Meeting Minutes
Minutes from September meeting:
• In the last meeting we were in need of the minutes to be recorded, Helen Olena
volunteered for the job.
• We formed the education committee and several other possible committees.
• Discussed the beginning of a new website, free no ads.
• Discussed the possibility of a workshop day.
• Crystal Snook offered to show and sell our donated gourd ornaments for a
charity.
• Voted on the charity the proceeds would go to—One by one animal rescue
• Offered sales of Tshirts and other merchandise featuring PAGS logo for order
on Cafepress website.
• Donna Hillbish won the raffle of the box of craft ready gourds.
Treasury
We have $276.35 in our treasury at the moment. Our total expenditures came to
$162.44 from April to the present. The majority of this cost was for postage.
Committees
In the beginning of December, Helen Olena phoned me with an exciting prospect,
for the PAGS to come to the farm show and give a demo and lecture on gourds.
Helen took charge and made all the necessary arrangements and prepared a script,
the education committee members each took turns in doing either a speaking part
during the demo or helping with set up and tear down of the displays. I am going
to let Helen explain to you more about this now-- (Those that signed up for the
Education Committee at the last meeting were contacted and joined together to
make it work. Although the Pennsylvania Cable Network did not choose to tape the
demo, it was a good experience and we can work towards having a great
informational booth for next year’s event. Anyone interested in joining in the
Education committee can see Helen to add your name to the list.)
Unfinished Business
Back in September we discussed holding a workshop day. We were trying to round
up a few people to teach during this time. As a result we did not have much
response, so I am moving to put this idea on hold until there is more interest.
In the meantime, we can continue to encourage members to give short demos at our
regular meetings.
New Business
As you know, the purpose of this meeting is to take the next step in becoming an
American Gourd Society state chapter. In my correspondence with the American
Gourd Society president, the requirements to become an AGS chapter is to 1- have
25 members that are also AGS members, 2- elect officers, and 3- have a
Constitution or Bylaws.
So far, we have 32 members, but I am not sure of the AGS status of all of the
members. It is only a matter of time, and the way it looks to me a very short
amount of time, that we will have the 25 AGS members needed.
I think now is the time to be proactive and fulfill #2 and #3 so that when we do
reach the goal member count, we will be “in”.
So let us proceed, we need to fill all of the offices) So far our slate of
nominees are as follows: For President, Jenn Avery, for Vice President Crystal
Snook, for Recording Secretary Helen Olena, and the office of Corresponding
Secretary and Treasurer (which can be a combined office) is open Unless anyone
has an objection we can nominate from the floor and vote by voice. Only PAGS
members can vote.
Back to Top
Pennsylvania Gourd Society
Meeting Jan. 24, 03
Jenn Avery opened the meeting at 11:22 a.m.
Sixteen people were in attendance. Jenn began with a prayer.
We went over the minutes from the last meeting. This included information about
the committees and a new website and our gourd charity project. (We made $150 on
this project). Also part of the last meetings minutes was the review of the
items for sale on the Café Press. $276.35 is currently in the treasury. $162.44
is what we have spent so far; most went for postage.
Jenn talked about the ed. committee and the farm show. Helen then talked a
little bit more about this and read a letter to Gerri Moore. It was agreed that
we could spend the letter.
A workshop is still on the agenda, but we are postponing at this time. We will
continue to have a demo. at each meeting.
Next we discussed the likelihood of becoming an affiliate of the American Gourd
Society. We need to have 25 members of the AGS, by-laws and a constitution and
elected officers.
President Jenn Avery
Vice President Crystal Snook
Recording Secretary Helen Olena
But for corresponding sec – need nominations from floor. We went over the
duties.
Treasurer- we went over the duties. Receive all monies, keep records,
disbursements, applying for tax exempt status.
Directors (We need three) – Will be part of the board, responsible for helping
to make the decisions before we take things to the general membership.
Carol Prater made a motion that we accept the nominations that we do have , a
second was made and the vote taken. It was unanimous.
There were no immediate takers for the treasurer or the corresponding sec. But
Tracy Snyder volunteered for the duel position. It was voted on and all agreed.
Mariellen Hitner, Carol Prater, and Cookie Smith agreed to be the directors and
the vote was unanimous. We discussed how often we meet… and also pointed out
that we could meet on the chat board.
Jenn sent the by-laws out to the members. (In the past). At the meeting, she
went over the highlights of the constitution/by-laws. There were no objections
to the constitution.
By-laws …. Mission statement, dues ($12 currently) Jenn discussed the
possibility of giving a 2 dollar discount to AGS. We also discussed handling a
duel membership to both Pa. and American societies. We talked about phantom
memberships to Am. Gourd, but axed it for the time being.
Do we want to offer a family discount for folks living at the same address? $12
individual, with no family discount. Dues due in January for everyone… perhaps
hold memberships that come in in Dec/Nov. and just credit them to January.
Elections should be in odd years. Officers and board members should be for two
years. It was voted n and was unanimous. Jenn went over the remaining points in
the by-laws. These were discussed a bit. No changes, or changes as noted :
The executive committee can appoint a standing committee at it’s own behest.
This was brought up, but it was decided that it was already in. Sec, 3-11 on
standing committees is going to take these out, too many standing committees at
this point.
We discussed the consistency of addressing. We decided for now to just use
Jenn’s home address. We also talked a bit about the brochure idea.
Jerry Prater talked bout Christine’s interest in documenting the history of the
gourd society; that perhaps we should make that official. A vote was held. The
position will last until she turns the job over to someone else.
Respectfully submitted by Helen Olena
Back to Top
Pa. Gourd Society Meeting at Smucker’s Gourd Farm March 15,
2003
The meeting was opened at 11:45 with a prayer by Jenn Avery. We thanked the
Smuckers for the use of their home. Also thanks to Jerry Prader for doing the
workshop. There were 30 adults in attendance (numerous children and youth).
Tracy gave a short report. We now have 67 members, up from 32 at the end of last
year. It will cost some money to apply for our nonprofit status and tax
exemption status…. Perhaps $300 for the first and $100 for the second.
Tracy has been using the date of last April as our starting date since that is
when we began collecting the dues. Her decision followed a conversation with
someone in the business.
Unfinished business: We can now become a American Gourd Society Chapter and Jenn
has contacted them. She has not received a reply. It was noted that the American
Gourd Society will assign us a Greek letter for our chapter. We also discussed
getting photos for the brochure, although the time frame for having a finished
product is uncertain.
Other old business: newer members were urged to place a pin on our member’s map.
New business; Mariellen Hittner talked decorating a Christmas tree at the Berk’s
Guild of Craftsperson ‘s event in November. We could display gourd society
information and then take all of the gourd ornaments and donate them to a
designated charity.
Jenn reviewed our charity effort from this past season. (the One-By-One Effort)
We will vote on a new charity this year. Christine offered the idea of Billy
Graham’s Shoebox program.
Food Committee – as our family grows, we need to increase this effort. We talked
over the difficulties of estimating mouths! Cookie volunteered to bring all of
the paper supplies to the next two meetings. We discussed the importance of
RSVP-ing for both seating and eating reasons. Cookie and Crystal will take care
of collecting and distributing collected moneys for the food, even though we
will all bring food.
We ended by all introducing ourselves.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Olena
Back to Top
May 17, 2003 Spring Gourd Meeting in Williamsport
Jenn Avery opened the meeting with a prayer. Fourteen people attended . Thanks
to Christine for hosting the meeting and to Cookie for presenting the workshop.
We are now a chapter of the Am. Gourd Society. We have 73 members and are the
Chi Chapter.
We have $704.93 in our treasury and have achieved our nonprofit status. Jen went
over the history of our annual charitable project. Mariellen has not had a
definite answer to being able to have a tree at the Nov. Christmas show for the
Berks/Lehigh Guild of Craftsmen. She will try to have this for the next meeting.
Crystal volunteered to have a tree with her shows. She is going to start in
September. We can bring ornaments to the Sept. mtg for her. Jen proposed that we
have a slate of charities and vote on these at that meeting. We can use the July
meeting/newsletter to get more charities on the slate.
Helen reported on the farm show. We will have a 10’x10’ area, electricity and
the commitment to demo.(2 half hour time slots.) We must supply our own tables
(Crystal has two). If we want to demo there, we must promote ourselves. Helen
will take the lead for starting planning. We discussed selling videos… or other
things for the society.
Jenn noted that bringing books and other gourd newsletters, etc., is received
well at the meetings and will be continued. Info. on starting a gourd patch
(regional, smaller groups) was included with the other gourd information to
review.
Jenn brought up the idea of having a festival lead person. Crystal volunteered
for this. We are appointing a standing committee. Kathy and Christine and Cookie
and Carol are volunteering for this. Having displays and possibly one class,
starting slow was discussed. We discussed when we should have this…. Decided to
aim for the mid to the end of September-- the 18th, tentatively. By the next
meeting, this committee should have a rough idea of budget, food sources,
agenda, goals, etc. (They can be working electronically)
Jenn explained about the picture taking…. We are going to take digital photos at
this and the next several meetings to secure pictures for the brochure.
Mariellen mentioned that we could blow some of these pictures up for display…
and also pictures of workshop demos.
Henry Beiler said he would appreciate is we could bring lawn chairs for the next
meeting; also he wants some idea of head counts.
Kathy is going to be our new newsletter editor. Cookie talked about the
possibility of having a written agenda…. Ahead on the web and at the door to
keep us on track.
We have made $9 from the Café Press so far. We ended by introducing ourselves
and saying what we are working on.
Back to Top
Pa. Gourd Society July 26, 2003
Chi Chapter, American Gourd Society
The meeting was opened with a prayer by Jenn Avery. An attendance book was
passed and announcements were made. These announcements were… thanks to Henry
and Esther Beiler for hosting our meeting. Ms. Rachel Beiler and/or Mr. Beiler
will be in the barn for sales. New memberships today are $6, pro- rated for half
the year. There is information to share on the table… extra newsletters,
information on starting regional gourd patches and more.
Minutes from the previous meeting in May were read.
The treasurer’s report was given. We have a current balance of $647.80 and 69
members. It was pointed out later in the meeting that we need about $300 of this
to complete the business at hand… federal filing of nonprofit status and the
remaining newsletters.
Last meeting’s minutes were clarified… it was the state nonprofit status that we
have completed and gained… we still need to do the federal component. This
federal component requires a budget. We discussed later in the meeting the
struggle to come up with a proposed budget that is going to “pass” federal
inspection with not much history to go on. Our visitor from Indiana who is
involved with the American Gourd Society, gave us the good advice of designing a
budget where we do not accrue large sums of money. We thanked Tracey for dealing
with all of this, a job lacking fun, indeed.
Helen reported on the farm show. We are designing the “infrastructure” of our
space. The dates were shared. These are Sat., Jan. 10-17. At the next meeting in
September, we are going to begin signing up people in four hour shifts.
Additionally, there will be information on signing up to help electronically and
in the newsletter. Ms. Ruth Morehead suggested that we sign up twice as many
people as we really need. It was noted later in the meeting that we are not
expected to have any expenses associated with getting ready for the farm show.
Crystal reported on the festival committee’s efforts. Several dates were offered
and those present voted to hold the festival on Saturday, July 24, 2004. This
festival will be held at the Colonial Methodist Church in the Harrisburg area.
(Later in the meeting it was added that using this site will cost $100).
The committee is still working out many details… they also need more volunteers.
There will be space both inside and outside. The tentative times are 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Food and gourd vendors will be invited. There will be fees to set up as
vendors… both gourds and food. Anyone who sells is a vendor. So far, a Martha
from Bloomsburg, Harry Hurley and a rep. of Welburn Gourd Farm in California
were thought to be committed vendors. There was some discussion on the gourd
society selling food… a reminder was given that we need more volunteers and
there is time to work out the myriad of details.
Additionally, a brief discussion on the educational/promotional efforts for the
festival was held. Demonstrations in an outside pavilion on cleaning,
pyroengraving face painting, etc. were some of the activities mentioned. We
could include raffles, a special membership promo; display our own gourd items
not for sale and more. It was felt that we would not include a competition this
first year. Our member who used to belong to the Florida Gourd Society pointed
out how nice T-shirts for the event are. Thanks to Crystal and the festival
committee for working on this.
Helen shared the status of the brochure… it is finished and costs have been
secured. The cheapest way to go is black and white photocopying, but the results
are simply inferior.
The lowest costs and what they will get us are:
500 B&W, folded $139
1000 B&W, folded $157
4000 B&W, folded $237
500 Color, folded $320
After some discussion, we made a motion and voted to incur the charge of $157
and have 1,000 B&W copies printed.
Helen offered to print some colored copies from her own printer, she also
offered to send this electronically to society members, but the difficulty with
opening a .pub file were discussed. Although the brochure can be saved as a .tif
file, which was thought to be a good option by commercial printers, in reality
the brochure fonts and other details, is not as good a quality. Helen is
reluctant to put more time into this to redesign for better tif. compatibility.
Mindy Picotti offered to have her son, who is a graphic layout artist, take a
look to see if he can offer us a better cost for the color.
Jen reported briefly on our charity project. We are to bring $5 ornaments to the
Sept. meeting. There will be additional information on donating these in the
next newsletter.
A call for other old business was made.
We then discussed the budget at some length. We also discussed getting more
guidance from the American Gourd Society for gaining our full nonprofit status.
There is an individual in the New Mexico chapter who has been helpful, but
others, including the Am. Gourd Society have been unresponsive.
Kathy Kennedy, our newsletter editor, is working on a gourd article for
Pennsylvania Magazine, and wants to take pictures of gourds at the meeting for
this purpose.
Mindy Picotti is having a demonstration at the Endless Mountains Council of the
Arts in Tunkhannock on August 2.
The Cherokee, North Carolina Gourd groups is having their festival the last
weekend in May… May 20-23.
The meeting was closed at 12:02
A lovely afternoon was had by all under the shade trees in the Beiler’s yard. We
had a lovely meal, Jenn did a coiling workshop, Susie Nunn did a leather day
talk, our gentlemen guests from New Jersey preformed a song using gourd shekeres
and Henry lead a tour of his gourd patch.
Respectfully submitted my Helen Olena
Back to Top
September 2003
09.26.03
Meeting of the Pa. Gourd Society, Fishing Creek, Pa
Chi Chapter of the American Gourd Society
The meeting was opened at 11 a.m. with a prayer by president Jen Avery. Jen
offered the society’s thanks to Cookie for arranging the free meeting site and
providing a good bit of the food. Jenn then made several announcements,
highlighting the meeting schedule for 2004, the farm show and the summer
festival.
The previous meeting’s minutes were read and briefly discussed with one
correction, the date of the summer festival being ’04 instead of ’03.
Tracy gave the treasure’s report… $321.96 and 74 members. Our nonprofit
paperwork went to the federal government at the end of July. Tracy is still
involved in dialogue with the employee there… telephone tag has slowed down
answers to questions on both sides. We may have to give up the Café Press sales.
Committee Reports
(Education Committee) Helen reported on the Pa. Farm show (dates of January
10-17, ’04 in Harrisburg). She had a sign up schedule at the meeting and also a
newsletter and electronic message for Kathy Kennedy and Jen Avery respectively
to promote our booth and to sign up helpers.
Old business
The brochures are done and Helen brought copies along to the meeting for members
to take.
New Business
1. Ornaments for Charity project – After a discussion we voted on a charity to
give our donation to… the winner was Olivia’s House in York County. The
ornaments were given to Crystal to take to her shows.
2. Cow Parade – Jen explained how we have applied to paint a life-sized,
fiberglass cow. We shared our design. We have not yet heard if we have been
accepted or not.
3. Quilt Square Idea- Nettie explained the idea behind a gourd tile quilt and
suggested the idea of a PAGIS quilt to be used as a banner. We decided to all
try to bring our flattest gourd pieces (4”x4” or larger) to the next meeting. We
asked Nettie to be in charge of this… to bring pictures to the next meeting. We
felt we could put something together with whatever shapes we had… something with
our name and then individual members could put designed tiles around the
outside.
4. We spent some time discussing the ’04 meeting schedule. These dates and
places were tentatively decided:
a. Feb. 7th Fishing Creek
b. April 3rd Clearfield County (tentative)
c. June 26th Harrisburg, Michelle’s house
d. August 21 Milton
e. October 9 Williamsport, Christine’s
The meeting was closed; we had lunch, sharing and Jen’s pyroengraving
demonstration. As usual, a good time was had by all!
Back to Top
April 2004
04.03.04 Meeting of the Pa. Gourd Society
Fishing Creek Community Center, Dauphin, Pa.
The meeting was open at 11:10 with a prayer by Crystal. Fifteen people were in
attendance. Helen read the minutes from the previous meeting and they were
approved.
Tracy gave the treasurer's report and the membership numbers.. we have $1, 095.
50 and 76 members. Twenty members from last year did not renew despite
reminders. Tracy felt that we received 15-20 members as a result of our efforts
at the Pa. Farm Show. Crystal paid the fee to the church for the Gourd Fest site
on April 4.
The following items were discussed:
1. No one has stepped up to the plate to volunteer as VP.
2. We did get a post office box in Harrisburg, at the Crooked Hill facility.
Crystal and Cookie are the keepers of the keys.
3. The newsletter has gone out and included a deadline for requests to not be
included in the members listing. When the deadline passes, Tracy will effect the
list and send it out electronically. In the next newsletter we can say those
wanting a hard copy can send a SASE to Tracy for their copy.
4. The deadline for voting for a newsletter name is May 01.
5. We will raffle off the sweatshirt and the two gourds during lunch. Thanks to
Carol Hendrix and Cookie for donating these items.
6. The next meeting will be here, Cookie will reserve the site again. The
following meeting will be in Williamsport and Christine will get directions to
Jenn for the website. Mary Lee will make arrangements for a meeting in the
Reading area for October 9th.
7. Helen mentioned that we need to remember to include general information about
gourds in our newsletters and at our meetings… that the majority of our members
do not come to the meetings and don't participate in the functions of the club.
We must guard against only focusing on the functions of the club. But that means
someone has to write articles and arrange workshops. Helen volunteered to write
an article about caring for gourd plants in the next newsletter.
8. For the June meeting it was agreed that those of us who went to the North
Carolina Gourd event would bring items and examples of what they learned and
worked on (and bought!)
9. The brochure is on track as Helen's project in her printing class. There may
be an $80 charge for the four color plates, but this is compared to a $300 plus
estimate to have 1,000 printed. If all goes well, Helen should be able to print
at least 2,000 for this $80. Crystal suggested that Helen finds out if the
plates can be reused for future printings.
10. Gourd Fest publicity. Helen prepared print and electronic copies of our
basic information. So far Lancaster County and York County are being covered by
Carol Hendrix, Harrisburg by Crystal and Helen, Reading by Helen, Lehigh Valley
by Mariellen, Williamsport by Christine and DuBois by Martha Bloom (via the
newsletter), Carlisle by Katherine and Chambersburg by Tracy.
11. We have no gourd vendors for the fest, although David Wuttke is signed up to
come with gourd supplies and we have 12
artisans signed up.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:10. After a pleasant lunch (covered dish) we
worked on our banner squares. The shape need not be exactly square but should be
about 4 inches. We are working on a Pennsylvania theme. Jenn suggested that we
write the Pennsylvania Gourd Society on wood and then hang the tiles from this.
Helen suggested we use as many media as possible for the tiles, making it double
in function as a teaching tool. Both ideas were supported.
Back to Top
October 2004
PAGS October 09.04 Mtg.
Fishing Creek Community Center, Dauphin, PA
The October, 2004, meeting of thePa. Gourd Society was opened with a prayer by
President Crystal Snook. Nineteen people attended. Six of these were new faces.
Our newcomers were from West Chester, York County and Harrisburg. We spent some
time going around the room and sharing who we were, where we were from and what
we were working on so that our newcomers would feel more connected.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and accepted. Tracey gave the
treasurer's report. We currently have 99 members and $2,011.85 in the treasury.
We did discuss our sources of income for the benefit of our new members.
Old Business
1. Jenn Avery and Marie Whalen are co-chairing our mobile project. Pieces no
larger than four inches are due to Marie Whalen by November 21st so that there
is time to assemble them into a PAGS banner mobile before the Pa. Farm Show.
This was originally a quilt project but moving to a mobile frees us from flat
pieces only is more creative. The theme is Pennsylvania.
New Business
1. It was decided that we would hold four buisiness meetings a year. These will
be followed by lunch and an approximate one hour demo. if one can be arranged.
Additionally, there will be workshops held between the business meetings for
longer work times. Carol Prater will gather input and work on arranging such
demos and workshops.
2. The dates for the business meetings were set as:
Sat., Feb 26 11 a.m. Fishing Creek Community Center, Dauphin followed by our pot
luck lunch and a gourd growing talk/demo (Helen)
Sat, April 9 11 a.m. Eli and Linda Smucker's gourd farm, Kinzers, Pa. followed
by a pot luck lunch. Possible demo TBA
Sat., July 30 tentatively in Williamsport. Final site and demo TBA
Sat., October 22, 11 a.m. Fishing Creek Community Center, Dauphin, demo on
coiling yarn on gourds (Helen)
3. The dates for the workshops were set as:
Sat. June 25, topic and site TBA
Sat., Sept. 10, topic and site TBA
One of these will be celtic knot pyrography by Jenn Avery. Participants will
leave with a well established project.
4. Additionally, we decided to actively seek donation items to be raffled off at
each business meeting as a fund raiser. We also felt we could accommodate a
swapping corner at each meeting… folks could bring whatever they wanted and
swaps could be worked out between individuals after the business meeting.
5. 2005 Farm Show- Saturday, Jan. 8 thru Sat. Jan 15. We are responsible for two
stage presentations. These are the first weekend, Saturday from 10-11 and Sunday
from 2-3. Helen had a sign up schedule and will get info. about helping into the
last PAGS newsletter for this year. We will set up the stand much as last year.
It will have valued unmanned, but we are going to try to staff it as much as
possible.
6. Gourd Fest -- Will be held in May this year. We will have a formal fest
committee chaired by Crystal.
Committee members are:
Jenn- classes
Helen- publicity and PAGS table
Jerry and Carol- education and demos
Bill- parking and clean up
Food- the Smith sisters will tackle this again as vendors if necessary
6. Helen will contact Jerry Prater about a short how to pub. to be handed out
for free at the Farm Show (can be combined with info. about the May Gourd Fest)
and a more complex piece to be sold at the Gourd Fest.
7. The elections were held. The results were:
President- Crystal Snook
Vice President- Bill Peoples
Treasurer and membership secretary- Carol Prater
Secretary - Helen Olena
Board Members- Cookie Smith, Mariellen Hitner and Jerry Prater
Respectfully Submitted,
Helen Olena
Back to Top
February 26, 2005
Fishing Creek Community Center, Dauphin
The meeting was opened with a prayer by president, Crystal Snook. Eighteen
people attended and one person came in time for the workshop.
We had one new person present, so we introduced ourselves.
The minutes from the previous meeting were read and accepted. The treasurer's
report was given. As of yesterday, there was $2,457.87. As of the beginning of
the meeting, there were 44 paid members. Carol thanked the previous treasurer,
Tracy, for being so organized. The transition was made easy. Also thanks to Jenn
Avery for Excel programming. Carol is currently collecting dues. She will send
reminder cards to previous members who have not renewed.
Tracy's first newsletter of her tenure was great!
Historian's comments: Plea for memorabilia and pictures. Not just our events but
other events that members attend. Her scrap book is 9.5 by 11 and is a typical
office binder. We can also donate scrap booking supplies.
Old Business
1. Next meeting at the Beamer residence in Williamsport on July 30. This is
Christine Smith's daughter's home and Christine will be our hostess. The travel
time is about 2-2.5 hours north of Harrisburg, driving time.
2. Gourd Tile Mobile (Jenn and Marie) -- will have something together for the
next meeting. We can add to it, and Tracy said she would put something in each
newsletter about mobile items. We discussed the over all look for some time and
Crystal donated a large snake gourd for possible use at the top.
3. Demos and Workshops (Carol) - We will have a shorter (one hour) demo. type
topic after each business meeting and separate longer workshops in between some
meetings.
Demo after the April 9th meeting will be Carol doing a wrapped coiling. Cookie
will do a clay demo after the July 30th meeting.
Kathleen Sourbeer will do the June 25th workshop on working with decoupage and
leaves. Jenn Avery will do the September 10th workshop on Celtic knotting.
4. Thanks to Bill for the raffle item, a neat gourd bowl with chair caning and
beads. Cookie will supply two items for the next raffle… a medium sized clay on
gourd rabbit and a raw gourd for crafting. Jenn will take a turn after that and
then the Praters.
5. Farm Show (Helen) It was felt to be a good use of time. We discussed dust,
security and scheduling. Michelle will volunteer to help Helen from the get-go
next year. Cassy will bring Cookie's smoking youth gourd with a cute sign. She
also suggested we have a sign about the gourds not being for sale and having a
gourd chart that people may take with them.
6. Gourd Fest -- The date and times have been changed from what was included in
the past meeting minutes. It is June 11 from 9-3 at the same site as last year.
Helen is doing publicity and the PAGS booth, Jenn is organizing classes ( we can
support eight sessions), Jerry and Carol will do education and demos, Bill is in
charge of parking and clean up, Christine is doing food (Smith sisters) and
Crystal is doing vendors, artists and site interaction. Michelle will be helping
Carol and Jerry.
There was no more old business.
New Business
1. Nibs Burner is offering a 5% discount to our members.
2. Bob James (Primitive Originals) is the new president of the American Gourd
Society. He wants to take AGS to the next level. There are various items for the
next AGS meeting on the agenda, and state presidents are encouraged to attend.
(At an executive board meeting held just after the regular meeting, PAGS decided
to support Crystal's trip there up to $250 for gas, meals and room.) Crystal's
item to lead, discussion wise, is family memberships and how they work with
regard to dues and voting. Whether or not state chapter members must also be
members of AGS will also be discussed. All PAGS members who have an opinion on
these issues are encouraged to contact Crystal before she leaves for this
meeting which is on April 3 in Indiana.
3. Colonial Park UM Church is having a community fair on Sept. 24th and is
looking for artists to do demos. and be vendors. Contact Crystal for more
information.
We adjourned at 12:11 p.m. Everyone enjoyed a pot luck lunch and Helen did a
wonderful demo/short session on growing gourds.
Respectfully submitted by PAGS recording sec.
Back to Top
April 9, 2005
Welcome to the meeting at the home of Eli and Linda Smucker. The meeting was
opened with a prayer by President Crystal Snook. Forty one people were in
attendance. We all introduced ourselves as there were some new faces present.
The secretary's report of the February, 2005 minutes were read and accepted. The
treasurer's report was read. Currently there are 71 paid members. Our balance
stands at $2,741 with an '05 income of $1,105 and an '05 outgo of $471. Carol
did a good job of contacting last year's members who remained unpaid into 2005
and will have a more complete membership tally by the end of the month.
The editor is enjoying positive comments on the new look of the newsletter. An
updated members list will be forwarded to her by Carol. The newsletter deadline
dates are in each addition and directions to the Williamsport meeting at the end
of July.
Our historian reminded us to send articles and pictures and thanked Cookie for
her donation of scrap booking supplies.
Old Business -
1. Gourd Mobile (Jenn and Marie) will have something together for the fest and
will have an article in the spring newsletter
2. Demo -- Today's demo is Carol Prater showing coiling. Cookie will do a clay
demo at the July 30th meeting in Williamsport and Helen will do a yarn coiling
demo at our October meeting.
3. Workshops-- June 25th. This was to be a leaf decoupage workshop by Kathy
Sourbeer, but we need to substitute a pine needle/grass coiling workshop by
Crystal. Supplies list will be in the spring newsletter.
Jenn Avery will do a Celtic knot pyrography workshop on September 10th.
4. Raffle Donations -- For today's meeting a thank you to Cookie. July 30th's
meeting will raffle a donation from Jenn and the October meeting will feature a
raffle item from the Praters.
5. Farm Show -- Helen shared her comments. This is felt to be a worthwhile
project. Michele offered to help with the planning for next year.
6. Gourd Fest -- Coming up June 11th at the Colonial Park UMC, 9-3.
Helen gave an update on publicity… actual press releases going out to about 77
newspapers across the commonwealth… don't know how much actual publicity that
will generate. PGS members will be asked to be local/regional contacts for
reporters seeking gourd crafting information.
Jenn gave an update on classes… there are a total of 6 classes, three each in
the morning and afternoon. There is still time to register and open spots in all
classes. We discussed the pros and cons to allowing walk ins to register that
day.
Jerry and Carol… will be handling the education and demos.
Bill… parking and clean up.
Christine… food
Crystal… vendors and artists. We could use some easy-up tents. The Praters and
Mariellen with both bring tents for us to use. Crystal proposed that we have the
gourd quilt at the fest… we voted to pay approximately $250 to have it shipped
and returned.
7. Directions to the next meeting (Williamsport) were available as a hand out
and will also be in the next newsletter.
8. Crystal reported on the American Gourd Society (AGS) meeting which she
attended. (All state chapter pres. are on the board of AGS). Bob James, the new
president is seeking to change the relationship between AGS and the state
chapters and is seeking fresh input. They focused on judging standards used at
gourd fests that include competition (ours does not), changes to the journal,
education and safety, absentee voting (now allowed) and the link between number
of votes and membership. One vote will be allowed for each paid membership, and
families can have individual memberships or a family membership with one vote
only.
As we had questions about their newsletter costs, Bill offered to look into this
matter and their budget in general.
9. There is still an opportunity for gourd crafters to demo and sell at a
separate event at the church where the gourd fest will be. Contact Crystal for
more information.
New Business
1. AGS is promoting outreach opportunities. Some of their ideas are to promote
the release of a new gourd book at a local bookstore, attend county fairs and
possibly the state fair (for Pa. this is in Bloomsburg), do programs at
libraries, etc.
2. Crystal went over items she got at the AGS meeting. These will be for sale at
today's meeting and also at the fest. We get to keep a portion of the proceeds.
These are: gourd craft stamps, Primitive Original's work packets, gourd journals
and vintage gourd books.
3. Mariellen will be doing a gourd ornament (s?) for a tree being put together
by the Berks Craft Guild that will end up being on display in Washington, D/C.
for Christmas. She is looking for ideas.
The meeting was adjourned at noon. The demo will begin at quarter of one.
Respectfully Submitted,
Helen Olena, Recording Secretary
October 22, 2005
Fishing Creek Valley Community Center
The meeting was opened with a welcome and prayer. As there were no new faces we
skipped the introductions.
The minutes from the July '05 meeting were read and accepted. The July '05
treasurer's report was read; $3,236.63 as of the end of July, August 92 members,
September 133 members
Tracy reported for the newsletter by noting that there are two tutorials ready
to go but that are being held. In-lace from Jenn and a Jack O' Lantern project
Old Business:
1. Jenn and Marie continue to head up the gourd mobile project
2. Today's demo will be Helen coiling with yarn
3. The Celtic Knot Pyrography workshop on Sept 10 was well attended. Thanks to
Jenn for putting this together.
4. The raffle item, a fabric gourd wall hanging, was donated by Mariellen
Hittner. Thanks Mariellen.
5. Farm Show - The dates are Sat. Jan. 7-Sat. Jan 14. Helen brought the sign up
sheet and remaindered us that there are no sales. There will be literature to
share. Crystal is once again bringing two tables, we are using Jenn's shelves
and Michelle is bringing a 10 foot table. Bill will donate fabric for the
folding screen that we used last year.
6. Holiday Party November 12, 1-3 at the Old Country Buffet in Harrisburg. PAGS
will pay the gratuity but after some discussion it was decided that members will
pay their own dinners.
7. The effort to reach consensus on Patch rules is continued till the next
meeting. Bill has spoken to Donna Hilbush and he will do more research and
formulate a stance after talking with other chapter presidents.
New Business:
1. Gourd Fest '06 - Will be called "Gourds in Paradise" and will be held on
Friday July 21 and Saturday July 22 at the Paradise Community Center in
Lancaster County. We changed the competition to gourds crafted around the theme
of paradise. Ray Ayers will lead the clean up effort this fest. Michelle will
help with the demos.
2. '06 Meeting Dates:
March 25th- Location FCV Community Center
1399 Fishing Creek Valley Road Harrisburg, 17112
Demo - Bill will do setting up a gourd for chip carving
Raffle item- Helen will donate an item
June 17th- Location Helen's home near Reading
284 Blimline Road, Mohnton 19540
Demo- Basket weaving by Mariellen
Raffle item- Cookie
August 19th- Location Eli and Linda Smucker's Gourd Farm , 317 Springville Road,
Kinzers 17535
Demo by Crystal
Raffle item- Eli
October 21 Location FCV Community Center
1399 Fishing Creek Valley Road Harrisburg, 17112
Demo- Tenerife by Tracy
Raffle item - Crystal
3. '06 workshops Bill will do a chip carving workshop in May (following up on
the demo to set up your gourd for chip carving at the March meeting). Date to be
determined
Tracy will do a drum making workshop in September. Date to be determined
4. We have decided to make it "mandatory" that members wear a name tag to the
meetings. Those not complying will be "fined" a quarter that will go into the
treasury.
5. The website is down and Jenn will look into buying our own IP and domain.
Back to Top
March 25, 2006
Pennsylvania Gourd Society Meeting
Fishing Creek Valley Community Center (Harrisburg)
The meeting was opened with a welcome and prayer by President Crystal Snook.
There were 17 people in attendance. As many were first timers, we spent some
time sharing where we are from and what we mostly do with gourds. The meeting
minutes from the last meeting, October, 2005, were read and accepted.
The treasurer's report was given and is attached. We currently have 107 members.
We had 40 members from last year that did not renew. We had already sent out
reminder post cards and feel we have done all we can.
The newsletter ed. and the historian gave reminders to all about writing and
contributing.
Old Business
1. Gourd Mobile -Jenn described this for the new members. Mariellen did a new
tile for the mobile. (Thanks, Mariellen)
2. Thanks in advance to Bill for doing a workshop on setting up a design for
chip carving
3. Up-coming workshops include Bill's on chip carving here at the community
center at 11 a.m. on May 13th. Bring a covered dish. Tracy's workshop still
needs a firm date.
4. Raffle- Thank you to Helen for the gourd purse and large tobacco box gourd
and to Mariellen for the Florida Gourd Show necklace. As an added bonus,
Michelle brought printed bags that were also raffled off. Bill brought gourds
donated by a contact from the farm show (Helen will write a thank you note) and
Andy Craig sent along some pens for the farm show helpers. We are a generous
bunch!
5. Farm Show- was once again thought to be well worth our time. Many folks are
interested and it is a great opportunity for educational outreach. Thanks to all
who volunteered!
6. Patch rules- Bill contacted three state chapters for information.
California's patches are fairly autonomous while Indiana's are quite formal with
all patch members required to be members of the chapter and the patch must
contribute $250 each year to the chapter. Ohio only has one patch so far and it
is imposing no rules.
It was Bill's feeling that allowing autonomy is the most helpful in getting
people involved in gourding. A motion was made that we keep patch formation
informal with no rules at this time and that Bill be the contact for the
patches. The motion passed. Bill will write an article for the next newsletter.
7. Website- Jenn gave an update on the website and the fact that the message
board is now private for members only. We now have our own url.
8. Name tag requirement at meetings was re-explained and the piggy bank was
passed for those that forgot (25 cent donation). New attendees were exempted.
New Business:
1. Nominating Committee - It was decided that we needed a nominating committee
of at least two people. Terry Noxel and Nancy Worley volunteered. They will
solicit office seekers and draw up the slate. The election will be held in
October. We need a pres, a v-pres, recording sec., membership sec., treasurer
and three directors.
2. Helen is making up a new fact sheet that will answer most people's questions
that are asked at the farm show. Donna Hilbish offered to help with the copying.
3. We felt we needed a list in the official minutes of what is "owned" by the
Society. So far, the mobile (currently housed with Jenn) and mobile stand
(currently housed by Helen), rain stick (with Helen), nativity gourd (with
Crystal) gourd poster and accompanying gourds (with Jenn). We still need a
bushel gourd to accompany the poster. At least 12-13 inches minimum.
4. We have been invited to participate in Longwood Garden's fall garden
festival. This is a month long series of events with related arts scheduled for
the weekends. We are not sure of the date yet. Crystal will keep us informed as
she gets more information.
5. We are getting request for speakers… Fort Washington, Maple Glen Garden Club
Jan thru March of '07, Central Pa. Basket Weaver's Guild (Sat. and Sunday
meetings). Let Crystal know if you are interested in doing presentations in
general.
6. We have a request from Kimberly Barnes for members who might want to have
their work appear in a book that she is editing… there is no monetary gain.
7. American Gourd Society is going to be including Chapter reports in its new
magazine. They are interested in glossy photos, etc. Jenn will send along a
chapter report to their next edition.
8. Gourd Fest 2006- "Gourds in Paradise" slated for July 21 and 22 at the
Paradise community center. We are in need of general volunteers. The fest
committee is on schedule. Pennsylvania Gourd Society Meeting
Back to Top
|
