Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
Minutes of Past Meetings
Minutes, June 12, 1998
The home of Helen Bechdel
Present: Helen Bechdel, Bob Fenichel, Dave Eggler (Treasurer), Colina Jordan, Linda Hamilton, Lisa Horlein (Arts Administrator), Rob Gannon, Melady Kehm, John Roberts, Gay Dunne, Jim Dunne and Romayne Naylor (President).
Call to Order: President Romayne Naylor called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
Committee Reports:
Secretary: In the absence of Secretary Mark Van Horn, there were no minutes of the previous meeting. Romayne took notes and will submit minutes of this meeting.
Treasurer: Treasurer Dave Eggler passed copies of the new budget, which was based on the numbers from past budgets. This budget assumes $2,700 will be raised by the fall fund raiser and that the Victorian Christmas Arts and Crafts Show will bring in a "good amount" of money. Bob Fenichel made, Gay Dunne seconded, and a motion to approve the budget as presented; passed.
Melady Kehm reported that she did a brass plaque for the Sherrie and Richard Button home. It took nearly nine months because the man who used to do it is in ill health and will no longer do the plaques. Kip Lillidahl at Champion Trophy can do them, but a source for the plaques must be found.
Dave reported the sales tax exemption paperwork has been submitted and, after much research, the mailing list has been thinned to 308 people.
Arts Administrator: Lisa Horlein has accepted the position of Arts Administrator. She and Dave have reviewed the computer "stuff." Dave has designed new stationery.
Gamble Mill Gallery: Dave said cards were mailed June 10 for the June 23 opening of abstract oil paintings at BHCA Gallery at The Gamble Mill.
Old House Fair: Romayne had no report.
Summer Sounds: Melady reported the series will begin June 28 with a performance by Tim & Elise. The Bellefonte Community Band has canceled its engagement because they don't have enough trumpet players to perform at this time.
Film Forum: Only 12 people showed up for the Waring film. Lisa said she wants to try to make these cultural events more "friendly" to see if more people can be encouraged to come. She noted this event was poorly publicized, there was no mailing and The Centre Daily Times got the story wrong. The grant is for four films and only two were scheduled. The second will be a Mills Brothers film with Dan Clemson on June 18 at Adam & Art. Lisa will be following up on the names given to her and the remaining films will be presented in the fall. She asked for ideas. Colina Jordan suggested a film at Talleyrand Park a few days before school starts. Lisa will send press releases to some of the social organizations. Colina asked for special invitations to be sent to residents of The Brockerhoff.
Library Concerts: Jim Dunne had no report.
Victorian Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: There was no report.
Garden Club: There was no report.
Local Government Grants: Gay had 13 application requests, but only two were completed and submitted. She also noted that, based on the lack of enthusiasm after last meeting's discussion with Phil Walz of Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, it seems any celebration we sponsor will have to be in Bellefonte's style, not in CPFA style. Walz asked about Images 99 being at Adam & Art during CPFA, but there would need to be more events, such as a Celebration of the Arts, not an art sale, to draw participants. There could be joint publicity for such an event.
Building Lighting: Jim has been researching architectural exterior lighting on the Internet. Rob Gannon said Historic Bellefonte Inc. is interested in participating in a lighting project, as is Victorian Christmas. Gay said funding must come from outside BHCA.
Old Business: Mystery Night: Romayne asked if anyone is willing to organize such an event. She is willing to write and direct the play portion, but someone else must be willing to do the rest, i.e. logistical arrangements, publicity, ticket sales and soliciting prizes for successful sleuths. If nobody will volunteer, the idea should be dropped.
Lumber Heritage Region: Romayne reported she is now a member of the Core Steering Committee for this project. In anticipation of Department of Conservation of Natural Resources approval of the funding applications, a request for proposal for the services of a planning consultant to prepare a management action plan study is being written. The Region includes all or part of Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties. The goal is to use the role of the lumber industry in the past, present and future to develop ways to jointly promote tourist attractions and events throughout this 14,200 square mile area.
Other: There was a reminder that The Mills Brothers, A Bellefonte Family Heritage will be at the Bellefonte Museum through September 15. Romayne reported that Brian DiSalvatore's biography of John Montgomery Ward, which she helped research in 1996, is due out in February 1999. It is being published by Pantheon, the non-fiction impress of Random House and is tentatively titled "A Clever Baseballist." There will be a significant publicity campaign and writer's tour.
New Business: Gay reported YMCA has developed national arts and cultural programs. The Bellefonte Family YMCA must send a volunteer to West Chester for a couple of days of training. YMCA Director Kent Addis requested a Local Government Grant to do so, but can't use those funds for this purpose. However, BHCA can become a fiscal sponsor for a technical assistance grant. Melady made, Jim seconded and a motion to do so passed. Gay has discussed funding of a cultural plan with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts representatives. Johnstown is in the early stages of developing such a plan at this time. Gay wants to engage in a dialog about it. Colina said if a consultant is to be hired to develop a cultural plan, it must be someone who knows the community. Melady said there must be a good facilitator who is knowledgeable about the arts.
Jim passed cards for a Jean Forsberg show.
Next Meeting and Adjournment: Linda Hamilton volunteered to host the next meeting September 18. Gay made, Bob seconded and a motion to adjourn passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Romayne B. Naylor
President & Substitute Secretary