Meeting was opened at 10 a.m. by President Joseph Jessee, who presided.
A new screen painting was presented by Board Member Irene J. Perry, for auction at the picnic; suggested minimum bid is $3,000, agreed and an open auction instead of sealed bids. Board Member Janice Tiller will arrange to have the painting displayed at the Russell County Library and will also arrange to have an article placed in the Lebanon News and other publicity, with Member Vernon Salyers assistance.
The Jesseeís Mill roadside marker. The President noted Virginia Department of Historic Resources Mr. Arnold had telephoned him after receiving the application and stated that if the Mill did not qualify for the DHR roadside marker it should definitely qualify for the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, even as an ìhistorical districtî. Board Member and Project Chairman J.C. Jessee presented his report that the application had been submitted to Virginia on May 9 and the DHR Board was to meet June 15, and submitted to Russell County, that he had made several contacts, that the Russell County Board of Supervisors would issue a proclamation, and that the applicationís decision would be known after June 15. Member Brenda Robinson offered to make contacts for this application. The President noted the Herculean effort of Board Member Joy A. Malone and Associate Member Mike Malone and Board Member James Jessee in compiling this application. (Note: Mr. Arnold informed the President on June 21st that the editorial board of DHR had not approved the roadside marker application. However, we will wait and see.)
Membership Secretary Mary Akers referenced the letter of the Foundationís accomplishments by Board Member Joy Malone. She suggested the reading of the March 2, 2002, Board meeting minutes, (by Associate Member Malone), which she then read with no corrections or additions made by the Board.
Purchases of the Jessee Mill or other properties in the surrounding area were discussed. Special note of the original Board meetingís discussion of such, and how the restoration(s) would best be accomplished by a separate ënot-for-profití IRS 501(c)(3) corporation which would be a public corporation, with membership open to the general public, as distinguished from the JHFís ëtax-exemptí 501(c)(7) private corporation with membership open to a specific group, i.e. the Jessee family; primary in the reasoning for this recommendation by Board Member and Counsel Henry Davis at the original board meeting was that the 501(c)(3) corporation would receive special government financial treatment and would be more likely to receive public and private grants for restoration. Also noted was the naming of our group, the Jessee Historical Foundation. (The President demurred writing a public letter regarding the recent public discussion of the purchases) He will write a letter describing the JHF ideas for the Mill and area to the attention of Mr. Sherman Wallace, the administrator and part owner(?) of the Mill. Discussion ended. Board Member W D. Jessee moved and J.C. Jessee seconded to table this issue, and unanimous approval was given.
Treasurerís report showed $6,327.04. (Note: I think $5,000. should be a ëCDî.)
The President queried where the picnic should be held in 2003. The Treasurer stated that the membership should decide, discussion and the motion was carried.
Assistant Treasurer and Picnic Chairman T. F. Jessee took the floor. A summary of his presentation and the responsibilities assumed are as follows. The picnic will be held at the Russell County Fairgrounds, Castlewood, Virginia, on August 3 (the traditional First Saturday of August). WLRV, 1380 AM, will broadcast with private business sponsorship. Board member Robert T. Jessee will begin putting together a songlist and making arrangements for a Jessee band. Board Member Carl B. Jessee will handle the collection for the general picnic fund, a pass the hat, maybe by children with sealed boxes prior to the meal. The Membership Secretary will conduct a Sign-up Table at the head of the food line where everyone must register, and name badges, and may add or renew their membership. The Castlewood Fire Department and Rescue Squad will assist with the picnic and the Board agreed to make a donation to those groups from the picnic fund. Member Vernon Salyers will attend to the publicity. The Treasurer suggested Certificates be awarded to those who 1) traveled the farthest, 2) the eldest, 3) the youngest, 4) the longest marriage and 5) the largest immediate family present, and she will handle. Accommodations are Carriage House, Town and Country and Super 8 in Lebanon, the Holiday Inn in Norton, and probably the Village in Castlewood, walking distance to Fairgrounds; special rates must be requested! The painting auction will be held in the afternoon, auction by the Chairman. Silent Auction will be handled by Board Member J.C. Jessee; everyone is encouraged to bring Silent Auction items. Member Robinson will handle childrenís games. The Picnic Committee consists of the Assistant Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Board Member W.D. Jesssee and Member Vernon Salyers, and will meet Thursday, August 1.
Membership Secretary Mary Akers noted that membership dues must be received by December 31 for the 2003 fiscal year. The Membership Secretary also noted that a registration table would be held at the August 2 History Day and the August 3 Picnic for renewals and new members. The President emphatically noted the importance of renewals and new members for the stability and growth of the organization, with renewals often being more difficult!
The Treasurer suggested that Lifetime Memberships be available for JHF, Inc., suggesting the following ages and fees: 50-60 years, $200; 60-70, $150; 70-80, $100. She also noted that this would ease renewals, be a financial guarantee for the JHF, make it easier and a tribute to those members most capable to fulfill the ìhistoryî goal of the organization. The President noted that this recommendation would require a Corporate By-law change and called for discussion which was lengthy but favorable, and the President made the motion to forward this, the Treasurer seconded and was carried.
Discussion was initiated by the President for the date and time of the Annual Membership meeting. A Friday, August 2, 4:00 p.m., Russell County Library Call to Order for the meeting was suggested by the Assistant Treasurer, discussed and approved, thus avoiding the hectic picnic day meeting that was last year.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m. (Joseph Jessee. Acting Secretary.)
To the 7th annual National Jessee Family Reunion
Saturday, June 17, 2006
10am to 4pm at the Harry L. Coomes Recreation Center & Park Grounds,
Abingdon,VA.
Meet Jessee family from all over the country, enjoy family arts, crafts,
and entertainment. Please join us.