UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORY PROJECT OF THE CAPITAL REGION
February 26, 2014
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
Present:, Dale Black-Pennington, Christine Cowieson, James Owens, Ralph Pennington, Sharon
Robinson, Lorraine Wynne, Pat Barrot, John Dion, Matt Kirk, Michael O’Brien, Alexandra Sautin
Absent: Douglass Arnott, Yokima Bennett, Donald Hyman, Madeline Kennedy, Paul Murray, Deborah
Rausch, Kendall Jeter
Mike O”Brien called the meeting to order at 5:47p
Questions were entertained and corrections were made regarding the November, December and
January minutes. Dale Black-Pennington moved to approve November, December and January’s
minutes. Pat Barrot seconded. All voted in favor.
Paul Stewart reviewed the treasures report in Doug Arnott’s absence. Mary Liz Stewart asked where the
organization was in relation to our quarterly goal. Paul specified that we are significantly behind. It was
asked if the conference income would be included in quarter one or two and Mary Liz indicated quarter
two. Mary Liz also indicated that events and grants alone will not allow the organization to reach its
financial goals. We should be entertaining other potential sources such as philanthropic initiatives,
business outreach and enhanced memberships. The Board agreed to add this topic to the retreat. There
was also a question of who would succeed Paul Murray as chair of the fundraising committee. Mary Liz
said she would ask Madeline Kennedy as Madeline has experience in the field. Lorraine Wynne made a
motion to approve the treasures report. Jim Owens seconded. All votes in favor.
Mike congratulated Mary Liz and the committee on the success of the Selma event. Even though the
event came in a bit short of the financial goal, it was great publicity and everyone who attended
commented it was fantastic. John Dion asked if there was any other movies slated to be release that we
could center an event around. Mary Liz commented that she is in communication with Paramount,
however, they are a bit slow to respond. Pat suggested that we check IMBD. She offered to do so and
forward that info to the fundraising committee.
Mary Liz entertained questions regarding various committee reports and the ED report. She also asked
that board members bring her ink jet cartridges. She can receive a significant discount from Staples with
them. Paul Stewart communicated that a video of Bonnets and Bayonets will soon be available on the
website and on Facebook. Mary Liz announced that the sixty thousand dollar CFA grant for the lift and
step restorations was approved, however, we need to raise twenty thousand to match. Paul and Mary
Liz communicated that we need to prettify/enhance the first floor of the residence before March 25th
(Selma Event). Anyone who is available is welcome to come help. Also, they need ideas on the direction
of the event and how it relates to the residence. There was some discussion on lighting candles and a
champagne toast. Mary Liz announced that The Ginger Man restaurant has agreed to purchase produce
form the Johnson garden. If anyone knows of any other restaurant who might be interested please let
Paul and Mary Liz know. Mary Liz also communicated that she is working with a graphic designer probono on three logo designs for the Board to pick from.
Dale Ralph Pennington communicated that the Bylaws committee are about ¾ of the way complete with
revising URHP’s bylaws. They hope to have a draft to the Board my May.
Mary Liz communicated that she had three resolutions that needed to be approve. The first was a
resolution that Mary Liz, as the Executive Director, had authority to sign legal documents regarding the
CFA grant. John made a motion to approve. Sharon seconded. All voted in favor. The second was a
resolution that Mary Liz, as the Executive Director, could apply and sign documents for a $2,500 grant.
Ralph made a motion to approve, Christine Cowieson seconded. All voted in favor. The third was a
resolution to rejoin the Community Works Federated Fundraising Group. There is a $200 cost to it and
the documentation was very lengthy. The Board requested that Mary Liz send the documentation via
email so they could review it before making a decision.
Mike communicated that the nominating committee is proposing Sharon Robinson for President of
URHPCR for a term of 1 year and 4 months. This term will begin in April. All members present voted in
favor (Deborah Rausch voted yes via a written statement).
Mary Liz distributed some conference materials and asked board members to help in soliciting
advertisements & sponsorships. Also, if anyone is available to volunteer during the conference that
would be a big help.
Ralph moved to adjourn. Dale seconded. All voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Action Items:
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The finance committee will invite all board members to an upcoming committee meeting for
additional info/education on the financial documents.
Mary Liz will reach out to Madeline Kennedy regarding the fundraising committee chair position
Paul or Mar Liz will send out the Community Works resolution for the board to read before
casting a vote