Minutes

April 16th, 2007

Scott Hirsch — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:04:00 GMT

Call to order

Janet Thomas called to order the special membership meeting of The Heritage Network at 10:00 on Monday, April 16th, 2007 in the Stevens County Museum Building.

II. Roll Call

The following persons were present: De Pelan, Janet Thomas, Elaine Colby, Ted Eppler, Dianne Eppler, Susan Dechant, Grady Knight, Kathryn Berrigan, Susan Harris, Loyce Akers, Lorinda Travis, David Bull, Marvin Ray, Nola Landucci, Lorna Nutini, Shirley Dodson, Jael Regis, Jackie Franks and Scott Hirsch.

III. Standard Meeting Business and Open Issues

MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES from last meeting. FLOORED by Scott Hirsch; second Dianne Eppler; passed with no dissenting votes.

Financial Report from Scott Hirsch included the year end a profit and loss statements. Scott Hirsch informed the gathering that there was approximately $120 in the checking after the Garland Printing cost for the brochures was paid. Janet Thomas explained that she thought the opportunity to speak in Wenatchee to represent the THN was too late for this year. She did say the membership to the Washington Museum Association was in the works - she needed to complete a form.

MOTION TO APPROVE FINANCIAL REPORT FLOORED by Kathy Berrigan and second by Lorinda Travis; passed with no dissenting votes.

By-Laws with some changes were introduced to the group and a brief discussion of the proposed changes were made. MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BY-LAW CHANGES was FLOORED by Lorinda Travis and seconded by De Pelan?

IV.Elections

Elections of Board Members were held and the following thirteen Heritage Members as defined special articulated in the Articles of Incorporation were unanimously approved: (Seconded by Janet Thomas)

Janet Thomas (SCHS), Karen Meyers, Dianne Eppler (Hunters Museum), Joan Nullet (Kettle Falls Library), Kathy Berrigan (Kettle Falls Historical Society), Merlin Rosser (Land Conservancy of British Columbia), Bill Sebright (Clayton Historical Society), Susan Dechant (NeWGS), Judy Cornelius (Geronimo), Susan Harris (Tiger Museum), Lorna Nutini (Trail Historical Society), Jackie Franks (Chewelah Museum) and Jael Regis (Northport Historical Society).

It was then determined that a ballot should be cast for fill the 4 available board positions that constitute the 25% ration allowed in addition to the required 75% Heritage Members. The following were nominated to be included in the vote: Lorinda Travis, De Pelan, Scott Hirsch, Joe Barreca, Ted Eppler, Grady Knight, and David Bull. Marvin Ray declined to be included in the election due to his expected duties with The Stevens County Historical Society.

Ballots returned were counted by Elaine Colby and Merlin Rosser and the following were elected as board members:

Lorinda Travis, Scott Hirsch, De Pelan and Ted Eppler.

Officers ballots were then passed around and the returned results were Kathy Berrigan as the new Secretary and Susan Dechant as the new Treasurer. There was a tie for both President and Vice-President. A second ballot broke the ties and the new President elected was Lorinda Travis and the Vice-President was Scott Hirsch.

V.New Business

Dianne Eppler raised the issue of fairs and having a booth that would represent the individual members manned by the membership. David Bull volunteered he could make available some aids and also that there was already an plan to have a Stevens County booth that could represent among others THN. Bull also mentioned an effort to produce multimedia CDs. No conclusion was reached about booths but in general the group appeared to support the effort. Handing out brochures was discussed and some members took away a quantity of the brochures. The remaining inventory is current stored at The Heritage Network offices at 524 S. Main Street, Colville and can be shipped on request to members. Scott Hirsch mentioned he would conduct a membership drive effort by sending out a few brochures each day with a personal invitation to prospective members. De Phelan was heartily complimented for all her work on the brochures and how it turned out so well.

MOTION TO APPROVE THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR MEMBERSHIP was FLOORED by Merlin Rosser and seconded by Scott Hirsch.

Steve Kramer spoke and showed slides in a session that lasted about one hour. He discussed the various ways to organize an effort to preserve a structure and made himself graciously available to consult with any of the membership if they needed advise or assistance.

The food brought by the membership was abundant and was a big success in providing all who attended with a great feast.

March 19th, 2007

Scott Hirsch — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:43:00 GMT

I. Call to order

Janet Thomas called to order the regular meeting of The Heritage Network at 10:00 on Monday, March 19th, 2007 in the Stevens County Museum Building.

II. Roll Call

The following persons were present: De Phelan, Janet Thomas, Elaine Colby, Ted Eppler, Dianne Eppler, Susan Dechant, Grady Knight, Kathryn Berrigan, Bill Sebright, Susan Harris, Loyce Akers, Karen Meyer, David Bull, Marvin Ray andScott Hirsch.

III. Open Issues.

Heritage Network Stickers were passed out. Washington Museum Association told Janet Thomas we could join as a group for $30. MOTION TO JOIN: by Scott Hirsch; second De Phelan as a second; passed; no dissenting votes.

Discussed opportunity to speak in Wenatchee to represent the THN. Susan Harris introduced herself from Newport's chamber. Loyce Akers introduced herself from Pend Oreille River Arts Alliance. Spoke of Driving Tours and establishing a website. Financial Report from Scott Hirsch related the checking had little activity and the balance would be $630 with a few more deposits to make that would amount to about $880, enough to cover the expected cost of the brochure in quantities of 10,000.

IV. New Business

David Bull mentioned the new Kettle Falls City website. Janet brought up how to gather links to THN website. Janet mentioned PASSPORTS should be ordered. Elaine talked about brochure activity. De Phelan expanded. It was decided on small change would be made and agreed the brochures would be ordered and hopefully available at the next meeting.

Spring Promotion was discussed including the means to generate content and coordinate the promotion. David Bull mentioned Mrs. Bull is now working for the Colville Statesmen Examiner which would be a great contact for the Spring Promotion. Map representing the Old Historical Network was replace with the more formal map of Joe Barreca. Marvin talked about gangs. Discussion of maps end up with a decision to make both version available on the website. MOTION TO APPROVE BROCHURE AND PRINT 10K: Scott Hirsch made the motion; second by Karen Meyer; PASSED, no dissenting votes.

Elaine Colby spoke about the WSU project. Sherri Wemlinger spoke to Elaine about future involvement from classes or individuals. Two professors want to meet with us about Kiosk as well as other ideas.

ANNUAL MEETING: Elaine Colby told the group about working with Steve Kramer to speak regarding the potential involvement with them on mutual projects. Janet mentioned it is May is Historic Preservation Month in Washington State.

Elaine Colby was to work on an election effort for the next meeting.

IV.Adjournment

Date of next meeting set at 16th of April, 2007

July 16, 2007

Scott Hirsch — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 21:32:00 GMT

I. Call to order Janet Thomas called to order the regular meeting of The Heritage Network at 10 a.m. at The Learning Center after a meeting of the spring promotion committee (Janet Thomas, Grady Knight, Lorinda Travis and Karen Meyer).

II. Roll Call Those present: Jo Nullet, Lorinda Travis, Susan Dechant, Janet Thomas, Elaine Colby, De Pelan, Kathy Berrigan, Scott Hirsch, David Bull, Dianne Eppler, Ted Eppler, Karen Meyer, Grady Knight, Bill Sebright, Jael Regis, Joe Bareca, Dani Bull (Statesman Examiner)

III. Treasurer's Report Susan Dechant reported $2504.07 left in the bank account and two debit cards recently acquired at Key Bank with balance of $1077.90 after Elaine Colby's trip. Financial report approved. New members added: Cheney Museum, Roger May and Ms. Saffer.

Susan requested authority to sign checks. Karen Meyer moved that Susan be the primary signer as treasurer, with Janet Thomas and Scott Hirsch as back-ups. Seconded by Bill Sebright. Motion passed. By-laws allow bills up to $300 to be paid without prior discussion and approval of the board which would help with timely payments. The treasurer is responsible for producing financial statements each month for the board's review, plus a yearly review along with the bank statement. The treasurer would also handle grant money with Janet, subject to corporate laws Angie, the bookkeeper at Scott's office is helping with the accounting. She is doing Quick books on-line. For a fee they could be linked to Key Bank, which would be helpful for checking statements. Web sales and passports can also be tracked. It is good to establish procedures while the account is still small.

A tax form or letter signed by the treasurer, acknowledging receipt of $25,000 donation of software listing its serial number should be sent. Motion to approve treasurer's report by Lorinda, seconded by Jael, passed.

IV. Open Issues Minutes: Minutes of last meeting approved as read - motion by Susan D., 2nd by Jael, (passed). Today's agenda approved

Antique shops: Janet gave out lists of names and locations of area antique and secondhand stores.

Insurance: Elaine checked around and found insurance to cover camera equipment for $587.94/year with a $500 deductible. This covers theft/damage of the equipment we have now. There is a 30-day waiting period before the policy is delivered, but Elaine will check to see if the coverage begins immediately. As for liability insurance for board members, the risk is low. A video is available to educate board members on their responsibilities and liabilities.

WA Museum Association Workshop: Elaine Colby attended the workshop, staying with Philpotts in Wenatchee. After paying for registration, meals and a hospitality gift for her hosts, there was $80 left of the $250 allowed. This was an annual meeting, and she brought back reports and a financial report. A report is also on their Web site. Elaine went to 3 technical classes (including one on podcasts for tours) and one on community collaboration. One important point made was that a museum is, or can be, the hub of a community. Pierce County has outstanding educational support for its museum directors, and Elaine will get more info. A nicely done brochure includes museums of the Upper Columbia region. She noted that the recommended book was The Digital History Book.

Prestini: Grady Knight would like to do a documentary on Prestini, which might include a 9-minute segment done earlier. He would need to do research on Prestini and has names of people to interview. This could be followed up with a documentary on the brickworks at Clayton. This would be HD, since that is the trend. The goal would be 2-3 hours of video for TV, and more could be put on a CD. The Heritage Network could act as the host organization for applying for grants, once we have more concrete details on costs, needs and a time line. Prestini committee meeting to immediately follow this meeting.

Preserve America: Joe Bareca responded to a request to show the partnership between government and private sector. He cited the passport project, Vista, WSU, mixed types of memberships, tour map; these connections passed the test. Now he needs to know what kind of proposals to make based on needs of member organizations. Odds are very good of getting grant money, and Joe will e-mail forms to members to list their ideas.

Tourism Maps: David Bull got 20,000 maps printed with hotel/motel tax money and has distributed most already, including a batch that Cathy McMorris took back to Washington, D.C. He may get as many as 200,000 printed with federal funds. These include GPS info. The nearest gas station and cell phone coverage would be helpful for remote areas. David is also involved with promoting Rendezvous.

Spring Promotion: Committee met and offer these ideas: 1) Get Washington museum mailing list, send out brochure and ask them to send copies to their membership. 2) Regular press releases with help from a reporter that would "adopt" our group. 3) Public service announcements. 4) PBS profile of the passport tours. Look for grants for doing this. 5) Publicize digitizing equipment and the software donation. Dani Bull is willing to help us and can be reached at 490-1711 (cell) 738-6950 (home) or @statesmanexaminer.com.

V. New Business Banner: Elaine displayed the large grey Heritage Network banner with picture designed by Lynn at the Sign Shop (time donated), charging only for the banner and digital print (a $150 value for $40). It seems appropriate to give her a membership for donating her time. Since there was money unused from the Wenatchee trip, Elaine spent $40 on the banner. The question arose: How do we choose who gets a free membership for donating time? Should it be just the first-time membership, and they would renew if they want to continue? Think about it. The banner is to be stored at Elaine's office when not in use.

Other Museums: Ray Kresek (historic lookouts and Smokey the Bear collection), hopes to see that Stevens County gets his extensive collection sometime in the future. He has tour groups go through his place, and we might think about going down as a group. He loans items out by the year.

There is a museum at Cedar Cr. (Civil War era), and Mr. Henry would need to know in advance if people are coming. Note that the 100th anniversary of the US Forest Service is imminent.

Digitizing Photos: Scott and Elaine trained Barb Swanson in Chewelah, working on photos that were curling with age and moisture, and saving the label information. A clear sheet was used over the photos, but non-glare glass would provide more weight. Photo Shop can help restore faded or photos with deep shadows (a notebook of examples was passed around). .Grady Knight has experience with the technology on this. Pend Oreille wants to be next to be trained to use the equipment.

Visitors' Guide: New guides are being planned. Advertisers are welcome and there will be an ad for the Heritage Network next time. There is also a history page, and De may contact some members for a story.

VI. Adjournment Next meeting will be August 20, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Colville Museum

September 17, 2007

Scott Hirsch — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:14:00 GMT

September 17, 2007

I. Call to order

Janet Thomas called to order the regular meeting of The Heritage Network at 10 a.m. at The Learning Center.

II. Roll Call

Those present: Lorinda Travis, Karen Meyer, Janet Thomas, Bill Sebright, Kathy Berrigan, Grady Knight, Joe Barreca, Marvin Ray, Susan Harris, Susan Dechant, Angi Engebretsen, David Bull, Glendine Leonard, Elaine Colby, Loyce Akers, Jo Nullet Guest: Becca Gordon {a potential curator for the Stevens County Historical Society, also does forest archeology}.

III. Treasurer's Report

Treasurer's printed balance sheet as of September 16 showed no change from previous one. Susan noted that there were no Web sales in the last month and a half. Some people still owed money. Verify with Susan on sales after shipping. Motion to approve treasurer's report made by Bill, seconded by Jo, passed.

IV. Open Issues

Minutes: Minutes of last meeting approved as read - motion by Bill, 2nd by Karen, passed.

Today's agenda approved.

Leno Prestini: Glendine presented a printed outline of the Prestini project, its purpose, goals, funding, market and activities involved in creating results (collections and exhibits). Discussion of needs (protection for individual owners of Prestini items, giving credit where due, copyrights, question of "holdings" of group items, rules for distributing items created, royalties, attorney, possible escrow account, etc.) One goal is to bring out and document the role of the history of this area in Prestini's work. Also De outlined the project in a who, what, why, when format.

Motion for the Prestini project to be a Heritage Network project with committees handling the details made by Angelina, 2nd by Lorinda, passed with one abstaining. Individuals with Prestini items and specific knowledge, such as Wally Parker on copyrights, could serve in an advisory role. We would need to make the processes "legal and sustainable," with a release to be signed, and protection provided for owners of items used and exhibited. Income should be generated for workers on the project. Lorinda mentioned a possible Lutheran grant. Bill said that a Prestini item was taken to the Antiques Road Show, but since none had been sold to the knowledge of the appraiser, a value could not be set.

Discussion of software that can assist in tracking the progress of committee members and subcommittees, delineating jobs, times for completion, resources, etc. Core committee members can meet and assign jobs. Use this as a pilot for future Network projects

Elaine's grant project: Elaine reported that Michael Schwartz, Learning Coordinator, and history professors want to complete the kiosk project with their history students. Elaine is to coordinate this. They are also interested in other Heritage Network projects.

2008 grant applications may require an assessment of museum buildings and storage, etc. The Washington Museum Association may be a source of reduced cost help. Digitizing progress: The Pend Oreille gallery is now on line to view. Loon Lake, the Kettle Falls Library and Northport are next on Elaine's list for digitizing collections. She is also involved with the Colville National Forest to help insure there is money for preservation. February 1 is the end of her first year. In the second year, the focus of the project may change to education.

Elaine is registered with the government grant system (has DUNS #, etc.).

Preserve America: Joe called Preserve America organization in Washington DC, which is waiting for Laura Bush to make the announcement, who is waiting for Congress to approve funds and set deadlines. Joe has distributed forms to list projects and asked that museums prioritize and estimate time needed for research, etc. for the grant. He hopes to collect this info from members in two weeks (by mail or e-mail). Check Joe's blog on his Website.

David Bull's report: David has shown the Historical Preservation Trust CDs which are available free in Spokane. Susan Harris can get some for us. More mud maps are coming, with other areas to have their own as well.

County Recording fees have been increased by $1 which is supposed to be used for historical preservation in the County. Janet will check on this. Might such money be used to keep the Hunters Museum open? Dani Bull is writing an article for the Statesman-Examiner >on the Hunters Museum predicament.

Correspondence: E-mail request from Marsha Rooney for objects, photos, archives or biographies related to women's suffrage in Eastern Washington. E-mail info from Shanna Stevenson on women's history local project grants. E-mail from Wallace Parker to Lorinda regarding handling of materials used for the Prestini project.

VI. Adjournment

Next meeting: October 15, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. at the Colville Museum Learning Center

Recorded by secretary Kathy Berrigan