Mule Creek News: The 2010 Business Report

The 2010 Business Report

By DIANNE SALES

President: D’Arcy BryanWilson

Vice-President: Sam Bryan

(not at Reunion this year)

Treasurer: Becca Clark

Secretary: Dianne Sales

Copies of the Treasurer’s report (below), prepared and presented by our Treasurer, were handed out to those in attendance, and the meeting was called to order by our President.

NEW BUSINESS

The Reunion grounds flooded twice this year, and the propane washed away. The electric and phone were also affected by the floods this year.
Money for the crossing repair twice this year is not included in the treasurer’s report. $6,000 was spent for those repairs. Walter Bryan will be raising donations to pay for those expenses, outside of the Reunion Fund.
The treasurer’s report does not cover bills yet for this year’s Reunion expenses, nor does it cover donations that will be made this year.
Several people are talking with Buddy Rivers about a permanent solution to the flooding. The whole creek and dam need to be fixed. Water comes to us fast and the trees and brush spread it out. Long term solution is to clean out the creek. We need to be considerate of our neighbors in whatever is done, since it will affect them too. Buddy Rivers is working on a plan. It will be a big project. He is working on getting help from the government or county conservation office. He has started the project by exploring long term solutions. We need a plan first. If we start with a soil conservation survey, then help may be available at no cost to us. Buddy was a highway engineer. Buddy spent 2 days overseeing the repair work on the fixes made this year. FEMA money may be available for the flood situation. The goal is to look for funds available to fix the flooding problem, at no cost to us. Someone mentioned that they thought one of Judy Gentry’s boys works for FEMA (Jason). Someone suggested that someone local talk to Judge Charlie Bell, for information on what is available. He is the County Judge and may know of other resources. David Blackburn offered to talk with Judge Bell.
D’Arcy noted that she would send a “thank you” note to Buddy for helping us with this.
Mitzi Gimenez reminded everyone that contributions are needed from those staying at the Reunion this year. We need to remind everyone what money is used for the different accounts. It is recommended that those who are able, contribute $35 per person for the weekend to cover their share of food, electricity and supplies expenses for the reunion. Those staying with RVs and using utilities, should contribute $50 per person for the weekend.
The General Fund is one account and goes to cover several things, including electricity, phone, propane, grounds upkeep, meat, eggs, bread.
Walter and Barbara Bryan took care of the crossing repair expenses and will be looking for private donations to cover those expenses.
There is also a separate Cemetery Fund, for those wishing to donate to that. That Fund helps with upkeep and maintenance on the Margaret Cemetery, where many of our relatives are buried.
Lucille Holman wanted to remind everyone that the Drinking Water is for drinking only, not for bathing feet. The well did not test out for drinking quality this year, although it is being treated with chlorine. Therefore, DO NOT drink the well water.
Someone asked about the status of the Family Quilt. It is being worked on by D’Arcy Bryan-Wilson. (Although the Secretary was told after the Reunion that D’Arcy is not able to do the quilt, so that job is now open for another volunteer. Anyone interested?)
The well. The water is currently contaminated, but is expected to eventually clear up following treatment with chlorine. Jim Robinson and James Shultz took water samples to Crowell for testing. Those in attendance acknowledged their work on this and thanked them. Jim said they would keep working on it as long as necessary.

JOBS FOR NEXT YEAR

Judy Gentry will do the gifts for new babies.
Beverly Jones will do the gift for newlyweds (she will give them a set of Reunion cookbooks). Great idea!
Beverly commented that we need better participation next year in welcoming our newlyweds. There was not enough participation this year. You don’t have to give kisses if you don’t want, but at least go up and say “welcome to the family”.
Judy Gentry said if there were any children who didn’t get baby blankets, to let her know, if you need one.
Suzy Mooney will do the gift next year for the farthest travelled.
Hulett Jones will do the gift for the eldest gentleman.
Beverly Jones will do the gift for the eldest lady (until she becomes that person).
Mike & Celeste Wesley were not able to be here this year, so they asked Sydney and Morgan to assist Little Beaver with the Treasure Hunt this year. Thanks to both of them! We will assume Mike & Celeste will help with Little Beaver for next year, and someone will contact them to confirm that.
Agnes Giles will do the gift for the longest wed.
Officers are for 2-year terms, except Becca Clark has offered to be Treasurer as long as she is able, and Dianne Sales has offered to be Secretary as long as she is able. D’Arcy has requested that we elect someone else to be President for next year. The President is in charge of making sure arrangements are made for Work Week and for the Reunion, and will be the person to contact in case of emergencies, such as the flooding this year. The Treasurer cannot make emergency spending decisions without directions from the President. The President can consult with other family members before making spending decisions.
Dianne Sales suggested that we put together a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Reunion organization duties and responsibilities, as well as writing down traditions so the next generation of officers and volunteers will know what is needed and expected of them. Beverly Jones offered to consult on that. Walter and Barbara will help too. Kevin Murphy offered to help too. Barbara Bryan offered to make updates to the Mule Creek Directory. Susie Mooney said if anyone has address changes, to send them to Barbara Bryan.
Any volunteers to take over the Newsletter? Hulett Jones volunteered. Yea! So, if anyone has stories, family events, graduations, births, deaths, weddings, etc., send that info to Hulett.
We need to replace one stove in the kitchen that is not working. Becca & Craig Clark will be donating a refrigerator. Scott Mauldin will take care of the new stove. Thanks, y’all!
Discussion was then about nominations for a new President. Sam Bryan is Vice-President and was unable to attend Reunion this year, so it would be unfair to put him in as President for this coming year. Several suggestions were made, but those nominated could not take on that role, for a variety of reasons. A nomination was made that Mitzi Gimenez be our new President. She accepted the challenge and the nomination was seconded. There was discussion on the duties of the President and Dianne Sales offered to interview Beverly and others to begin typing up an SOP of duties. Barbara Bryan offered to assist with this project and began by making a list of Advisors to the President that can be contacted for consultation. One thing the President needs to do is build up connections so communications will go smoothly in preparing for each year’s events for Work Week and the Reunion, and for handling any emergencies during the year. Any requests for Reunion funds for purchases or services, should go to the President, who will communicate them to the Treasurer, Becca. Becca will handle reimbursement for authorized expenses. Please keep your receipts and make sure Becca gets them. Mitzi will make the decisions on emergency expenses, with consultation of her helpers. Mitzi can call anyone for advice and consultation. She can call Walter & Barbara Bryan, Beverly Jones, Lucy Holman, etc.
Thank you’s were offered to D’Arcy for being our President this past year and for filling in for Clyde Bryan as MC for the Talent Show and events on Saturday night, since he was not able to be here this year. Thanks, D’Arcy!