May 13th - Last Months Zoom Meeting Minutes: From Temporary Secretary Mark Everhart
Zoom Recording from May 13th meeting can also be reviewed and re-watched here (**Passcode: q3%d1nwQ) click the link below:
us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/fkr-DxraTuSR0e-WnSqwmtOKXJCcakdYpdIRA2kL1VZ5514yxnQCd2wlVD9vpK0p.WmSsssX314OUOU5_?startTime=1680961648000 Passcode: q3%d1nwQ
Download the word doc to print if you wish:
secretarys_report_for_may_13th.doc
Secretarys report for May 13th, 2023
Secretary - Minutes
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Meeting was held on Zoom only.
Meeting called to order by Chair Mary Minnick at 10:05 AM. Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Land Acknowledgement was read by Mark Everhart.
Guest Speaker: No guest speakers
Roll call of officers: Mary Minnick, Chair – Present; John Helge, Vice Chair – Present; Dallas Dean, Treasurer –
Present; Peggy Raddatz, Secretary – Present.
Mark Everhart is serving as temporary secretary.
Roll call of the District Committee: Present – Mary Minnick, Robin Aslakson, Karen Turnbull, Amanda Siggins, Christie Freestone, Christina Bush, Julie Alexander, Cathy Willermet, Dallas Dean, K.P. Mahoney, Ken Mahoney, Michael Lynch, John Pakledinaz , John Helge, Edward Miller, Michael Fields, Mark Everhart, Sandy Clarke, Kelly Weaver, Jerry Hillard, and Scott Savage.
Roll call of Counties: Barry(2), Clare(1), Eaton(0), Gladwin(1), Gratiot(3), Ionia(0), Isabella(1), Kent(0), Lake(4), Manistee(2), Mason(2), Mecosta(2), Midland(0), Montcalm(0), Muskegon(2), Newaygo(1), Oceana(0), Ottawa(0), Wexford(1).
Following the roll call, it was determined that we had a quorum.
Approval of minutes: A motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting was made by Dallas Dean, and seconded by Ed Miller, to approve the previous minutes with corrections. The motion carried.
As a point of order, John Helge was recognized. He asked everyone to read the agenda and minutes before the meeting and make any changes ahead of time. This will facilitate faster meetings.
Officer's Reports:
Chair’s report: Mary has placed her report on the website and encourages everyone to take a look.
Vice chair’s report: John Helge wanted to remind everyone to join his “Defund Moolinaar" website. Moolenaar has opened a district office in Clare. Currently he {Moolenaar} has no email address for incoming mail. You must phone his office or write a letter if you want to reach him.
John also wanted everyone to not open the emails you receive as it only serves to amplify Moolenaar’s message. Also, he spoke about the upcoming Earth Day Festival in Manistee on April 21st and 22nd. There will be lots of events and speakers. More info about times and locations are on the 2nd CD website.
Treasurer’s report: Dallas Dean reports that we have $225.86 in our administration account. The two Federal accounts have a combined total of $9250.77. This reflects total income of $114.60 (auction) and expenses totalling $78.29 (refreshments for March meeting). Ed Miller moved to accept the report and give permission to pay bills, Chris Bush seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Secretary’s report: Mark Everhart reported no new correspondence this month.
Chapter reports: Chapter reports need to be filed with the chair. She will make sure that they are added to the website and encourages all members to read them and keep up with the new issues and events throughout the District.
Committee reports:
Rules and Bylaws: John Helge reports no new activity.
Finance and Fundraising: Dallas Dean reports that invitations to the Ice Cream Social have been mailed and returns are starting to come in. In addition, he is sending in our application for the next round of Texas Hold ‘Em soon and is beginning to build a list of volunteers to work it. The dates are July 24 –27, and session runs from 2 pm to 2am. Call Dallas for more details. Finally, the planning for our fall gala is ongoing. Dallas dicussed the CD’s annual “True Blue" award. He thought that we ought to present it to Debbie Stabenow at our gala. (This might make it easier to get her to attend!) A motion to make Debbie our “True Blue” winner was made by Ed Miller, seconded by Cathy Willermet, and approved.
Candidate Recruitment and Support: Ed Miller, no activity to report.
Political and 2nd CD Party Organizing: Cathy Willermet, no activity to report.
Communication: Mary Minnick reports that she has met with Sally Wagoner and Chad Walenga. They began working on plans to promote the District and build our brand. The full minutes of the meeting are available on the website.
Policy and Resolution: John Helge asked that members bring ideas for resolutions to the committee. John and Dallas Dean plan to review the current approved resolutions in the state platform and begin to take the relevant ones and create a rural platform. This will give us a picture of party support and identify issues that are not being addressed.
Audit: Robin Aslakson reported no new activity.
Unfinished business; We discussed the upcoming ice cream social. With our good guest speakers we are hoping for a big turnout. Everyone needs to try and attend. Bring your friends too!
New business: The Committee elected our legacy dinner attendees. We chose from a list submitted by the County Chairs. It was a tough choice with so many qualified and dedicated people from across the District. Our winners are Dallas Dean and Peggy Raddatz. Congratulations to both of them! Mark Everhart moved that we contribute a $100 to each of them for expenses. After some discussion, KP Mahoney suggested we raise to the amount to $200 each. John Helge moved to approve the amended motion, Ken Mahoney seconded it, and the motion was approved.
We voted to approve spending money to apply for our next Texas Hold ‘em licenses. The motion was made by John Helge, seconded by Ken Mahoney, and approved by the committee.
Good and Welfare: Sandy Clarke gave us the sad news that she is resigning as chair of the Lake County Dems. She and her husband have sold their home and are moving to Detroit, She promises to stay in touch and will make herself available to help us in any way she can. We are going to miss you Sandy and wish you nothing but the best.
John Helge reminded the group that the Rural Caucus summit is scheduled April 13 –15 in Sault Ste. Marie. All are welcome and tickets are still available.
Karen Turnbull reports that the proposed Gotion battery plant construction is dominating the news in Mecosta County and the surrounding area. She also wanted to remind everyone about their upcoming Diversity event and dinner on May 19. Details are available from Karen.
John Helge talked about the tremendous amount of disinformation going out about the Gotion project.
Ken Mahoney announced the Muskegon County Dems are having their fund raising gala on May 13. In addition, he is organizing a new Democratic Club in the town of Whitehall. He has also decided to run for the Montague City Council in November.
Christine Bush reports that the Barry County Dems are working with Michigan Connect. They are conducting a statewide listening program to help the State government develop a plan to provide high speed internet. She wants to encourage everyone to attend a meeting when one is held in your area. She described the “Meeting in a Box”.
Dallas Dean told us about the list that the Governor’s office has published about available appointments to various agencies and advisory boards that remain unfilled. In Newaygo County, Stan Opal applied for and received an appointment almost immediately.
Amanda Siggins reported on Wexford County’s Ginsberg Gala on June 10th. It will be a formal event with a black-and-white theme to honor the late Justice. Details and tickets will be available next month.
Adjournment: 10:45 AM
Our next meeting will be live, and on Zoom, from the Wheatland Township Hall at 10AM on May 13. The Ice Cream Social will follow.
Respectfully,
Mark Everhart, Temporary acting secretary
Zoom Recording from May 13th meeting can also be reviewed and re-watched here (**Passcode: q3%d1nwQ) click the link below:
us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/fkr-DxraTuSR0e-WnSqwmtOKXJCcakdYpdIRA2kL1VZ5514yxnQCd2wlVD9vpK0p.WmSsssX314OUOU5_?startTime=1680961648000 Passcode: q3%d1nwQ
Download the word doc to print if you wish:
secretarys_report_for_may_13th.doc
Secretarys report for May 13th, 2023
Secretary - Minutes
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Meeting was held on Zoom only.
Meeting called to order by Chair Mary Minnick at 10:05 AM. Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Land Acknowledgement was read by Mark Everhart.
Guest Speaker: No guest speakers
Roll call of officers: Mary Minnick, Chair – Present; John Helge, Vice Chair – Present; Dallas Dean, Treasurer –
Present; Peggy Raddatz, Secretary – Present.
Mark Everhart is serving as temporary secretary.
Roll call of the District Committee: Present – Mary Minnick, Robin Aslakson, Karen Turnbull, Amanda Siggins, Christie Freestone, Christina Bush, Julie Alexander, Cathy Willermet, Dallas Dean, K.P. Mahoney, Ken Mahoney, Michael Lynch, John Pakledinaz , John Helge, Edward Miller, Michael Fields, Mark Everhart, Sandy Clarke, Kelly Weaver, Jerry Hillard, and Scott Savage.
Roll call of Counties: Barry(2), Clare(1), Eaton(0), Gladwin(1), Gratiot(3), Ionia(0), Isabella(1), Kent(0), Lake(4), Manistee(2), Mason(2), Mecosta(2), Midland(0), Montcalm(0), Muskegon(2), Newaygo(1), Oceana(0), Ottawa(0), Wexford(1).
Following the roll call, it was determined that we had a quorum.
Approval of minutes: A motion to accept the minutes from the previous meeting was made by Dallas Dean, and seconded by Ed Miller, to approve the previous minutes with corrections. The motion carried.
As a point of order, John Helge was recognized. He asked everyone to read the agenda and minutes before the meeting and make any changes ahead of time. This will facilitate faster meetings.
Officer's Reports:
Chair’s report: Mary has placed her report on the website and encourages everyone to take a look.
Vice chair’s report: John Helge wanted to remind everyone to join his “Defund Moolinaar" website. Moolenaar has opened a district office in Clare. Currently he {Moolenaar} has no email address for incoming mail. You must phone his office or write a letter if you want to reach him.
John also wanted everyone to not open the emails you receive as it only serves to amplify Moolenaar’s message. Also, he spoke about the upcoming Earth Day Festival in Manistee on April 21st and 22nd. There will be lots of events and speakers. More info about times and locations are on the 2nd CD website.
Treasurer’s report: Dallas Dean reports that we have $225.86 in our administration account. The two Federal accounts have a combined total of $9250.77. This reflects total income of $114.60 (auction) and expenses totalling $78.29 (refreshments for March meeting). Ed Miller moved to accept the report and give permission to pay bills, Chris Bush seconded the motion, and it was approved.
Secretary’s report: Mark Everhart reported no new correspondence this month.
Chapter reports: Chapter reports need to be filed with the chair. She will make sure that they are added to the website and encourages all members to read them and keep up with the new issues and events throughout the District.
Committee reports:
Rules and Bylaws: John Helge reports no new activity.
Finance and Fundraising: Dallas Dean reports that invitations to the Ice Cream Social have been mailed and returns are starting to come in. In addition, he is sending in our application for the next round of Texas Hold ‘Em soon and is beginning to build a list of volunteers to work it. The dates are July 24 –27, and session runs from 2 pm to 2am. Call Dallas for more details. Finally, the planning for our fall gala is ongoing. Dallas dicussed the CD’s annual “True Blue" award. He thought that we ought to present it to Debbie Stabenow at our gala. (This might make it easier to get her to attend!) A motion to make Debbie our “True Blue” winner was made by Ed Miller, seconded by Cathy Willermet, and approved.
Candidate Recruitment and Support: Ed Miller, no activity to report.
Political and 2nd CD Party Organizing: Cathy Willermet, no activity to report.
Communication: Mary Minnick reports that she has met with Sally Wagoner and Chad Walenga. They began working on plans to promote the District and build our brand. The full minutes of the meeting are available on the website.
Policy and Resolution: John Helge asked that members bring ideas for resolutions to the committee. John and Dallas Dean plan to review the current approved resolutions in the state platform and begin to take the relevant ones and create a rural platform. This will give us a picture of party support and identify issues that are not being addressed.
Audit: Robin Aslakson reported no new activity.
Unfinished business; We discussed the upcoming ice cream social. With our good guest speakers we are hoping for a big turnout. Everyone needs to try and attend. Bring your friends too!
New business: The Committee elected our legacy dinner attendees. We chose from a list submitted by the County Chairs. It was a tough choice with so many qualified and dedicated people from across the District. Our winners are Dallas Dean and Peggy Raddatz. Congratulations to both of them! Mark Everhart moved that we contribute a $100 to each of them for expenses. After some discussion, KP Mahoney suggested we raise to the amount to $200 each. John Helge moved to approve the amended motion, Ken Mahoney seconded it, and the motion was approved.
We voted to approve spending money to apply for our next Texas Hold ‘em licenses. The motion was made by John Helge, seconded by Ken Mahoney, and approved by the committee.
Good and Welfare: Sandy Clarke gave us the sad news that she is resigning as chair of the Lake County Dems. She and her husband have sold their home and are moving to Detroit, She promises to stay in touch and will make herself available to help us in any way she can. We are going to miss you Sandy and wish you nothing but the best.
John Helge reminded the group that the Rural Caucus summit is scheduled April 13 –15 in Sault Ste. Marie. All are welcome and tickets are still available.
Karen Turnbull reports that the proposed Gotion battery plant construction is dominating the news in Mecosta County and the surrounding area. She also wanted to remind everyone about their upcoming Diversity event and dinner on May 19. Details are available from Karen.
John Helge talked about the tremendous amount of disinformation going out about the Gotion project.
Ken Mahoney announced the Muskegon County Dems are having their fund raising gala on May 13. In addition, he is organizing a new Democratic Club in the town of Whitehall. He has also decided to run for the Montague City Council in November.
Christine Bush reports that the Barry County Dems are working with Michigan Connect. They are conducting a statewide listening program to help the State government develop a plan to provide high speed internet. She wants to encourage everyone to attend a meeting when one is held in your area. She described the “Meeting in a Box”.
Dallas Dean told us about the list that the Governor’s office has published about available appointments to various agencies and advisory boards that remain unfilled. In Newaygo County, Stan Opal applied for and received an appointment almost immediately.
Amanda Siggins reported on Wexford County’s Ginsberg Gala on June 10th. It will be a formal event with a black-and-white theme to honor the late Justice. Details and tickets will be available next month.
Adjournment: 10:45 AM
Our next meeting will be live, and on Zoom, from the Wheatland Township Hall at 10AM on May 13. The Ice Cream Social will follow.
Respectfully,
Mark Everhart, Temporary acting secretary