MEETING MINUTES

CHEROKEE AT LARGE VOTERS LEAGUE


May 7, 2011


The Cherokee At Large Voters League meeting at the Clayton Library Carriage House was called to order at 11:30 AM by President Wade McAlister. Dignitaries in attendance from Oklahoma were Principal Chief Chad Smith and Cherokee Nation Councilors Julia Coates and Chris Soap.


Minutes from the November 20, 2010 meeting were approved as presented. The Treasurer’s Report was also approved as presented.


Chief Chad Smith spoke to the group about the upcoming June 25th Tribal elections. Chief Smith is running for re-election as Principal Chief. Chief Smith discussed the current status of the Cherokee Tribe and stressed its commitment to health, education, cultural and business / job issues. Chief Smith also discussed the accomplishments achieved by the Cherokee Tribe and its people during his three terms as Principal Chief.


The members enjoyed a delicious lunch of barbecued brisket provided by the League and cooked by President McAlister. Members provided many side dishes and desserts to complete the meal.


Cherokee Nation Councilor Chris Soap, candidate for Deputy Principal Chief, spoke to the group about his background and why he decided to run for Deputy Principal Chief. He talked about the progress he has seen during his tenure as a Councilor and stressed the need to continue the current agenda.


Cherokee Nation At Large Councilor Julia Coates discussed her background, current election issues and why she was running for re-election as one of the two At Large Councilors. She also discussed the history of the Houston Cherokee At Large Voters League and her work with projects aimed at bringing people back into the Cherokee Nation’s 14 Oklahoma counties.


The candidates then held a question and answer session.


Deborah Scott gave an update about status of potential Native American healthcare in Houston and other healthcare issues.


It was announced that our next meeting would be held in November, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.


Door prizes were awarded and the meeting was adjourned.


Respectfully submitted:
Lloyd Armstrong, Designated Secretary of the Meeting

 

 

NOVEMBER 20, 2010

The Cherokee At Large Voters League enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in the Clayton Library Carriage House. Tom Patterson gave the blessing, and smoked turkey with all of the trimmings provided by the members was the menu for the day.


Following the dinner, the business meeting was called to order by President Kevin Holland. The minutes were approved as presented. The treasurer's report was approved as read by Treasurer Cindy Linnenkohl.


Marjorie Lowe, Secretary, reminded everyone about the 2011 Cherokee Election and passed out registration forms for voters to register to vote.


The annual election of the Board of Directors was held and those nominated were elected. New Officers are

President - Wade McAlister
Vice President - Kyle Smith
Secretary - Kevin Holland
Member - Shari Hall Hunt


Continuing members of the board were Treasurer - Cindy Linnenkohl, Tom Patterson and Charles Jackson.


Tom Patterson submitted a resolution to allow former members of the board to attend board meetings as non-voting board members and advisors.  The resolution was passed by the membership.


Following the business meeting Dr. Wade McAlister presented an interesting talk and slides on Sports Medicine. Many of the older members asked questions about their knees, hips and feet. All members enjoyed learning of how to avoid injuries and prevent later problems.


Door prizes were awarded and the meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting will be held at St. Thomas Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 14100 Memorial Drive (0ne block west of Kirkwood on Memorial) on Saturday, February 5, 2011.


Respectfully submitted: Marjorie J. Lowe, Secretary

MAY 1, 2010
The Cherokee At Large Voters League met at the Carriage House, Clayton Library in Houston on Saturday, May 1st, at 11 a.m. The members enjoyed a delicious lunch of Barbecued Brisket provided by the League. Members provided the always scrumptious side dishes and desserts.

Following lunch, President Kevin Holland introduced Carey Tilley, Executive Director of the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, OK. Carey showed a short video about the many activities and projects offered by the Center.   Cherokee National Historical Society President Mary Ellen Meredith was introduced and assisted Carey in answering questions about the many services provided by the Heritage Center. They urged everyone to put the Center on their lists for a vacation trip to the Cherokee Capital this summer.

Marjorie Lowe, Secretary, then presented a program about "Climbing Your Cherokee Family Tree". She focused on the top records available at Clayton Library to help one start with their Cherokee research. She circulated books and projected documents on a screen to help the participants to familiarize themselves with what is available at Clayton Library, the Cherokee Heritage Center and elsewhere to aid their research. The presentation was well received.

It was announced that our next meeting would be held in November. A notice will be displayed on the website as a reminder. The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Marjorie J. Lowe, Secretary

 
 MARCH 20, 2010

The Cherokee At Large Voters League met at Brazos Bend State Park to enjoy a Cherokee traditional hog fry, provided by the Cherokee Nation.  The food preparation was under the leadership of Fredia Vann and her dedicated crew of cooks she brought with her.  Dignitaries also in attendance from Tahlequah were Principal Chief Chad Smith and wife, Bobbie Gail; Deputy Chief Joe Grayson and wife, Gwen; Renowned opera singer, Barbara McAlister; Cherokee storyteller, Robert Lewis, Miss Cherokee, Danielle Culp; Cherokee Registrar, Lela Ummerteske; and Cherokee Nation Councilor, Bill John Baker.

Tom Patterson, CAVL Board member, served as M.C. and introduced all of the above to attendees.  Following his introduction, Barbara McAlister sang Amazing Grace in Cherokee, joined by her cousin, Wade McAlister, Sr.  As they finished the last chorus, there was thunderous applause from the heavens as well as from the audience.

Chief Chad Smith spoke on the importance of becoming a member of our community so those of us who reside out of the Nation, can enjoy fellowship and Cherokee cultural events at our meetings.

Deputy Chief Joe Grayson told of the plans for a Cherokee Veterans Center to honor the many Cherokee veterans who have served our country with honor through the years.  He mentioned his retirement from holding office, but promised to remain active and available for his wise counsel.

Miss Cherokee gave a great motivational speech concerning Cherokee youth and the need for our encouragement for their many endeavors. 
  
Robert Lewis, as always, charmed the crowd with his stories before the meal was served.
   
Following the delicious dinner, a short business meeting was conducted by CAVL President Kevin Holland.  Two board members were elected to positions on the board.  Dr. Wade McAlister was elected for another term on the board as Vice President.  Charles Jackson was elected as a new member of the board, replacing retiring member, Deborah Scott.  Our special thanks go to Deborah for her dedicated devotion to the Voters League and to anything Cherokee.  She will continue to advise in her capacity as an ex officio member of the board.

There was no further business and the meeting adjourned.
 
Respectfully submitted:  Marjorie J. Lowe, Secretary

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