Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Minutes of Past Meetings
Minutes, November 15, 1996
Present: Helen Bechdel, Melady Kehm (Vice-President), Rob Gannon, Gay & Jim Dunne, Peter Schneeman. Candv & Bob Dannaker, Bob Fenichel. Dave & Sarah Trost, Rod Bingaman (Arts Administrator), Dave Eggler (Treasurer), True Fisher, John Roberts, and Mark Van Horn (Secretary).
Locale: Helen Bechdel's home.
Meeting called to order at 8:10 PM: Melady began by presenting the following problems she sees facing BHCA.
1) Lack of Officership- Mark has volunteered to be secretary, but there is no president. Jim, seeming very curious, asked what exactly was involved in being president. Melady listed these items: run meetings, attend committee meetings, executive committee, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, etc. on occasion, and nag members to join committees.
There was a general agreement that the office of president will be on a two month 'rotation` (temporary). True offered to be president for the January and February meetings.
2) There is a need for new members to become involved in more than envelope stuffing operations.
3) New members are needed. Several ideas for attracting new members were explored in discussion, but no motions were made. Melady proposed that a 'New Member Committee' or an 'Outreach Committee' be formed. There was no official motion. Bob Dannaker, Dave Eggler. Jim and Rod all volunteered to be on a 'Membership Committee'.
Arts Administrator: Gay introduced the new Arts Administrator, Rod Bingaman. Rod has already attended a Chamber of Commerce Meeting.
December Meeting: Sarah needs to coordinate with Molly Schwartz for the actual date of the party and with the invitations. The possible dates are 12/13 or 12/20. Contact Sarah with names and addresses of members, possible new members, etc. for invitations by 12/1.
Victorian Christmas: True announced that as of todav there are 42 vendors total for the two sites. Mark and True will inspect the theater on 12/3 to see exactly what needs to be done in final preparation for the event. Tables will be put in on 12/10. volunteers were asked to help.
Film Forum: Gay said that an extension was granted for using the Film Forum Grant, and that two films are scheduled to play at Adam & Art on 12/5 and 12/12. The film subjects will be documentaries with filmmakers to talk about their films. The Dec. 12 evening will include a speaker who will give a 30 minute talk on documentaries. Publicity will be via the CDT and through direct mailings. Gay added that this will all fall 'pretty much' within the budget. Dave mentioned that the PCA likes to fund films.
Melady also thanked Dave for his helping Gay to find an Arts Administrator.
Treasurer's Report: Dave reported that there were few transactions for October and the finances are doing well, mainly because of the lack of an Arts Admin. The net transaction amount was (-)$210, and total assets are $17,982. $5,500 was invested in a Vanguard money market account. Dave added that tiles and books from last year are now half price. Candy moved to donate $50 to "The Crucible," the Bellefonte Highschool play. Sarah seconded. Jim moved and Gay seconded that $35 should be paid to The Bellefonte Intervalley Chamber of Commerce for the printing of the Community Calendar. Both motions passed.
Old House Fair: Sarah is leaving the committee. She added that Leeshaun is tired and needs help.
The Bush House did not work out as well as expected. So, a new location is needed. The Playhouse, Gamble Mill, Blfte Elem., and the County Courthouse were all mentioned as possible sites.
Final Words:
Jim thanked Melady for organizing the 'mini-retreat'.
Rod said that he can be reached at 861-7590. He then gave a brief biographical summary.
Melady introduced new attendees; John Roberts and Bob Fenichel. A new show is opening at the Gamble Mill tomorrow. The Trosts are not moving after all.
Adjournment was unanimous.
Treasurer's Report