Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Minutes of Past Meetings

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Date: February 13, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Residence of True Fisher

In Attendance: Mark Houser (Arts Administrator), Mark Vanhorn, True Fisher, Sharon McCarthy, Colina Seeley, Dave Eggler (Treasurer), JoAnn Knupp (Vice-president), Mary Vollero

Financial Report
by Dave Eggler (see attached report).  In a departure from usual practice, he covered the report line-by-line.  A question was raised about money received in a bowl at Library Concerts and what Diane Gold Toulson does with it; Dave indicated that he didn't know.  The report was accepted.

Arts Administrator Report
Mark Houser reported that, regrettably, the fundraising letter that he prepared in early December was not sent out in December but, rather, in early February.  General opinion was that the letter should go out in September or October and, rather than the boiler-plate letter sent out, should project BHCA as innovative and exciting, and that a letter with a theme would be a good idea.  Mark Vanhorn recalled that we did a Valentine-themed fundraiser one year.  True indicated that the letter might not have to go out in September or October, in order to catch people at tax time.  She likes to give later in the year.

Mark reported that bulk mailing requirements have changed.  Clients will be notified of changes and the paperwork required.  Discussion arose concerning what cards are returned to us, so we can periodically purge our mailing list.  Dave suggested that we print Return Service Requested on a mailing once a year.  JoAnn moved that we imprint Current Resident and RSR once a year, Sharon seconded, and the motion was approved.

Colina asked if we have a book at BHCA events for people to sign so that we know who is attending, and so that we can keep track of guests with their email addresses.  Sharon indicated that there is a guest book at Gallery openings, but that its positioning might not catch everyone.

Victorian Christmas Arts and Crafts Show
Mark Houser reported that sales were slower than in previous years, probably due to the current recession.  A one-day event, rather than the past two-day event, went over well with vendors, however, and with those attendees who talked to vendors.

Discussion then moved to venues for the show.  The American Philatelic Society (Match Factory), under new administration, raised the rent considerably.  Mark suggested that we look for another venue should the rent increase further.  JoAnn said she would call Neil Herlocher, who owns the former Heilig-Meyers Building on S. Allegheny St., to see if he would allow us to use it.  Mark Vanhorn will check on use of the Elementary School on N. Allegheny St., and on the Court House Annex (third floor).  Sharon suggested looking at empty storefronts; True pointed out that we used to use empty storefronts-de-jour but that we had greater numbers of volunteers then who are needed to get the storefronts ready and to be on hand during the event.

Gallery at the Gamble Mill
Sharon reported that the year started off with a very good show called In the Abstract; the artists were somewhat difficult to deal with at the hanging.  Colina observed that, nevertheless, it was a very good show, and the reception was very pleasant.  The Committee should be told that they did a great job.  The next show is Art at the Bellefonte Schools, followed by a Ruth Kempner retrospective, and, running from September to January, another show of figurative art.  Jim and Sharon will be unofficially co-chairing the Committee.  They would like to get some fresh faces on the Committee, as well as people to help, specifically people who know artists, and who know how to put together a show.  Such people would include "Guest Curators."  Mary Vollero said that she would be interested in Guest Curatorship, but that we would feel better about curatorship of shows with fewer artists than has been practice in the recent past.  True suggested having artists help with the curatorship committees, and Colina mentioned that the work they do is a way of contributing.  It was reported that Ziggy Coyle has said that she would like to participate and would like to be kept in mind.

Sharon suggested that a board be mounted at events that BHCA puts on, including the Gallery receptions, that lists our events.

Mark Vanhorn suggested that we do educational workshops in conjunction with Gallery shows.

Summer Sounds
JoAnn reported that the next Committee meeting is on February 19.  She discussed some new ideas the Committee is pursuing, including karaoke and the group Callanish.  There will be nine events.  She and Dave suggested raising the standard artists fee to $250 per group.  Mark Vanhorn moved that this fee be adopted, Mary Vollero seconded, and the motion passed.

Other New and Old Business
JoAnn revisited her previous proposal of a minstrel show, perhaps for two weekends, and suggested that BHCA sponsor such a show.  Colina observed that we need to make sure that BHCA breaks even.  True remembered that we have a fund for live performance, donated by the now-disbanded PPA group.  JoAnn asked if she could call a BHCA-sponsored meeting to see who may be interested.  Approval was indicated.

Sharon moved that the meeting be adjourned, Dave seconded, and the motion passed.

BHCA Financial Report
February 12, 2009

   ASSETS 2/12/2009                                        

   Checking                                 4,784             General BHCA              19,605
   Savings                                       634             Gannon Fund                   1,731          
   MM Fund                              15,011            Talleyrand Park                5,085  
   Post Office Fund                         104            Perform Arts Fund            2,112
   CD’s                                       8,000             TOTAL                          28,533
   TOTAL                                 28,533            

Note: Victorian Christmas profit was $3,190.  Not yet split with Victorian Christmas, Inc.

                    Submitted: David H. Eggler, Treasurer