Takoma DC Neighborhood Association – Minutes of Board Meeting 10/09/07

The meeting convened at 8:00 pm at Promised Land Baptist Church.

Attended by board members Paul Schwartz, Jackie Parham, Rich Holzsager, Julie Schor, Carolivia Herron, Nancy Smith, Mark Headings, Pam Ellison, & Eleanor Allen. Also attended by Stacy Mills.

I. Those present approved minutes from 6/12 and 9/10, and agreed on tonight’s agenda.

II. October 23 general meeting/board elections.

a. Elections: Julie said that she had several rejections and that we still need 2-4 people.  Paul mentioned that he does not know if Leon and Luke are continuing. Paul agreed to call Luke and Julie will call Leon.   Stacy Mills was asked if she would be interested in serving (later in the meeting) and she said yes. We discussed the process and Eleanor read from the by-laws. Jackie suggested that we identify candidates throughout the year and invite them to board meetings.

b. School discussion: Paul read from Luke’s email.  Luke is in contact with Terry Goings, Coolidge and Whittier principals would also be invited.  Nancy suggested public officials should be invited, such as Victor Reinoso and new Chancellor Michelle Rhee. .  Paul raised the issue of why local children don’t attend our local schools. Carolivia said that Shepard E.S. is cutting staff. Paul stated that we should frame the issue in a positive way. We discussed the problem in getting parents of school children to attend our meetings.

III. November. No general meeting.

IV. December Holiday Party. Date: December 8. Home of Alice & Tony Giancola.

V. Treasurer’s Report

a. Jackie distributed the treasurer’s report.  She reported that several members renewed in response to the October mailing, including some lifetime members.  TDCNA gained one new member. 

b. Last month, Sara Green was owed $13.60 for National Night Out.

c. Dodie Butler still has not cashed the $200 check reimbursing her for a payment to a family from the Caring Fund.

d. Rich reported that Sara got the $30,000 (final) grant check for Safe Takoma. 

VI. Old/Continuing business

a. Rec Center follow-up. Paul talked to some staffers about the November 3 strategy session at Takoma Village Center Cohousing.   An aquatic center staffer was excited about the meeting, but the diving center staffer said he couldn’t make it.  Stacy said that Miss G would be invited. Stacy said that we need a general meeting of TDCNA on this topic before the strategy session.  Those present agreed to change the topic of the 10/23 meeting from schools to the Rec Center.  Stacy said the possible speakers include DPR, Education staff, DOH, DYRS, MPD, Sean Gough and Muriel Bowser. Stacy is interested in getting statistics on who we are as a community.  Stacy agreed to line up speakers and work on the title of the meeting to be provided to Eleanor for the postcard.

b. Newsletter.  Nancy made a presentation about ads with a handout.  Nancy stated that we need to get advertisers to sign up on a monthly basis. Jackie stated that we could send the newsletter by email.  Carolivia mentioned that Landis asked about a partnership.  Nancy is concerned that if we do a full press to being in new advertisers, we may need to change/expand the format.  It was also suggested that the newsletter be quarterly (not monthly).  Nancy and Paul will follow up with Dodie and advertisers.

c. Website. Rich stated that photos from the picnic and other events are on the TakomaDC website.

d. Insurance.  Ann Beman called Paul. 

VII. New Business/Announcements

a. Reviewed board liaison assignments as follows:  Julie – Safety; Eleanor – Library; Paul – Outreach; Luke – Rec Center/Schools; Mark – Safe Takoma; and Carolivia – Historic Preservation.

b. Agenda items for 2008.  January 2008 meeting will be on schools. Possible business expo.

c. October 20, Friends of Takoma Library book sale.

d. Next board meeting: November 13

VIII. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm.