Veterans Memorial Committee 10-27-09

Weathersfield Veterans Memorial Committee Meeting October 27, 2009 Meeting Minutes Members Present:        Chip Cobb        Bob Dickenson  Jeff Slade Edith Stillson  Lisa Sargent            deForest Bearse Aaron Fitzherbert       Fred Mellish 1.      Minutes of September 29, 2009 Lisa Sargent motioned to accept the minutes of September 29, 2009 as presented.  Edith Stillson seconded the motion and all were in favor. 2.      Funds Drive Update The chicken barbecue raised a profit of $476.  Out of profit expenses this year were the chicken ($307.28), soda, charcoal, cole slaw materials, bottled water, baked beans, and plastic forks (approximately $100).  The consensus of the group was to reduce the number of chickens purchased next year to 125, as we have failed to sell 150 chickens for two consecutive years. The effectiveness of our advertising is unclear.  There was a small article in the Claremont Villager the week of the barbecue stating that another event would be raising funds for the DAV and the Weathersfield Veterans' Memorial, however the accuracy of that statement is unknown at this time. Next year will be Weathersfield's 250th anniversary.  The committee discussed the possibility of linking the barbecue to other anniversary activities.  This may mean having it on a different weekend, which may be helpful as three key helpers will be unavailable on Columbus Day weekend next year. Bob Dickenson said that he has been unsuccessful in securing firewood for raffling.  It seems there is insufficient supply to meet the needs of paying customers and therefore none available for donation.  The idea will be tabled for this year. 3.      Stone Selection and Removal The temporary marker stone is at Aaron's place of business in Ascutney.  After much discussion, Lisa Sargent made a motion, seconded by Jeff Slade, that the marker stone be inscribed with the following statement: "Future home of the Weathersfield Veterans Memorial monument".  All present were in favor of the motion.  Aaron will begin work on the stone right away and will hopefully have it in place by the committee's next meeting.  Chip will alert the trustees of the Perkinsville Church about placement of the temporary marker before it is placed on the green.  Aaron stated that he could move and place the stone himself. During the discussion of the inscription of the temporary marker, it was informally agreed that words from the poem, "Flanders Field" should be inscribed on the base of the monument and around the flame stone.  The words are, "To you from failing hands we throw the torch ; be yours to hold it high". . Dan Barbour is ready, willing and able to move Aaron's chosen stones from the McDerment quarry to a site near Thrasher Road on the McDerment property.  The easement for the removal will be available within the next few days.  Many questions still remain regarding this portion of the project, particularly with regard to who will move the stone to Barre and who in Barre will cut it.  The committee will continue to work out these details. Chip would like to offer a publicity opportunity to Bernie Sanders, perhaps at McDerment's when the stones are near the road.  Aaron stated that for safety sake, the number of people at the quarry during the removal process should be limited to just Dan Barbour and himself. 5.      Other Business None. 6.      Public Comments None. 7.      Adjournment Jeff Slade motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM.  Lisa Sargent seconded the motion and all were in favor. The next meeting will be on November 24, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Town Office in Ascutney. Respectfully submitted, deForest Bearse