NEWTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Minutes of April 13, 2009
Merrimac Savings Bank
Members present: Bill Landry Marilyn Landry
Mary Marshall Mary Riordan
Ron Saunders Cheryl Saunders
Myrtle Rogers Forest Reynolds
John Meserve Kathy Meserve
Irene Nally Barbara DiBartolomeo
Pat Wonson Sally Woodman
Diane Morin
Ann Miles
Bill Landry called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Guest Speaker – Ann Miles, Newton's “Plan NH” Application
Ann Miles explained the Planning Board's “Plan NH” application. She left a draft map with Bill Landry.
Secretary’s Report – Mary Riordan
Marilyn Landry made a motion to accept the minutes of December 8, 2008. Cheryl Saunders seconded the motion. Mary Riordan noted the date of the November meeting was not November 30th. It should be November 10th. The motion to accept the minutes as amended passed on a unanimous vote.
Treasurer’s Report – Bill Landry
John Meserve made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Irene Nally seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Old Business:
2009 Dues are Due – Bill Landry reminded the membership that 2009 dues are due.
Schoolhouse Repairs – Floor, Electrical – Bill Landry reported the top floor layer is 98% removed. It needs to be brought to the dump. He will get a work group together some weekend to do this. Ron Saunders will bring the dump truck. Andy Morse at the Transfer Station is aware this is coming. Once the floor is removed Bill Landry will contact Rob Hayes on what the next step is.
Bill Landry spoke to the Building Inspectors about redoing the wiring in the Schoolhouse. They indicated we need to get a Master Electrician to pull the permit. Jim Giannatsis offered to pull the permit and purchase the materials at cost. Ron Saunders will work with him on the materials list.
Marshall House Fire Ext. & First Aid Kit – Bill Landry reported, that next month the Town will put a fire extinguisher on each floor of the Marshall House. They will also put a First Aid Kit in the house.
New Business:
Newton Historical Home Photo Project – Pat Wonson – Twenty years ago, she had put together a photo book of 66 houses built before the Civil War. She is working on updating the book. She'd like to get new pictures of the houses. She sent a letter to the current owner of the original pictures asking if they object to the new pictures being in the updated book. Pat handed out maps of Newton from 1857. Bill Landry will make labels for the new book. Mary Marshall made a motion to reimburse Pat for her expenses for this project. Sally Woodman seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
2009 NH State Property Tax Exemption & Financial Statement- Bill Landry reported it has been filed with the State.
Form 990-N filing for 2009 Tax-Exempt Organization Status – Bill Landry reported it has been filed with the State.
Annual Audit Completed – Bill Landry reported the annual audit has been completed by Kathy Meserve. There were no discrepancies found.
Spring Fund Raiser – Greek Lamb Roast – Bill Landry reported he spoke to Jim Giannatsis about the Lamb Roast. Jim offered to have it at his house. They have room for 60 – 80 people. Jim offered to get and cook the food. We would supply the tables, chairs, plates, cups etc. We would have to charge $25 per person. There was discussion on whether to do this as a fund raiser or a social event. The Roast would be held on Saturday June 13th. Bill Landry will form a committee to look into this event.
Correspondence:
NH Preservation Alliance (Stage Curtains) – Bill Landry received another notification from them. Cheryl Saunders noted there are two in the Town Hall. Myrtle Rogers noted the curtain in the Grange is similar to the one in the Town Hall. Myrtle indicated the Grange is willing to sell it. Polly Morse of the Grange also mentioned this to Ron Saunders. Polly indicated the sale would have to be voted on by several Granges. John Meserve suggested we let the Grange know we are interested in it. Ron Saunders will follow up with Polly to let her know we are interested.
Erie Landmark Company – Bill Landry received informational brochure from this company. They make signs for buildings.
Other:
Placing flags on Veteran's graves – Mary Marshall made a motion to have the Historical Society assume responsibility to place flags on Veteran's graves excluding Willow Grove Cemetery. Marilyn Landry seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Marshall House – Mary Marshall reported she could not get into the barn at the Marshall House because a tree has come down in front of the door. She also noted that the Cobbler Shop has a hole in the roof which has led to mold on the ceiling. Irene Nally noted there is a broken window in the kitchen. Cheryl Saunders will inform the town of these issues.
Myrtle Rogers suggested that if we want Rolf Hartwell (Tarten skirts) to speak to our group we should do it soon because his house up for sale.
Next meeting is Monday, May 11, 2009.
Cheryl Saunders made a motion to adjourn. Diane Morin seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Bill Landry adjourned the meeting at 8:18PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Riordan, Secretary
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