CKSCP Board Meeting
October 10, 2022

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President, Bob Herring. Also present at the ZOOM meeting were Gail Bason, Mike Burns, Bob Derge, Bob Derge Jr., Frank Clark, Jay DeWitt, Ann Lampe, Susan Neaman, Sasha Etlin, and TJ White.

Bob Herring previously distributed an agenda via email.

REPORTS

Meeting Minutes: Mike Burns advised that the minutes from September 12, 2022 were previously distributed. He noted that he had corrected the omission of Ann Lampe’s name from the attendees since he sent the minutes out. Upon a motion by Bob Derge and a second by Susan Neaman, the minutes were approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report: Bob Derge Jr. previously sent out a treasurer’s report detailing current fund balances. The total checking account balance is $47,052.84. The report reflected an unencumbered checking account balance of $23,112.47 and $20,826.65 in monies available for discretionary disbursements. There is also $3,168.72 encumbered for the Blink Mural project. Bob also reported that the current $10,000 CD matures on 10/13/2022. He has looked at other investment options including a nine month CD at a rate of 2.8% and an I Bond investment which is available at a rate of 9.62%. We would need to hold the I Bond for at least one year to get the full rate. After discussion, Jay DeWitt made a motion to pursue the I bond option. The motion was seconded by Frank Clark and passed by unanimous voice vote.

Bob Derge Jr. also provided a report on the Blink Mural revenues which were supplemented by a $5,000 contribution from Scrap-It-Up received after the Treasurer’s report was sent out. We have raised about $11,000 for the Blink project and spent approximately $2,400 to date. Our total commitment was up to $5,000, but it now appears that we will not need to invest that much into the project. Frank Clark made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. It was seconded by Gail Bason and passed by a unanimous voice vote.

UPDATES

Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL): Susan Neaman provided a report on our submission of preliminary proposals to host several COIL programs in 2023.

Ukrainian Mural at Blink: Bob Herring reported There will be a gathering at the mural on Dunlap Street at 7:00 p.m. on October 13^th. All are welcome to attend. Parking options were also discussed.

International Children’s Day: Susan Neaman and Ann Lampe reported on the September 24^th program at Burnett Woods. Their debrief noted several take-a-ways: 1. The day was a success; 2. The program went off better than last year, which was the first year for the event; 3. They are not inclined to add additional sponsor organizations for next year, but perhaps in future years; 4. There needs to be an overall emcee for the day; 5. We have developed a very positive working relationship with the Burnett Woods staff which might outweigh moving the event to a more visible location; and 6. There were various thoughts and interests regarding the posters which were used at the CKSCP booth. They were relatively cheap to print and there was interest in where to get one. It was noted that the posters are the artistic property of Sergei, so auctioning them off or selling copies might be problematic. It was noted that Sergei was assembling materials for a Peace Rally Art Exhibit. Sasha Etlin suggested that the Clifton Library might be a location to place the posters.

Finally, it was noted that there was adequate help setting up the event, but we need to provide additional help at the end of the program for dismantling the booths and table.

Octoberfest Parade in Lebanon: Several board members attended the parade and event this past weekend. There was a positive reaction to the banner and attendance, but the somber message associated with the war in Ukraine didn’t necessarily mesh with the frivolity of an Octoberfest.

Hope 4 Ukraine Gala: Several board members also attended the Gala at Roger Bacon high School. They advised that 200-250 people were in attendance for music and dance programs which were intended to garner donations to pay for an ultrasound unit for a hospital in Ukraine. Representatives who attended felt that it was good for CKSCP to be there, and it increased our exposure in the community.

Archives: Jay DeWitt advised that he has been in contact with several potential repositories about keeping our archives. The university does not seem interested, but the Historical Society might be a viable alternative. We need to complete an inventory of what we have and what we would like to archive with another organization. Bob & Sonya Derge have started inventory efforts. They noted that much of the stuff in the storage area could probably be donated to another organization, Strap-it-up was mentioned as one possible organization that could benefit. Bob Derge Jr. advised that we have paid our first rent payment to the new owner of the Carew Tower electronically.

NEW BUSINESS

Potential Board Expansion: Mike Burns provided a report on the ongoing recruitment committee efforts. Susan Neaman has crafted a request for information from prospective candidates which seeks to have them answer the three basic questions which were outlined during the September 12^th meeting. These have been forwarded to several candidates seeking their responses. The committee is open to considering others if any board members have names to be considered. The plan is to get the responses, provide feedback to the board, invite prospective candidates to the November or December board meetings, and then have an executive session to determine which candidates to which to extend offers to come on board. The goal is to get the new members on around the first of the year.

Cincinnati Symphony Collaboration with CINUSCA: Bob Herring advised that there is a meeting scheduled with the Symphony on October 17^th to explore collaboration possibilities.

Fall Fund Drive for Kharkiv Red Cross (KRC): Bob Herring previously sent out a draft of a letter outlining the fall fund drive. He stated that the focus would be to draw upon the networks of the organizations the KRC representatives visited in August. We would send personalized messages to the organizations and our past donors asking them to share with others to raise funds which would help our colleagues in Kharkiv to get through the coming winter months.

Bob Derge Jr. felt that the PayPal and Credit Card donations are generally easy to track and manage. Mailed checks are more difficult to manage and track, but he will ask for help doing so if necessary. TJ White offered to look over the letter to smooth out the ask and imbed the links to Ukrainian organizations and information.

There was additional discussion regarding the pressing needs in Kharkiv due to the expansion of rocket and drone attacks. After discussion, TJ White made a motion to proceed with the fall fundraising campaign. The motion was seconded by Gail Bason and approved by a unanimous voice vote of the members present.

Expiring Terms for Four Board Members: Bod Herring advised that the terms of office for Steve Hirschberg, Guennadi Maslov, Susan Neaman and himself are set to expire at the end of 2022. He also noted that the selection of Board Officers is also a regular board action at the end of the year. After some discussion, Mike Burns volunteered to reach out to the four individuals to gauge their interest in serving an additional term. He will advise the board and the necessary action will be taken at the December board meeting. Secretary’s Note: Susan Neaman and Bob Herring indicated their willingness to serve again at the meeting. Email requests have been sent to Steve and Guennadi.

AROUND ZOOM SCREEN

News From Kharkiv: Ann Lampe provided an update on Vadim Kovalenko’s efforts to get the hotel operating and securing his family. She also reported on six (6) Ukrainians living in the Wyoming Presbyterian Church and their needs related mainly to transportation.

Jay DeWitt commented on the excellent and timely coverage of the war in the Wall Street journal. TJ White advised that he has succeed in connecting Nancy Moore with the Kharkiv fire Department regarding equipment needs.

Susan Neaman advised that Victoria Mariniuk has applied for a visa to Canada and Chuck Hollis have provided some assistance to get her to the USA. Senator Portman’s office has also helped with the connection. Susan also noted that in addition to the Wyoming Presbyterian Church, there is a family located temporarily in Northern Kentucky. She would like to facilitate a way to connect the two groups.

Sash Etlin opined that it was a sad day in Kharkiv today with the missile strikes and power outages. This is especially disconcerting with the pending cold weather setting in. He also advised that Victor Rudd has assigned Anna Hohlova as the contact to CKSCP from the City of Kharkiv. No contact has yet been made with Anna.

NEXT MEETING

The next regularly scheduled CKSCP board meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 14th. The meeting will be virtual on Zoom.

Jay DeWitt made a motion with a second from TJ White to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Submitted by Michael Burns, Secretary