October 19, 2012
Western North Carolina (WNC) Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)
Minutes of Steering Committee meeting on Friday Oct. 19, 2012
Present: Phillip Bisesi, Dr. Terry Clark, Brad Dienst, Stan Dienst, Steve Gilman, Bob Howarth, Dr. Lew Patrie, Dr. Don Richardson
The meeting began at 12:40 PM with approval of the Sept. 21, 2012 WNC PSR meeting minutes.
Treasurer’s report: Terry will connect with Dr. John Joyner to determine this month’s balance. Last month’s balance was $1,747.81.
KEY BUSINESS:
1. On behalf of our WNC PSR chapter, Terry received $600 from PSR National. This is the remaining portion of the $1,200 that PSR National granted our chapter for 2012.
2. Steve indicated that he will at a minimum document all motions as well as information transcribed on our new easel.
3. In regard to PSR National’s request to identify those we believe may have been active with PSR for 25 years, Terry and Lew will get together to create a list.
4. We received 200 signatures on our CWIP related petition at the Green Living Expo. Terry offered to contact Jim Warren to get his recommendation on what we do with this. There was also discussion that sending this petition and signatures to both the current and new NC governor would be a good idea.
5. Terry introduced discussion regarding the CTS superfund site in Arden. He reviewed his conversation with Lee Ann Smith at the Southern Green Living EXPO in September. He noted that proper clean-up ot the contaminated site apparently is progressing slowly and likely putting neighboring residents at health risk. Terry will contact Ms. Smith to explore what WNC/PSR might do to be helpful in encouraging more complete and timely clean-up of the CTS site.
6. On a related note to item 5 above, Bob plans to connect with the local Sierra Club to determine their relevant CTS information as well as any actions planned.
7. There was discussion regarding PSR National’s invitation to join a discussion on Facebook during the Monday, Oct. 22 presidential debate. Terry distributed an email to us before this meeting with details. Additional information is available on the PSR National web site: www.psr.org
8. Terry confirmed that we have committed to reserve the Asheville JCC’s social hall on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012 as the venue for Dr. Ira Helfand’s presentation. A subcommittee of Lew, Steve, Terry and Phil will meet at the WestGate Earth Fare meal break area at 3pm on Wed. Oct. 24 to determine outstanding tasks and responsibilities to ensure this is a successful event.
9. The Steering Committee will hold a fall retreat at the home of Terry and Brita Clark on Friday, Oct. 26. The retreat is planned from 10am to 2pm. Lunch will be served. Retreat attendees can optionally contact Terry if they would like to bring salad, dessert, appetizer or other items. The retreat agenda was finalized at the retreat. A document regarding what transpired at this retreat is in the process of being developed.
Next meeting: 12 noon Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 at the home of Steve and Beth Gilman (18 Birchwood Lane, Asheville)
Submitted by Steve Gilman, WNC PSR chapter secretary
