Meeting Minutes

August 2, 2010

In attendance: Tia Bushman (co-chair), Dania A’Chille, Eileen Cleirig, Hee Shik (Thomas) Youn, Elizabeth Cuda, Brenda Schulze, Eileen Ouska, and Breanne Failor

The meeting began at 6:00pm.  Brenda Schulze led the group in an opening prayer.  Eileen Ouska was welcomed as a new member of Catholic Charities Junior Board.  The other committee members introduced themselves and shared how long they have been involved with the CCJB.

Old Business:

• Year-to-Date ReCap: Tia Bushman reviewed the year-to-date volunteer hours (Q 1 – 1075 and Q2 – 617) and fundraising (Q1 - $2978 and Q2 - $1526).  2010 goals were discussed and the need for a strong Q3 and Q4.
• Michelangelo Corps: Brenda Schulze gave a recap of the July 24th Michelangelo Project.  This was our last visit to the MAC site on Pershing.  All walls have now been painted.  This was a HUGE undertaking that may not have been as whimsical as an Early Childhood Development site, but it was very needed and greatly appreciated by the staff that work there.  We are looking to do another MC project in late September.  Karen Godfrey has returned to the Chicago area.  She is going to step back into her role as co-chair of this project along side Deirdre Mangan.

Discussion Topics:

• St. Francis dePaula Event: The CCJB has been asked to host an event at the St. Francis de Paula site.  This site is similar to Madonna house.  We are looking into plans to host a party for the children who live there.  Possibly a back to school event, Halloween party, or Christmas party.
• New Hope Apartments: We are glad to report that the New Hope Apartments are ready to go.  The CCJB collected toiletries at the General Meeting held on July 29th.  Thank You - to everyone who donated!
• Madonna House: Breanne Failor has graciously agreed to step up and chair the CCJB’s role in the Madonna House Organic Gardening Project.  Breanne is already getting ready by purchasing a book on organic gardening so she will be all set.  The committee was very excited about this project and feels that this will be a very easy project to recruit volunteers for.
• Upcoming Holiday Events:  With the holidays right around the corner, the discussion turned to annual events that we need to start planning.  Dave Murphy will once again chair the CCJB’s role in the Toy Parade/Shower.  Our volunteer time following the actual parade will be more defined this year to avoid delays and the difficulties of having multiple organizations in the hall at the same time.  The Refugee Resettlement Brunch is in the process of being scheduled.  We are once again trying for the Saturday before Thanksgiving at St. Gregory’s.  This location works very well for the clients.  Following last year’s event, suggestions for improvement were noted.  We will try to implement them this year.  Finally the Early Childhood Development Christmas Party will be held on December 18th.  This is a very large event and we will need every possible volunteer to help things run as smoothly as possible.

Upcoming Meetings and Events:

• EAP – Tuesday 8/3 and 8/17: The turnout was a little light in July due to summer schedules.  Volunteers are encouraged to stop by if they can and to let Camille Rogelle or Steve Proska know ahead of time via the EAP email address.
• CCJB Cubs Outing 8/21: Tickets are on sale.
• CCJB Boat Cruise 8/27: Tickets are also on sale.  The date has been moved up this year to hopefully ensure better weather.  Other changes from last year include heavier appetizers and a different boat.
• Success Day 8/28: Success Day will be held at St. Ailbe Church at 9015 S. Harper from 9AM – 1pm.  Volunteers are needed to help decorate, set-up, clean up, serve food, and take care of children.  If there is interest, a car pool will try to be arranged from 721 LaSalle.
• Tuesday Night Supper 8/31: The CCJB will need to supply a few volunteers for the Tuesday Night Supper at the end of the month.  Anyone interested should contact John Gravagna. 
• CCJB Annual Faith Committee Retreat 9/17-19: Brenda Schulze spoke on behalf of the Faith Committee and gave a plug for the second annual retreat to be held once again at the CC retreat house in Indiana. 
• Cooke’s Manor 9/19: We are thrilled that Clare Acker has agreed to step up and Chair our Cooke’s Manor dinner’s.  The former chair, Carly Houston, has moved to Nashville, TN to start a new job.  We wish Carly the best of luck in her new career.

With no further information to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.