Life events over the past year included the marriage of Ben Wallace to Amy Chadbourne. New additions to families included Abby Dodge in October 2002 to Cathy (Wright) and Shane Dodge; Jonah Martin in February 2003 to Wendy (Wright) and Scott Martin; and Grace Elizabeth Wallace August 2003 to Ben and Amy Wallace. Grace Elizabeth Wallace was the youngest in attendance at 11 days old.

The secretary’s report was read. Soozy (Carter) Bowden made a motion to accept the secretary’s report if there were no corrections to be made. Cindy (Hunter) Crawford seconded the motion. The motion carried. The treasurer’s report was read. Soozy (Carter) Bowden made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Bruce Hanson seconded it. The motion carried.

Under old business, Bob Crawford gave a report on the progress of painting the schoolhouse. The front gable end was the worst and the side towards the road was next. He along with his parents, Barbara (Wilbur) and Charles Crawford had spent the previous two days preparing and sanding the schoolhouse. On the back of the schoolhouse, he felt that it could be spot sanded and painted. The street side was finished before dinner. The front had just gotten primer. On Saturday, David Crawford, Jeff Crawford, Eben Crawford, Matthew Crawford, Don Hanson, Jo-Anne (Finkle) Crawford, Katia Alves, Tiffany Craig, and Billy Giese helped paint. Dana Wilbur reported that he believed that last time it was painted with only primer. The hole in the bottom of the shutter on the upstairs front window was repaired. Bob requested help after the meeting to get things finished up. Linda Tisdale complimented the crew on a job well done and suggested that since Bob had spent a great deal of his time here working on this and not at paying jobs at home, that the association pay him $200 for labor. She then made it a motion. The group thanked Linda Tisdale for mowing the lawn areas prior to our arrival. Joanne (Finkle) Crawford seconded the motion. Beatrice (Wilbur) Hanson asked if there were any costs associated with the use of a generator loaned to us by Bob Crawford of Dexter. It was felt that were not any costs to be paid. Charles Crawford suggested that a note of thanks be sent from the association to him. It was suggested by Soozy (Carter) Bowden and Bruce Hanson that we had appropriated $500 to paint the schoolhouse last year and that we pay that to Bob Crawford. He could use that to cover expenses and keep the rest for labor costs. The group defeated the original motion for $200. Soozy (Carter) Bowden then made a new motion to pay Bob Crawford $500 to cover expenses and labor. Bruce Hanson seconded it. The motion carried. Tiffany Craig reported that Jennifer Craig would like ideas and pictures for designs for the T-shirts and/or hats. She would also like suggestions for colors. Members were asked to forward this information to the secretary. The secretary will get the members email addresses to Tiffany and Jennifer Craig. She also reported that her mother, Judy (Wilbur) Craig, would like to receive pictures and any other information we would like on the website. She would gladly accept help with maintaining it also. Members email addresses will be forwarded to her also. Don Hanson reported the hasp has been installed in the outhouse. Bruce Hanson mentioned that we had considered looking into grants to help with funding projects last year. Jeanne (Carter) Wright noted that we are being cautious about having to meet other group’s guidelines and stipulations. It was a good idea and the group thanked Judy (Wilbur) Craig for mentioning it last year, but it was felt that we weren’t interested at this time.

Under new business, Beatrice (Wilbur) Hanson noted that there needs to be better communication about projects and the picnic in general. Barbara (Wilbur) Crawford suggested re-instituting the notice. She suggested that it could be emailed to all. It would include a reminder of the date, the current officers and committees, and any work projects. Don Hanson suggested that there be a follow-up email to all after the picnic each year and then a reminder around August 1st. The group agreed that this might be helpful. It will be tried. The nominating committee gave their report for the proposed slate of officers for a term of two years. They are: President – Jeanne (Carter) Wright, Vice President – Jeff Crawford, Co Secretary-Treasurer – Don and Trudy (Monk) Hanson, Dinner Committee Chair – Eileen Crawford (she to email and recruit others for the committee and let the secretary know), Vital Statistics – Soozy (Carter) Bowden and Adam Bowden, Executive Committee – Bob Crawford, Linda Tisdale, Dana Wilbur. Bruce Hanson moved, seconded by Beatrice (Wilbur) Hanson and Barbara (Wilbur) Crawford, to accept the nominations as presented. The motion carried.

At this point Vice President Jeff Crawford took over the meeting, as the President had to pick up her husband at the airport. The poem “Old Home Sonata”, which was written especially for the group by Bruce Hanson, was read by him. The group broke into applause in appreciation for a wonderful job writing and reading the poem. The “Looking Through Time in the Old Home Association” summary was read by secretary Trudy (Monk) Hanson. Memories and family names from picnics 25, 50, and 75 years ago were recounted from past minutes, treasurer’s reports, and guest books. Dana Wilbur brought and shared with the group the genealogy book he had received for his 80th birthday in June from Jeanne (Carter) and Morris Wright.

Bruce Hanson moved and Don Hanson seconded that the meeting adjourn. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 2:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Trudy (Monk) and Don Hanson
Co-secretary/treasurer