Promptly at 7:00 p. m., President Deborah Stuart called the meeting to order with a quorum present: Charles Beason, Tracy Drane, Jana Garner, Donna Hervey, L. C. Randolph, Deborah Stuart, Donald Themer, Rick Townsend, Margaret Tull, George Venner, Lawrence Higgins, Kendall Nobles (Museum Manager); two absent: Fran Jones, Andy Parker.
The Invocation was given by Charles Beason, and this was followed by the Minutes of the March Board Meeting, presented by Secretary Jana Garner. Acceptance of the minutes was unanimous, and the Treasurer’s Report was presented next by Treasurer Donna Hervey. The “C. D.” has been renewed; a new account for the Endowment Fund was set up; all accounts balanced! Acceptance of this report was also unanimous.
The President’s Report was moved to become parts of the old and new business reports!
Kendall Nobles next gave the details of her Manager’s Report, which opened with the good news that 350 visitors had come to The Spellman Museum of Forney History during March, and Gift Shop sales had totaled $229.00. March was busy with Spring Break visitors and also many folks interested in the Forney High School Art Show, which ended after the first week of April. The North Forney High School Art Show opened April 15.
The Museum is having slight electrical problems periodically, which only occur when the electricians are not available! “Study” is ongoing!
The “Reeves Marker Project” has been approved and will be located on property owned by Sandy Blair (has given her approval), but the Texas Historical Commission is requesting that extra information be submitted before more actions are taken.
George Venner has checked and found out that paperwork is being “set up” so that the “Coreen Spellman Art Work” can be retrieved from storage and prepared for the “future.”
He has also been “keeping watch” on the “Trust” and assures that “even though the market is ‘down’ a little, the Trust is stable and will pay the usual ‘dividend’ on the due date!”
Announcement: Closing Ceremony for the NFHS Art Show is slated for a reception on Thursday, May 5.
City of Forney/Forney Arts Council Wine and Art Event is set for Saturday, May 7, 12:00-5:00 p. m., on Main Street between Bois d’Arc and Elm Streets. We will probably need extra volunteers at the Museum, even though we are not directly involved but will have much more “business” with all the attendees walking around the city.
Voted to “table” discussion of the “Arcadia Publishing Photo Book” until a later date when there is more time to do a good job of procuring photos and cut-lines—nothing to be begun before 2023 or after!
Informational Notice Duane Penny supplied an article and other information that said the Centennial Celebration in 1974 was held in October to coincide with “Homecoming” festivities when crowds would “probably be much larger!”
Old Business: An update on the “founding date” of Forney and an informational meeting with the Mayor concerning a possible “150 Celebration” and posting of the establishment date of Forney was held with Kendall Nobles and Don Themer providing various dates of importance in the “rise of Forney,” as a springboard for possible later actions.
Rick Townsend provided information and various photos of the “Trinity River Bridge” that is “available.” Discussion ensued concerning its condition, access, and various future uses—as well as possible funding for “moving of the structure.” No action was taken at this time.
The check from the Summerlee Foundation for the Prairie View Cemetery Grant has arrived, and more work at the Cemetery is planned for the near future, as detailed by Charles Beason, L. C. Randolph, and Kendall Nobles. Extensive mowing and more clearing is next on the agenda.
Discussed the possibility of adding another “Board Member,” since “full” membership has not been reached.
Discussed the possibility of having one or more Board Members attend the Forney Comprehensive Planning Meetings and possibly provide input as might be helpful.
A “Collections Meeting” was “called” for immediately after the adjournment of the meeting to view and decide the status of various “offerings of historical donations.”
Meeting was adjourned with a unanimous vote!
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