Independence Day Tea Party Planning Meeting

We had an exciting meeting tonight with about 25 people attending. Some couldn't make it, but are rearing to help. Many great ideas came forth tonight from so many people with lots of enthusiasm. We are looking toward a fantastic time for our Independence Day Tea Party. Below are the minutes of the meeting:

Chairperson Linda Moore called the meeting to order and asked Pastor Ron Smith to pray for the meeting. She then offered some ideas for discussion, such as a location and possible program suggestions. A date of July 4th for the Tea Party was discussed with suggestions of July 3rd a possibility because of the many events in the city of McAllen and surrounding towns for the 4th of July. It was moved and seconded that July 4th be the date to try for. The motion carried. The time for the event was then discussed. After a variety of suggestions and opinions, a motion was made and seconded that the time be set for 6:30 to roughly 8:30 pm with people being invited to stay to watch the City of McAllen fireworks. Motion carried. The name for the Tea Party was discussed with a motion and a second made for Independence Day Tea Party being the suggested name, in the event that the Tea Party had to be held on July 3rd or 5th. Motion carried and Independence Day Tea Party became the name chosen.

A location for the Tea Party was the subject of much discussion with people offering a variety of suggestions. Sandy Propst was designated to secure the location, which she agreed to attempt to do this week before our Tea Party Meeting on May 8th.

Many patriots gave valuable input as to what things should be done at the Independence Day Tea Party, such as selling t-shirts (Sandy Summers and Debbie McGyver), flags (Al Gatti), Constitutions & Declarations of Independences (Ludie Garcia and Roxanna Herring) and having "booths" that would be manned with people to give information/education to those that came by. Constitution and lobbying were two subjects mentioned in the discussion for education in booths. At least five membership tables (Brenda Gatti, Marilyn Rhyne, Debbie McGyver, Joanne Fraser, Larry Schneider) should be available to alleviate the long lines seen at the last Tea Party. Once again, the concesus seemed to be that whatever speakers we have should be "regular folks" and not "politicians".

Scott Carol will check on the possibility of joining the City of McAllen parade and on the possibility of renting a screen for projecting words to songs, while Gary Sage offered his projector to project the words. Mr. Sage also said he would check on magnetic signs that patriots could buy to put on their vehicles to advertise the Tea Party with a blank space below that would allow the date to change, so the sign could be reused. Larry Schneider said we should have yard signs made, as well, to advertise the event in our neighborhoods. It was suggested that one picture be chosen that could be used on the magnetic signs, as well as the yard signs, so people would recognize the logo and know that it was the Tea Party logo immediately.

Linda Moore announced that she has already bought some decorations we can use, and Wendy Soto and Al McGyver volunteered to be on the decorating committee. Linda also said she would be responsible for getting a flat bed truck or two, if needed, for the event.

A motion was made and seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.