THE FRIENDS OF THE JESSE LEE HOME
Minutes
May 17, 2007
Attendance:
Margie Brown, CIRI
Barbara Donatelli, CIRI
Sam Combs, architectural/engineering
Doug Gasek, DNR
Marcia Hastings, The Alaska Community Foundation
Anne L. Henry, grant writer
Jim Jager, CIRI
Dorene Lorenz, Seward
Alexandra J. McClanahan, CIRI, secretary
Stephanie Miller, Alaska Children’s Services
Paul Ongtooguk, UAA
M.E. Rider, consultant
Tom Swann, Seward Historic Preservation Commission
Agenda/Minutes: The meeting was called to order by Barbara Donatelli at 1:45 p.m. The minutes from the April 19 meeting were approved on a motion by Dorene Lorenz and seconded by Tom Swann. The agenda was informally approved with the addition of discussion of the Alaska and U.S. flags ordered by Tom Swann.
Communications: Alexandra J. McClanahan read an email from Dr. James Simpson to Dorene Lorenz in which he said he was encouraged to hear good news about efforts by the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home. He suggested that the Friends consider participation in an Alaska Flag Day event on July 9.
Discussion followed on the small event held in Seward on July 9, and Donatelli and McClanahan volunteered to go to Seward that day to participate.
There was also discussion of upcoming meetings in Seward and the need for increased communication with Seward Mayor Vanta Shafer. Marcia Hastings suggested that possibly the mayor or her designee could be named to serve on the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home.
Donations: Hastings said donations to date have totaled $52,000, of which $39,000 has been expended. She reported that the Rasmuson Foundation requirements have been met, therefore a request for $48,500 will be submitted.
State Capital Budget: Donatelli said she was thrilled that the Legislature passed the Capital Budget with $1 million for stabilization of the Jesse Lee Home building(s). Although the Friends had sought more money, the amount to be received is significant, she said. She noted that it may be two months or more before funds are actually received.
All agreed that this was a milestone and a very important achievement. Donatelli stressed that the success came as a result of a lot of work by many different people. “The work we all did really paid off,” she said. It was decided that a number of “thank-you’s” would be sent.
The next step is to figure out how to expend the funds. M.E. Rider said there is a process in place. There was also discussion about the timing of a press release, and it was decided that July 9 might be a good time to release one.
Seward 4th of July: Dorene said she and others will be creating a Jesse Lee Home float for the Seward 4th of July celebration, and it was agreed that any Friends who are available are encouraged to be in Seward that day.
Other funding sources: Rider noted that Hastings has contacts with a number of officials from various private foundations, and she said now is the time to develop relationships on behalf of the Jesse Lee Home.
National designation: Stephanie Mill reported that she and Sam Combs have been studying the forms for the national designation and that they are in the process of assembling required materials.
The question of whether the group should pursue trying to get the assistance of a VISTA volunteer was raised, but it was decided that might be better later on.
Promotional/information materials: Donatelli noted that there will be a need soon to reprint some of the materials used for informational packets, and Lorenz made a motion that the Friends pay for materials that are needed. The motion passed after being seconded by Swann.
Legislative Committee: Donatelli said she would contact CIRI lobbyist Jerry Mackey to determine to whom thank you notes should be addressed. Ongtooguk suggested that a small poster be developed. This idea was met with support, and Anne Henry suggested that possibly a student contest could be held to create such a poster.
Academic Policy Committee: Henry noted that she and Rider had traveled to Kenai to meet with Kenai Peninsula Borough School District officials and that they obtained valuable information as a result. She said the district is very impressed with and supportive of the project.
Engineering Committee: Rider noted that the RFP had not yet been reviewed and that she planned to meet with Olen Harris of the North Pacific Rim Housing Authority.
Purchase of Flags: Swann reported that he had to order 2,000 American flags, not the 1,000 that had been approved, but he said he was making arrangements for another nonprofit organization to purchase the extra flags.
Other business: Lorenz reported that she, Hastings, Ongtooguk and Sturgulewski had a very good meeting with Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell. She said he is very supportive of the project and said Gov. Palin is also.
Swann said the Friends’ ability to provide information in a professional manner is very impressive.
Next Meeting: The next meeting was set for Thursday, June 21, at 1:30 p.m. at CIRI.
To make tax-deductible contributions to the Jesse Lee Home Restoration Fund:
Mail contribution by check (payable to ACF- Jesse Lee Home Restoration Fund) or money order to:
The Alaska Community Foundation
301 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 408
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Credit Cards:
Contributions can be made to:
The Alaska Community Foundation
Phone: 907-334-6700
Fax: 907-334-5780
(ACF will need type of credit card, account number, expiration date, name on credit card, billing address and zip code for card holder, amount of contribution.)
THE FRIENDS OF THE JESSE LEE HOME
Minutes
April 19, 2007
Attendance:
Barbara Donatelli, CIRI
Sam Combs, architectural/engineering
Christy Evjavascript:void(0)erett, education
Marcia Hastings, The Alaska Community Foundation
Anne L. Henry, grant writer
Terry Hyer, architectural/engineering
Jim Jager, CIRI
Dorene Lorenz, Seward
Alexandra J. McClanahan, CIRI, secretary
M.E. Rider, consultant
Arliss Sturgulewski, former state senator/advisor
Tom Swann, Seward Historic Preservation Commission
Agenda/Minutes: The meeting was called to order by M.E. Rider at approximately 1:35 p.m. The agenda was changed to reflect the correct name of the former Education Committee, the Academic Policy Committee, and also to add the Fund-raising Committee. The March 15 minutes were corrected to indicate that:
∑ The New Market Tax Credit Program should be mentioned.
∑ The RFP is being developed by Olen Harris of the North Pacific Rim Housing Authority for the Engineering Committee.
The minutes as corrected were approved on a motion by Marcia Hastings and seconded by Dorene Lorenz.
Donations: Marcia Hastings said donations have been static and encouraged all to do whatever they could to increase donations.
New Packets: Arliss Sturgulewski commended Jim Jager for the development of promotional packets that are used in lobbying on behalf of the Jesse Lee Home. All agreed the packets are very attractive, useful and informative.
Report on trip to Juneau: Arliss Sturgulewski said the trip to Juneau was successful, and she praised the advance assistance provided by CIRI lobbyist Jerry Mackey, who set up meetings for the Jesse Lee contingent with legislators. Sturgulewski said those who traveled to Juneau on behalf of The Friends of the Jesse Lee Home stressed in all their meetings that the project is statewide and not simply a Seward project. She noted that overall the Friends reception was excellent.
Rider noted that legislators were impressed with the fact that the Friends have developed an end use for the facility and also have formulated plans that would lead to two different tax credit programs, which means leveraging further funding.
Donatelli said Mackey felt the trip was a great success and will keep tabs on any developments in Juneau that might affect the Jesse Lee Home. She offered to keep in touch with Mackey to determine whether another trip to Juneau would be in order.
Marcia Hastings said she was so pleased with the way the trip went that she was flabbergasted.
National designation: There followed discussion as to whether the Jesse Lee Home would qualify as an historic site of national significance, and Stephanie Miller volunteered to write the application for designation as a National Landmark. Sam Combs agreed to assist her.
Seward meeting: Any members who are available are asked to attend a meeting with the new Seward city manager on May 18 at 1 p.m.
Alaska Children’s Services Flag Day: There followed discussion about the Alaska Children’s Services Alaska Flag Day Celebration July 9, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 4600 Abbott Road. (Miller noted that the location is the Jesse Lee Campus that opened as the new Jesse Lee Home in January 1966.) Friends who are available are urged to attend, and Miller offered to obtain tickets for attendees.
Meeting with Anthea Hartig: Rider discussed a meeting earlier in the month with Anthea Hartig, director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Rider said she was pleased that Hartig was impressed with the Jesse Lee project, but that it is unlikely any funds will be forthcoming from Save America’s Treasures. She explained that this has more to do with politics and the fact that the Jesse Lee Home does not have a national historic designation, as opposed to any of the merits of the Jesse Lee project.
Academic Policy Committee: The committee’s “Academic Policy Plan” was discussed, and suggestions were made with regard to the paper. All agreed that the paper was very well done and went a long way toward articulating the goals of the proposed program. The key change suggested was to describe the program as a “one-semester program.” Rider and Anne Henry said they would continue to work on organizational structures.
Christy Everett said the committee is considering a one-day training session to further develop plans for the charter school. She said it also will be important for committee members to work with people in rural Alaska to ensure that any plans developed will meet their needs.
Jager suggested that Janie Leask be invited to become a member of the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home. He also said it might make sense to see whether an intern from the First Alaskans summer intern program could work on the Jesse Lee Home.
Henry volunteered to contact Leask.
Legislative Committee: Dorene Lorenz volunteered to follow up on trying to get a meeting with the Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell to apprise him of the activities of the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home and the effort to preserve and use the facility.
With regard to working closely with City of Seward officials, Henry suggested that the Friends make a presentation to them. There followed further discussion of this idea, and Hastings moved that Rider and one or two others contact city officials about making a presentation. The motion was seconded by Rider. Sturgulewski, Donatelli and Rider will contact Seward Mayor Vanta Shafer, and also inquire about making a presentation at the May 7 Seward School Board meeting.
Engineering Committee: Rider reported that it appears the two tax credit programs under consideration could be used and that they offer many advantages. She said cooperative work with the North Pacific Rim Housing Authority is proceeding well and that an RFP is being drafted.
State flags: Swann reported that he has ordered 5,000 Alaska flags, which will be delivered in time for the Seward 4th of July festivities, but he suggested the group authorize him to also purchase American flags. Some of the people buying flags may only want an American flag, he said. Extensive discussion followed, and it was decided on a motion by Jager and seconded by Miller, that Swann be authorized to purchase 1,000 American flags, contingent on whether Hastings ascertains that the funds are available. (The cost was estimated at up to $1,500.) All favored the motion except Hastings, who voted against it.
Seward Fire Department: Rider reported that Kirsten Vesel said the Seward Fire Department is interested in being able to house emergency services in the facility, should it again become operational. Rider agreed to contact the Fire Department for further discussions on this issue.
Thank-you notes: Several members agreed to write thank-you notes to legislators and officials.
Seward 4th of July Float: Swann and Lorenz noted that the Friends of the Jesse Lee Home will be represented in a float for the Seward 4th of July celebration. They invited any Friends members who are available to volunteer to ride on the float.
Next meeting: The next meeting was set for Thursday, May 17, at CIRI, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
To make tax-deductible contributions to the Jesse Lee Home Restoration Fund:
Mail contribution by check (payable to ACF- Jesse Lee Home Restoration Fund) or money order to:
The Alaska Community Foundation
301 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 408
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Credit Cards:
Contributions can be made to:
The Alaska Community Foundation
Phone: 907-334-6700
Fax: 907-334-5780
(ACF will need type of credit card, account number, expiration date, name on credit card, billing address and zip code for card holder, amount of contribution.)
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