December Friends Meeting

Posted on by Media Manager

The results of the meeting were:

The meeting was called to order by President Jim Parish at 2:30 pm. The meeting was held in the Activities Room at the Museum. The minutes of the meeting are as follows:

  1. The November meetings were approved as written. Motion by norm Kresge, seconded by Jenni Ruckle.
  2. Jim Parish introduced the officers:
    1. Vice-President: Donna Harper
    2. Treasurer: Kathi Thomasen
    3. Director: Michael Fong
    4. Director: Maya Migotti
  3. Financial report:
    1. Checking: $17,072
    2. Savings: $5,002
  4. Jim Parish reviewed Friends accomplishments in 2021:
    1. Eleven outstanding speakers – Jim reviewed several as a reminder
    2. Last 3 meetings have averaged 52 attendees
    3. Now have 65 dues paying members
    4. Total donations in 2021 were $13,423.48.
    5. We held 15 fundraisers in 2021- still affected by pandemic, but 70% of donations came from mannequins campaign.
    6. Completed the 2020/2021 grant for $10,000.
    7. Was awarded a grant for 2021/2022 for $10,000
    8. Completed purchase of 6 taxidermy animals for $8,350
    9. Purchased 9 manniquins for $8,044.
    10. Friends are wellpositioned for 2022:
      • Strong and supportive membership
      • Strong financial position
      • All officers in place for 2022
      • Aligning spending with museum’s strategic direction
      • Objective for 2022-corporate sponsorship program
  5. Hollis Gillespie presented a current picture of the museum, thanking the Friends for their strong support over the past two years in helping the museum weather the pandemic. Hollis also announced that a new curator of manuscripts/documents/research had been hired and will start on January 3, 2022. Sadly, Hollis also announced that Stacy Irwin, 12-year curator of education, was leaving to take a librarian job in Colorado. While we will greatly miss Stacy, we certainly wish her well in her new life adventure.
    1. Hollis announced that the museum would be open until 4:30 pm for members perusal.
  6. Donna Harper led the group in an exercise to generate ideas for next year in all areas of the Friends operation. The results of this exercise will be published when tabulated and defined.
  7. Three raffle prizes were distributed, and a prize for “ugly mask” was awarded to Dave Ford.
  8. The Grand Door Prize was won by Jenni Ruckle.
  9. The meeting was adjourned at 3:25 pm after a motion by Donna Harper and a second by Michael Fong.

The Friends next meeting will be on January 20, 2022, at 2:30 pm at the Museum.

Happy Holidays to all!!! May you have a Blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year!