1:00pm-3:00pm
Halfway Library
Present: Ruai Gregory, Bill Schuhle, Steve White, Larry Miller, Celinda Miller, Bill Johnson, Bill Shields
Last meeting’s minutes; read by Ruai and approved.
Treasurer’s report: Bill Schuhle gave the report (insert link)
Projects:
Pine Eagle Community Preschool: Ruai updated: school began today with 17 children. They are planning a fundraiser to coincide with the Hells Cyn. Relay Race.
Pine Eagle Education Foundation (PEEF): Chairity was a success; still planning to write grants under UCP until they achieve nonprofit status.
Pine Valley Museum: Plough exhibit is up; next is manure spreader.
Seed Sharing Station: (at Jacob’s Dream). Bill Schuhle made a temporary sign about it to advertise location and service before it is built.
Community Resource Book: Ruai will follow up with Kay Young.
Potential Projects:
Senior Lunch (Bill Johnson): spoke with Mary Jo Carpenter at Community Connection in Baker City. She told him she would speak with Margaret and Joe (higher ups in the organization) about what it would take to keep the Senior Lunch in Halfway going. It costs $6,000.00 per year to run it as it is currently run. Margaret returned his call and summarized the situation: they can continue to deliver meals on wheels and pick up Halfway seniors for the Thursday New Bridge lunch. The logic is to combine the two groups.
Louise Rasmussen spoke with Bill Johnson about using the school for a senior lunch! The school would charge $3.00 per meal, and provide the current art room as a place to eat, meat, congregate, play games, etc. Louise followed up with Mike Corley and Lisa Butler, who were very supportive. They checked in with the state school meal association, who said it was fine, as long as the food is not taken off campus. Louise said she could check in with the seniors to see what food they’d like prepared. Bill said the school could maybe provide some student volunteers to serve food to the seniors.
The group unanimously agreed about the importance of supporting and collaborating on new projects that provide senior services.
Pat’s Park Bandstand (Bill Shields): Bill gave his rationale for the creation of a bandstand, as a way to promote arts performances, ideally weekly from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Pat and Tony Sowers, the owners, are supportive, but don’t want to be the owners of it. They suggest that an arts group should own the bandstand, and that it be possible to disassemble it in case the park ever sells. Bill proposed that UCP own it and Cornucopia Arts Council do the scheduling and booking. This way, a stream of rental monies could flow back to UCP. Bill Schuhle asked why not use the bandstand at the fairgrounds. Bill Shields responded that the Pat’s Park location would promote more downtown attendance and revenue-building for local businesses. It could generate a fulltime job in the future, which would be funded by Cornucopia Arts Council. He pointed out that the role of the arts in our community has grown markedly over the past few years, with Halfway Whimsical’s business ($100,000.00 back to the community over five years), the Clear Creek Music Festival ($15,000.00 back to the community over two years)and PEEF’s role in the school.
He thought it would cost $5,000.00 for materials, $8,000.00 total, and would need to be handled by volunteers at first. The minimum size is 16’ by 12’, and Bill feels it would be best to have an add – on stage for larger performances. His goal is that it would be completed by next Memorial Day. Ruai pointed out that it would be a good candidate for a Ford Family Foundation grant, as they like to target new buildings that will promote community activities. Bill Shields said the Oregon Arts Commission’s community vitality score would qualify us for support funds. Steve felt this is an excellent project that deserves our attention. Bill Shields will meet with the Cornucopia Arts Council on Sept. 21, and will report back to us at our next meeting. He said he would be glad to represent the Hells Canyon Chamber of Commerce at UCP meetings, providing a bridge between the two groups. Ruai plans to ask for US Bank and City representation at meetings too.
“Silly Ideas Machine”: Celinda presented an idea for the “Silly Ideas Machine” a la The Book Loft’s in Enterprise, which promotes creativity. Bill Shields said Ann Ingalls has a similar “Do Nothing Machine”. Celinda will look into this! Ruai suggested that the HCJ could feature one of the ideas each week.
Volunteer Recognition: Celinda felt the answer to volunteer burnout is to provide some financial stipends for them. Discussion ensued about ways that volunteers are recognized here, primarily through annual luncheons. Bill Shields mentioned workshops such as “The Care and Feeding of Volunteers”. Ruai mentioned Ford Family Foundation’s Leadership training that includes a unit on promoting and nurturing volunteers. She also shared that Bill Schuhle and Maureen McMahon are attending the current Ford Leadership Institute in Baker City. Ruai is one of the trainers for it.
Note (added Nov 10th, 2012) from Liz – I have built a timebank which is ready to go. Any organization interested in using timebanking to reward volunteers or anyone else interested in getting a group together to make the timebank an ongoing project please contact me. lizmclellan1@gmail.com or 5490
The timebank project is not a UCP project at this time.
See Northeast Oregon Timebank here
Timebank FAQ
Next meeting: Oct. 1, 1:00pm.
Last Updated: August 18, 2016 by LizMc
Minutes – December 3, 2012
1:30-3:30pm, Halfway Library
Present: Ruai Gregory, Bill Schuhle, Mark Christianson, Denise Christianson, Linda Collier, Liz McLellan, Bill Shields, Brandie Lincoln, Lauri Bryan, Larry Miller
Bandstand: Steve’s letter (see attached); Mark commented on sound systems: need for working with local musicians in researching appropriate components; Bill Shields: Cornucopia Arts Council would like to sponsor at least 3 events. Community groups are expressing support. Bill proposed placing the bandstand at a slightly different location at Pat’s Park for clearer visibility. Lauri and Brandie, representing the Chamber of Commerce, mentioned a concern regarding who the “event planner” would be. It would be very important to have a main person in charge to promote and coordinate events. Bill Shields reminded them that the proposal includes a budget to pay a person for this job, and would also plan to coordinate a few volunteers too. Denise agreed that long range sustainability for this project is key, and the hiring of an event planner is a must. Denise also expressed accessibility concerns regarding Main St. in terms of numbers of elderly who would have to walk several blocks if parking is a problem to attend a downtown event. Bill Shields addressed this concern from an economic development viewpoint: the benefits to downtown business is the prime concern. He also said the stage would be built on skids, and therefore moveable to other locations, such as Lion’s Park and the fairgrounds. Liz pointed out the role of online visibility (via our website and facebook page) in publicizing events. Denise spoke as a Baker City business owner regarding declining customers. Brandie agreed that this is a current issue out here as well. Discussion ensued regarding various ways to increase customer attraction. Lauri mentioned the importance of vibrant, attractive additions such as the bandstand. Ruai shared the success of the latest Ford Family Foundation’s Baker cohort that is moving forward with a project to create a bronzed salt lick sculpture for downtown Baker City. Denise expressed opposition to the idea of UCP contributing funds to the project, but said she’s in favor of the project. She provided information on two online classes in grant writing, and felt a better role for UCP, reflecting our mission and vision, is to fund a grant writer. She also felt that at least 3 other groups in town would like UCP to donate funds to their projects. Ruai reminded her that the other 3 projects are not on the table. Larry mentioned that there are at least 15-20 events going on each weekend in NE Oregon. The possibility of people traveling from event to event is quite strong. Brandie and Lauri addressed this concept too, and mentioned Timothy Bishop’s (Marketing Director for Baker County) work in promoting Halfway, along with the rest of Baker County.
Action: among the members present, (with one member, Denise, dissenting) it was agreed to accept the Bandstand proposal and provide $5,000.00 to launch it.
PEEF: Lauri gave an update. They advocated strongly for the school to hire a new music teacher, which they have done. Wix Covey will be offering a Friday morning art class for jr. high-high school students beginning in January. They are still funding after school guitar and fiddle classes. The group is still awaiting news on their application for nonprofit status. They will be reapplying for the Braemer grant again through UCP this spring. They have a new website. Liz described the new report form available for each project to use on our UCP website.
Cross Country Ski Group: Linda said they are waiting to hear from the Leo Adler foundation. They applied for $7,000.00. They have a room at the school to use for equipment, and are working with the PE teacher. Now, all they need is snow!
Last Updated: August 18, 2016 by LizMc
Minutes – November 5th, 2012
1:30-3:30 pm; Halfway Library
Present: Ruai Gregory, Bill Schuhle, Mark Christianson, Denise Christianson, Liz McLellan, Larry Miller, Celinda Miller, Carol Harris, Steve White
Announcements, Introductions: Welcome to Carol – here for her first meeting.
Treasurer’s Report:
No changes or activity in checking account.
Steve reported on the investment at US Bank. He asked us to decide what percentage should be used for junk bond investments. Discussion ensued regarding what are safe investments, timing (with regard to the election and economic situation). The comprehensive investment currently earns 4%. It was agreed that Steve would meet with the broker to reallocate maximum funds for the next quarter.
Projects:
Bandstand: In Bill Shield’s absence it was determined the update discussion will take place next month. Ruai mentioned that the new Bandstand project in Baker City might have their old bandstand available. She will check on this and report back. Denise questioned the idea of placing a bandstand on private property. She felt it would be much better, collaboration wise, to focus on the fairgrounds. There is more room for an audience, the fair board needs help with organizing entertainment – it would be great to have Cornucopia Arts Council in charge of music at the fair. A meeting could be planned to discuss the possibilities, with representatives from the Fair Association, Arts Council, Chamber of Commerce, etc. Steve will check in with Cornucopia Arts Council to found out their thoughts on the bandstand project at this point.
Cross Country Ski Track: Linda Collier reported to Ruai that the Adler grant has been submitted, along with another grant. She will submit copies of both. Liz will develop a project report summary form for the website, so all grants can be tracked.
Pine Eagle Community Preschool: completed purchase of new outdoor equipment, via Adler grant.
Pine Eagle Educational Fund: Ruai will check to see which grants they are applying for.
Seed Sharing station: Liz reported that it’s been in use now for 2 months, (1 month in temporary form and 1 month in permanent form) and would like UCP to pay $70.00 to Kert Lorence for his building labor services. $70.00 is the amount that has been donated so far via our PayPal account. Liz is still seeking donations to cover the full cost. The station will close down for the winter. Ruai asked if the sign could mention it as a UCP project. Liz will ask Bill Schuhle to do this.
UCP Website: Liz needs updated minutes to complete the history portion of the site, ideally by Jan. 15, 2013. Ruai will send 2008-2012 minutes to Steve.
New Project proposals:
Biofuel Project: Larry reported on biofuel (ethanol) possible uses in our community. This could be an excellent business opportunity to develop. He built a greenhouse to use for growing Jerusalem Artichokes for fuel. Catalina Sattiva is another excellent crop. $1500.00 is the only cost needed for the conversion equipment. He is very interested in sharing this information with others. Individuals could develop this for low cost fuel (.70/gallon). Liz suggested connecting with a fuel cooperative and putting out a written proposal. (org suggestion from Liz bealocalist.org may have ideas)
There could be potential grant funds in the coop structure. Larry felt it could be a great school project too. The potential implications for the city and their sewage treatment project are strong as well, with methane production as a biofuel too. Denise suggested going to EOU or other colleges to find a graduate student who could write a grant and take on a community project that UCP could then team with. Liz shared three environmental science organizations that could be helpful resources. Their visions and commitments involve resilience in energy production in small communities.
Documentary Film Event: Ruai shared information on the Cascadia film that is currently touring with the film makers in the northwest. The group agreed that we should sponsor the film in Dec. Ruai will look into this.
Grant writing service: Larry shared an ad for a grantwriter that says “we write and propose your project until funded. Guaranteed. (530)-243-4294. 34 years experience.” Liz will look into this.
Ford Family Foundation Leadership Institute news: Ruai reported on the current Baker County cohort’s training and project (a bronzed Salt Lick in Baker). There is a good possibility that Halfway can host a Leadership training next year, if a minimum of 24 people can be recruited. Liz offered to post information on this on our website and facebook page.
Action items needed to complete:
Community Resource list (Ruai)
Talk with YMCA administration regarding the Biathlon idea (Ruai)
UCP article/interview for HCJ (Mark)
check on Baker’s old bandstand (Ruai)
develop project summary form (Liz and Ruai)
check on grant writing service (Liz)
check on PEEF grants (Ruai)
send minutes to Steve (Ruai)
review website (unitedcommunitypartners.org)(Ruai, Liz and all)
update historical website information by Jan. 15 (Steve and Liz)
book film event (Ruai)
speak with Arts Council re bandstand (Steve).
Next Meeting: Dec. 3, 1:30pm, Halfway Library
Last Updated: August 18, 2016 by LizMc
Minutes – September 4th, 2012
1:00pm-3:00pm
Halfway Library
Present: Ruai Gregory, Bill Schuhle, Steve White, Larry Miller, Celinda Miller, Bill Johnson, Bill Shields
Last meeting’s minutes; read by Ruai and approved.
Treasurer’s report: Bill Schuhle gave the report (insert link)
Projects:
Pine Eagle Community Preschool: Ruai updated: school began today with 17 children. They are planning a fundraiser to coincide with the Hells Cyn. Relay Race.
Pine Eagle Education Foundation (PEEF): Chairity was a success; still planning to write grants under UCP until they achieve nonprofit status.
Pine Valley Museum: Plough exhibit is up; next is manure spreader.
Seed Sharing Station: (at Jacob’s Dream). Bill Schuhle made a temporary sign about it to advertise location and service before it is built.
Community Resource Book: Ruai will follow up with Kay Young.
Potential Projects:
Senior Lunch (Bill Johnson): spoke with Mary Jo Carpenter at Community Connection in Baker City. She told him she would speak with Margaret and Joe (higher ups in the organization) about what it would take to keep the Senior Lunch in Halfway going. It costs $6,000.00 per year to run it as it is currently run. Margaret returned his call and summarized the situation: they can continue to deliver meals on wheels and pick up Halfway seniors for the Thursday New Bridge lunch. The logic is to combine the two groups.
Louise Rasmussen spoke with Bill Johnson about using the school for a senior lunch! The school would charge $3.00 per meal, and provide the current art room as a place to eat, meat, congregate, play games, etc. Louise followed up with Mike Corley and Lisa Butler, who were very supportive. They checked in with the state school meal association, who said it was fine, as long as the food is not taken off campus. Louise said she could check in with the seniors to see what food they’d like prepared. Bill said the school could maybe provide some student volunteers to serve food to the seniors.
The group unanimously agreed about the importance of supporting and collaborating on new projects that provide senior services.
Pat’s Park Bandstand (Bill Shields): Bill gave his rationale for the creation of a bandstand, as a way to promote arts performances, ideally weekly from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Pat and Tony Sowers, the owners, are supportive, but don’t want to be the owners of it. They suggest that an arts group should own the bandstand, and that it be possible to disassemble it in case the park ever sells. Bill proposed that UCP own it and Cornucopia Arts Council do the scheduling and booking. This way, a stream of rental monies could flow back to UCP. Bill Schuhle asked why not use the bandstand at the fairgrounds. Bill Shields responded that the Pat’s Park location would promote more downtown attendance and revenue-building for local businesses. It could generate a fulltime job in the future, which would be funded by Cornucopia Arts Council. He pointed out that the role of the arts in our community has grown markedly over the past few years, with Halfway Whimsical’s business ($100,000.00 back to the community over five years), the Clear Creek Music Festival ($15,000.00 back to the community over two years)and PEEF’s role in the school.
He thought it would cost $5,000.00 for materials, $8,000.00 total, and would need to be handled by volunteers at first. The minimum size is 16’ by 12’, and Bill feels it would be best to have an add – on stage for larger performances. His goal is that it would be completed by next Memorial Day. Ruai pointed out that it would be a good candidate for a Ford Family Foundation grant, as they like to target new buildings that will promote community activities. Bill Shields said the Oregon Arts Commission’s community vitality score would qualify us for support funds. Steve felt this is an excellent project that deserves our attention. Bill Shields will meet with the Cornucopia Arts Council on Sept. 21, and will report back to us at our next meeting. He said he would be glad to represent the Hells Canyon Chamber of Commerce at UCP meetings, providing a bridge between the two groups. Ruai plans to ask for US Bank and City representation at meetings too.
“Silly Ideas Machine”: Celinda presented an idea for the “Silly Ideas Machine” a la The Book Loft’s in Enterprise, which promotes creativity. Bill Shields said Ann Ingalls has a similar “Do Nothing Machine”. Celinda will look into this! Ruai suggested that the HCJ could feature one of the ideas each week.
Volunteer Recognition: Celinda felt the answer to volunteer burnout is to provide some financial stipends for them. Discussion ensued about ways that volunteers are recognized here, primarily through annual luncheons. Bill Shields mentioned workshops such as “The Care and Feeding of Volunteers”. Ruai mentioned Ford Family Foundation’s Leadership training that includes a unit on promoting and nurturing volunteers. She also shared that Bill Schuhle and Maureen McMahon are attending the current Ford Leadership Institute in Baker City. Ruai is one of the trainers for it.
Note (added Nov 10th, 2012) from Liz – I have built a timebank which is ready to go. Any organization interested in using timebanking to reward volunteers or anyone else interested in getting a group together to make the timebank an ongoing project please contact me. lizmclellan1@gmail.com or 5490
The timebank project is not a UCP project at this time.
See Northeast Oregon Timebank here
Timebank FAQ
Next meeting: Oct. 1, 1:00pm.
Last Updated: August 18, 2016 by LizMc
Minutes – August 6, 2012
1:15pm-3:15pm
(Next meeting: Tues., Sept. 4, 1pm (since Monday is Labor Day))
Halfway Library
Present: Ruai Gregory, Bill Schuhle, Mark Christianson, Liz McLellan, Linda Collier
Pine Eagle Community Preschool: fundraising has been very successful, and the Commission on Children and Families will provide funds this year.
Pine Eagle Education Foundation (PEEF): continue to wait for approval on their 501C3 status, and plan to continue applying for grants through us.
Pine Valley Museum: Sally Andrews continues to work on her oral history interviews. Bill reported that he has brought in weathered wood for a sign for the historical farm equipment exhibit.
Seed Sharing Station: (at Jacob’s Dream). Liz shared specifics on the project and the fact that Jacob’s Dream approved the location (on their porch). Kert Lawrence will donate the wood to build it and needs funds to pay for his labor. She requested that we offer the online fundraising opportunity on our website as a joint project with Jacob’s Dream. We unanimously agreed. Liz also said she welcomes similar small, doable projects to promote.
Community Resource Book: need to finalize contact names and numbers. We will divide up names. When completed, Liz will post on the website. Linda recommended using Kay Young’s email list to send the document out for corrections.
Addendum
Financial Report
August 6, 2012 (amended with new brokerage balance received 8/7/12)
Note: There was extensive checking account activity during June and July due to our acting as pass-through for donations to the Pine Valley Fair Association’s fund drive to rebuild the grandstands at the fairgrounds. There were over 100 deposits during the two months and several transfers of funds from our account to the appropriate PVFA account.
USBank Checking Account
Previous balance $1,000.00
Total June deposits for PVFA $86,499.54
Total July deposits for PVFA $20,683.30
Total June transfers to PVFA <$86,499.54>
Total July transfers to PVFA <$18,572.80>
Check to Liz McLellan for UCP domain name & hosting cleared . <$95.40>
USBank account analysis charges <$22.04>
July 31, 2012 Statement Balance $2,993.06
August deposits for PVFA to date $1,150.00
Current Balance $4,143.06
Note: Current Balance includes our 1% pass-through fee (to date) of $1,035.50 withheld from the last transfer in July.
USBank Brokerage Account
Balance as of April 30, 2012 $19,168.29
Balance as of May 31, 2012 $18,598.53
Balance as of June 29, 2012 $18,740.35
Balance as of July 31, 2012 $18,884.51
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Schuhle, Treasurer
Last Updated: August 18, 2016 by LizMc
Minutes – June 4, 2012
Meeting; June 4, 2012 1-3 pm; Halfway Library Present: Ruai Gregory, Bill Schuhle, Mark Christianson, Denise Christianson, Liz McLellan, Larry Miller, Celinda Miller
Denise brought up the concept of best ways to build a sense of community, and move away from an “us versus them” idea in the various groups in the area. The fairground’s issues involve everyone. ADDENDUM: Liz McLellan volunteered to get a UCP donation website up to help with the online fund raising process with help from Bill Schuhle.
Liz described the idea of a “Coordination Convener” who can work toward things like purchasing joint insurance, coordinating projects, etc. This could be a UCP role.
NEXT Meeting: Aug. 6, 1pm, library (with other meeting in the meantime about the Music Festival TBA)
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Halfway Library
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UCP MISSION AND VISION
VISION: United Community Partners is dedicated to the success of Pine Valley and the Baker County Panhandle as home to vibrant communities informed by our rural heritage, nurtured by our natural wonders, guided by shared principles and sustained by the creative energy of people leading healthy, productive, rewarding lives.
MISSION: United Community Partners facilitates access to organizational assistance for citizen-led initiatives which stimulate economic activity, foster goodwill and fellowship, and enhance Pine Valley and Panhandle communities as rural places to live and work.
United Community Partners is community development 501c3 organization in Baker County, Oregon serving the Pine-Eagle Community.
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