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November 18, 2008
Annual Dues are being collected at this time.
Categories of membership are:
Pioneer $10; Pathfinder $30, Settler $50, Long Hunter $100, Warriors Path Council $200, and Wilderness Trail Society $500
Please send checks made to the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association to the DBWTA c/o Treasurer Joe Fuller at PO Box 0757, Gate City, VA 24251
Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association
November 18, 2008
Cove Ridge Center
Minutes
Present: Sally Kelly, Joy Nihil, Mary Erwin, Jean Brown, Margaret Crouch, Kurt Brockmann, Jim Stallard, Charlotte S McConnell, Bobby D McConnell, Barney Penley, Judy L Guinn, Jimmy Guinn, Art Batten VASSAR President, Lisa McConnell, Chris Edwards, Madison Edwards, Matthew Edwards, David Oaks, Billy Heck, Wesley Chavis, Jim Kelly, Wanda McConnell, Jim Addington, John Stafford, Bill Smith, Bob McConnell, Craig Seaver, Megan Krager
President Bob McConnell called the meeting to order at 6:25. He thanked the staff of Cove Ridge Center for a fine meal. Guests were introduced, including Art Batten, President of the VASSAR and members of the Over Mountain Men Chapter of the SAR.
The approval of the minutes of the September meeting were called for by Wanda McConnell, the motion was seconded by Jim Addington, and they were approved.
President McConnell presented the treasurer’s report in the absence of Joe Fuller. During the period September 16 - November 15, 2008, there were receipts of $253.96; and expenses in the amount of $598.26. The checking account beginning balance was $3,461.26; and the ending balance was $3,116.96. The detailed report, including the Interpretative Center account, share account, and Gift Shop account are available in the minute book.
Over Mountain Men Chapter, SAR, President Bobby McConnell spoke in praise of the work that has been done in the preservation of history by the DBWTA. They recently submitted the organization’s name for the annual Commonwealth Award from the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution; and it won. VASSAR President Art Batten took the floor and commended our Association’s work and presented the award to President Bob McConnell for the DBWTA.
Over Mountain Men Chapter member Jim Guinn presented to Bob McConnell a VASSAR Good Citizenship award. Two other recipients in the state this year are a philanthropist and a congresswoman. Bob McConnell thanked the VASSAR, the DBWTA, and all their friends and families who have participated in earning the awards for Bob and for the Association.
Committee Reports:
Marketing: David Oaks presented a newly created Sullivan County tourism brochure, Pioneer Pathways. It represents the county’s tourism efforts to cooperate with Virginia’s Wilderness Road migration route driving tour into Kentucky. This publication will enhance tourism efforts throughout the region; and help correct the VTC’s route for the Wilderness Road as it passes from Bristol to Moccasin Gap. President McConnell mentioned that he had recently been contacted by folks in NC who wish to identify the route from Mocksville, NC to Sycamore Shoals.
Finance: Margaret Crouch reported that the DBWTA will receive a final $4000 from ARC when the final report is in to them. The Tobacco Commission has let us have their owed $30,000; and money we borrowed from ECU has been repaid.
Blockhouse Furnishings: Margaret also reported that the repaired spinning wheel has been returned by Suzanne Burrow of Exchange Place. There are still some problems though that will necessitate taking back the wheel for more work. McConnell mentioned a recent offer of the donation of a saddle. The furnishings committee will make a decision. If it is too modern, it will be offered, along with a stage coach we own, to the Netherland Inn.
Blockhouse Events: Sally Kelly reported on the recent successful Harvest Celebration at the Blockhouse in October; and the upcoming Christmastide, scheduled for December 20. The Committee is about to mail over 500 invitations to the 2009 Siege at the Blockhouse. The Christmastide event will coincide with a public reception at the new Blockhouse Interpretative Center from 3 - 5 PM on the 20th.
Billy Heck reported that he now has the materials needed to build our rifle for exhibit and the work is underway.
Old Business
Bob McConnell reported about the book we are preparing to publish from the writing of John Anderson descendant William Anderson. Our summer intern Wes Chavis did research concerning other individuals mentioned in the story. Gannel Marshall is assisting with editing the material; and some other information has been added to create a more complete book. We will probably go with a print-on-demand company to get it published.
It has been decided that 2009 may not be a good year to apply for Transportation Enhancement Grant money. Instead a planning meeting will be held in early 2009 regarding viable projects before submitting a proposal. Lenowisco has agreed to be a government entity partner working with us on that. A decision to hold the meeting following the regularly scheduled January meeting of the Association on Friday, January 9. Since representatives of Lenowisco will be present and members will be asked to stay, the DBWTA will pick up the tab for the meal. The Association will also return to holding its meetings at noon on the third Friday of each second month, beginning with the January meeting.
President McConnell called for a nominating committee to present a slate of new officers at the January meeting. That committee will consist of Wanda McConnell, John Stafford, and Jean Brown.
Wanda McConnell reported that our gift shop at the Blockhouse Interpretative Center was open 34 days during this season. It took in more than $1400.00 in sales. Our biggest selling items are books and blow guns.
New Business:
Park Interpreter Megan Krager reported that she and others at the Park are in the planning process of a workshop for teachers regarding how to use the park as an educational tool. They hope to create a CD or DVD. She was interested in knowing of members of the DBWTA who would be willing to participate. She also expects to ask for some funding help at some point. The target date for the project is the summer of 2009. Teachers from area educational districts in Tennessee and Virginia could be invited to attend. President McConnell voiced support for any educational efforts. Park Manager noted that out reach programs are a real need with school systems at this time.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM
Respectfully submitted, Sally Kelly, Secretary DBWTA
