Johnson Historical Society May

Johnson Historical Society Meeting 14 May 2025 at 9AM Holcomb House Present: Dick Simays, Alice Whiting, Kelly Vandorn, Linda Jones, Mary Jean Smith, Mike Dunham and Lois Frey. Guest: Tom Carney Dick Simays called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. No items were added to the agenda. Secretary’s Report: It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes from 4.9.2025 as printed. Treasurer’s Report: Kelly Vandorn shared the 5.13.2025 budget report. The balance is $35,862.12. It was noted that the JHS telephone displays to the caller with Kelly’s name. She explained that it was set up as a residential telephone based on cost since our needs were limited. The problem is that folks with caller ID do not know the call is coming from the Historical Society. Following discussion, Kelly volunteered to check with Fidium to see if the caller ID could be Historical Society rather than an individual. Mike Dunham wondered if the reserve fund could be invested in a CD to generate more income. It is something the Selectboard is discussing for the town’s reserve funds. Following discussion is was decided that Linda Jones (President of JHS, Inc.) and Kelly Vandorn (JHS Treasurer) will look into the ramifications of moving part of the JHS reserve fund to JHS Inc. and report at the next meeting. Election of Officers: This being the 2025 Annual Meeting, it was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the slate of officers recommended at the April 9, 2025 meeting: President-Dick Simays, Vice President-Mary Jean Smith, Recording Secretary-Lois Frey, Treasurer-Kelly Vandorn, and Membership Secretary-Alice Whiting. Administrative Items: *Holcomb House hosting schedule 2025: May 18th Program Committee for Sunday Talk 1- 3:30 PM, May 25th, Lois Frey 1 to 4 pm, June 13th, Mike Dunham 9 am to noon, June 22nd Dick Simays, July 11th Mike Dunham 9 AM-noon, July 27th Linda Jones 1-3:30 pm. The Holcomb House may be opened by appointment at any time. *Social media: Linda Jones reported a new Facebook page has been posted. *Newsletter: Linda Jones reported that Dedra Dolan has volunteered to assist with the newsletter layout. The next newsletter will be distributed in the Fall. Standing Committee Reports: *Buildings, Grounds, and Facility Development: Dick Simays reported the Preservation Trust report has not been received to date. Mary Jean Smith reported she is working with Gilles Lehouillier to do the hall railing project. Materials may be ordered at Poulin Lumber. It was noted that the purchaser needs to send a copy of any invoice to the JHS Treasurer as well as Rosemary Audibert. Mary Jean will check with Rosemary for a Purchase Order for Gilles. Supplies for the front garden may be handled the same way. Rick Emery will do the entry floor project. Mary Jean and Dick compared notes on the status of the Fire Marshalls task list. The work is progressing. Dick Simays requested a 4-foot step ladder for better safety when doing the interior fix-it work. Following discussion, it was moved, seconded and approved to purchase a 4 foot fiberglass step ladder (available at Farm & Garden) for $99.95. The above discussion generated the question, Can the JHS have a town credit card? Kelly Vandorn will check with Rosemary Audibert. It was noted that the alarm system continues to report a problem in the parlor, which raised a question about who maintains the alarm system? Is it Local Electric? Mike Dunham will follow-up in the Town Office to again try to coordinated with the town. It was noted that road construction is complete so it is now time to scrub and pressure wash the building. Mike Dunham will discuss the project with the Selectboard. During the Accession Committee’s work session, several ideas emerged for reorganizing some of the display space: 1) designate a display area for “something new”, 2) create a reading area perhaps by the bay window in the parlor, 3) move the large glass display case to the west wall in the parlor, 4) open up the porch, 5) turn the Beard store counter around to utilize the drawers to expand display space. More to follow. *Collections & Program Development: Linda Jones reported that after the May 18th program, there will be no programs until September, October, November with the Jubilee in December 2025. Mike Dunham suggested offering a program featuring covered bridges in Lamoille County to include an exhibition of any paintings or photographs of the bridges that folks may have and are willing to share. Alice Whiting said the Program Committee could look into it. *Revenue Development: Following discussion of fundraising projects, the idea for a 50/50 raffle was not enthusiastically received; however, when Mike Dunham offered to request a painting from a local artist for a raffle all agreed it was a good idea. *Membership: Alice Whiting reported that of the 12 previous members who had not renewed, nine responded favorably to her reminder. Alice distributed a list of JHS members for all to peruse looking for ideas for new members on the Board of Trustees. There are two openings. Tuesday Night Live: Tom Carney reported that he and Dean West would pick-up the JHS trailer to be ready for Tuesday Night Live. His plan is to set-up early on July 15, 2025. Following discussion, it was decided that Lois Frey would request the McKenzie hotdog donation for Tuesday Night Live, Tom’s Tractor parade and one other activity to be determined. Other: Linda Jones introduced a discussion about membership on Johnson Historical Society Inc. Tom Carney said he would be interested in being recommended to join that committee. Acquisitions: Linda Jones delivered a large piece of Johnson talc and two jasper balls donated by Bill Perkins as well as a talc mill CD, two stories of his father’s (Roger Perkins) army life and three pictures. Susan Conger donated a hand-sewn quilt made by Georgia Balch. Linda Jones received a Bible owned by Mabel Davis from Andrea Adams McKnight, who brought it to the Holcomb House. Julie Davis donated two Georgia Balch paintings (Fall Landscape & Dog’s Head) and loaned the JHS one painting (Checkerberry.) Lois Frey will send the appropriate donation form. In response to an email request from Gizelle Eldred to donate some Korean War replicas and books plus other items, the Trustees requested a clarification based on the JHS policy for accepting donations, which is that the items must have a direct connection to Johnson due to the space limitations at the Holcomb House. Lois Frey will follow-up. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Minutes recorded by Lois Frey, Recording Secretary. Next Meeting: Wednesday, 11 June 2025 at 9 AM at the Holcomb House.