is working on it. It would be preferable to have multiple editors for web site.
Status of AOL Internet access – justification for Patriot ISP We are currently using Ted’s private account to access dial-up Internet in the office. Since it costs Ted nothing extra and he had no objection, we will continue to use it. Computer in office with dialup connection is so slow, it is rarely used. Discussed viability of Verizon’s new personal portable Wi-Fi (My-Fi) at a cost of $100 and 40/month. If one member of Patriots obtains router, it could be used in office for meetings since it supports five laptops.
Education:
• Volunteer Fair Update: Bake sale, possible face painting for $1.00. 18 tables for participants. Drop bake sale items in office Saturday morning 10-12. Ted will bring inflated balloons. Kittens will be available. Volunteers needed for two shifts: 12:30-3 & 3-5:30.
• Other scheduled events: Jennifer Lynch to talk on Afghanistan 5/21, Rokakis to speak at library 6/13, Three Cups of Tea 8/23
Advocacy:
• "AnySoldier" progress: Response has been disappointing. Will send a reminder.
• EFCA (Employee Free Choice Act): - The bill has been rewritten with compromise on issue secret ballots. Discussed LaTourette’s questionable track record.
Health Care:
• Sherrod Brown health care forum: was well-attended and Brown supports public payer option.
• Single-payer option: Discussed the Baucus 8, Code Pink and T.R. Reid who will speak on 6/20 at Trinity Cathedral - $10 admission, possibility of carpooling.
New Business:
• Fundraising: Great ideas were submitted. Since we have no chair of for Development Committee at this point, it was suggested that S/C members take ownership of their own ideas and develop plan to implement.
• Development and Office Management Chairs: Still needed. Spring and Fall cleaning of office suggested.
• Survey to assess member volunteer potential: Interest survey suggested but not sure if members will follow through.
Meeting adjourned @ 11:03AM
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Zaim
Acting Secretary
Meeting called to order @ 9:38AM
Minutes: April 14, 2009 approved.
Treasurer’s Report:
• Balance: $3515.85 plus $143.48 (transfer from PayPal): $3659.33 total
• New Members: 5 (paid w/ PayPal) for a total of 47 households or 64 individuals (does not include snail mail members)
Membership Communication Report:
• Current Membership (see above figures)
• Actions taken since last meeting to increase membership:
o Letters sent to former members and those who have never been paid members via email, included PayPal links. Received five PayPal memberships.
o Thank you letters for dues payment sent.
o Membership Committee meeting: Thursday, May 14 to discuss further actions.
Newsletter – proposed articles: Education information, Volunteer Fair, Public Option for health care reform, Employee Free Choice Act (ECFA) - Card check to facilitate union organization), Three Cups of Tea info. It was suggested that the newsletter was not provocative enough and that most people don’t read it. But the monthly presence makes it important. (A lot of work for nothing).
Website domain name transfer: Up in the air. Gary has received no response to phone calls or email requests. Ted said that the new provider should take care of name transfer.
Dot Mac contract: Gary is working on it. It would be preferable to have multiple editors for web site.
Status of AOL Internet access – justification for Patriot ISP We are currently using Ted’s private account to access dial-up Internet in the office. Since it costs Ted nothing extra and he had no objection, we will continue to use it. Computer in office with dialup connection is so slow, it is rarely used. Discussed viability of Verizon’s new personal portable Wi-Fi (My-Fi) at a cost of $100 and 40/month. If one member of Patriots obtains router, it could be used in office for meetings since it supports five laptops.
Education:
• Volunteer Fair Update: Bake sale, possible face painting for $1.00. 18 tables for participants. Drop bake sale items in office Saturday morning 10-12. Ted will bring inflated balloons. Kittens will be available. Volunteers needed for two shifts: 12:30-3 & 3-5:30.
• Other scheduled events: Jennifer Lynch to talk on Afghanistan 5/21, Rokakis to speak at library 6/13, Three Cups of Tea 8/23
Advocacy:
• "AnySoldier" progress: Response has been disappointing. Will send a reminder.
• EFCA (Employee Free Choice Act): - The bill has been rewritten with compromise on issue secret ballots. Discussed LaTourette’s questionable track record.
Health Care:
• Sherrod Brown health care forum: was well-attended and Brown supports public payer option.
• Single-payer option: Discussed the Baucus 8, Code Pink and T.R. Reid who will speak on 6/20 at Trinity Cathedral - $10 admission, possibility of carpooling.
New Business:
• Fundraising: Great ideas were submitted. Since we have no chair of for Development Committee at this point, it was suggested that S/C members take ownership of their own ideas and develop plan to implement.
• Development and Office Management Chairs: Still needed. Spring and Fall cleaning of office suggested.
• Survey to assess member volunteer potential: Interest survey suggested but not sure if members will follow through.
Meeting adjourned @ 11:03AM
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Zaim
Acting Secretary
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 14, 2009 Steering Committee Minutes
Attendance: Lynne Rustad, Judy Kramer, Bill Rowe, Ed Fire, Debbi Thomas, Kathy Kolcaba, George Lupone, Becky Thomas, Ray DiCarlo, Gary Sherck, Sherri Culver
Meeting called to order at 9:30 by President Lynn Rustad.
Approval of Minutes:
• Minutes approved by Judy Kramer, seconded by George Lupone
Treasurer’s Report:
• Lynne Rustad (for Kathy Kolcaba) reported a balance of $3768.30
• Spread sheet for first quarter explained by Gary Sherck until Kathy Kolcaba, Treasurer, arrived
• Possible deficit for year if we don’t get more paid members and use other methods of fund-raising
• Each Steering Committee member is to bring at least one recommendation for fund-raising to next Strategic Planning meeting on April 30.
Membership:
• Report submitted be Lori Zaim in absentia
• 50 paid members thus far. Question was raised about standardizing how memberships are counted, i.e., by individuals (counting each family member) vs. counting “membership” per se. Since there are implications for voting privileges, issue will be discussed further at next meeting.
• Lori Zaim sent out “thank you” messages to all who have contributed
• Dues payment and donations now possible through Pay Pal. George Lupone will send notice of access and instructions via email
• Option of paying dues for two years at same rate, allowing members to avoid rate increases and allowing for better budgeting by committee, was discussed. Decision deferred to next meeting.
Newsletter:
• Articles for newsletter will include a series on unions by Ed Fire
• Lynne Rustad and Ray DiCarlo will address the public option for health care
• Becky Thomas will write up interview with Voinovich’s aide on Fair Elections
Website:
• Now complete, Gary Sherck to get details for automatic redirect from Yahoo and eventual movement of hosting site to a Patriots’ dot Mac account that will allow for more than one web site editor.
• 14 page hits since web site went public April 1st
• Will advertise and explain new website to members through email
Advocacy:
• Anti-war demonstrations have ceased for now
• Ed Fire/Becky Thomas will meet with aide of Voinovich about Fair Elections
• Voted on outreach program anysoldier.com to support military. Moved by Sherri Culver, seconded by Judy Kramer. Becky Thomas and Sherri Culver will plan details of program
Education:
• Schedule in flux through June until confirmation from participants is known
• Volunteer Service Fair may have to be canceled unless there is more participation
• Three Cups of Tea author may make an appearance. Events will be planned around this visit
• President Obama’s policy for Afghanistan should be in place by summer so discussion on policy may be appropriate after book discussion.
Health Care:
• Ray DiCarlo and Lynne Rustad will continue sending Action Alerts about HB676, Medicare for All single-payer plan, and the “public insurance option.’
• Our battle to modify administration’s plan to increase access and control costs will continue
• Ray DiCarlo, Judy Kramer and Lynne Rustad will attend Sherrod Brown’s Health Care Forum on April 17th (10:15 AM , Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118)
Operations:
• Committee hasn’t met and membership and responsibilities unclear. It seems that some committees that were placed under “Operations” in the current by-laws are now free-standing committees (Communications, Membership) while others (Development, Office Operations) have received little attention
• Bylaws need to reflect changes or modifications of this committee
New Business:
• A free-standing Development Committee to handle fund-raising and community outreach was discussed
• Office Operations Committee needs leadership and clarification of responsibilities
• Sherri Culver will circulate by-laws revision to Steering Committee before 4/30 planning meeting
• Next regular Steering Committee meeting is May 12, 9:30
Continuation of Strategic Planning:
• Will meet an additional time a month to finish strategic planning
• Next meeting will be Thurs. 4/30 at 9:30
Meeting adjourned at 11:20.
Respectfully submitted by Acting Secretary,
Becky Thomas
Meeting called to order at 9:30 by President Lynn Rustad.
Approval of Minutes:
• Minutes approved by Judy Kramer, seconded by George Lupone
Treasurer’s Report:
• Lynne Rustad (for Kathy Kolcaba) reported a balance of $3768.30
• Spread sheet for first quarter explained by Gary Sherck until Kathy Kolcaba, Treasurer, arrived
• Possible deficit for year if we don’t get more paid members and use other methods of fund-raising
• Each Steering Committee member is to bring at least one recommendation for fund-raising to next Strategic Planning meeting on April 30.
Membership:
• Report submitted be Lori Zaim in absentia
• 50 paid members thus far. Question was raised about standardizing how memberships are counted, i.e., by individuals (counting each family member) vs. counting “membership” per se. Since there are implications for voting privileges, issue will be discussed further at next meeting.
• Lori Zaim sent out “thank you” messages to all who have contributed
• Dues payment and donations now possible through Pay Pal. George Lupone will send notice of access and instructions via email
• Option of paying dues for two years at same rate, allowing members to avoid rate increases and allowing for better budgeting by committee, was discussed. Decision deferred to next meeting.
Newsletter:
• Articles for newsletter will include a series on unions by Ed Fire
• Lynne Rustad and Ray DiCarlo will address the public option for health care
• Becky Thomas will write up interview with Voinovich’s aide on Fair Elections
Website:
• Now complete, Gary Sherck to get details for automatic redirect from Yahoo and eventual movement of hosting site to a Patriots’ dot Mac account that will allow for more than one web site editor.
• 14 page hits since web site went public April 1st
• Will advertise and explain new website to members through email
Advocacy:
• Anti-war demonstrations have ceased for now
• Ed Fire/Becky Thomas will meet with aide of Voinovich about Fair Elections
• Voted on outreach program anysoldier.com to support military. Moved by Sherri Culver, seconded by Judy Kramer. Becky Thomas and Sherri Culver will plan details of program
Education:
• Schedule in flux through June until confirmation from participants is known
• Volunteer Service Fair may have to be canceled unless there is more participation
• Three Cups of Tea author may make an appearance. Events will be planned around this visit
• President Obama’s policy for Afghanistan should be in place by summer so discussion on policy may be appropriate after book discussion.
Health Care:
• Ray DiCarlo and Lynne Rustad will continue sending Action Alerts about HB676, Medicare for All single-payer plan, and the “public insurance option.’
• Our battle to modify administration’s plan to increase access and control costs will continue
• Ray DiCarlo, Judy Kramer and Lynne Rustad will attend Sherrod Brown’s Health Care Forum on April 17th (10:15 AM , Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118)
Operations:
• Committee hasn’t met and membership and responsibilities unclear. It seems that some committees that were placed under “Operations” in the current by-laws are now free-standing committees (Communications, Membership) while others (Development, Office Operations) have received little attention
• Bylaws need to reflect changes or modifications of this committee
New Business:
• A free-standing Development Committee to handle fund-raising and community outreach was discussed
• Office Operations Committee needs leadership and clarification of responsibilities
• Sherri Culver will circulate by-laws revision to Steering Committee before 4/30 planning meeting
• Next regular Steering Committee meeting is May 12, 9:30
Continuation of Strategic Planning:
• Will meet an additional time a month to finish strategic planning
• Next meeting will be Thurs. 4/30 at 9:30
Meeting adjourned at 11:20.
Respectfully submitted by Acting Secretary,
Becky Thomas
Friday, April 3, 2009
Action Alert: Support a Single-payer Option
From: Thomas Pretlow
Date: March 29, 2009 7:09:29 PM EDT
Subject: Medicare for all
Dear Friends,
It seems likely that we shall get healthcare legislation this year. While I would prefer Medicare for all with no copays and no premiums, I do not think that it is likely that the private insurance companies will lose all of the way (I would prefer not to have private insurance companies). We need to remember that UnitedHealthcare (UNH), one of the largest and most corrupt health insurance sources in our country, donated over a million dollars to support the Democratic National Convention.
Having stated my preference, the best I hope for is that our government will make conventional Medicare available to all as an option for those who do not get something else. I urge you to sign the petition that urges legislation that will make this a possibility for every one. The petition can be found on the web at: www.StandwithDrDean.com.
Let's hope that this makes healthcare available to everyone either immediately or in the not-too-distant future.
Tom
Thomas G. Pretlow, M.D.
Professor in the Departments of Pathology, Urology, Oncology, and Environmental Health Sciences
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine*
(telephone: 216-368-8701; e-mail: tgp3@cwru.edu)
*Nothing in my communication represents Case Western Reserve.
Date: March 29, 2009 7:09:29 PM EDT
Subject: Medicare for all
Dear Friends,
It seems likely that we shall get healthcare legislation this year. While I would prefer Medicare for all with no copays and no premiums, I do not think that it is likely that the private insurance companies will lose all of the way (I would prefer not to have private insurance companies). We need to remember that UnitedHealthcare (UNH), one of the largest and most corrupt health insurance sources in our country, donated over a million dollars to support the Democratic National Convention.
Having stated my preference, the best I hope for is that our government will make conventional Medicare available to all as an option for those who do not get something else. I urge you to sign the petition that urges legislation that will make this a possibility for every one. The petition can be found on the web at: www.StandwithDrDean.com.
Let's hope that this makes healthcare available to everyone either immediately or in the not-too-distant future.
Tom
Thomas G. Pretlow, M.D.
Professor in the Departments of Pathology, Urology, Oncology, and Environmental Health Sciences
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine*
(telephone: 216-368-8701; e-mail: tgp3@cwru.edu)
*Nothing in my communication represents Case Western Reserve.