Minutes of BCAA June 8, 2014 Meeting 10:00 AM, International Center of Akron

Present:  Bishnu Subba, Dil Rimal, Krishna Neopaney, Rahar Rai, Narad Timisina, Sarbajit Subba, Narapati Pathak, Sharman Bhattarai, Karna Khatiwada, and Prakash Neopaney

Resolved that the following positions are herein created: Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer because there is and increase in the population of Bhutanese in Akron, and it is fitting to have a larger Executive body.

The Executive committee shall consists of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and seventeen Trustees.

Of the seventeen Trustees, twelve shall be elected in the general election, whereas the remaining five shall be appointed by the President with a two-third majority of the executive committee of the Association.

Assistant Secretary- any voting member of the Bhutanese community who is social minded, committed to uphold the principles and policies of the Association, and who is at least 25 years of age,is eligible to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Association.

The Assistant secretary shall discharge all the duties and responsibilities  in the absence of the Secretary, including, but not limited to keeping records of the executive committee meeting and actions, and for carrying out all communications relating to day to day functions of the executive committee.

Assistant Treasurer- any voting member of the Bhutanese community with good knowledge of accounting is eligible to serve as Treasurer.

Assistant Treasurer shall discharge all the duties and responsibilities in the absence of the Treasurer, including but not limited, to submitting a financial report at each meeting and keeping financial records of the Association.

 Submitted by

Minutes of BCAA May 4, 2014 Meeting 10:00 AM, International Center of Akron
Present:  Bishnu Subba, Dil Rimal, Narad Ghimirey, Yam Baniya, Sharman Bhatarai, Daarma Pathak, Sha Neopaney, Tika Osti, Baniya Bharga, Krishna Neopaney, Dhan Rimal, Sudargan Katee, Tika Raen Dhimal, Bhakta Shestr, Ran Subba, Rahar Rai, Lok Chuwan, Tek Gurung, Dil Ghalley, Son Magar, Khadga Bhattarai, Mani Rai Rore, Hem Khanal, Amir Bharati, Danber Subba, Khadga Baniya (please send corrections for misspelled names -- it was difficult to read handwriting, tlk)

Bylaws Resolution

Bylaw Amendments were proposed and approved by a formal vote.  A new officer, vice president, was added to the Executive Board.  Five new Trustee positions were established increasing the number from 12 to 17, five of whom will be appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the Executive Board.  Because the refugee population is growing in Akron, the house/group felt that more officers and trutees were justified.  For more information about the duties and responsibilities of added Executive Board members polease see the current bylaws wwhich can be found at www.bcakron.org.   

General Election Committee Resolution

A lengthy discussion of the upcoming election was held.  The following potential members were nominated and appointed to the General Election Committee for 2014:  1 Rahar Rai, 2 Naresh Laoti, 3 Tika Osti, 4 Dhan Man Subba, 5 Khem Niroula, 6 Krishna Neopaney, 7 Nar Sama, 8 Santi Ram Subedi, 9 Sharman Bhattarai, 10 Lok Chuway, 11 Narapati Pathak, and 12 Karna Khatiwada.  Mr. Rahar Rai was selected as the commissioner for the upcoming electon.  The date was set tentatively for June 29, 2014.  Voting for the election will be conducted in different locations, which will be fixed by the election committee under Mr. Rai's direction.

The meeting adjourned at 12:00 P.M.
 

Minutes of BCAA April 27, 2014 Meeting 10:00 AM, International Center of Akron

Present:  Bishnu Subba, Tuk Rai, Dil Rimal, Terry Kuhn, Amir Bharati, Lok Chuwan, Tek Gurung, Gopal Acharya, Mni Raj Gole, Dhan Man Subba, Laka Tamang, Pah Bahadur Subba, Renuka Subba, Sha Neeopaney, Bharat Bista, Bishnu Subba, Yam Baniya, Dhan Rimal, Ran DhoJ Subba, Dirtha Singh Mangar, Suresh Chamling, Kirti Man Rai, Die Ghalley, K. P. Bhandan, Lok Baneeya, Hem Khanal, Tek Osti, Billa Augdemary, Santi Subedi, Dawa Gamung, Bikram Gureneuj, Krishna Neopaney, Khadga Bhattarai, REabi Rimal, Prem Chuwan, Ram Tamang, Aita Subba Dh Bde Subba, Denerka Subba, Jewlor Subba, Dil Rai, Suk Sulln (please send corrections for misspelled names -- it was difficult to read copy, tlk)

Items Discussed

President Bishnu Subba explained the importance of creating the post of Vice President. This new post shall carry out the duties and responsibilities of the President during his/her absence.  The Vice President shall also carry out duties and responsibilities assigned by the president.   He/she shall work for the overall development of the organization in consultation with the President and other Executive Board members.  President Subba also explained the need to increase the number of trustees from 12 to 17, 12 of whom shall be elected and t of whom shall be appointed by the President in consultaton with the Executive Committee. 

Dhruva K. Rai briefed those assembled about the procedures that were conducted for a fair, transparent and successful election in 2012.  However, after a long discussion an election committee could not be formed during this meeting.  Therefore the election procedure topic was postponed until the general meeting to be held on 05/04/2014. 

Minutes of BCAA March 30, 2014 Meeting 9:30 AM, International Center of Akron

Present:  Bishnu Subba, Dil Rimal, Prakash Biswa, Tuk Rai, Tika Dimal, Narad Ghimirey, and Terry Kuhn.

Internet Radio

The meeting began with a discussion of the status of the internet radio project.  Terry Kuhn was requested at a special meeting of those interested on February 27 to contact spacial.com about SAM Broadcaster Pro, and find out if they offer a reduced price for  501(c)(3) organizations.  He found that they do have special pricing, but they do not provide licensing and suggested that we acquire licensing with streamlicensing.com.  They will provide SAM Broadcaster Pro for free with monthly fees are based on Total Listening Hours plus monthly expenses and revenue.  Their lowest price is $22.50 per month for 3,500 Total Listening Hours.  Terry also found web sites that explain how to set up an internet radio station for free, but he said he does not have the expertise to understand what he reads on those sites.  [Note: Terry could not remember all of these phone conversations at the meeting, so these figures were added while writing the minutes.]

After a prolonged discussion in Nepali took place, Dil explained to Terry, who speaks only English, that information was being sought from RadioSrijana in Norway (Netherlands?) and that the group would like to wait until it has consulted with RadioSrijana contacts before taking any further action to acquire software. 

2014 Election

In preparation for the upcoming election, President Subba asked those present to nominate candidates to serve on the election committee.  The Election Committee will be responsible for such things as finalizing a list of candidates for each office, selecting the election date, determining the voting location(s), preparing nomination forms, preparing election ballots, contacting those nominated to be sure they are willing to run for office, appointing election monitors to assure compliance with fair elections, and conducting the election.  Those nominated at the meeting for membership on the Election Committee included Tek Baniya, Yam Baniya, Amir Bharati, Bal Basnet, Prem Chowan, Bishnu Dhimal, Bhim Dhungana, Bhakta Ghimire, Narad P. Ghimirey, Gopal Kairaloa, Khem Kuikel, Ishori Mishral, Khem Niroula, Giri Raj Osti, Dhurba Rai, Rahar Rai, Sancha Rai, Dil Rimal, Krisna Subba, Nar Subba, Naresh Laoti Subba, and Santi Subedi.  Bishnu Subba and other members of the executive board will contact these individuals to assure they are willing and able to serve. 

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM

Minutes of BCAA November 24, 2013 Meeting

Bhutanese Community Association of Akron, Inc. 496 Overlook Dr, Kent Oh 44240 Phone: 330-673-1882; Phone: 330-356-1655

Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Date: November 24, 2013; Venue: 2644 Maplewood Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 @ 11:00 am

Topics for Discussion:  1) Suicide Case and Funeral cost collection; 2) Online radio and YouTube;  3) Micro loan; 4) Denial proposed grant; 5) Cultural program.

Resolution:

1) A) BCAA shall approach to refugee agencies (International Institute of Akron, Asian Services In Action, Inc. ) and make a request to organize the counseling on mental health issues of Bhutanese refugees living in the greater Akron area. BCAA shall help organize such community orientation in partner with the refugee agencies.

B) BCAA Board has agreed to decrease funeral costs collection per household from $10.00 to 5.00, w.e.f., 11/24/2013. As in the past, Trustees will continue to collect the funeral cost from their respective area. In addition, Collection Registers will be kept at the Nepali Stores to facilitate funeral costs collection from newly resettled Bhutanese refugees (both directly emigrated from refugee camp, Nepal and secondarily migrated) in the greater Akron area.

2) The Board has agreed to name online radio and YouTube program as, “Akron Bhutanese Broadcast” or “ABB”. Bhakta Ghimire has been selected as the Chief Editor of online program. Furthermore, the following members are being selected for the prospective editorial board: 1) Sagar Timisina 2) Sudan Rai 3) Sancha Subba 4) Sanman Saba 5) Puspa Neupaney 6) Puran Rimal 7) Youbaraj Biswa 8) Prakash Kalikotey 9) Prem Chuwan 10) Sha Neupaney 11) Dil Rimal 12) Amber Subba 13) Bishnu Subba 14) Ghanashyam Adhikari 15) Bhakta Subba 16) Pabitra Dhimal 17) Dhan Rimal 18) Purushotam Dhungana 19) Lok Subba 20) Naresh Laoti 21) Nirmala Ghimirey 22) Jash Maya Subba 23) Nirmal Biswa

It was also agreed to hold next meeting for radio and cultural program at International Institute of Akron, on Sunday, December 15, 2013 @ 10:00 am.

3) The Board has also had a discussion on the availability of “Micro Loan” scheme to newly resettled refugee communities including Bhutanese refugees in the greater Akron area. Under the scheme, refugee is entitled to get loan upto $20,000 for the establishment/expansion of small business. The scheme is brought by Asian Services In Action, Inc., and interested Bhutanese refugees should contact Mr. Bishnu Subba for further information.

4) The Board is being apprised about the denial of “Ethnic Community Self Help Program” grant from ORR, which was submitted to them on March 17, 2013.

5) BCAA is planning to organize a “Dance Contest” in April/May to encourage and promote talents among Bhutanese youngsters. The Board has also decided to invite prominent Bhutanese artists from around the country in order to make the contest more attractive.

Meeting adjourned @1:00 pm

Minutes of BCAA January 17, 2013 Meeting

President Bishnu Subba presented Certificates of Appointment to the Games and Sports Committee of the Bhutanese Community Association of Akron to Rudra Rimal, Hem Arjun Bista, and Billa Angdembay.  As he gave a certificate to each appointee, he said that he looks forward to their cooperation in coordinating and promoting games and sports in the Akron Bhutanese community and beyond. 


Rudra Rimal, Coordinator, receives Certificate of Appointment


Hem Arjun Bista, Vice Coordinator, receives Certificate of Appointment

Billa Angdembay, Team Manager, receives Certificate of Appointment

At this meeting Dr Kuhn talked about the grant that BCAA is preparing to submit to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.  He distributed an organizational chart and said that there would be five main activities:  (1) An office would be created and it would be called the Akron Bhutanese Support Center, a name suggested by Michael Byun from ASIA, Inc.  (2) Interactive Instruction sessions would be delivered in the home of recent arrivals.  (3) English classes would be taught for high school students.  (4) Computer technology classes would be taught for high school students.  (5) Social/Céultural events would be conducted for all ages of refugees, and those events would feature English Café experience with English speakers.  The grant would support a manager, secretary, two advisers, and several part-time positions for finances, translation, and teachers.

We the Bhutanese Community Of Akron have Following Meeting Minutes on Aug 21 2011

President of Bhutanese Community of Akron, Amber Subba attended the conference organized by Organization of Refugee Resettlement in Washington D.C. According to him, if any dispute arises within a family or with the neighbor please do not invite Trustees or officer or advisory member to help to minimise the dispute as a adviser. We Trustees ,Officers or any Adviser are not able to help you in this matter.  If you, yourself, are not able to solve it, take help of police by calling 911 or any other local government agency. We are community builder but not an governmental or police agency.

Bhim Dhungana has written a letter to Sewa international seeking help to build community center.  They have given advice to us about how to have such a center. To follow up in this matter we have form a small committee under the coordination of Ghana Adhikari.  They are as follows

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There is a Budget deficit on the participation of soccer tournament organized in Georgia AL .

Total Expense $1444.09

Deficiet $ 479.64

So Bhutanese community of Akron is going to help in this matter gradually by finding certain sources because soccer team is representing Bhutanese community of Akron over there. So this matter is handled by our treasurer;Gopal Lepcha.

As Bhutanese Community of Akron is small organisation with limited resources so we encourage to celebrate festival such as Teej, Dashain etc by interested persons themselves.This year Bhutanese community is going to celebrate only one main festival , right now we conclude to celebrate Tihar by playing Deusi- Bhali. To follow up in this matter we have formed a small committee under the coordination of Amar Subba.They are as follows: a) Amber Subba, b) Suda Rai

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Now our one of the Lady Trustes Manju Dhungana is moving to another State after being married . So Bhutanese Community of Akron wishes her a happy married life . We appreciate her selfless community service since she arrived in Akron

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There is a health fair in Shiva Vishnu Temple pm 7733 Ridge Road in Parma OH on Sep 18 and a movie program in Akron Downtown Library on Aug 27 2011 By Bhutani Mahela Samaj.To follow up in this matter we have form a small committee under the coordination of Jas Subba.They are as follows

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This meeting was conducted at the International Institute of Akron on Aug 21, 2011 from 9 to 11 AM.  Names of those in attendance will be posted later; sorry for inconvenience. 

Compiled by Bhim Dhungana

Venue: International Institute of Akron, Time; 10.30 am
Topics: Tax exemption status and its compliance requirements for 501(C) 3 organisation

1) Dr Terry Kuhn informed all officers and trustees about tax exemption status of bhutanese community of akron and responsility of us, i.e, Bhutanese community  as a 501 (c) 3 organisation

He explain about how to do following:
a)record  keeping
b)reporting
c)disclosure
d) accounting and accounting period and how to remain away from jeopardizing activities
All other person present in the meeting want to be clear about  it and dicuss about it
 
Following persons are present in the meeting

1) Amber Subba
2) Deo N Subedi
3) Dhan Subba
4) Gopal Lepcha
5) Ram Subba
6) Manju Dhungana
7) Jas M Subba
8) Tara M subba Lepcha
9) Aaiti M
10) Tiffany stacy- subba
11) Sudan Rai
12) Bhim Katel
13) Terry Kuhn
14) Bhim Dhungana

Compiled by Bhim Dhungana

Minutes of October 23, 2010 Meeting

Type of Meeting:   ___General    ___Executive Committee    ___Other: Teenagers Meeting

Date:     October 23, 2010              Time:     9:30 AM – 11:00 AM        Location:  International Institute

Officers Present: Amber Subba, Bhim Dhungana, Gopal Lepcha

Trustees Present:  Devi Maya Mainali, Sudan Rai, Dhan Man Subba, Jas Maya Subba, Ram Kumar Subba, Sun Man Subba

Guests Present:  Bishnu Osti, Renuka Subba, Bharat Bista, Tara Dhungana, Bhagat Mishra, Soraj Subba, Tika Dhimal, Sancha Subba, Amite Subba, Deepa Mishra, Sabitra Dulal, Tika subba, Khina Nepal, Dekula Katel, Bhima Chuan, Ran Basnet, Suk Moti Subba, Ner maya Basnet, Raju Rana,   Nilam Ghimirey, Badur Subba, Champa Subba,

Topics Discussed/Decisions Made: 

The Bhutanese Community Association of Akron conducted a meeting for Bhutanese teenagers on October 23, 2010.  There were about 30 teenagers and 10 association members present.  They discussed teen issues and how teenagers could help the Bhutanese community.  The Association members decided to create a soccer team and a cultural group for dance, music, art, and drama.  Renuka Subba and Soraj Subba were selected to coordinate the soccer team.  Bishnu Osti, Suk Moti Subba and Amite Subba were selected to coordinate the cultural group.  Every teenager was interested in helping  their community.  President Subba announced that two copies of a “Dear Abby” book that Dr. Kuhn provided were available to circulate among Bhutanese teen agers.  The "Dear Abby" books explains things every teenager should know about sex, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.