Minutes November 10, 2016

The Blooming Prairie AAUW met on Thursday, November 10 at the Pizza Cellar in Blooming Prairie. Laura Elvebak, Steele County Administrator, told of her responsibilities and the challenges of overseeing the county government. Thirteen members were present.

The business meeting was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by President Jean Peterson. She thanked everyone for the work they did for the Village Affair.

Secretary’s Report: The minutes are posted on the website and were read by Secretary Nancy Vaillancourt. The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer’s Report: Beth Krebs announced that as of October 31, the checking account had a balance of $7,125.74. That amount included the deposits and bills from Village Affair. A thank you letter was received from Susie Christianson of the Women’s Shelter in Rochester for the donation of $50 given to last month’s speaker.

Committee Reports:

Program: Our December meeting will be our annual Christmas party to be held at Jean Peterson’s home at 7 p.m. Bring an appetizer, a white elephant gift, and your checkbook for the auction. Please invite guests for this evening.

We will be watching a movie in January in the City Council room at the City Center. Please bring chairs. Joanne will bring treats. At that meeting the book Nightingale will be available for our February book event.

Membership: Not present

Public Policy:

Scholarship: The committee is still looking for the judging forms.

Village Affair: Beth, the winner of the raffle basket, brought Costa’s Chocolates for the group to share. She will bring the basket for next year’s raffle also.

Pam thanked everyone for their help. There were no major issues. In comparing last year to this year, she noted:

2016                                                                                  2015

137 booths                                                                       135 booths

79 vendors                                                                        72 vendors

1 no show                                                                             7 no shows

There were several new vendors with new products. Pam received thank you notes from vendors, and no complaints! The to-go meals to vendors brought in $577. The raffle was up $150 from last year.

Total income was $6,789.97 with expenses of $2,109. The total profit was $4,680.65, so AAUW and Women of Today will each receive $2,340. (The profit in 2015 was $4,693.)

Heidi suggested that we might consider aprons for the workers to wear. Pam will discuss this with the Women of Today. The janitor worked from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It was suggested that the light bulbs in the hallway be checked before the event since many were burnt out. Two pies and two cheesecakes were left over. Suggestions were made to have brighter colors for the food, possibly more brownies, cheesecake sampler from Costco, lemon or chocolate pies. Using the Bakery in Blooming Prairie for frosted cookies and rolls was also mentioned.

Old Business: Reminder to be aware of the booth in the park on Sunday, July 2, 2017 for Blooming Prairie’s 150th celebration.

New Business: None

Announcements: Naomi from Women of Today asked for volunteers to help wrap presents at the Santa House on December 2 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

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