DOHE-1/10/2008 Meeting Minutes
Our January Meeting was held at the Mt. Carmel Motherhouse. Thanks to Sister Mira and the other Sisters who gave us the tour and history of the Motherhouse. This year they celebrate 175 year’s as an Order and 165 year’s in Dubuque.
The Sisters renovated their 1892 Motherhouse preserving much of the old (e.g. functional wood shutters) while incorporating the new (e.g. geothermal heating and cooling). They’ve preserved many artifacts, some dating from their pioneer days on the prairie. Club member Vance D. described the old materials they were able to recycle and save from the landfill. We plan to jointly promote each other’s tours during Dubuque Fest. Members unable to visit this splendid example of adaptive reuse with an awesome view of the river will be able to see it then. Thanks also to members providing treats for the evening.
Committee Reports
Treasurer’s Report – Begin Jan. Balance $5,290; Dues Income $80; Web updates $298; January 08 ending balance $5,072.
House Tour – Lynda D. & Jeanelle W. reported on their plans to sell brochure ads for this year’s tour. Ads are $50 with $10 Complimentary ticket for sponsor. Brochure Layout to be available first part of March. House Tour signup sheets were passed around.
Web Site – Check out our new site at dbqohe.org. John M. is looking for articles and photos for the site; there’s possibilities of cataloging all past tour homes on site. Reference Des Moines old house site shermanhill.org for ideas, e.g. houses representing periods.
Grant - Some potential applications for grants: City Hall bench, Ham House costumes, book about tour homes.
Nonprofit Status - Dale is working on feasibility of applying for the status ourselves. Quotes have been 1,000 +. Filing fee is approx 500, if we could apply ourselves we would save 500+ which can in turn be in grants consistent with our mission.
New Business- Discussed redoing our mission statement for clarifying our purposes and obtaining nonprofit status. Jim E. suggested we put more emphasis on preservation.
Board Meeting Jan. 22nd
Discussed mission statement and how to word for nonprofit status; reviewed a model for nonprofit status filing; discussed web site with historic timeline showing the 100+ past tour homes plus homes where we’ve held meetings.
February Meeting
Our February 14th Meeting will be 7:00 at the home of Jeanelle Westerfield, 1344 Locust. Treat providers to be: Jeanelle, The Krauses, The Edwards, & Dick. Hope to bring some Valentine’s Warmth to Old Man Winter.