November 2010 Minutes

The meeting of the Hood Canal Improvement Club was called to order at 7:15 p.m. President McArthur led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard invited Gordon Personius to read a patriotic poem he had written, entitled Dream. Good job, Gordon! Richard then welcomed our evening’s guests, Dan Hanson, Sandra Sheridan, Tom Churchill, Superintendent/Principal of Hood Canal School and his wife Patty. Tom then introduced Eddie George, new Vice Principal of Hood Canal School, who told the group a little about himself.

Mr. Churchill then spoke about the unique challenges facing Hood Canal School at this time, with budget cuts in these tough economic times threatening some of the school’s programs. He told the group of some of the efforts being put into play in order to conserve precious resources as best they can, and that they are looking for available grants and other sources of funding. He spoke about some of the exciting programs going on at the school that the community is and can be involved with, including the Community Teaching Corps Program, wherein anyone in the community having a special skill can share it with the school children in after school small groups. There are also programs in place to help reduce the absence and tardiness problems that are prevalent in the school, as well as a new messenger system and website that helps parents stay more in touch with their child’s progress. Mr. Churchill also thanked the group and the community for continuing to support the school levies. If anyone would like to participate in any of the above programs, or the reading program (one-on-one), or if there are any questions, please contact Superintendent Churchill at the school. Everyone seemed to appreciate the presentation.

The minutes from the September meeting were approved as presented. The Treasurer’s report from September and October was approved as presented. There were no October minutes, as we hosted Candidates’ Night forum and did not have a business meeting that night.

Old Business:

Mike Jensen reported that the doors have not yet been placed on the cabinet at NCCU, but that he and Don Chenoweth (who is now living in his home once again) would get working on it soon.

Richard reported on the Dalby Waterwheel road signs that were “up and then down”, removed by DOT and retrieved by Richard from the Shelton maintenance yard. He said that Tim Sheldon had offered to help put us in touch with someone at DOT who can help us, and did that after the October Candidates’ Night. Richard has been in contact with Mr. Bennett and has filled out the proper form for the DOT to be able to place our signs appropriately on the highway.

New Business:

President McArthur spoke to the group about the recently completed phone survey done by the HCIC board of officers, and presented the tabulated results to the members. In summary, there was a 74% response to the survey and it seems most people favored having a guest speaker on various topics of interest. The board will plan to meet and review the results of the survey before the December meeting, when we can have a discussion about what we might actions we might like to take.

Richard told the group that our treasurer’s books didn’t get audited this summer, and asked for a committee to form to undertake this task. Ed Binder volunteered to chair the committee, and is going to be joined by Mike Jensen and Lola Pittard. Treasurer Charles Johnson gave the package of financial records to Ed for his committee to review.

Pastor Terry Oliver invited all to come and enjoy the free Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 13th from noon until five p.m. All are welcome!

Mr. Churchill added a note that Hood Canal School very much appreciates the NCCU’s back pack ministry, that provides food in backpacks that needy children can take home for the weekend. Many of the children who are “couch surfing” often don’t get enough to eat over the weekends, and this great service really helps the kids a lot. Lola added that anyone who would like to help with the program is welcome, that it is not limited to church members.

Mike Jensen asked the group if anyone would like to help make a trebuchet for next year’s Pumpkin Fest catapult contest, the great pumpkin “hurl”. Henry Biernacki indicated he would help, and Mike said if anyone else wants to join them, to get in touch with him.

There was some discussion about advertising for our club’s meetings, so that the Hoodsport area is included. Mr. Churchill reported that they would be installing a new electronic reader board at the school and that we would be welcome to advertise our meetings on it.

Valerie Johnson reported on the upcoming Union Tourism Association’s Christmas caroling to be held the day after Thanksgiving, starting at 4pm at Union Square Deli. Anna’s Bay chorale members will sing Christmas carols and all are welcome to join in. The lights at Union Square will go on at 4pm in conjunction with the caroling, and then the group will walk to the Cameo Boutique for more caroling and Christmas lighting, and then to Robin Hood for the same, ending up at Alderbrook Resort for the arrival of Santa by boat and the turning on of the lights there.

Valerie Johnson also reported on the upcoming Anna’s Bay Chorale performances of the Messiah, on December 10, 11 and 12. Tickets are on sale now and if 10 or more wish to purchase as a group, the tickets are $9. Otherwise, they are $12 each in advance or $15 at the door. Friday and Saturday night will be evening performances and Sunday is a 2pm matinee, all at Shelton High School Auditorium. The singers will be accompanied by a full orchestra, so this is not to be missed!

Bill Viger reported on the weather that he has been keeping track of for the last 25 years (or so!)

that our rainfall is a bit over the average for this time of year.

Richard McArthur was the winner of the 50/50 drawing which contained $30, and he said he’d like to donate his half to the Food Bank. Thanks, Richard!

President McArthur thanked our evening’s hosts Gordon and Janelle Personius and Lola Pittard, who decorated the tables with a Veteran’s Day theme and mini chocolate candies. Many thanks to all!

As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Valerie Johnson, Secretary