HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-2003White River Valley Historical Society
Board Meeting Minutes
November 19, 2003, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Lewis,
Peloza,
Board Members Present: Marissa Armstrong, Valerie Bellack, Mike Hamilton, Nicole Karwhite, Kathy
Debbie Maguire, Ann Mehl, Larry Miller, Ellen Morrison, Charles Natsuhara, Gordy Nishimoto, Bill
Dick Pickett, J.B. Rupert, Mae Yamada
Board Members Excused: Lori Anne Claudon, Michelle Marshman, Tom McGee
Staff Present: Kristen Bruhahn, Patricia Cosgrove, Karen Haas
I. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
President Natsuhara called his meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
seconded that the October meeting minutes be approved.
Kathy Lewis moved and Ann Mehl
MOTION CARRIED
II. Chair Report
President Natsuhara presented a certificate that was awarded to the museum by the State of Washington
Territorial Sesquicentennial Commission. The White River Valley Museum was commended for its work and
outstanding support of the commission's efforts to honor Washington's past. It said that the museum's
dedication and commitment to our historical experience continues to leave an indelible mark on our state and its
people. Mae Yamada represented the museum and received the certificate from Secretary of State, Sam Reed,
who is the Chair of the Sesquicentennial Commission.
The City of Auburn, in an effort to track volunteer service hours for the city, has asked all volunteers to fill out a
volunteer application. All current board members not rotating off the board and future board members are asked
to fill out and return this application. This is part of the closer relationship we are having with the City of
Auburn.
III. Treasury and Committee Reports
Dick Pickett presented his Treasury Report with the bottom line showing a monthly surplus of $8,326
and a YTD surplus of $13,592 thanks to the $2500 temporary exhibit grant and the Harvest Ball. It was noted
that most Harvest Ball expenses would be paid in November. A report explaining variances greater than 10% in
expenses was handed out as well as an updated grant report. Bill Peloza moved and Debbie Maguire
seconded that all the Financial Reports be approved. MOTION CARRIED
The 2004 Operating Budget was presented. It was noted that memberships are growing slowly, we need to
market our rental exhibits and continue with positive income streams such as Director Cosgrove's classes,
facility rentals and the Harvest Ball. Bill Peloza moved and Nicole Karwhite seconded that the 2004
Operating Budget be approved. MOTION CARRIED
Marissa Armstrong reported that this year's Harvest Ball profit was $19,209.36! Kudos were given to
Tom McGee again for his stellar work getting corporate sponsors and the majority of that money up front which
really helped to impact our budget. All the committees were thanked for the work they did which made the
event run very smoothly. The board and museum friends were also thanked for donating wine to fill the wine
chest for the silent auction. High fives were even given to Mike Hamilton's handcuff stunt that raised an
additional $1,000 for the museum! Marissa Armstrong and Lorianne Claudon were acknowledged for all work
they did as co-chairs of this year's event and Nicole Karwhite and Ellen Morrison were announced as next
year's co-chairs.
Debbie Maguire presented the Nominating Committee's recommendation for the museum's 2004 Board
of Directors and new slate of officers. A public vote of the Historical Society will be done at the December
board meeting.
IV. Staff Report
Director Cosgrove reported 26 attended the Sunday lecture on quilts. She hopes to have 3 or 4 more of
such events with some family oriented. The second of her successful Non-Profit Management Classes will be
scheduled. Director Cosgrove also reported that Dave Sprau has inherited a collection of Mark Tobey
paintings that he wants to show and a couple of them will be for sale. They have not been exhibited before and
would hopefully attract attention from a new audience for the museum. She is looking for a curator for the
event and a sponsor is needed. The 2004 exhibit schedule for the Key Bank Gallery was handed out.
To make use of our large and deep fashion collection, an exhibit is planned called Dress-Up: IYhat it
Means and I/Fhy We Have Done It. We are recruiting two community members to act as guest curators.
Karen Haas has been recruiting and training volunteers. She reported that Janet Wells is a killer
recruiter and has three new tour guides. Debbie Maguire has been a volunteer in the Muckleshoot Room. Karen
is working on a new kindergarten tour that will emphasis our ;;sense of self," that we are ordinary people making
extraordinary history. Trained volunteer tour guides will provide tours for our docents during our January,
Annual Training program. Karen will e-mail us the dates for these tours so we can have the chance to
experience one.
V. New Business and Adjournment
The 2003 Annual Meeting will be held on December 17th during which the Historical Society will vote
on the new Board of Directors and Slate of Officers. January 21, 2004 will be the new board's first meeting
which is also the board retreat. The retreat will be a longer meeting, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Debbie Maguire invited us all to look up King County Snapshots on the web. There are 10,000
historical pictures from 12 museums in the area, of which we are one. It's a beautiful, well done presentation.
Larry Miller brought us an outrageous story of an anchor that was donated to the museum (from a
steamship) that was stolen 30 years ago that has actually been found at a residence in Kaposin. The police
department hopes to reclaim it soon - more details at the next meeting!
President Natsuhara adjourned his meeting at 2:30 p.m. Some board members then went out to the
Olson Farm for a tour of the renovations and site. The Olson Creek also afforded a close up sight of lots of
salmon spawning. It was amazing! Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 17th at 1:30 p.m. in
the MUCKLESHOOT ROOM at the museum.
Respectfully submitted by: Marissa Armstrong
Date: December 3, 2003