She reported that the organization started after Kathy Arciszewski and Diane Krueger were interviewed for the Village Life. Regarding the original homes' guidelines that the village board was working on, Kathy and Diane believed residents should be notified when projects affecting residents are implemented (similar to being notified of a road improvement project). Kathy Arciszewski made the statement that in the association, some members are for, and some are against the guidelines. The steering committee didn't want this issue to divide the group, and so GONA does not take a position either way, other than to encourage village residents to make their opinions known to the village board.
Sixteen individuals met in June, 2003 to create a mission statement. The mission statement read:
An organization of residents of Greendale original homes for the purpose of representation, service, promotion, and preservation of our historic neighborhood.
Pat Geary brought up the importance of including education about the original homes as a purpose of the organization (e.g., knowing how to fix the homes properly). Jeff Birmingham proposed a motion to amend the mission statement to read:
An organization of residents of Greendale original homes for the purpose of education, representation, service, promotion, and preservation of our historic neighborhood.
This motion was approved.
GONA website: Joe Russ has volunteered to set up a website for GONA through his internet account.
Cookie fundraiser: Margo Kuehn showed the group her Greendale original cookie die that was made by her family's company for GONA. Melody Cookies made the cookies. GONA ordered 150 cookies and received 175 from the company. All cookies were sold, and we took in $153.50, which we paid $52.50 to Melody Cookies. GONA made $101.00 from the sales at Green Market and Hay Days.
Red and green cookies will be sold for Christmas. Anyone can buy the cookies. Please order by November 14th , and you will receive the cookies at the next meeting. For $5.00, you will get 6 red and 6 green cookies. Please note that the deadline has been extended since the last meeting: the deadline for placing an order is now December 10th, and we can get the cookies by December 19th. Margo Kuehn arranged to have a order sheet at Cherri's Savor the Flavor store.
Discussed the need to create a treasury, as individuals have been picking up expenses through their personal funds for GONA activities, such as postage. We could consider starting membership dues soon, for example, $5.00 per individual, $10.00 per couple. Some suggested it would be important to put into place the structure of the organization before collecting dues.
Discussed need for by-laws. Several members will bring in by-laws from other organizations to get ideas. We will establish a by-laws committee.
It was noted that communication is difficult since most people do not subscribe to the Village Life. Press releases about GONA meetings are being put in the Village Life (idea expressed of putting notice of cookie sale in Village Life). We could post notice of our meeting on the billboard by the gazebo. Lisa Fendry will call Bob Drew, John Hermes, or Jackie Switzer to see if we can do this.
Went around the room and each person said what they would like out of GONA. The following ideas were expressed:
Repairs: many commented that they would like to know where to go to find those capable of (and knowledgeable about) working on a Greendale original. Some indicated wanting information about how to do their own repairs.
In December, please bring lists of service people (e.g., plumbers, contractors, etc.) that you have had good experiences with. Then, we can hold a home repair show. We will invite these people to participate in the show, charging them a fee for their participation.
Social activities: many commented that they would like to get to know their neighbors better. Ideas included: block parties, GONA parties, welcoming new residents to the community.
Service: provide assistance to residents who would need help (e.g., elderly, disabled, new mothers), helping residents to clean yard, decorate for holidays, etc.
Connection with other Greenbelt communities: learning more about the other communities. Jeff Birmingham mentioned a tour through World Wide Tours to the other locations. Lisa Fendry reported having connections with this tour company.
Education about historic nature of homes: discussed lecture tomorrow night at UWM on Greendale.
Developing a central place to store fixtures and equipment from original homes, so that those doing repairs could use them (e.g., window crank). It was mentioned that the historical society is working on this.
Activities: home tours, decorating for holidays.
Addressing issues such as trash cans being left out.
Pride in your neighborhood is an important reason for joining. Kathy Arcisewski recommended that everyone join the Greendale Historical Society, and a representative will be invited to speak at an upcoming GONA meeting.
Introduction to the proposed candidates to the board:
President: Jack Anderson
Vice-President: Margo Kuehn
Treasurer: Terri Knudson
Secretary: Cathy Loomis
Board:
Membership Co-Chairs: Laura Anderson and Kathleen Hart
Program Chair: Judy Zunker
Welcome Committee Co-Chairs: Al and Virginia Emmons
Guidelines Committee Chair: Diane Krueger
Logo Contest: Pat Geary
Organizer/Advisor: Kathy Arciszewski
Open nominations to be accepted for all positions at the December 3rd board meeting. Andrea Fendry recommended Jeff Birmingham as president. Lisa Fendry and Andrea Fendry volunteered to be co-chairs. Al Emmons recommended Margo Kuehn for president.
Discussed capping the board at 15: 11 members and 4 executive board members.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 3, 2003, 7:00 PM, Greendale Library Community Room
Back to GONA homepage.
Pages designed and hosted by Joe
Russ.