Minutes and agenda archive

Historic Shepherdstown

Board Minutes

June 11, 2008

Members present included:  L. Cox, P. Cox, E. Dunleavy, J. Griffith, A. Levitan, B. Lowe, B. Mason, E. Moore, D. Pratt, J. Shank, V. Smith. A. Wayt and R. Winkel.  Also present was C. Cook, Administrator.

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 by President, E. Moore.

The minutes of May 7, 2008, HS Board meeting was approved on a motion by J. Griffith and a second by B. Lowe.   The motion was unanimously carried. 

Treasurer’s Report—E. Dunleavy reported there are numerous income items with a decline in the projected numbers, including donations and rents.  There is a current shortfall of $3,382.00 in income.  C. Cook pointed out that while our 2008 membership is down 50 members over the previous year, from 300 members in 2007 to 250 members as of May 2008, members are donating more, and so the dollar decline for membership is only $34.00.

Motion by L. Cox, second by A. Wayt was made to accept treasurer’s report as presented.  Unanimously carried.

Museum Update - None

Preservation Awards - B. Lowe and J. Griffith reported that the Shepherdstown House Category had 2 candidates and was awarded to recipients Jack Kendall and Jim Puglisi of 207 E. German Street.  The Church Cemetery Category had 3 candidates and was awarded to recipient Christ Reform Church Cemetery.

June Luncheon Series - The 2008 Wednesday luncheon series will include the following presenters and topics:

Nick Blanton—Sheet Rifles; Dan Tokar—Schindler Kettles; Jim Horner—Tall Clocks; and Ren & Pam Parziale—Pottery in Jefferson County. 

These luncheons last one hour, from noon till one, and attendees bring their own brown bag lunches.  The historic society provides lunch for the speaker(s).  C. Cook, reports the luncheons are well attended.

Fund Raising Events—(1) The Sundback Garden Tour was held for 2 days in May; 30 people attended; proceeds were $1,090.00, one half of which went to the Sundback fund.  Eric and Gloria Sundback propose bi-annual garden tours (Fall and Spring), reduce the fee to $20.00 per person, and serve wine and cheese.  A three-hour tour is recommended.  October 25, 2008 has been suggested for the next Sundback Garden Tour.

(2)  The upcoming “Bazaar” has been renamed “Treasure Sale” and is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2008.  It will be held from 9 to 4.  Volunteers will be needed to receive “treasures” on the designated delivery days and work the sale on the 28th.  A. Wayt, E. Moore, V. Smith, M. Roberts, and D. Pratt have volunteered to work at the Treasure Sale. J. Griffin volunteered to pick up items too large for donors to handle.  C. Cook will send emails to HS members requesting donations. V. Smith took charge of advertising the “Treasure Sale.”

 (3)  “Taste of the Townspeople” is a possible fundraising event for October 4 (?).  Discussion included asking individuals to make “vast quantities” of his/her specialty dish.  We provide wine and ask for contributions of $25.00 per person, with a limited number of tickets sold in advance.  (The number 200 was mentioned.)  The number of “tastes” was also suggested: 15.  A “Taste of the Townspeople” committee will meet Monday June 16 at 10 A.M.

New Acquisitions to the Museum—V. Smith reported and provided a handout naming and describing items proposed for accessioning, to include an oral history of Albert Kave (cassette and transcript by Leslie Carter), 3 - D. B. Wharton circus posters, an 18th century tall case clock (with “Iohn [John] Woltz” and “Shepherd’s Town” on its face), and a small medicine bottle marked “Hills-Shepherdstown” which was found behind 112 W. German St.  A motion by B. Mason and second by P. Cox was made to accept all the new acquisitions.  Unanimously carried.

New Business –P. Cox revisited the issue of a 50-member decline in 2008 from 2007. It was suggested that 2nd renewal requests be mailed out and followed up with personal notes and calls.  Our goal should be an active membership of 300. C. Cook agreed and asks for help providing names, addresses and emails of possible contacts.

Nomination for Secretary—Motion by E. Dunleavy, second by A. Wayt to nominate Donna Pratt for Board Secretary.  Unanimously carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm on a motion by E, Dunleavy, second by L Cox. Unanimously carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Donna L. Pratt