Marcus Historical Society Meeting

September 25, 2007

The Marcus Historical Society met Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at the Reed Center.

The minutes of the August meeting were approved as published in the Marcus News.

The treasurer reported balances of $5,713.92 in checking and $1,699.73 in savings.  The souvenir playing cards have arrived and sales of those plus the calendars are going well. 

The membership committee has decided to mail postcards as reminders for yearly dues.  Ninety days will be given for members to renew or be removed from the membership list.

A grant check of $300 has been received from the Iowa Network Services with a matching $300 check given by Westel Systems.  This event was photographed in front of the Society's Reed Center with several members present as well as representatives from INS and Westel.  A thank you letter is being sent to Caryn Barry for her assistance in writing this grant.

The cleaning of the Center's basement was discussed.  Is was decided to go forward with the project as the contractor for the roof has said he will begin the project soon.  Jerry Meylor will seek local bids.

President June Dias asked for a committee of volunteers for "Lights On For Museums" night which will be observed state-wide on October 25, 2007.  Mary Peterson, Fran Zembsch, Thelma Gravenish, and June will serve.

Jim Nielsen moved, seconded by Thelma Gravenish that the Society give lifetime membership to June Dias for the extensive amount of time she has put into forming and chairing the Marcus Historical Society.  Motion carried.

Two new board members were elected by mail in ballots provided to all Marcus Historical Society members within the newsletter.  They are Bonnie Husman and Fran Zembsch and their terms will be for two years.  The Board selects their own officers.  June Dias will remain as president, Jim Nielsen as vice-president, and Maxine Shea as secretary.  By the flip of a coin it was determined that Bonnie will be the new treasurer and Fran the member-at-large.  These ladies replace Jerry Meylor and Jim Wiese who have ably served the Society the past year.

Souvenir card sales were discussed.  An order form has been added to the website.  Calendars were sold at Grand Meadow Heritage Days, and cards and calendars were sold at the Lighted Lantern Walk.  Calendars are selling at Jeff's Foods, Marcus Hardware and the Public Library.  Cards are selling at Farmers State Bank, First Trust Bank, Valley Bank, Marcus Hardware and the Public Library.

An insurance premium of $124.20 covering part of a month plus a whole month is currently due.  Farmers State Agency will accept 9 subsequent monthly payments of $70 without service charge.  Jim Nielsen moved, seconded by Jerry Meylor to pay this premium.  Motion carried.  Future payments may be taken directly from the Society's checking account.  Jim Nielsen moved, seconded by Fran Zembsch to set up direct payments.  Motion carried.

Mary Peterson noted the need for paint for the front door and the basement windows.  She will look into accomplishing this.

The next regular meeting will be held October 23 at the Reed Center.  Meeting adjourned.

Members present:  Jerry Meylor, Galen Ducommun, Jim Wiese, Edith Bilsland, Helen Brady, Thelma Gravenish, Mary Peterson, June Dias, Maxine Shea, Fran Zembsch, Jim Nielsen, Dan Johnson, and Bonnie Husman.

Respectfully submitted,