| Vulcan’s Forge Steering Committee Minutes February 21st, 2002 Present: Ron Davis, Dennis Sweeney, Cecelia Shooner, Jewell Hamm, Carolyn Hickey, Sarah Gallant Cecelia led the meeting, Dennis took notes. First on the agenda was welcoming Carolyn Hickey, new Executive Director of Consumer Network, and Vulcan’s Forge treasurer. Carolyn shared some things about her life and how she arrived at where she is today. She said that being director of the Consumer Network is more than a job to her, “it is a mission”. During the years between 19 and 27, Carolyn said her life was bleak…she felt helpless and hopeless. After getting more of a grip on her depression and anxiety by taking small steps, one at a time, she decided that she wanted to go to school and study something that would allow her to help others. Carolyn is a Social Worker, and has worked within the mental health system at Mitchell Center, The Marlowe House, and Queen City Case Management. She is a Consumer Mental Health Professional, who is interested in doing advocacy and stigma busting work while working within the Consumer ranks. She has a son who is 15, and a daughter 21, who are very important in her life. We welcome you, Carolyn, and look forward to your time at Consumer Network! We thank you for your willingness and eagerness to participate in Vulcan’s Forge, and for the inspiration and skills that you bring to our group. The next two items on the agenda, possible purchase of a USB 9 pin din serial port, and Business Cards for VF were tabled for a future meeting. Patricia Reynolds, who could not be at the meeting, has some information regarding the business cards to share. Ron Davis also shared his knowledge of a place to get business cards that he has used himself, and will share this with Patricia. All agreed business cards are a good idea. Dennis shared that he is interested in getting some media coverage for VF and is looking into contacting various media representatives. Carol Williams was one person that was suggested. He asked about what he should say about the group to inspire their interest in covering VF. Cecelia provided Dennis with some background information from which to draw. Up next on the agenda was the May 3rd Bake and Craft Sale at Central Clinic. Cecelia has done the contact work to set this up. Patty Lawson and Patricia Reynolds will jointly share the responsibilities on the day of May 3rd, to make sure everything is set up for the sale. Cecelia said she was told by Bea Newman, her contact at Central Clinic, that VF artists must bring their own tables for anything they wish to display. Sarah said she would check into the possibility of there being extra tables at CC on that day…{I have talked to my therapist, and she is going to look into it when she returns from vacation. Bea was no where to be found last week when I went to the clinic. Will let all know of any developments here} Ron Davis is generously offering a two part class in jewelry making and repair. These will be held directly after the 2 VF meetings in March. There will be a charge of $5 per person that includes both classes. The charge is to cover materials that Ron will provide as well as his time and expertise. If you have any jewelry making supplies and tools you would like to bring of your own, everyone is welcome to do so, as well as anything you have that may need repair. A needle-nosed pliers or other kind of crimping tool would be a good item to bring if you have one. As most of you know, Ron is so good at this, and think we can all learn a lot from him and have fun too! For $5, it’s a steal.. Meetings for next month are : General Meeting: Thursday, March 14th IPM… mmediately following this meeting is Ron’s first jewelry class. Steering Committee: Thursday, March 21st, 12 NOON… immediately following this meeting is the 2nd jewelry class. Next on the agenda was Jewell Hamm, RI director, who so kindly attended the meeting to discuss the new consumer building and the Vulcan’s Forge space within it. She said our space would be 400 square feet, with a tiled floor, and be complete with a sink, and cabinets. The projected moving date is this coming labor day! Jewell asked if VF would be willing to share this space with the lunch and crafts group that is blossoming at Recovery Initiative. At this time, they meet on Thursdays like we do. Cecelia raised the concern that this might be tricky with both groups meeting on the same day. Jewell said that the meeting day for this group could be changed after March. Sarah asked about the storage space, as VF has pretty much in the way of equipment to store. Jewell said that the Crafts group would be using Recovery Initiative storage space. Cecelia asked if there would be a separate phone line for VF business. Jewell said yes, that was in the plan. A vote was then taken to see how many were in favor of sharing our space with Lunch and Crafts. Vote Result: A unanimous yes vote in favor of sharing the space , if the day for Crafts was changed, and if they used RI storage space. Next discussed was how will we deal with VF members art that is already hanging on the walls at RI. It was suggested that we contact the artists and see what they would like to do with their work. Vulcan’s Forge members themselves will be responsible for removing, storing, and deciding what is to be done with the work. We will start fresh at the other building…a new beginning… Mark your Calendars… VF General Meeting: March 14th, 1PM…1st Jewelry Class follows VF Steering Committee: March 21st, 12 Noon, 2nd jewelry class immediately follows respectfully submitted, Sarah Gallant |
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