Minutes of the 2000 Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Great Cranberry Island Historical Society met in the Church on August 16, 2000, with President Wini Smart calling the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. following the play "Bits and Pieces" depicting the 100th anniversary of the Ladies Aid Society.  Wini presented a gift to Leslie Horvath for her creative writing and inspiring direction of the play.

President Wini noted that two grants have been received, and there has been a very successful fund drive.  She expressed appreciation to the members and many others for their financial support and gifts of time.

The Museum opened on August 6, 2000, with ribbon cutting and a reception which met with a very enthusiastic response from all, including write-ups in two newspapers, again with thanks to workers, donors, Bruce Komusin, and the Board of Trustees.  Following the opening, the Museum has been and will be open during August Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Secretary Judy Whitney read the minutes of the 1999 Annual Meeting and noted the business discussed at three intervening Board meetings.  These reports were accepted as presented.

Treasurer Bruce Komusin presented the Treasurer's Report, noting a beginning balance of $2,089.05.  Total income from membership, sales of "God's Pocket" and manuscripts, interest, grants, and miscellaneous was $13,728.09.  Total Expenses for publications, office supplies, Museum materials, and State of Maine Charter Fee were $7,205.89.  Income less Expenses showed a net gain of $6,522.20 with a current bank balance of $8,611.25.

President Wini explained additional expenses for the coming year will include wages and 1/3 of the heat and utilities for the building.  Future plans include additional panels for the Museum walls, a video program to be started this winter by Mandy Bracy to feature her father in his lobstering and scuba diving plus others, the publication of new pamphlets and booklets, and the creation of a newsletter.  A children's hands-on project will be created by Christie Smith.  Needs include a TV or computer to show the history in action, a scanner for slides, and possibly a video camera.  Workshops are planned which will qualify the Museum for larger grants.

Trustee Charlotte Harlan spoke to the house history project and requested more participation; forms are available on which to give information on individual houses which will be included in the book on display in the Museum.

Trustee Charlotte Harlan presented the report of the Nominating Committee as follows:

New Trustees

• Sonja Colby
• Hal Newell
• Robin Richman
• Owen Roberts
• Leslie Watson

The new Trustees were duly elected which brings to 10 the number of Trustees including the current Trustees as follows:

• Marion Conner
• Charlotte Harlan
• Bea Weinreich
• Debby Wedge
• Susan White

The current officers have one more year to serve on their terms as follows:

• President, Wini Smart
• Vice President, Ruth Westphal
• Secretary, Judy Whitney
• Treasurer, Bruce Komusin

It was voted that a letter had been receive from Ken Whitney in which he suggested that it would be appropriate for the Historical Society to undertake a project of cleaning and fixing stones in the Island cemeteries.

The meeting adjourned to Susan Storey Frank's singing "Song for the Island," adapted by Jim Gertmenian and Susan King from "Song for the Mirs," words and music by Allister MacGillivray.  A reception in the Ladies Aid Building followed.

Respectfully submitted

Judith R. Whitney, Secretary

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