Minutes of the First Annual Meeting of Great Lakes Harpers, Inc.
October 7, 2006 at Northern Illinois University Music Building

The meeting was called to order by President Rolliana Scheckler at approximately 12:30 PM . Treasurer Carol Hall presented a report on the financial status of the organization. There is currently a healthy balance in the bank account, more than adequate for the coming year’s operations, and approximately two thousand dollars has been added to GLH assets since 2004. Jeanne Chenette moved to accept the treasurer's report with thanks; Joan Hau seconded, and the members present approved.

President Scheckler then reviewed the incorporation process, and the status of our application for 501C3 status (tax-exempt educational charity). Thanks were given to Ms. Hall and Jean Humphrey for working on the documents, and to Linnea Hall for legal review of the documents and the process.

President Scheckler then announced that there was a need for member ratification of the by-laws. After some discussion, Secretary Jean Humphrey moved that the by-laws be posted on the web site for member review, and that members be asked to send their approval by phone or email to the Secretary. Gretchen Sigwart seconded, and the motion passed.

Members present were then given a list of issues to consider, and asked for their comments when completing their conference evaluation forms. These issues are open for comment by all members. They are:

  1. Do we want to continue the fall event pattern of having regional conferences (with multiple classes and teachers) in the even-numbered years, and an immersion weekend (with one subject and one primary instructor) in the odd-numbered years?
  2. Do members like the site at Northern Illinois University and wish to continue meeting there if possible?
  3. Members should be aware of the Yahoo GLH discussion group (for members only) which has just been organized. Members are asked to check it out and advise the moderator if they favor its continuance.

Under old business, Jean Humphrey commented that the Secretary produces annual lists of members, teachers, builder/vendors, and performers. In the past, these packets have been sent to all members, but costs are rising. Do members enjoy, retain, and use these lists? Ms. Humphrey suggested that the lists be made available to interested individuals on request, rather than making a mass mailing. This will be announced in the next issue of the GLH News.

The important new business was the election of the first Board of Trustees. Secretary Humphrey advised that she had contacted the members of the ad-hoc advisory board, and that several had agreed to have their names placed in nomination. Nominations from the floor were added, and the following members were elected:

Annette Bjorling, Elizabeth Cifani, Carol Hall, Joan Hau, Jean Humphrey, Carl Johnson, Patrice Ribando, Debra Sawyer, Rolliana Scheckler, Gretchen Swigart, Susan Trotter, Kelly Yousoufian. These members will select terms of 1, 2, or 3 years to provide a rotating Board.

President Scheckler announced that the next annual meeting would take place at the 2007 immersion weekend. Joan Hau moved adjournment.

 

Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Harpers, Inc.
October 6, 2006 at Northern Illinois University

A brief meeting of the members present of the newly elected Board of Trustees followed the annual meeting. Board members agreed to the re-election of the present officers: Rolliana Scheckler, President; Elizabeth Cifani, Vice-President; Carol Hall, Treasurer; and Jean Humphrey, Secretary.

The proposal for making service lists available upon request was approved by the Board. It was also suggested that the GLH News be made available by electronic mail to those members who request this service. The Secretary agreed that this would not be difficult. This offer will be published in the next News.

President Scheckler called for volunteers to fill the posts of web master and Yahoo group moderator. This request will be published in an upcoming edition of the News.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted;
Jean Humphrey, Secretary