MAY 2007 MEETING MINUTES
Since this was the weekend of our special Dick Wilson Memorial Covered Bridge Safari a short meeting was held in the lobby of “Elizabeth House” in Fleishmanns, N.Y. We had forty four members in attendance. We were told that a thank you card had been received for our donation from the fund raisers for the preservation of the Pier Covered Railroad Bridge. It was suggested that it would be nice for the NYSCBS to make a strong presence at the dedication of the three Washington County covered bridges on Saturday August 4th. They include the Eagleville CB, Rexleigh CB & Buskirk CB. We can set up a booth in the Salem court house for a $25.00 fee. If they end up being made, we will have available in our society store, gold plated ornaments of the Hyde Hall CB. Donna Freeland reminded us of the positions that need filling. Dick Wilson’s Trustee position can be appointed to someone by the president until the elections for March 2008. The other positions needing consideration are Historian, Newsletter editor, and Storekeeper. These will also be voted on in March. Donna Freeland asked that within a week we can give her some of our ideas that we can come up with that will help to increase our membership and promote our society. Some ideas that came up at our meeting were: @ Hank Messing- Gift memberships at a discounted price, @ Joyce Soroka & Marty Hornung- Have a drawing for the giver of the gift for a free years membership or some other sort of prize. Also a suggestion for a special card to be designed for the membership gift was made. Thoughts turned to a memorial for Dick Wilson. Betty Peck had suggested a Covered Bridge be etched on his headstone. Donna Freeland suggested a tree be planted at the Blenheim CB with a polished marble memorial plaque. Anyone with ideas can let us know. Plans would be presented to Jeanette Wilson for her approval. Jeanette informed us that the Edinburgh Historic Society put up a memorial for Dick in the Edinburgh CB, also in the next issue of Catskill Life there will be an article about Dick. The April issue also had an article. Dick Bailey said that a Rome Newspaper wants to do a story about Dick Wilson. Joyce Soroka informed us about the Buck’s County CB Festival and also reported that the Pine Valley CB had been damaged by a truck .Henry Messing turned in his treasurer’s report. Checking account balance $9,899.10, Savings account $24,710.76, Richard Wilson Memorial Fund $1,715.08, Certificates of deposit $21,776.53. Membership: Honorary 9, Paid 318, Total 327. Dick and Marcia Bailey treated us to a fantastic slideshow presentation of their river cruise in Russia. The buildings were beautiful and the culture information they gave along with the presentation was wonderful. We all enjoyed it immensely. Happy Bridging, Linda Schott