Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Minutes of Past Meetings
Minutes for November 6, 2003
Centre County Historical Library & Museum
Attending: Jim Dunne, Gay Dunne, Dave Eggler (Treasurer), Buzz Evers, Melady Kehm, Romayne Naylor (President), Colleen Pike Blair (Secretary), Sam Totor (Arts Administrator). Special guest: Xavier Totor.
The meeting was convened at 7:10 p.m. The September minutes were approved.
Treasurer's Report: We reviewed the November financial report. Dave noted that BHCA has lost money every year for the last three years. We noted his prediction that this budget drain, if left unaddressed, will effectively shut down our programs within three years.
Arts Administrator's Report: Sam distributed correspondence; the remainder of his report is contained within business items to follow.
Committee Reports:
BHCA Gallery at the Gamble Mill:
One painting has been sold from the latest show. Suggestions for the January show are in the works; a lot of thought has been put towards developing a two-man show featuring Billy Mills and Rob Gannon ("First Person Plural: Preserving Our Heritage Through the Eyes of Billy Mills and Rob Gannon"). Another project this committee will be reviewing is an exhibit of current work by Bellefonte public school students. Buzz identified the need for funding to redesign the hanging system in the gallery, as this is becoming a liability and safety concern.
Old House Fair: No report.
Summer Sounds: An application to the Garver Fund is in progress.
Film Forum: No report.
Sunday Afternoons at the Library:
Regarding a question about the disbursement of funds, we agreed that Dave should ask aim for clarification on the performers' stipend.
Victorian Christmas Arts and Crafts Show: One walking tour has been scheduled (December 13 at 1:00 p.m.}. Approximately 36 vendors are confirmed so far, and space in the Bakery annex has been secured at the last minute. As the annex space is never a sure thing but the number of vendors seems consistently strong, the committee plans to look into alternate locations that might facilitate planning for next year's show.
Local Government Grants: No report.
Corporate Sponsors: The final draft of a letter seeking sponsorship is almost complete. We looked at an example of a certificate of participation for donors.
Old Business:
a. Webpage: The information is outdated and needs to be updated or deleted. The Community Events Calendar has been updated; just a reminder to all that this is available for posting announcements about BHCA events.
b. BHCA Christmas Party: The party for this year has been cancelled. A donor recognition party was shitted to the agenda for our next meeting.
New Business:
a. Sam distributed a journal that was sent to BHCA, "The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association". The journal contains an article detailing the history of building materials unique to Bellefonte. Sam and Romayne will see that copies are made of the article that can be distributed to interested members; a copy of the Chronicle will be kept in the Pennsylvania Room.
b. BHCA Victorian Christmas Raffle: Kitty distributed a list of items to be raffled. The drawing will be held on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. at the Arts & Crafts Show.
c. Fundraising letter: Sam is developing the annual letter and plans to complete it for mailing before Thanksgiving.
d. A memorial service for Rob Gannon will be held on Sunday, November 16 at 3:00 p.m. at State College Friends Meeting. Contributions dedicated to Rob can be made to BHCA, HBI, the Bellefonte Museum for Centre County, or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Next meeting:
'The next meeting of BHCA will be held on Thursday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the library (Pennsylvania Room).
Adjournment: At 8:45 Jim moved that we adjourn tonight's meeting. Sam seconded; motion carried.