MEETING MINUTES OF THE MONTCLAIR BRANCH NAACP

DATE OF MEETING:  September 15, 2011

CALL TO ORDER:

President Reynolds called the September 15, 2011 Executive Committee meeting to order at approximately 6:50 p.m.

The following Officers and members of the Executive Committee were present at the time:

President Reynolds opened the meeting with an announcement that our unit will be partnering with the League of Women’s Voters for a candidate’s night forum for the freeholders.  No details have been made as of yet.

Appointments:

President Reynolds recommended that the following members be appointed to the Executive Committee:

• James Harris (possible member of the Education Committee)
• Christine Brewington, Chair of Junior Youth Council

Beverly Bussey gave the Freedom Fund Committee report emphasizing the sale of ads and tickets so that we can make the fundraiser a successful event.

Tom Reynolds also emphasized networking and presenting additional ideas that might be used to promote a successful outcome.

President Reynolds reported the following activities:

• Attendance at Council meeting to hear the discussion on the change in the date of the election;
• Brendan Gill to open campaign office on Bloomfield Avenue next to CVS on September 27, 2011;
• Montclair Democratic Committee fundraiser on October 20;
• National office to host conversation with President Obama which will be available on webcast at the National website;
• Troy Davis scheduled to be executed in Georgia next week.  National Office is encouraging members to send in signatures to influence the Georgia State Department of Corrections to stay the execution.  The use of contact lists are encourages helping maximize this effort.  Information is available on www.naacp.org.
• Property damage relief available for Hurricane Irene victims.  Contact Essex County Welfare for more information;

President Reynolds also discussed the suspension of the Atlantic City unit and expressed his concern about making internal disputes public.

General Membership Meeting:

Committee Reports:

ACT-SO:   It was moved and properly seconded that the unit support the 2012 ACT-SO team.  Unanimously approved.

Education:  The Education Committee the following:

• Good turnout for the September 8, 2011 S.O.S. forum.  Topics of discussion were Charter Schools and Vouchers.  Future goals are to make sure Montclair does not lose funding; and that continued emphasis is placed on quality education.  In support of the discussion, President Reynolds mentioned that a chart weighing the pros and cons of Charter Schools and Vouchers was previously prepared by Kaili Baucum.
• The previous Backpack/school supply giveaway was a success.  There were 17 families that signed up for tutoring at the event.
• On September 22, 2011 members of the committee will meet with Dr. Patterson.
• Committee met with Fourth Ward Councilwoman Dr. Renee’ Baskerville regarding drug activity at Montclair High School.
• Next Board meeting will be September 19, 2011 at the Atrium.
• Next meeting of the Education Committee will be the second Thursday (October 13, 2011)

Health Committee:

Rosita Dotson presented the Health Committee report as follows:

• There will be a Health Committee meeting on September 18, 2011 at 11 a.m.
• The committee has signed up team for October 16, 2011 breast cancer walk.
• Yogathon scheduled for September 25, 2011 from 11:00-1 p.m.  See Lois Whipple for information.

Legal Redress:

Mr. Ewing reported that the Legal Redress Committee was in receipt of a Complaint which will be forwarded to the North Carolina State Conference.

Membership:

Marcia Brewington reported that the Membership Committee will be meeting soon.

Treasury Report:

Marcia Brewington presented the Treasurer’s report as follows:

Expenditures:              $789.90
Ticket sales:                    75.75

Postage:                        191.94

Current expenses:  Telephone            $286.00

Rent:                    $50.00

Post Office Box:   $62.00

James Harris volunteered to pay yearly fee for post office box.

It was moved and properly seconded to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented.

*Additional comments were made by Mr. Ewing regarding the success of the Thurgood Marshall dinner.

Roz Samuels                $88.92

Kit Turner                      $78.87

Pat Pizzaggo:                $77.00 (paid)

J. Kohn -                        $70.00 (paid)

Meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.

Submitted October 19, 2011

by:_____________________________

Beverly A. Bussey