NEWTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Minutes of August 10, 2009
Merrimac Savings Bank
Members present:Ron Saunders Cheryl Saunders
Mary Marshall Mary Riordan
John Meserve Kathy Meserve
Forest Reynolds Karen O’Malley
Barbara DiBartolomeo
Guests: Ann Miles, Kathy Hoffman
In Bill Landry’s absence, Kathy Meserve called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Guest Speaker: Ann Miles Planning Board member “Plan NH” update.
Ann passed out a survey the Planning Board put together to find out how the citizens feel. She left some with Kathy. She’d like to have them returned to the Planning Board office at Town Hall. They’d like to have them before the Plan NH planners come on Friday Sept. 25th and Saturday Sept. 26th. The Planners will start at Town Hall, and then take a bus tour of the Town. She asked that if people had a specific structure they’d like to be seen by the Planners, to let her know and provide her with a description of the structure. There will be a barbeque at the Carriage Barn Friday night where the Planners can meet with townspeople. There will be tables for groups or organizations to display in the Carriage Barn. They are
looking for an organization or group to sponsor the dinner Friday night. At the end of Saturday the Planners will report back to the town what they’ve heard. The final presentation from the Planners will be in six months. Kathy Meserve asked whom should we contact if we were interested in doing a table. Ann replied to contact Lisa in the Planning Board Office. They have postcards/raffle ticket with the agenda for the visit. John Meserve offered to display a poster at the bank.
Secretary’s Report – Mary Riordan
Kathy Meserve made a motion to accept the minutes of July 13,2009. Karen O’Malley seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Treasurer’s Report – Bill Landry
John Meserve made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Cheryl Saunders seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Old Business:
Schoolhouse Repairs—Ron Saunders reported Rob Hayes is ordering new framing material this week. They will install the rough frame, and then do the wiring work. Kathy Meserve asked if he knows what he needs for the electrical work. He answered yes he does. Kathy asked if the wood would be outside and did we need to be concerned about weather. Ron answered it would be outside and it was not an issue.
Advertising State Curtain at Grange Hall – Ron Saunders reported Jim Doggett, Master of the Grange, indicated he is willing to give the curtain to us on a permanent loan. Jim did not want to sell it to the Society because we are not a town committee and he is concerned that the Society could sell it in the future. Jim expressed concern that we protect it when hanging it, especially the ‘flaps’ in the middle of the curtain. Ron wants to check the dimensions of the curtain to make sure it will fit on the wall in the Schoolhouse. Jim indicated they would store the curtain until we are ready to hang it. There was discussion about the Grange building. Mary Marshall reminded the members that during a visit to the Exeter Historical Society they had cautioned us about taking
things on loan due to people’s memory changing and potential of future disagreement on who owns the item. Ron suggested we take it in case the Grange changes officers and want to keep it. Karen O’Malley asked if there was a document filled out for permanent loan items. Cheryl Saunders said we have a Donation form for all donations.
Roof of Cobbler Shed at Marshall House – Bill Landry gave Kathy Meserve information on the repair of the 12/08 ice storm damage. The entire roof has been re-shingled and interior sheet rock ceiling replaced. In the ceiling, they found 2 old window sashes, which have been put in the barn.
New Business:
3rd Annual Wine & Cheese Social – Kathy Meserve reported the preliminary date for the event is Saturday October 24, 2009. She asked members if that date was good and to let her know if they hear of anything else going on in town that day. Tickets will be available at the same locations. The cost of the tickets will remain at $15 each, 2 for $25. Bill Landry will put together a slide show of last year’s event. Kathy asked the members to let her know if they think of local business that may want to donate items for the raffle. Ann Miles offered a carriage or sleigh ride. Kathy suggested we get small glasses for people who wanted to test several wines. She asked for suggestion on a vineyard to get the wine. Karen
O’Malley asked if Zorbino had restricted what we could get. Kathy explained that October is between seasons; they were at the end of their last year wine and had not finished these years yet. Mary Marshall suggested we all get a favorite bottle of wine and donate it to the event.
Kathy said we had 14 bottle of wine last year. Mary Marshall asked if we should get the wine now. Kathy suggested we do not have more than 3 bottles of a wine.
Correspondence:
None
Other:
Dehumidifier turned on at the Primary Schoolhouse – Bill Landry sent a report that the documents have been moved to the rear room. The door is closed and the dehumidifier has been turn on.
Next meeting is Monday September 14, 2009 at the Merrimac Savings Bank.
Cheryl Saunders made a motion to adjourn. Kathy Meserve seconded the motion. The motion passed on a unanimous vote. Kathy Meserve adjourned the meeting at 7:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Riordan, Secretary
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