Johnson Historical Society

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 12 November at 9AM Holcomb House Present: Dick Simays, Kelly Vandorn, Linda Jones, and Lois Frey. Regrets: Alice Whiting, Mary Jean Smith, Mike Dunham. Guests: Dean West, Linda Benezra, Tom Galinat (9:40 AM.) President Dick Simays called the meeting to order at 9:06 AM. There was one addition to the agenda: a holiday decorating request delivered by Linda Jones. Secretary’s Report: It was made, seconded and approved to accept the October 8, 2025 minutes as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn stated no new figures were available. Dick Simays reported he had installed a dead bolt lock on the front door and replaced a light bulb in the cellar installing a flat one for safety. He left the bill for materials in the office for Kelly. Kelly restated the maintenance list of priorities previously established: 1) insulate the East Room wall, 2) replace the roof, and 3) repair the spongy floor in the room behind the bathroom on the second floor, which is above the East and West Rooms. These are the three priorities for Selectboard consideration. Administrative Items: Holcomb House Hosting: Lois Frey will host on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 9 am to noon. Social media: Lois Frey reported that Facebook posts are getting additional information posted by AI (artificial Intelligence) or at least by an unknown person. Should this be a concern? Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facilities: See actions above in Treasurer’s Report. *Collections: Lois Frey stated she wanted to change the monthly accessioning activity from the first Monday of next month to December 8, 2025 from 9 am to noon, a request which was accepted. *Program Development: Linda Jones reported that the 20th Annual Jubilee is scheduled for December 6, 2025 from 3:45 pm to 6 pm. Mary Jean Smith will read for the annual story hour. Lois Frey reported that the visit to Copley Manor has been rescheduled to December 30, 2025 at 2:30 pm due to illness at the facility. Dick Simays and Lois Frey shared information about a 2.21.2026 shared-program request from Kristen MacDowell. The program will be River Memories: Exploring Settlement Patterns on Waterways in Vermont, a Vermont Humanities Speakers Bureau event delivered by Alan Berolzheimer. The library has received the grant for the next VT Reads book, The Light Pirate. Co-sponsoring this event will help to expand the reach of this program along with its free book. It was agreed to join the Library at Jenna’s House for our February program. Lois will respond to Kristen. Details will be finalized at the January JHS meeting. *Revenue Development: No activity. *Membership: Linda Jones reported that Alice Whiting is working on the annual membership letter and plans to have it ready for mailing by the first week of December. FY27 Budget Consideration: Following review of the proposed FY27 budget and discussion with Town Administrator Tom Galinat, the budget figures were accepted and the Trustees plan to continue the narrative with the Selectboard sharing the JHS list of priorities as proposed projects are completed. (Support material on file with Secretary.) Request to decorate at Holcomb House: Linda Jones presented a request from Laurie West McLean to decorate in and out at the Holcomb House with greens. All present accepted the offer. Linda asked for boughs of evergreens to be used. Linda will follow-up with Laurie. Road name consideration: Following discussion of the request from Justin Mason, Town Assessor, it was moved, seconded and approved to accept the recommendation for the road name, Tiffany’s Way (off 1676 Collins Hill Road) as well as Uncommon Lane (off vicinity of 1449 Route 15.) *Acquisitions: Laurie and Pat Persico donated a publication dated 1899, The Witman Amateur Minstrel Guide. Sylvia Sargeant donated two skirts and a handmade blouse previously worn by Yvonne Sargeant. Dean West donated a collection of materials related to the Holcomb House for reference. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 am. Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 10 December 2025 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.