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May 16, 2008
DBWTA meeting, May 16, 2008
Cove Ridge Center
Present: Jean Brown, Wesley Chavis, Margaret Crouch, Wanda McConnell, Sally Kelly, Bob McConnell, Joe Fuller, Dr. Larry Fleenor, Benny Reed, Barbara Reed, Joy Nihil, Lisa McConnell, Dr. Joe Brown, Justin Moore, Jim Addington
President Bob McConnell called the meeting to order at 12 noon. He introduced the Park’s new Chief Ranger, Justin Moore; and its History intern, Wesley Chavis.
Secretary Sally Kelly presented the minutes of the March meeting for approval. Wanda McConnell so moved, the motion was seconded by Benny Reed, and approved.
Treasurer Joe Fuller presented the treasurer’s report and the expenses for the period March 16 through April 30, 2008. The ending balance in checking is $10,525.92. The expenses were $990.44. The detailed report is in the minute book. Benny read made motions to accept the report and the expenses. The report motion was seconded by Lisa McConnell and the expenses motion was seconded by Dr. Fleenor. Both motions were approved.Old Business
President McConnell reported on the status of the Wilderness Road Blockhouse Interpretative Center. An occupancy permit has been obtained, there is some minor work still to be done on the outside of the building, and electric power to the Blockhouse should soon be restored. Powell Valley Bank has donated flat board for displaying merchandise. The counter will be installed to the right of the entrance door. Design Minds of Alexandria, Virginia met with a called meeting of DBWTA representatives regarding their proposal for exhibits in the new building. The cost will be $60,000 and this expenditure will deplete our resources. The proposal was approved. The plan will be done in phases and Design Minds will report to us on their progress on June 9. The exhibit will be in place by September 15. The dedication of the building will be June 9 at 11 AM. Congressman Boucher and the Eastman Credit Union CEO will be in attendance. The ECU will work with DBWTA to provide light refreshments. Invitations will be sent by email, except when it is necessary to use US mail. There will be a temporary display in the building until the permanent exhibit is installed. A complete copy of the Design Minds proposal is in the minute book.
Wanda McConnell reported regarding the operating plan for the new Interpretative Center. The building will be open during "Siege at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse," and merchandise will be for sale. She showed the members some of the merchandise. Our offering will be representative of the era we interpret. The building will be open from 1-5 on Saturdays and Sundays, May to October. Members were encouraged to sign up to volunteer time there if they have not already done so. The committee working on this task has created a checklist of duties for each tour of duty. The Park will provide a radio for the building so that Park employees can be contacted if needed. A training session for the cash register will be next Thursday, May 24 at 4:30. A credit card machine is being donated.
Margaret Crouch reported regarding finances. Design Minds will bill us in installments for the new building, which will be helpful. She believes there may be grant money available that will help us pay for our exhibit, and is investigating that possibility. The money from ARC will pay for the map we had installed in the floor. Design Minds is also searching grant sources for us. President McConnell express his, and the association’s, appreciation for Margaret’s work on this task.
Bob also reported on further plans for the Blockhouse site. We expect to have the donated stone trough/spring box installed in the spring house, and to replace a portion of the concrete sidewalk with turf stone at a cost of approximately $1800 for materials. It is possible that there is some turf stone available up at Wilderness Road State Park. We also wish to install a bake oven similar to the one at Exchange Place, a corral, and a blacksmith shed. A wish for the future would be to relocate the Carter cabin from its present location along Stock Creek to the Blockhouse site.
Sally reported regarding plans for Siege at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1. It will feature a horse race and the murder of a Native American, based on an actual occurrence at Sycamore Shoals in 1776. Sunday’s activities are being planned by our friends at Wilderness Road State Park. Bob McConnell added that the association is again providing breakfast for the participants on Saturday and pizza and sodas for dinner that evening. WRSP is providing the black powder for our event. Sally asked for volunteers to help sell food at our event and to man the children’s area.
Lisa McConnell reported regarding the Interpreter Workshop that was offered in April. Bob expressed appreciation to Lisa and to Jean Brown for this very successful event and suggested that we do it annually. Lisa reported that water left over from the workshop can be sold at Siege.
Bob reported the donation of a substantial amount of cut stone that came from the historic 18th century Looney home, originally located in West Carter’s Valley, near present day Surgoinsville. Judith Holland gifted this stone. It will be used for a number of projects at the Blockhouse, including landscaping at the WRB Interpretative Center and a bake oven.
The meeting was adjourned at 1 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Sally Kelly, Secretary
