HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2009
White River Valley Historical Society
Board Meeting Minutes
April 15, 2009, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Board Members Present: Richard Artura, Pat Bailey, Ronnie Beyersdorf, Jan Cavanaugh, Mike Gerber, Doug
Hedger, Warren Kinggeorge, Michelle Marshman, Judi Roland, Clarissa Ruston, Lisa Scarff, Jennifer Taufler, Mae
Yamada
Board Members Excused: Julie Herren, Gator Chamberlain, Tom Campbell
Staff Present: Patricia Cosgrove, Kristen Bruhan, Tara McCauley
Guests:
I. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
A. President Beyersdorf called the meeting to order and asked for the approval of the minutes.
Minutes were approved with the following revisions: Section B. City Budget Cuts, Patricia Cosgrove,
paragraph 2, sentence 5, change musicologist to Museumologist. Alison Tissue - change to Alison Tisue.
MOTION CARRIED B.
II. Chair Report President Beyersdorf
A. Review of Meeting Calendar
Of Note:
4/22/2009 - Mary Olson Farm Meeting
4/21/2009 - Opening of new exhibit: Woodworks, Things of Use and Beauty
5/4/2009 - Halloween committee meeting
5/8/2009 - Patricia's birthday
Meetings are open to all board members
B. Whuhlshootseed Lessen Warren Kinggeorge
As part of the museum's on-going education for board members, Warren shared a portion of the orientation
that is provided to Muckleshoot tribal managers. This included the history of the Auburn and regional
cultural meaning that is behind the letters and the sounds of the Whuhshootseet (alphabet). We learned that
Muckleshoot is a place, a promontory that looked out over the village (located at the confluence of the
White, Green and Stuck rivers. To some, it signified a place where strawberries grew. Warren sang a song
about picking blueberries that his grandmother sang while walking to the prairie to pick the berries. It was
a song that helped her focus on the reason for the journey rather than the hardships of the journey itself.
III. Committees (Items for Vote*)
A. Finance Committee* Treasurer Hedger
Treasurer Hedger gave an overview of the museum finances. The museum finances are ahead YTD from
this time last year. Doug relies on Kristen and Patricia to identify expenses. Due to Patricia's grant writing
we are only $3000.00 short of our annual goal. It is very important in this economy to obtain these grants.
Patricia is very proactive providing the City of Auburn with accomplishments and soliciting money for the
Rainy Day fund. The fund, now $5,300.00, will go to a CD (Certificate of Deposit).
MOTION CARRIED
B. Mary Olsen Farm Committee
The committee is currently reviewing the costs and requesting new bids. Next week they will review the
information. Pending weather improvements they will go to the farm and walk the trail.
C. Halloween Costume Ball Committee Julie Herren
The committee discussed sponsorships. Gator is working on the costume awards. We a have a list of
sponsors and need the names of the board members who have a connection. In addition, new sponsors are
needed. "Save the Date" cards (with dancing skeletons) are complete. The Halloween Ball is October 24,
2009. Warren and Ronnie will meet at the Muckleshoot Casino to ask for a naming sponsorship. They will
do a formal lobbying to notify the casino of their intention. They have been given 20 minutes to provide
information. Thank you to Ronnie for submitting a check for table sponsorship.
IV. Staff Report Patricia Cosgrove
A. Woodworks Exhibit Preview
The "Woodworks, Things of Use and Beauty" exhibit consists of items made during a time when people
invented what they wanted and needed. Tara brought a Herring Rake as a "show and tell" artifact. The
herring rake was a tool for catching herring. It was a long wooden pole with a row of sharp bone or metal
teeth. Fisherman would sweep the rake through the water, catching fish on the teeth. The rake was then
tapped to release the fish into boat. In later years the comb would have been made of iron or bike spokes.
Board Members are invited to tour the exhibit.
V. Board Member Comments Around Table President Beyersdorf
A. A special thank you from the board members went to Warren Kinggeorge for sharing the Muckleshoot
history and his grandmother's song.
B. The next meeting will be scheduled to 1 1'/2 hour to have the opportunity to focus on and continue
important discussions and committee report outs.
Adjournment
Meeting Adjourned at 2:38 PM
Respectfully submitted by: Lisa Scarff
Date: April 25, 2009