Monday, April 25, 2016

Re-New-ing Edinburg

The Re-New-ing Edinburg group met April 19.  The minutes of that meeting are as follows:

Roger McClellan opened the meeting and several copies of the minutes were made available to those who do not receive them via email.  Motion was made by Linda Boyter to accept minutes as presented, seconded by Melody Spears.  Motion passed.

Linda Boyter, Treasurer, gave the financial report.  Beginning balance in the regular account was $193.00 on 3-1-16, the Farmers Market Grant Fund, $333.00, Donations $270.00, expenditures for tables $95.87 leaving a statement balance 3-31-16 of $700.13.  Activity in April include a Dutch oven deposit $171.00 minus expenses $125.13 plus $26.75 table expenses and a $400.00 deposit in 5K race sponsorships leave a balance to date of $1,119.25.  The group is appreciation to Gib and Cheryl for once again helping us represent New Edinburg with the Dutch oven cooking and they were presented with $100 to help cover their expenses from the funds received on April 8 leaving the $171.00 deposit into the account.  The Homesteading Conference was well attended and New Edinburg was well represented.



Kathy Waldrop stated our Face Book page has had 401 likes. The post regarding our new tables had 1,586 “looks”, the cemetery clean-up post had 1,016 “looks”, and the Dutch oven cooking on April 8 had 500 “looks”.  She will continue to post pictures and information.

Larry Waldrop picked up three tables from the Rison High School Workshop and these tables were used at the Dutch oven cooking in Rison on April 8.  The tables received great compliments from those attending.  This is the first combined activity of a New Edinburg Community Group and the Rison High School.  Larry also took additional cypress to the Rison group to be planed so that additional tables and perhaps benches can be made for the New Edinburg Farmers Market.  The tables are currently stored at the old fire department building which is the location of the 2016 Farmers Market.

The Grand Opening of the Farmers Market is slated for May 21 with a 5K Walk/Run plus a 1 Mile Walk scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and the market to open at 9:00 a.m.  There will possibly be a city wide garage sale that day at 7:00 a.m. also.  Approximately 8 volunteers are needed to assist with the race and others needed for the opening of the Farmers Market.

Patricia McClellan reported on her attendance of an Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention (ARCOP) meeting held on April 5.  John Appleget, Lez Walz and Kim Hood from Cleveland County also attended and the county has been awarded a $1,000 grant to support community/instructional gardens at the Cleveland County Fair grounds and the Rison community garden.  This particular grant had no application in the New Edinburg area since we do not have a community garden or a school.

The Cleveland County Drama group will be performing Murder at the Pie Auction on July 9 at the New Edinburg Community Center.  A meal will be offered at 6:00 p.m. with the performance to follow.  Net proceeds of the even will be split between re-New-ing Edinburg and the drama group.

The Marks Cemetery nature trail cleanup/picnic area workday was a great success with 31 people attending.  A thank you note was read from the family indicating their appreciation of everyone’s hard work.

Roger McClellan gave a brief report on the Camden Expedition meeting held in Arkadelphia, April 18.  He stated he had discussed with the organizers of the Dallas County Civil War re-enactors about New Edinburg participating in the event scheduled for June, 2017.

The Historical Junk Hunt Loop organized by Jennifer King is scheduled to come through New Edinburg September 8-10, 2016.  Everyone is encouraged to begin to recruit community members to participate.

The Kickstart Cleveland County meeting will be held at the New Edinburg Community Center Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m.  The re-New-ing Edinburg group will be providing a light meal and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Shelia Towery stated that the Joel Miller fundraiser event had raised over $10,000 with over 200 plates of food served.  Melody Spears advised the group that approximately $73,000 had been raised locally over the years at the community center for community members in need.

A recap of New Edinburg’s volunteer hours was discussed with approximately 2,635 hours calculated over this first year that began April 23, 2015 when re-New-ing Edinburg was organized through today’s date, April 19.  These volunteers include the New Edinburg Volunteer Fire Dept, the New Edinburg Community Center volunteers, local community volunteers along with the re-New-ing Edinburg group.

Shelia Towery introduced Kelly Jo Pierce, a former co-worker and friend, who is one of the organizers of the Jr Auxiliary Bingo in Monticello.  Kelly gave the group information on permits, cost associated with the game, record keeping requirements, etc.  She stated the Monticello group had successfully used the game to raise funds for their organization for the last few years.

Mary Ann Hart advised that a Cleveland County garden club has been organized.  The first project is a flower bed at the Fair grounds and the next meeting is at noon on May 5 at the fairgrounds.

There is no work day scheduled in May as the group will be supporting the Grand Opening events for the Farmers Market on May 21.  Roger, Don and Larry will meet at the Farmers Market on Monday, April 25 to make a list of repairs needed prior to the market opening.

Melody Spears advised the group that the loan for the New Edinburg Community Center had been Paid in Full. Melody, along with the community board, is to be commented for all their hard work.  This group would like to further support the Board by pursuing grants and funds for a playground and perhaps a walking track to be built at the New Edinburg Community Center.  Everyone is encouraged to be thinking about fund raisers and activities to support this endeavor.

Next meeting is set for May 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the New Edinburg Community Center.



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