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

June 8, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

I. Call to Order: 10:03am.  April minutes were approved.

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

·   We have a checking account balance of $9949.83.  $500 was paid to Insurance Diversified for our insurance policy. 

·   We currently have 142 members.

·   Report approved.

III. Membership Committee Report: George Lupone.

·   The committee met, follow-up phone calls were made to those who paid in 2008.  We have received four additional memberships as a result.

·   Judy Kramer’s technique works well: Call the person, tell them we are having a membership drive, ask if they are receiving the emails, ask if they would like to rejoin.

·   The importance of contacting those on the attendance sheets from Patriot events was discussed. The committee will focus on maintaining and expanding the base.

·   Report approved.

IV. Advocacy Committee Report: Ed Fire

·   Cuyahoga County New Government Structure--Financing of Campaigns Report. Becky Thomas is a member of the Cuyahoga County Campaign Finance Reform Committee (organized by County Prosecutor, Bill Mason)

·   Review of qualifications of Cuyahoga County Council District 6 Candidates, including setting a date for a District 6 "Candidates Night." Becky Thomas will set a date for district 6 candidates to talk to us prior to the September 7^th primary. 

·   Report approved

V. Education Committee Report: Judy Kramer. 

·   Pat Moore will present his Economic Forum this Saturday (May 15) at the CF. Library. 

·   June 12 – Bill Rowe and Jana Theis will hold The Family Book Talk.

·   June 26 – membership meeting.

·   August – Sustainability Meeting. 

·   Report approved.

VI. Old Business:

Discussion of June 19 membership Meeting

·   The meeting has been changed to June 26 due to availability of the meeting room.

·   We are not allowed to support candidates at the CF Library.  The township Hall or Hamlet would be alternative meeting places.

·   Focus Groups on:

a) 2010 Elections Voter registration: Contact Ray DiCarlo (healthcareforall@mac.com) to register voters at the City of Bedford picnic on August 15 (3-5pm).  Ellenwood School (124 Ellenwood, Bedford).

b) The Economy

c) Sustainability and Food

d) Campaign Finance Reform

e) Health Care reform

VII. Report on Meeting with representative of Senator Sherrod Brown, Max Blachman, regarding US Senate legislation on campaign finance reform

·   Meeting Attendees. Eight members of P4C plus Preeti Gill from the Coffee Party attended.

·   It was a positive meeting.

·   Mr. Blachman was asked about the Fair Election Act.  Sherrod Brown is currently concerned with the Supreme Court decision on Citizens United.

VIII. Report on new Patriots for Change brochure: Lynne Rustad. Lynne is continuing to work on the brochure.

IX. New Business:

·   Discussion on possible fundraiser in connection with a Cavaliers play off game.

·   Other New Business? Invite Preeti Gill and other members of the Coffee Party to our June membership meeting. 

·   Judy Kramer brought up gun control.  It was suggested that individual members contact Lori O’Neill if they want to become involved.

X. Adjournment

Rick Taft, candidate in Democratic Primary for Cuyahoga County Council District 6 spoke with the Steering Committee.

Respectfully submitted

Lori Muller-Zaim, Secretary

May 11, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

I. Call to Order 10:03am. April minutes were approved.

II. Treasurer's and Paid Members Report: Kathy Kolcaba. We have a checking account balance of $9949.83. $500 was paid to Insurance Diversified for our insurance policy. We currently have 142 members. Report approved.

III. Membership Committee Report: George Lupone. The committee met. Follow-up phone calls were made to those who paid in 2008. We have received four additional memberships as a result. Judy Kramer’s technique works well: Call the person, tell them we are having a membership drive, ask if they are receiving the emails, ask if they would like to rejoin. The importance of contacting those on the attendance sheets from Patriot events was discussed. The committee will focus on maintaining and expanding the base. Report approved.

IV. Advocacy Committee Report: Ed Fire

A. Cuyahoga County New Government Structure--Financing of Campaigns Report. Becky Thomas is a member of the Cuyahoga County Campaign Finance Reform Committee (organized by County Prosecutor, Bill Mason).

B. Review of qualifications of Cuyahoga County Council District 6 Candidates, including setting a date for a District 6 "Candidates Night." Becky Thomas will set a date for district 6 candidates to talk to us prior to the September 7th primary.

Report approved

V. Education Committee Report: Judy Kramer. Pat Moore will present his Economic Forum this Saturday (May 15) at the CF. Library. June 12 – Bill Rowe and Jana Theis will hold The Family Book Talk. June 26 – membership meeting. August – Sustainability Meeting. Report approved.

VI. Old Business:

A. Discussion of June 19 membership Meeting: The meeting has been changed to June 26 due to availability of the meeting room.

1. Agenda. We are not allowed to support candidates at the CF Library. The township Hall or Hamlet would be alternative meeting places.

2. Focus Groups on:

a) 2010 Elections Voter registration: Contact Ray DiCarlo (healthcareforall@mac.com) to register voters at the City of Bedford picnic on August 15 (3-5pm). Ellenwood School (124 Ellenwood, Bedford).

b) The Economy
c) Sustainability and Food
d) Campaign Finance Reform
e) Health Care reform

VII. Report on Meeting with representative of Senator Sherrod Brown, Max Blachman regarding US Senate legislation on campaign finance reform: Meeting Attendees. Eight members of P4C plus Preeti Gill from the Coffee Party attended. It was a positive meeting. Mr. Blachman was asked about the Fair Election Act. Sherrod Brown is currently concerned with the Supreme Court decision on Citizens United.

VIII. Report on new Patriots for Change brochure: Lynne Rustad. Lynne is continuing to work on the brochure.

IX. New Business:

A. Discussion on possible fundraiser in connection with a Cavaliers play off game.

B. Other New Business? Invite Preeti Gill and other members of the Coffee Party to our June membership meeting. Judy Kramer brought up gun control. It was suggested that individual members contact Lori O’Neill if they want to become involved.

X. Adjournment

Rick Taft, candidate in Democratic Primary for Cuyahoga County Council District 6 spoke with the Steering Committee.


Respectfully submitted

Lori Muller-Zaim, Secretary

April 13, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

Present: Ed Fire, Kathy Kolcaba, Debbie Thomas, Elliott Berenson, Diana Nazelli, Ray DiCarlo, Judy Kramer, Bill Rowe, George Lupone, Lori Zaim, Fran Dryer, Becky Thomas, Lynne Rustad

I. Call to Order. Meeting called to order @ 10:07am.

II. Approval of minutes of March 20 Membership Meeting. Approved with a minor change.

III. Treasurer's Report: Kathy Kolcaba. At the end of the first quarter our balance was $10,981.31. After paying rent & utilities ($408) and a membership deposit ($155) our current balance is $10,727.38. Two successful fundraisers have contributed to our healthy balance.

IV. Membership Report: Kathy Kolcaba and Lori Zaim. 135 individuals and 101 memberships.

V. Membership Committee Report: George Lupone. One more membership meeting will take place to assess our status.

VI. Advocacy Committee Report: Becky Thomas.
• We will ask for a membership vote to approve our proposed agenda for the upcoming year.
• An email was sent asking members to contact their legislators supporting the Fair Elections Act.
• Susan Alcorn has issued an invitation to join her at the City Club on Friday, April 23rd for a discussion of sustainable food ($15.00).
• Jennifer Brunner & Lee Fisher will speak from The City Club today (4/13) at 12:39 (WCPN).
• Reception for Jennifer Brunner this afternoon in Solon.
• The movie Fresh (Michael Pollan) will be shown at Noon at the Solon Theater on April 24th.
• Drop off any unwanted electronics at the Whole Foods on Chagrin Blvd, on April 17th.
• Senator Voinovich voted to eliminate the filibuster. He was one of only four Republicans to end the Republican led filibuster to deny an extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits. The bill was then passed and signed into law by President Obama. Voinovich deserves credit for recognizing the pain and suffering many thousands of long-term unemployed Americans are forced to go through.
• The Steering Committee will recommend supporting State Issue 1 and Cuyahoga Issue 15 in the May primary.

VII. Education Committee Report: Judy Kramer, Jana Theis, Claire Rahn, Bill Rowe.
• Greg Coleridge to speak April 17.
• The Family. June 12th led by Bill Rowe & Jana Theis
• Financial Reform May 15 (Pat Moore).
• Diane Nazelli will send a press release of upcoming events to the CVTimes

VIII. Old Business:

A. Repairs to Office, Renewal of Lease and Renewal of Liability Insurance Policy: Ed Fire. The new lease is identical to last year’s. Lights and drawers have been repaired. More discussion about paint v. wallpaper. Judy will take over discussion & negotiations with Kristen (from Shibley Mgmt). The liability policy (Insurance Diversified) is up for renewal ($500). The policy will be reviewed to determine what it covers.

B. Discussion on Implementation of Membership Meeting Focus Group Items:

1. 2010 Elections.
a. May 4th Primary Election. The Steering Committee will recommend to the membership that we support State Issue 1 and Cuyahoga County Issue 15.
2. The Economy.
3. Sustainability and Food
4. Campaign Finance Reform.
5. Continuing Health Care Reform.

C. Discuss plans for June 19 Membership Meeting.

D. Report on new Coffee Party organization: Judy Kramer. There has been an active group meeting at the Borders in La Place. Each group met with their congressman. A new meeting (14th district) has been started in Solon. The Coffee Party is interested in Civility, Campaign Finance Reform, & Financial Reform.

E. May 14-15 Relay for Life: Lori Zaim. The Relay starts @ 6pm on Friday and runs through noon on Saturday. Our team, Answer to Cancer, will walk the track at Chagrin Falls H.S for the entire 18 hours. To sign up for the team, purchase luminaries or to make a donation contact Lori.

IX. New Business:

A. Discuss Dennis Raymond's idea of conducting an updated survey of our Patriots for Change membership. We will consider conducting a survey of the membership in 2011. The priorities have been set for the 2010 year already.

B. "March to Fulfill the Dream:" Ray DiCarlo. Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign will stop in Cleveland (June 5,6,7&8) on its march from New Orleans to Detroit. Ray will provide information on how we can help the cause.

C. Coalition of Labor Union (CLUW) May 22 Cleveland Conference: Ed Fire. The AFL-CIO will hold the first annual event. Speakers will include Marcia Fudge, Betty Sutton, Free breakfast and lunch.

D. Other new Business

• Lynne Rustad has created a new P4C brochure with color pictures. Diana Nazelli’s family business will cover the printing costs.
• Blossom time – We will look into an application to participate in the parade.
• We decided that all non-member guest speakers should be offered a $50 honorarium.

X. Adjournment. 11:45

March 9, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

Present: Ed Fire, Claire Rahn, Becky Thomas, Ray Kolcaba, Judy Kramer, Ray DiCarlo, Debi Thomas, Lori Zaim

I. Approval of Minutes of February 9 Steering Committee meeting. Approved w/ minor changes.

II. Treasurer's Report: Ray Kolcaba. Current balance: $10,674.57. The Theater party raised $900.00. 124 members to date.

III. Membership Committee Report: Reminder phone calls were made.

IV. Advocacy Committee Report: Becky Thomas.
Becky is waiting to hear back from Marcia Fudge regarding her position on Campaign Finance Reform.

Health Care: Ed will draft a letter urging Patriots to contact their congressmen and include information on the recent NYT editorial regarding Health Care.

V. Education Committee Report: Judy Kramer, Claire Rahn. Greg Coleridge talk on April 17th. The Family will be the next book discussion. Date TBA. Education Committee meeting March 10.

VI. Old Business.

A. Renewal of Lease: Ed Fire It seems that our current location is the best location for now. Ed will contact Shibley management to request needed repairs. We will continue to pay month to month until repairs are made. Shibley management will contact us if a first floor space becomes available.

B. Plans for March 20 Membership Meeting: Becky Thomas. All steering committee members are urged to attend and to call two others to attend. Stephanie Spear is unavailable on March 20. The current line up is: Kelly Clark (Environmental Sustainability), Pat Moore (Economy and revitalization of CF Village), Judy Kramer (health care), Becky Thomas (Campaign Finance Reform), and Ed Fire (2010 Elections). We will break into discussion groups. Muffins and coffee will be provided.

VII. New Business.

A. Organizing for America--March 2 meeting: Judy Kramer, Becky Thomas, Ed Fire. Met w/ Greg Schultz & David Cook.

B. Formation of the Coffee Party organization. Coffee Party meeting @ LaPlace Borders. Alert interested members and RSVP for March 3 @ Noon. Car pool from office.

C. Voter Registration: Judy Kramer. Will mention @ March 20th meeting.

D. Governor Strickland visit to Geauga County on March 14. New Geauga Dems HQ is several doors down from former location.

E. Relay for Life, May 14/15: Lori reported and P4C will form a team to participate. 6pm until Noon the next day.

F. Other New Business
Elliott Berenson’s Letter to Editor.
Debi Thomas reported that Chagrin Valley Dems will meet at Hamlet in the Atrium on March 9th @ 7:30pm. Bill O’Neill and judicial candidates will participate.
Ray Kolcaba brought up the thought that U.S. job loss is due to deindustrialization, not the recession.

Adjourned @ 11:30.

Lori Zaim

February 9, 2010 Steering Committee Minutes

Approval of Minutes: January Steering Committee Meeting Approved.

Treasurer's Report: Kathy Kolcaba. The checking account balance is $10,333.39 after paying February rent and January utilities. 112 individual members at present. Approved.

1. Report on potential new office/meeting sites. Kathy recommends the space @ 31 S. Franklin St. It is larger, modern and beautiful. There is no on-site parking but street parking is available. Becky, Ed and Kathy will visit proposed spaces and report back. We will continue to pay month-to-month rent at 139 Bell St and request improved storage, wi-fi, and carpet cleaning before signing the lease. Claire stressed the convenience of staying in our current location.

Membership Committee Report: George Lupone.

1. Possible cell phone calling session to recruit new members. Membership meeting February 17th @ 10:00am to divide call lists.

Advocacy Committee Report and Recommendations: Becky Thomas.

Issues for Patriots for 2010:

Campaign Finance Reform working with youstreet.org
Climate Change/Sustainability
Reforming Health Care
Gun Trafficking in Ohio
Economy through Jobs Creation
November Elections

We need to prioritize these based on member’s interests and involvement/leadership/energy. We would like to focus on specific goals that can be attained in the areas chosen. We will make this the topic of our Membership meeting March 20th. Brief presentations will be given on each topic. Then the members will break into interest groups to discuss specific ways we can educate, lobby and advocate for a particular issue.

Education Committee Report: Jana Theis, Judy Kramer, Claire Rahn, Bill Rowe.

• March 20 – General Meeting (no presentation by Education Committee).
• The Education Committee will meet on March 10 @ 10:00 in the office. All are welcome.
• On April 17 Greg Coleridge , Director of Economic Justice and Empowerment Programs of the NE Ohio American Friends Service Committee, will speak in the Chagrin Falls Library.

Old Business:

1. Results of membership vote on Bylaws: Lori Zaim. 22 yes and 1 no.

2. Theater Party Report: Kathy Kolcaba, Debi Thomas. 30/50 tickets sold to date. Steering Committee should bring food to share.

3. St. Patrick’s Day party cancelled.

New Business:

1. Policy on expenditures when members become ill or pass away. Patriots for Change will notify the membership and make no donation.

2. Ideas/Suggestions for Saturday, March 20 Membership Meeting at Chagrin Falls Library.
• Speaker on Iraq War? (March is the seventh anniversary of the start of the war.)
• Leave time at end of Membership Meeting for regular Saturday "Coffee and Conversation" session?
We will have an agenda-setting meeting for the year with input from the membership.

3. Other New Business? Diana Nazelli recommended visiting the Western Reserve Historical Society. The exhibit on President Lincoln is excellent.

Lori Zaim