February 21, 2011 Heritage Meeting

 

5 Board Members were present; Dale Helms, Laura Munski, Leon Krueger, Karen Useldinger, and Marilyn Egeland. Other Heritage members present were Karen McBride, Arlene Krueger, Elaine Olsen, Darren Nelson, Kim Nelson, Teri Hammarback, Wendell Landon, and Norm Vanderpan.

 

Dale, vice president opened the meeting. Secretary's Report was reviewed and a motion to approve the report was made by Laura and seconded by Karen U. Treasurer's Report was reviewed with a balance of $24,978.82. A motion was made by Karen U and seconded by Laura M to accept the Treasurer's Report as written.

 

There were no Communications reports.

 

Old Business included Key Inventory sheet that was passed around for members to sign if they had any Heritage building's keys. It was noted that Karen M, Recording Secretary, would submit the monthly meeting minutes to Bernie, to be posted to the website following each meeting. The Forklift is now in running condition with the brakes replaced along with axle and seals, thanks to Darren and Dale. They have also completed all needed repairs to all the tractors on the Grounds so they are in working order. Many Thanks, guys!

A discussion on obtaining a Debit Card available for large purchases and online orders was discussed and it was agreed that it was a good idea. Laura stated that with her job with NSC, it works well for them but informs Marilyn to find a card that has no fees. A motion was not made regarding this issue. Donna continues to work on the installation of Quick Books program on the computer. With regards to an update on the Hagen Building door, Dale said he is still waiting on Red Lake Building Center to work with our insurance. The Barrett Building door is on hold until spring. The insurance adjustor is still working on the Sawmill Shed.

FunDnight Event was discussed in length. It will be April 15 . We received Bids on the meal and location from American Legion and VFW. It was decided to accept VFW's bid which came in $5.25 lower per meal than the Legion. Walleye, Shrimp and Roast Beef are the entree choices for the dinner at $11.25 cost per plate. Joe B had 300 tickets printed at Morgan Printing in Grafton. There are 5 tickets per book. Each individual ticket sells for $25. Joe has submitted a master list of previous attendees and businesses to the FunDnight fund-raiser event. Teri H volunteered to be the “go-to person” for acquiring tickets. Books of tickets were signed out during the meeting. Teri also agreed to contact the local banks, UND and Sacred Heart that have marquees to advertise FunDnight. Laura volunteered to contact the Convention and Visitor's Center and the Community Calendar regarding this event. Dale has procured the gambling permit. No one has volunteered to help with the Silent Auction but Dale encouraged members to start gathering donated items from businesses. Laura mentioned that she can arrange for help from the UND Volunteer Coordinator to help with whatever is needed to get ready for FunDnight. It was decided to ask for students that were 21 or older to help set-up the Silent Auction.

Grants were a major highlight of the night. Laura has been tirelessly searching for grants that we are eligible for. She has a grant application to the UM Conference.

-A mini-grant from NW Regional Commission called Connecting Children with Nature for $500 was received for the purchasing of educational materials for use in the classroom and pizza garden. Grant purchases include Time-lapse plant Camera, Nature rubbing plates, Nature stencils, Soil testing kit, Worm view box, Root view box and Lily pad growing kit. Also educational events related to this grant will include National Pizza Day in March hosted by Farmer's Union and will be held in the Classroom. May 2-3 is the annual Water Festival and the ag session will be done by the Park District. East Grand Forks students will be helping to plant and harvest the historic and pizza gardens as a hands-on learning experience. 

-Special Events Grant will be applied for again for Heritage Days from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. It was received in 2009 and also in 2010.

-Laura requested payment of $150 for the Winter Event expenses which would have been covered by the sister-event on New Year's Eve, but unfortunately that event was canceled. Karen U made a motion to pay the bill and Leon K seconded that motion.

-A Mantis Tiller grant is ready to be submitted. The tiller would be used in the pizza and historic gardens as well in landscaping areas. The grant also requires educational significance which is providing an interactive display for children to tour and experience where their food comes from, and to learn about the growing and nutrition of vegetables first hand. The motion was made by Marilyn to submit the grant and seconded by Leon. Thanks, Laura!

-Discussion on the Polk County grant was reviewed. Grants were awarded in 2009 and 2010 and Laura was encouraged to apply for 2011.

-There is a $6,000 educational grant offered through Ottertail Power Company which we have not received in the past but would be eligible for with our classroom setup. It was motioned by Karen U and 2nd by Leon for Laura to reapply for this grant.

-Science Saturday is April 16 and Laura encouraged our participation with a tri-fold display about the Heritage Foundation. This would be great exposure for the Heritage Foundation. Karen M and Teri H volunteered to work on this.

Laura M recommended that Heritage Foundation have Accident Report and Incident Report forms on file to use as necessary for activities on the Grounds. She had sample ones to show us. No further action was taken.

 

Heritage Days is in need of a Director. It was suggested that the 'need' be printed in the next Newsletter, and announced at the FunDnight event. Dale agreed to make some personal contacts with a few members that might be interested. Laura M has agreed to becoming the Entertainment Coordinator this year after Arlene K stepped down after 24 years of service. Thank you, Arlene! She will continue to mentor Laura in her first year. The first Entertainment Committee meeting is scheduled for March 7, Monday at 7pm at the Church.

Darren N announced our latest donations; the new copier, complete with many ink cartridge refills donated from L&M Windpower. and from happy Joe's Pizza Parlor we received a 52” big screen TV and second smaller TV and an Ice Machine. Midwest Refrigeration has volunteered to help hook-up the ice machine. Thank yous are to be sent out by? Kim N and Darren N are planning ahead to again attend the annual Northwood Celebration, July 23. Darren noted that he received 1st place for the best demo on the sawmill/ buzz saw exhibit. The Goose River Hoof and Wheel Organization from Northwood are interested in teaming up with us at Heritage, according to Darren, during Heritage Days with a corn-grinding demonstration and help out in any way for our Heritage Days. They would like to have their August 9 meeting here to tour the Grounds. Karen U made a motion to let them come and Marilyn seconded it.

-Dale mentioned there is much interest among the community (Ryan Potato, retired potato farmers like Don Holy and Bill Nelson) as well as ProAg in starting a Potato Museum. We have several donation offers of potato equipment already as well as having equipment already on the Grounds. More discussion later on this topic.

A motion was made by Marilyn to adjourn and it was 2nd by Laura.

The next Heritage Foundation meeting is scheduled for March 21.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Karen McBride,

Recording Secretary