Florida Gourd Society Meeting

27 February 2010

Palatka Fairgrounds

 

 

Meeting called to order, by FGS President Laraine Short, at 12:20PM.

 

In attendance were the following FGS members:

 

*This is our NEWEST Patch!!!!

 

Treasurer’s Report was given by Ann Reich.  A motion was passed to accept by Veda Krust; seconded by Connie Worrell.  Motion passed.

 

There are currently 189 active FGS members as of the end of February 2010.  Several new members signed up at the Gourd Festival.  Members were again reminded to check as to whether they receive the newsletter by web or by mail.  Dues are adjusted for those requiring a mailed copy.

 

Discussions:

  1. Fund for Education:  This fund was set up for anyone teaching/demonstrating about gourds at a school or library.  A limit of $50 for each event was established; and, a reminder that this can be done, per member, four times a year.  Prior to each event, a letter from the receiving establishment must be sent to the FGS President on letterhead stationary.

 

  1. New Business:

·        Nominating Committee

We are looking for members to serve as the Nominating Committee to fill the offices of President and Treasurer.

·        As regard to our current Vice-President, she has upcoming surgery and has made a request to wait one more year before moving into the FGS Presidental slot.

·        FGS 2010 Show

a.       An FGS Show Chair is needed.  Selma will stay on as Co-Chair for one more year.  There is much to learn and the decision to stay in Palatka or move to a new location after the 2011 FGS Show must be decided.  Patches, this is your chance to step up!

b.      This has been a rough year.  Food Vendor cancellations were a problem right up to the last minute. Both dinners were excellent and on-time.

·        2010 Retreat Update in Paisley, FL

a.      The Gift Certificate program will continue this year, as it was a huge success for attendees and vendors.  This year’s theme will be Christmas-oriented.  We will have a Christmas tree, on which participating attendees will place a gourd ornament for exchange.  Also, we will have a game and/or movie night and there will be door prizes as well.

b.      Christy Dial will be there, as well as Marla Helton.  Please check the web for projects and designs by these talented women.  Selma is working with Bill Decker for the 2011 Retreat.

c.       From this point on, there will be a limited number of accepted attendees to this event.  Be aware that early notification of participation is suggested.  Seventy (70) participants only.

·        Interested in an FGS Member Christmas Ornament Exchange?  Selma would like to host an ornament exchange.  Make 12 like/similar/unique gourd Christmas ornaments.  You keep one (1) and exchange eleven (11).  These can be sent to Selma, or brought to the retreat in Paisley in October. 

·        FGS Tax Status

o       Ann apprised the membership that our Tax Status has been changed.  Per Ann,  we are a 501C7 organization.  The State made a mistake five years ago, and gave us Exempt Status thinking we were a 501C3.  Therefore, we are no longer Florida Tax Exempt for Sales Tax.  We must pay Sales Tax on all of our purchases.  We will hire a Tax Accountant (or Attorney) to advise us as to what we must charge for Sales Tax.  

·        FGS Booth at the FGS Gourd Show

o       We are discontinuing this booth.  Materials donated will be put in baskets and bid on by members attending the show.

·        Breakout Meeting – April 18, 2010, at Selma’s House.  All Board Members and Officers are requested to attend.  Remember that all critiques are required to have a solution.

·        Saturday dinner reminder – 5:30PM; auction at or around 6:30PM.

 

Meeting adjourned at 12:35PM.