MEHER BABA CENTER OF THE TWIN CITIES
BOARD MEETING - MARCH 12, 2006
The March 12, 2006 board meeting was held at the home of Steve Cochrane and Karen Plante. Attending the meeting were Steve Cochrane, Karen Plante, Rogier Gregoire, Sandy Schwanz, Pat Cook, Sandra Self, Bob & Monica Ochtrup, and Leah Johnston. DJ Johnston was absent.
The Minutes from last month's board meeting were read. A correction was made. Bob Ochtrup attended the February 12, 2006 Board Meeting at DJ's house. The Minutes, with this correction, were approved.
The Treasurer's Report was read and approved.
The Fall Sahavas discussion began. Pat and Rogier visited Dunrovin and the following price schedule was introduced:
$146 2 nights & 5 meals
$100 1 night & 3 meals
$35 1 day & 2 meals
$25 1 day & 1 meal
An open discussion ensued regarding the possibility of subsidizing some of the cost for the Sahavas. For example, paying for guests out of available funds, or dividing the costs in some way that makes it more generally affordable. Rogier felt it was advisable to leave the costs as stated above and have individuals with specific financial need utilize the scholarship funds, as usual. The discussion did not reach a resolution at this time.
Leah suggested that we all camp outdoors for the Sahavas - because it is inexpensive and fun. All other board members, without exception, mocked her and told her she could pitch a tent, if she felt like it, but they weren't fools.
A motion was made to reserve Dunrovin for the Sahavas. The motion passed unanimously (although Steve pretended to say "no" just for a moment because he was in a very cantankerous mood).
Pat Cook agreed to send a preliminary email regarding the reservation at Dunrovin for the weekend of October 13-15th 2006 so that our Baba community could mark the dates on their calendars. Pat also agreed to reserve Dunrovin for 2007 Sahavas.
The Sprint Event at Macalester was discussed. It was decided that the panel (consisting of Steve Cochrane, Karen Plante, Rogier Gregoire, and Pat Cook) would bring a favorite Baba quote to the event. If there aren't any questions from the audience, then they will share them and say a few words about why the quote is personally significant.
Leah agreed to distribute the Baba posters to board members, and any one else in the Baba community who may wish to put up posters around their neighborhood or workplaces.
Pat mentioned that the bookstore, under the direction of Nancy Okerlund and Elizabeth Erickson, wanted permission to update their inventory with additional copies of "Discourses." They also wanted to know if they should purchase a copy of "Infinite Intelligence" to have on display at the Spring Event, although Elizabeth volunteers to bring her personal copy to serve this purpose. Leah made a motion to approve the purchase of additional copies of "Discourses," but not to carry a copy of "Infinite Intelligence" as part of the regular bookstore inventory at this time since Elizabeth's copy would suffice our present need. Sandra seconded the motion. It was approved.
The Annual Garage Sale, scheduled for May 18-20, 2006 was discussed. Due to a generous donation from Jessica Cook (made in lieu of hauling piles of goods to the sale this year) Sandy suggested that everyone just donate money instead of hauling stuff from home. When the laughter died down, Sandy suggested utilizing DJ's offer of the party room at Summit Townhomes in Burnsville. This endeavor would entail everyone bringing items to Summit on Thursday, May 18. All pricing and organization would be handled on that day, and the sale would officially open on May 19 and continue through May 20. The party room is also reserved for Sunday, May 21, so a massive coordinating effort would be a key component to this plan, since all items left over from the sale would have to be picked up and discarded by Sunday evening. Sandy agreed to visit Summit Townhomes and make a formal assessment of the situation.
In other matters, Pat announced that the membership request form would be sent along with the newsletter mailing.
Pat also suggested that our next installation of the "Great Conversations" series be scheduled for June, 2006, with Steve Cochrane as our musical guest, and Rogier Gregoire as our guest presenter. Rogier would share his experience of meeting Meher Baba and the result of that event on his life. The idea pleased everyone in a way that camping never would.
Jessica Cook is still planning on having a movie night at her new house. The date is not finalized, but it will most likely be in May, 2006.
Leah suggested that a batch of Earl Starcher prints and photographs (recently donated to the library by Jessica Cook, after finding them among Marj's belongings) be photographed and posted on the MBCTC website. The items could be sold and all proceeds donated to MBCTC. This idea met with general approval.
Leah made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Rogier seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned. |
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