JHF March 2002 Summary

Dear JHF Members:

Mike and Joy Malone [drjoym@bellsouth.net] drove from their home in Florida to make the Jessee Historical Foundation (JHF) Board meeting, held Saturday, March 2, 2002, 10 am - 1:30 pm, Stringers Restaurant, 090 W., Main St. Abingdon, VA. Joy provided this report.

Eleven Board Members attended, Joe Jessee (President), Laura J. Thomas (Vice-President), Norma McHone (Treasurer), Mary H. Akers (Membership Secretary), Peggy Adams, Toby Jessee, John Bolling, Joy Malone, Helen Reedy, J.C. Jessee, Janice Tiller, and W.D. Jessee. Five guest members included Mike Malone, Nellie Jessee, Pauline and Vernon Salyers, and Nancy Elswick. Vice-President Laura J. Thomas presided. Meeting opened with Welcome, Prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance. President Joe Jessee thanked all the officers and members for their work this past year. There were no minutes available for approval from the last meeting. Joe gave a verbal summary. Vice-President Laura J. Thomas presiding: Discussion ensued and several motions were made and approved. These excerpts are from the unapproved minutes.

1. A motion was made and approved included establishing the Budget Committee (Joe Jessee, Laura Thomas, and Norma McHone). They will meet and draft a proposed budget for the next Bd. Mtg. Vice-President Laura J. Thomas is a bookkeeper and will periodically review the Treasurer’s books and sign off with Treasurer, Norma McHone. As budgeted expenses are approved - all receipts are to be submitted to Norma within two weeks. Discussion followed.

2. Membership report was given and a motion made and approved for a revised smaller version certificate, letter, membership card to be mailed to 2002 new members. The expiration date for all Charter Members and 2002 members will be December 31, 2002. A renewal form, etc., is being drafted for review at the Oct. Bd. Mtg. The renewal form will be mailed to all members re: renewal/fees, etc. The Bd. will decide at the June meeting re: one year, 5 year, lifetime, etc. memberships - thought is to be given until then.

3. A motion was made and approved re: the remaining 2002 and all of 2003 Bd. Mtg. dates. A calendar of dates and meeting locations will be sent to all Bd. Members in about a week.

THE NEXT JHF MEETING WILL BE HELD JUNE 1, 2002 AT STRINGER’S RESTAURANT, 909 W. MAIN ST., ABINGDON, VA.

4. A motion was made and approved to establish a Jessee Reunion Picnic Committee. Toby Jessee will chair this committee and has already been working hard on this project. Norma McHone is on the committee with Toby. They will select assistance as deemed necessary. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to make this a success. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for SILENT AUCTION ITEMS as one of our major fund raising projects. Toby reported (see photo below) that 18 new ceiling fans have been installed in the picnic building, new men and women’s restrooms have been build (four stalls for the women - should avoid the long lines). Parking locations will be specific and directed. Specific servers will serve the lunch foods. Drinks and desserts relocated. Several refrigerators will be available. The air-conditioned room for the elderly, etc., will be cleaned and ready if needed. Plans include charcoal grilled hotdogs, hamburgers, etc. Bread being donated. All Jessees are to bring musical instruments - Toby plans a social - Jessee jam session - for entertainment - after lunch.

The Castlewood Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad will be available during the event. A motion was made and approved re: donations to both Depts. Toby has visited 4 motels and reported renovations have been made. Toby stated that the local radio station WLRV 1380 AM will announce the JHF Reunion for $550.00 and we will get sponsors to pay for the airtime. The station also broadcasts on the worldwide Internet. To be funded by sponsors and there will be no expenses to the Foundation. Toby to oversee the fund raising and will work with the radio station regarding wording of the announcements.

5. A motion was made and approved that John Bolling begin the investigation re: the feasibility of purchasing the old John Jessee Cemetery and easements to allow access to the sites as well as the Jessee Mill. Toby Jessee and Joe Jessee will also assist on this project. John Bolling will also look into the project and purchase of maps re: listings of Jessee sites and other points of interest.

6. A motion was made and approved re: establishing a Highway Marker Project Committee. Committee made up of Chair J.C. Jessee, Joy Malone, Jim Jessee (historian), John Bolling, Mary Akers (local contact) , Norma McHone (financial). The committee shall have the authority to complete the initial application, gather information/documentation, etc., word the historical marker and submit the application to the State for approval. J. C. Jessee gave a very detailed report on the project. He visited the VDOT and spoke with several officials. The cost of each marker at this time is $1225.00. This completed application must be ready to submit by the June 15th deadline set by the State for the September review. Discussion followed. The Jessee Mill will be the primary focus.

A nice buffet lunch was enjoyed by all. More discussion continued. Meeting was adjourned. Now the work of the com Mike said check this site out www.dhr.state.va.us Tells all about Highway Marker program and placing a site on the Historic register.

This is the Board with guests. Front row L-R Joe Jessee, Laura Thomas, Mary Akers, Norma McHone, Nellie Jessee, Joy Malone. Back row L-R Nancy Elswick, W. D. Jessee, John Bolling, Pauline Salyer, Helen Reedy, Vernon Salyer, Janice Tiller, Toby Jessee, J. C. Jessee. (Not pictured Peggy Adams & Mike Malone.)

Past Minutes

You are Invited!

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.