July 23rd --> McLennan Hall

Sue Barlow chaired the meeting and called the meeting to order at 7pm.Float: It has been decided not to have a float due to the expense. Gord Hawdon has already made the signs that were going to be used for the float and they read:"Matthews Memorial Hospital Supports You!"It was decided to carry these in the parades and depending on how many people want to participate, we could also carry the original signs as well. Others can hand out the new one page flyers to those watching the parades.Buttons: Sue reported that she has ordered 500 more of these but they are not in yet. They should arrive some time next week. Kathy Drager has a list of those who have buttons at this time. Money: The Matthews Memorial Hospital Association will be turning any money they are holding for the committee over to St. Joseph Township for them to administer. It is not known exactly what is left but there is not too much. Anyone who has buttons out in stores or offices, etc. are asked to collect the money and take it to the St. Joseph Township office.New Members: No update available. We went over the original list and stroked a few names off who have never attended meetings.One Page Flyer: We were asked to have our town / township offices photocopy these for use in our public relations campaigns, especially for the parades, etc.Sign @ Corners: We deferred this until we find out how big the signs are for the parades are and how much money is left. If the parade signs are large enough, they could be placed at the corners. We discussed the Kents Korners sign and the signs for the corner going into Richards Landing.New Ideas:1. Brian Fox told us that he has gotten nowhere yet with the mock disaster idea being televised. He is still looking into have Dan Cedolia videotape though. Emergency services in the St. Joseph Island area are due to have a mock disaster training exercise soon. Brian will invite Joe Books, an EMS contact from Hilton, to our next meeting to discuss this further.2. Events in the area are being covered very well by several volunteers.3. Brian told us about a government plan he has heard about for connecting people without doctors with a doctor. There is more information on websites, etc.4. Divisive Article in Sentinel: We were all saddened to see such a negative article in print. It is very damaging for public relations and gives the impression that we are all falling apart and in-fighting. Shellie Bailey told us that at the last Steering Committee meeting, this was discussed and everyone seemed happy at the Stand Alone Committee doing its thing and the rest of us doing ours. Everyone is working for the same thing - a hospital in Richards Landing. It is too bad that dirty laundry is aired in public and is damaging to our cause. 5. Keith Barlow resigned from our committee tonight. He was disappointed at the article in the Sentinel and is tired of the conflicts.6. We were also saddened to lose Joan Shackleton who resigned earlier this week in an email. Meeting adjourned at about 8:30.Next Meeting: Thursday August 6 at 7pm at the MacLennan Hall