DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF JOHNSON COUNTY
Minutes from December 12, 2009 - Pending Approval
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the Johnson County Library, and the meeting was called to order by President Belinda Gelman at 10:05 AM. Four members were present: Belinda Gelman, Kathleen Gehr, Evelyn Cook and Karin Bell.
Minutes of the last meeting were read, corrected and approved.
Kathleen suggested a Mother’s Day Luncheon at Prospect Hill B&B for a fundraiser, or a Tour of Gardens in Johnson County, which was a very successful project by the Garden Club.
Belinda recapped the Yellow Ribbon issue (The funeral of the young soldier from Johnson County killed at Fort Hood Texas). Apparently there was some miscommunication between the Republican Women and our group, which has been resolved. Our share of the bill was $80.00 and was paid.
Since our group seems to be dwindling as far as active members are concerned Belinda made the suggestion to ask the Johnson County Democratic men if they want us to join them in order to increase the membership. Kathleen’s suggestion was to maybe join other Democratic women’s groups like Boone or Abington.
Belinda presented her resignation as president for next year, effective January 9, 2010. This would make Kathleen Gehr as Vice President the interim president. Also resigning are Karin Bell (Secretary), Evelyn Cook (Program chairman), Judy Walsh (Treasurer).
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Karin Bell
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Minutes: November 14, 2009
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF JOHNSON COUNTY
November 14, 2009
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the First United Methodist Church, meeting was called to order by President Belinda Gelman at 10:05 AM. 7 members present.
Minutes of the last meeting were read, corrected and approved.
Karin Bell read a thank you note from Wanda Payne.
Discussed Safe Haven luncheon, money given and publicity received in the Tomahawk. Due to our contribution to Safe Haven, we have approx. $200.00 left in the treasury.
Several ideas for fundraisers were brought up but some members felt they would rather make an extra contribution occasionally and pay higher dues than go thru the efforts and work of a fundraiser with only small amounts gained.
Romayne St. John suggested having an auction among the members to get rid of unwanted or not needed Christmas gifts after the holidays. This idea was agreed upon by the members present.
Belinda would like to have a chocolate or dessert auction after Easter, but some members questioned this idea, since many people have health problems with sugar.
To help with immediate money woes, it was agreed upon to raise the yearly dues from $10.00 to $12.00. Romayne made the motion, Kathleen Gehr seconded, the motion was passed. Members will be informed via e-mail before January 2010.
Terry Warden will send a report as new membership chairman at the next meeting.
Karin will ask Judy Walsh for a current list of paid up members.
At the closing of the meeting Belinda read a report by Kitty Hegemann on the Health care issue.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:10
Respectfully submitted
Karin Bell
November 14, 2009
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the First United Methodist Church, meeting was called to order by President Belinda Gelman at 10:05 AM. 7 members present.
Minutes of the last meeting were read, corrected and approved.
Karin Bell read a thank you note from Wanda Payne.
Discussed Safe Haven luncheon, money given and publicity received in the Tomahawk. Due to our contribution to Safe Haven, we have approx. $200.00 left in the treasury.
Several ideas for fundraisers were brought up but some members felt they would rather make an extra contribution occasionally and pay higher dues than go thru the efforts and work of a fundraiser with only small amounts gained.
Romayne St. John suggested having an auction among the members to get rid of unwanted or not needed Christmas gifts after the holidays. This idea was agreed upon by the members present.
Belinda would like to have a chocolate or dessert auction after Easter, but some members questioned this idea, since many people have health problems with sugar.
To help with immediate money woes, it was agreed upon to raise the yearly dues from $10.00 to $12.00. Romayne made the motion, Kathleen Gehr seconded, the motion was passed. Members will be informed via e-mail before January 2010.
Terry Warden will send a report as new membership chairman at the next meeting.
Karin will ask Judy Walsh for a current list of paid up members.
At the closing of the meeting Belinda read a report by Kitty Hegemann on the Health care issue.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:10
Respectfully submitted
Karin Bell
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
DWJC Minutes from October Meeting
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF JOHNSON COUNTY
October 10, 2009
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the First United Methodist Church, meeting was called to order by President Belinda Gelman at 10:10 AM with a short prayer. 6 members present.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Judy Walsh gave the treasurer’s report - current balance is $636.63. Treasurer’s report was approved.
Belinda read some comments from the Huffington Post review concerning the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to President Obama.
Belinda brought forth some ideas for fundraisers, like a Sweetheart Dinner for Valentines’ Day, chocolate auction for Easter etc. She also suggested that we invite people from the outside to speak to us at our meetings.
Safe Haven project was finalized - together with donations from the members and some help from the Democratic party we are going to give Safe Haven a check in the amount of $500.00. Belinda made the motion, Kathleen Gehr seconded, motion was carried. We need people to help set up for the luncheon October 26,2009 at 11:30 AM and help with clean afterward.
Kathleen Mount is resigning from her job as membership chairman, Terry Warden’s name came up to replace her. Booby Smith made motion to ask her, Judy Walsh seconded, motion carried.
Belinda reiterated for members to get involved with Moveon.org website and respond to some of their request to contact the various politicians in Washington.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM
Respectfully submitted
Karin Bell
October 10, 2009
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the First United Methodist Church, meeting was called to order by President Belinda Gelman at 10:10 AM with a short prayer. 6 members present.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Judy Walsh gave the treasurer’s report - current balance is $636.63. Treasurer’s report was approved.
Belinda read some comments from the Huffington Post review concerning the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to President Obama.
Belinda brought forth some ideas for fundraisers, like a Sweetheart Dinner for Valentines’ Day, chocolate auction for Easter etc. She also suggested that we invite people from the outside to speak to us at our meetings.
Safe Haven project was finalized - together with donations from the members and some help from the Democratic party we are going to give Safe Haven a check in the amount of $500.00. Belinda made the motion, Kathleen Gehr seconded, motion was carried. We need people to help set up for the luncheon October 26,2009 at 11:30 AM and help with clean afterward.
Kathleen Mount is resigning from her job as membership chairman, Terry Warden’s name came up to replace her. Booby Smith made motion to ask her, Judy Walsh seconded, motion carried.
Belinda reiterated for members to get involved with Moveon.org website and respond to some of their request to contact the various politicians in Washington.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM
Respectfully submitted
Karin Bell
Monday, September 21, 2009
September 2009 Minutes
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF JOHNSON COUNTY
September 13, 2009
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the First United Methodist Church, meeting was called to order by President Belinda Gelman at 10:10 AM. 8 members were present.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
johnsoncountydemoraticwomen.blogspot.com is the new website thanks to Kitty Hegemann’s computer expertise.
Belinda suggested that members subscribe to Moveon.org an excellent political website worth visiting. It gives up-to date information about concerns that can be addressed by contacting your congressman or senator.
If we need to make our voices heard - we have divided our membership list into 4 sections. Belinda Gelman, Kathleen Mount, Evelyn Cook and Kathleen Gehr are in charge of one section but will consult each other first if such calls are desirable. They will also call members now before each meeting to remind them.
Belinda feels that we lost momentum by meeting only bi-monthly during a non-election year and suggested that we change the by-law accordingly.Since this was brought up at the last meeting already the members voted to change the by-laws as read and take effect immediately.
Article IX : Meetings
Section 2: Meetings of this organization shall be held every month on the second Saturday at 10 AM at the Kathleen Mount conference room at the Johnson County Public Library.
Belinda made the motion, Kitty seconded, motion was carried.
Kathleen Gehr reported on her efforts to find suitable material for our essay contest at the high school. She really liked a book on the US Constitution by Christine Taylor-Butler for $3.75.Evelyn Cook suggested that we put this particular project on the back burner for right now and not put our motives in question judging by the criticism Pres. Obama received for his speech on education - after all we operate in a dominantly republican county. The essay is tabled for the moment, but Kitty will work on a lesson plan.
Wanda Payne ask us to sponsor an appreciation luncheon for the staff of Safe Haven on October 26,2009 11:30-1 PM at the First United Methodist Church.She passed around a sign-up sheet for the food and also ask that each member contribute about $20.00 so we can start a “personal items fund“.Some abused women have to leave a dangerous situation in a hurry and are often without any personal hygiene items or bed clothing.Wanda also made a motion to officially adopt Safe Haven. Evelyn seconded. Motion was carried.
Kitty Hegemann gave the legislative report and passed out reading material on the 4 basic models of Health Care. More Information can be found on www.change.org.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:10 AM, next meeting on October 10, 2009.
Respectfully submitted
Karin Bell, Secretary
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Minutes for August 8, 2009
Pending Approval
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF JOHNSON COUNTY
August 8, 2009
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the home of Evelyn Cook and the meeting was called to order by Vice President Kathleen Gehr at 10:30 AM. 14 members were present
Since we could not meet at the Community center due to conflicting schedules, Kathleen Mount suggested to use the conference room at the library as an alternative if the need arises again.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved
Treasurers report was read and approved, current balance $391.63
* Old business:
The essay contest at the schools was postponed until spring of next year to make sure we have the necessary tools and most of all permission to conduct such a contest.
We narrowed the target age to 5th grade since that grade is actively engaged in social studies and the Constitution.
Wanda Payne will find out what steps we have to take to be able to conduct a class on the subject and an essay contest.
Evelyn Cook presented a copy of the constitution in a handy small booklet, which is available thru the National Center for Constitutional Studies. Cost is $30.00 for 100 copies, shipping included. Jill Bontrager offered to buy 100 copies.
Wanda mentioned that most classes now are no larger than 25 students. Also a book for juveniles by Lynn Cheney “We the people” ($14.95) might be a good additional teaching tool.
Kathleen Gehr and Karin Bell offered to do more research and see if they can get any more ideas or help thru the Democratic Party’s website, DNC.org. They will report on their findings at the next meeting.
* New Business:
Kitty Hegemann talked about the voting records of our representatives and handed out copies of a more detailed report.
Kitty also suggested for the members to think about changing the by-laws concerning our meeting dates to go back to monthly instead of bi-monthly and discuss this idea at the next meeting. She feels in order to stay more focused on our agenda and goals, we should meet as often as we do during an election year.
Judy Walsh, a former nurse gave a short talk on the need for Health Care reform which evolved into a lively discussion among the members.
Next meeting will be September 12, 2009 at 10AM at the Community Center.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:15AM and was followed by a delicious luncheon which was enjoyed by all.
Respectfully submitted
Karin Bell, Secretary
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF JOHNSON COUNTY
August 8, 2009
The Democratic Women of Johnson County met at the home of Evelyn Cook and the meeting was called to order by Vice President Kathleen Gehr at 10:30 AM. 14 members were present
Since we could not meet at the Community center due to conflicting schedules, Kathleen Mount suggested to use the conference room at the library as an alternative if the need arises again.
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved
Treasurers report was read and approved, current balance $391.63
* Old business:
The essay contest at the schools was postponed until spring of next year to make sure we have the necessary tools and most of all permission to conduct such a contest.
We narrowed the target age to 5th grade since that grade is actively engaged in social studies and the Constitution.
Wanda Payne will find out what steps we have to take to be able to conduct a class on the subject and an essay contest.
Evelyn Cook presented a copy of the constitution in a handy small booklet, which is available thru the National Center for Constitutional Studies. Cost is $30.00 for 100 copies, shipping included. Jill Bontrager offered to buy 100 copies.
Wanda mentioned that most classes now are no larger than 25 students. Also a book for juveniles by Lynn Cheney “We the people” ($14.95) might be a good additional teaching tool.
Kathleen Gehr and Karin Bell offered to do more research and see if they can get any more ideas or help thru the Democratic Party’s website, DNC.org. They will report on their findings at the next meeting.
* New Business:
Kitty Hegemann talked about the voting records of our representatives and handed out copies of a more detailed report.
Kitty also suggested for the members to think about changing the by-laws concerning our meeting dates to go back to monthly instead of bi-monthly and discuss this idea at the next meeting. She feels in order to stay more focused on our agenda and goals, we should meet as often as we do during an election year.
Judy Walsh, a former nurse gave a short talk on the need for Health Care reform which evolved into a lively discussion among the members.
Next meeting will be September 12, 2009 at 10AM at the Community Center.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:15AM and was followed by a delicious luncheon which was enjoyed by all.
Respectfully submitted
Karin Bell, Secretary
Monday, July 13, 2009
DWJC Minutes for May 9, 2009
The bi-monthly meeting of the Democratic Women of Johnson County was called to order in the absence of President Belinda Gelman by Secretary Karin Bell at 10:00 AM.
Members present were Karin Bell, Flora Bellamy, Evelyn Cook, Bobbie Smith, Jill Bontrager, Kitty Hegeman, Helen McQueen and Judy Walsh.
Minutes of the March meeting were approved and Treasurer Judy Walsh reported that the current bank balance was $341.63.
The majority of the meeting was spent discussing ways we could promote our organization in the community. All agreed that we should go into the schools and help educate students on such things as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc. Jill said that she would check on obtaining free copies of the constitution to hand out. Another suggestion was made that we have an essay contest based on a topic from the school visits and the constitution hand outs and offer prizes. This was discussed at length regarding such things as age limits, grades included, monetary prizes to be offered, and form or application to accompany the submitted essays.
It was decided to bring this matter to the next meeting when President Gelman would be present and members will bring other ideas regarding this.
Legislative Representative, Kitty Hegeman, reported on several items. One of which was the resolve by the state to have new voting machines in every precinct in the state being undermined by republican majority. She also reported that they were trying to loosen the restrictions on activities that threaten our water supply. Another article was supplied for members to read regarding the need for a state income tax to keep the state solvent.
Plans were made for the next meeting. Flora Bellamy stated that the Community Center was previously booked for another event so we would be unable to use the facility for our July meeting. It was decided to meet at Evelyn Cook’s home and to have a pot luck picnic luncheon after the meeting. This will be on July 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM for the meeting with picnic to follow.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Walsh
Members present were Karin Bell, Flora Bellamy, Evelyn Cook, Bobbie Smith, Jill Bontrager, Kitty Hegeman, Helen McQueen and Judy Walsh.
Minutes of the March meeting were approved and Treasurer Judy Walsh reported that the current bank balance was $341.63.
The majority of the meeting was spent discussing ways we could promote our organization in the community. All agreed that we should go into the schools and help educate students on such things as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc. Jill said that she would check on obtaining free copies of the constitution to hand out. Another suggestion was made that we have an essay contest based on a topic from the school visits and the constitution hand outs and offer prizes. This was discussed at length regarding such things as age limits, grades included, monetary prizes to be offered, and form or application to accompany the submitted essays.
It was decided to bring this matter to the next meeting when President Gelman would be present and members will bring other ideas regarding this.
Legislative Representative, Kitty Hegeman, reported on several items. One of which was the resolve by the state to have new voting machines in every precinct in the state being undermined by republican majority. She also reported that they were trying to loosen the restrictions on activities that threaten our water supply. Another article was supplied for members to read regarding the need for a state income tax to keep the state solvent.
Plans were made for the next meeting. Flora Bellamy stated that the Community Center was previously booked for another event so we would be unable to use the facility for our July meeting. It was decided to meet at Evelyn Cook’s home and to have a pot luck picnic luncheon after the meeting. This will be on July 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM for the meeting with picnic to follow.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Walsh
Sunday, April 26, 2009
March 21, 2009 Minutes
The bimonthly meeting of the Democratic Women of Johnson County was called to order by President Belinda Gelman March 21, 2009, 10:05 AM with guest Janet Meek and five members-President Gelman, Jill Bontrager, Kathleen Gehr, Bobbie Smith, and Evelyn Cook in attendance.
Neither the Minutes of the January meeting nor the Treasurer's report was available.
Under old business, the requisite second vote was taken confirming Katherine Hegemann as the group's legislative representative.
President Gelman asked that members continue the previous meeting's activity of sharing experiences with the group. Jill Bontrager volunteered career and personal stories to included the fact that even though she was raised in a Republican family, she discovered that she shared the values found in the Democratic Party.
During a discussion concerning the future of our organization, Kathleen Gehr suggested that we reach out to other Democratic women's groups in the area. Great emphasis was placed on the need for our members to be actively engaged in recruiting new members and working for out party in general. President Gelman stressed the point that we owe President Obama the same energetic support we gave during the election year.
Our guest speaker Janet Meek underscored the pressing need for activity in our state election. Ms. Meek is head of the Democratic Resource Center in Johnson City and has been active in the Democratic Party for years.
A theme of her speech was thinking "outside the box". "We are in a critical time for the Democratic Party in Tennessee and must be actively engaged," she said. She echoed Gehr's suggestion that we team up with other groups in our area in order to strengthen our position. She noted that of the 878 Democratic votes in the Johnson County Presidential election, 516 were women, all potential members for our organization, though she did add that some of the women were registered Republicans.
"We need action," she reiterated. "Build some email lists. Find and support some good women candidates. Start supporting people well before they declare for office, thereby helping to get their names before the public."
"I have learned so much in the past six months," she said. "I find that people do not understand state politics. We must educate them."
She announced a meeting of the Tennessee Health Care Coalition Workshop, April 18th, 9:30-4:30 pm at Northeast State University and encouraged us to attend.
President Gelman thanked Ms. Meek for a very informative talk and requested committee chairs to remind members of the next important meeting of our organization May 9, 10 am, Community Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am.
Respectfully submitted
Evelyn Cook, Acting Secretary
Neither the Minutes of the January meeting nor the Treasurer's report was available.
Under old business, the requisite second vote was taken confirming Katherine Hegemann as the group's legislative representative.
President Gelman asked that members continue the previous meeting's activity of sharing experiences with the group. Jill Bontrager volunteered career and personal stories to included the fact that even though she was raised in a Republican family, she discovered that she shared the values found in the Democratic Party.
During a discussion concerning the future of our organization, Kathleen Gehr suggested that we reach out to other Democratic women's groups in the area. Great emphasis was placed on the need for our members to be actively engaged in recruiting new members and working for out party in general. President Gelman stressed the point that we owe President Obama the same energetic support we gave during the election year.
Our guest speaker Janet Meek underscored the pressing need for activity in our state election. Ms. Meek is head of the Democratic Resource Center in Johnson City and has been active in the Democratic Party for years.
A theme of her speech was thinking "outside the box". "We are in a critical time for the Democratic Party in Tennessee and must be actively engaged," she said. She echoed Gehr's suggestion that we team up with other groups in our area in order to strengthen our position. She noted that of the 878 Democratic votes in the Johnson County Presidential election, 516 were women, all potential members for our organization, though she did add that some of the women were registered Republicans.
"We need action," she reiterated. "Build some email lists. Find and support some good women candidates. Start supporting people well before they declare for office, thereby helping to get their names before the public."
"I have learned so much in the past six months," she said. "I find that people do not understand state politics. We must educate them."
She announced a meeting of the Tennessee Health Care Coalition Workshop, April 18th, 9:30-4:30 pm at Northeast State University and encouraged us to attend.
President Gelman thanked Ms. Meek for a very informative talk and requested committee chairs to remind members of the next important meeting of our organization May 9, 10 am, Community Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am.
Respectfully submitted
Evelyn Cook, Acting Secretary
Monday, January 12, 2009
Minutes from January 10, 2009 (Pending Approval)
Minutes
Democratic Women of Johnson County
January 10, 2009
Democratic Women of Johnson County
January 10, 2009
Pres. Belinda Gelman opened the meeting at 10 am and welcomed everybody. To get to know each other better, she asked each member to introduce themselves and give a short account of their background, place of birth, etc.
Minutes of December 13, 2008 were read and approved with additions and amendment.
Addition: Names of new officers
Amendment: To find out who is in charge of getting those 9 books we voted on - Lynne Cheney's "We the People" to be distributed to the local schools and library.
Financial Report: Treasurer Judy Walsh was absent. Yearly dues are $10 to be paid at the March meeting.
Kitty Hegemann agreed to be our legislative advisor to keep membership informed and up to date on national and local issues. Carole Maulden made motion to accept, Kathleen Gehr seconded. All approved. We'll have to vote again in March.
Also voted on was the position of Public Relations. Karin Bell volunteered for that. Romayne St. John made motion, Carole Maulden seconded, all approved.
Belinda read the duties of each officer and committee chariman according to the By-Laws.
No old business was discussed, and Belinda skipped new business to give Bobby Smith time for her presentation on Barack Obama.
Bobby highly recommended the book "Change We Can Believe In" which served as the inspiration for her report outlinging his ideas for the future of America. Her in-depth and interesting presentation was enjoyed by all present.
Belinda made closing comments.
We will have a leadership workshop at the March meeting and Kitty Hegemann will introduce speaker.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 am
Submitted by: Karin Bell, Secretary
Date: January 11, 2009
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