Minutes, May 11, 2017
President Jean Peterson called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m.
Minutes: Minutes for April meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Beth Krebs reported a treasury balance of $2,693.76. An outstanding expense from the state convention had not yet been submitted.
Programs: Jean thanked Program Co-chairs, Joanne Sorenson and Julie Klock, for two years of interesting programming.
Village Affair: Marilyn Meshke prepared a list of items that members can contribute to the Village Affair basket which will be given to a lucky winner in October. Members are invited to bring contributions for the basket to the September meeting.
Membership: There was discussion of members’ years of service. Two members have reached the 50 year milestone, lifetime membership status – Jean Peterson and Suzie Pechacek. Congratulations, Jean and Suzie. Well done!
Scholarship Committee: The committee announced scholarship recipients, Leah Inwards and Rose Johnson. Each student received a $1,000.00 award.
Old Business:
- 150th City of Bp Celebration – Jean will contact members for input on event planning and for volunteers to serve at booth on July 2. Naomi will look up information from convention that might be useful for promotion – perhaps something to pass out to people who stop at our booth. Joanne volunteered to provide a table and two chairs for booth.
- Convention: Naomi recapped highlights of convention in Willmar. Tour of the barn Community Theatre; Art exhibit of artist in wood, Fred Cogelow; Keynote speaker was Cabo Yang, Executive Director of Minnesota Women’s Consortium who spoke on preventing and eliminating discriminatory practices regarding women. Paul Thien, a former college coach, and LAF plaintiff, focused on his personal experience with speaking out o Title IX infractions as well as sexual harassment of students. Individual work sessions included: 1. Marketing to Millennials and 2. Empowering for Leadership.
- Owatonna AAUW invited Blooming Prairie to join the Quad once a year
Announcements:
Beth requested membership dues of $60 from those present and $9 from life time members.
Mary and Beth asked member to send any ideas for programs their way.
Meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Minutes from April 20, 2017 meeting
Program: Member Jeanette Hauschildt and her daughter Martha showed quilts and quilting projects that Jeanette has made. She shared a potholder with each of the members present.
The meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. by President Jean Peterson.
Minutes: There were no additions or corrections to the minutes so they stand approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report: As of March 31, 2017 there was a balance of $2,693.76 in the checking account.
Committee Reports:
Program: The final program for the year will be the Mystery Dinner on May 11. Please meet at the north end of the high school parking lot by 5:00 p.m. Thanks to Julie Kloch and Joanne Sorenson for providing interesting and fun programs for the past two years.
Scholarship: The applications have been received. The committee of Austra, Loretta, Beth, and Jeannette will meet to make their decision on the distribution of the scholarship funds.
No reports from Membership, Public Policy, or Village Affair committees.
Old Business:
Booth in the park for the Blooming Prairie 150th celebration on Sunday, July 2 from noon to 4:00 p.m. A committee of Marilyn, Jean, Mary, and Naomi will plan the booth. Suggestions included display of scholarship winners, Village Affair, and brochures. Joanne said that she can provide a 6-8 foot table and chairs.
State Convention: Naomi Hansen will be attending from April 28-30.
New Business:
Nominating Committee Report: Committee members Jean Peterson and Julie Kloch presented the following candidates for the open offices:
Program: Mary Malherek, Beth Krebs
Secretary: Nancy Vaillancourt
Treasurer – one year term to fill Beth Krebs position: Jeanette Hauschildt
There was a call for further nominations. None were presented. Pam moved to accept the slate of officers as presented; Joanne seconded the motion. Motion was approved. The terms will begin in July.
Announcements:
Beth requested that members bring their checkbooks to pay dues for next year. They will again be $60 per year.
There will be a Village Affair meeting on Thursday, May 4 at the Pizza Cellar.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m
Minutes, March 9, 2017
The Blooming Prairie Branch of AAUW met at the City Center Building at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2017.
The meeting was called to order by President Jean Peterson.
There were no corrections to the minutes. They stood approved as submitted.
Beth Krebs reported that there was a balance of $2,743.76 in the checking account. The Women of Today have cashed their check from Village Affair.
Committee Reports:
Program: The next program will be on April 20 at the Pizza Cellar. Jeannette Hauschildt will present information on quilting.
The final meeting of the year will be on Thursday, May 11. We will leave at 5 p.m. from the north parking lot of the high school for our mystery dinner.
There were no further committee reports given.
Old business:
Our group is signed up for a table in the park on July 2, 2017 for the 150th anniversary of Blooming Prairie. We need to table staffed from 12-4 p.m. and are looking for volunteers.
New Business:
Nominating Committee: Julie and Jean will be calling. Mary Malherek and Beth Krebs have agreed to serve as program chairs. The other openings are secretary and treasurer. The treasurer position is vacant since Beth will be filling the program position. This is a one year commitment.
State Convention: The state convention will be held in Willmar from Friday, April 28 to Sunday, April 30. Session subjects such as STEM, funding, programming, and marketing to engage millenials will be shared. Naomi is interested in attending.
Announcements: Sympathy was expressed to Jean and H Peterson on the passing of H’s mother.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
The speaker was Heidi Thompson, social worker at Prairie Manor Care Center. She shared information about the nursing home, medical needs, and social changes.
Minutes February 8, 2017
Blooming Prairie AAUW met at the Pizza Cellar on Thursday, February 8, 2017. Fifteen members were present.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Jean Peterson.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes were read from the December meeting. A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes.
Treasurer’s Report:There was $5,083.76 in the checking account as of January 31, 2017.The Village Affair check to Women of Today is still outstanding.
Committee Reports:
Program Committee: The meeting on March 9 will be held at the City Center at 7 p.m. Heidi Thompson, social worker at Prairie Manor Nursing Home, will be the speaker.
The April meeting date has been changed to April 20 at the Pizza Cellar. Jeannette Hauschildt will be presenting information on quilts.
No other committee reports were given.
Old Business:
Booth in the park on Sunday, July 2 for the Blooming Prairie 150th anniversary. Nancy reported that groups are invited to provide a table with information about our organization. Suggestions were given to highlight the Village Affair, Scholarship recipients, and membership. Volunteers will be needed to design a table, and to work at the booth from noon to 4 p.m.
New Business:
Nominating Committee: Julie and Jean have offered to serve as the nominating committee. The positions open are for Program Committee and Secretary. Mary Malherek and Beth Krebs have offered to serve together on the Program Committee.
Scholarship Committee: Austra Hanson and Loretta Ingvalson will serve another year on the scholarship committee. Jeanette Hauschildt and Beth Krebs agreed to begin serving on the committee also.
Announcements: Jean recommended that members take time to read the Outlook Magazine sent by AAUW.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Discussion of the book The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah was held.
Meeting, January 12, 2017
The monthly meeting was held at the City Center. The movie Mr. Church was shown and discussed.
There was no formal meeting. Books were distributed for the book study on February 9.
Minutes, December 8, 2016
The Blooming Prairie Branch of AAUW met on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Jean Peterson’s house for our annual Christmas gathering. Fourteen members were present. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
Minutes postponed til later.
Treasurer’s Report: Beth Krebs reported that the checking account balance was $7,075.74 at the end of November. The money to disperse from Village Affair will be given to the Women of Today.
Committee Reports:
Program Committee: Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Center. We will tentatively be watching the movie Big Stone Gap. Please bring a chair. Joanne will provide snacks.
The following programs are: February – Book study on The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. March : Heidi Thompson from Prairie Manor . April:Jeanette Hauschild will present information on quilting. May: Mystery Dinner.
No other committee reports were given.
Old Business:
The minutes were read by Nancy. There were no additions or corrections. Marilyn moved to accept the minutes; Karen seconded. Motion carried.
Two AAUW members assisted the Women of Today at their Santa House.
Reminder about having a booth at the park on July 2 for the 150th anniversary.
New Business:
Proceeds of the white elephant auction will be decided after the auction concludes. Suggestions given were:
- Dodge County women’s shelter – in kind donations.
- Wrench Warmers – Robotics Club
- Backpack program at BP Elementary School
The meeting was suspended at 8:35 p.m.
The proceeds of the auction were $680. The meeting was reconvened at 9:50 p.m. Phyllis moved to divide the proceeds with $400 to the backpack program, and $300 to purchase in kind items for the Dodge County Women’s Shelter. Pam seconded the motion. MOtion carried. A small group will purchase items for the shelter.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
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.
Minutes, October 13, 2016
The Blooming Prairie AAUW branch met on Thursday, October 13 at the Pizza Cellar in Blooming Prairie. Melissa Kahn from the Women’s Shelter in Rochester presented information on the services they provide.
The business meeting was called to order at 8:30 p.m. by President Jean Peterson.
The minutes are posted on the website. They stand approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report: Beth Krebs reported that as of September 30, 2016 there was a balance of $2,882.97. Julie moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report; Phyllis seconded. Motion carried.
Committee Reports:
Program – The brochures with schedule information will be available at Village Affair. Our speaker in November will be Laura Elvebak, Steele County Administrator.
December will be our party at Jean Peterson’s home.
Options for the January meeting were discussed. It was decided to have a movie and treats at the City Center. Nancy will check on the availability of the community room.
February we will discuss the book The Nightingale.
March – Heidi Thompson
April – Jeanette Haubschild will present on quilting.
May – Mystery Dinner
Membership: Loretta will contact Naomi Hansen.
Public Policy – Jean encourage all members to vote.
Scholarship – Marilyn Meshke has charts for scoring and will get them to committee members.
Village Affair – Pam reported that to date 115 booths have been rented. There will be an article in the newspaper. We have new vendors with new products. Instead of sloppy joes, pulled pork sandwiches and chicken hot dish will be available. Please give items to Marilyn for the raffle basket.
Old Business:
Budget – Beth presented the budget. Mary moved to accept the budget, Heidi seconded the motion. All approved.
New Business:
Nancy reported that for the Blooming Prairie 150th anniversary there may be an opportunity for civic groups such as AAUW to set up a booth in the park on July 2.
Joanne had been approached by the Steele County Historical Society to see if the group would be interested in decorating a room in the Dunnell House for Christmas in the Village. It was decided that we would not volunteer for this project.
Announcements:
The BPHS Robotics team sent a thank you for the recent donation.
More raffle tickets are available.
Meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
Minutes, September 8, 2016
The Blooming Prairie Branch of AAUW met on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Pizza Cellar in Blooming Prairie. The program was presented by Steele County Engineer Anita Benson.
Following her interesting presentation the business meeting was called to order by President Jean Peterson at 8:40 p.m.
Minutes from the May meeting have not been posted on the web page.
Treasurer’ Report: Beth Krebs reported that there was $2,921.97 in our checking account as of the end of July. This amount still includes the $2,400 for scholarships which were recently distributed, but does not include the deposits for Village Affair. There is $2,023 that has been received for Village Affair.
Committee Reports:
Program – Joanne and Julie are working on the brochure that will be distributed next month. Our October program will be given by Michelle Krahn from the Women’s Shelter in Olmsted County.
Membership – Loretta introduced new member Jeanette Hauschild. Please let Loretta know if there are prospective members you would like her to contact.
Scholarship: Four scholarships of $600 each were awarded to Alyssa Krohnberg, Abby Wayne, Kalyn Naatz, and Sally Peterson. An article with photographs of the recipients appeared in The Times on August 30, 2016.
Village Affair: Mary Malherek distributed sign up sheets for food donations and work shifts. The 44th annual Village Affair will be held on Saturday, October 29. Members received sheets with suggestions for the Minnesota themed basket to be raffled. Items can be given to Marilyn Meshke.
Old Business: Members reported on the growth (or death) of the plants that were given out at the May meeting.
New Business: The proposed budget was distributed and discussed. A copy will be attached to the minutes.
The speaker did not accept the stipend but requested that it be given to the group’s favorite charity. Heidi moved that $50 be given to the Blooming Prairie Robotics Club; Julie seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Joanne will send a note of thanks to Anita Benson and inform her who received the stipend amount.
Announcements: It is the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Blooming Prairie AAUW.
A Taste of Steele County will be held on Thursday, September 15 at the Eagles Club in Owatonna as a scholarship fundraiser for the Owatonna AAUW chapter.
AAUW members are encouraged to get out the vote.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Minutes, March 10, 2016
The program was presented by Nancy Keith, director of the Lily Sparrow shelter in Owatonna. The shelter provides a home for women and children who are in need and now has two homes for the residents. Donations are welcome at the home.
The meeting was called to order by President Mary Malherek.
Secretary’s Report: It was noted that members had not received a reminder email about this evening’s meeting, although Nancy sent the message twice. She will send out a test email to try to find out the problem. The minutes were approved as submitted online.
Treasurer’s Report: The checking account has a balance of $2,957.17. The Women of Today have now cashed their check.
Program committee: Judge Renee Worke will present our April program. Joanne and Julie are working on next year’s program. At this point, here are the planned programs:
September – Anita Benson, Steele County Engineer
October – Person planned for April 2015 meeting
November – Laura Elvebak, Steele County Administrator
Legislative committee: Mary reported that 81 judge vacancies are not being filled. AAUW and Minnesota League of Women Voters are lobbying the State of Minnesota for free preschool education and better child care opportunities in the state.
New Business:
Officers: The slate of officers was presented: President Jean Peterson and Treasurer Beth Krebs. Heidi moved to accept the slate of officers, Phyllis seconded the motion. The motion carried. Thanks to Jean and Beth for their willingness to serve.
Scholarship committee: Loretta, Austra, and Jean will begin evaluating the scholarship applications.
State Convention: The annual state convention will be held in Duluth April 29, 30, and May 1. We could sent three voting delegates. Let Marilyn M. or Mary M. know if you are interested in attending.
Meeting Place: There was discussion about changing the location for our monthly meeting. The Pizza Cellar and the City Council Chambers were suggested. We will discuss this at the April meeting.
Notes:
AAUW was featured on CBS This Morning, showing a program in Boston that teaches women to advocate for higher wages.
There are photographs of Harriet Powers’ quilts on the Smithsonian American History website.
The meeting was adjourned.
American Assoc of Univ Women Blooming Prairie, MN 