Meeting Minutes

Lawrence Sesquicentennial Commission

July 28, 2004

 

Lawrence Public Library Auditorium. 4:00 P.M.

 

Present:            Clenece Hills, Bruce Roberts, William Crowe, David Carttar, Jerry Niebaum, Judy Billings, Roger Steinbrock, Mary Burchill, Brower Burchill, Wilma Bowline, Kendall Simmons, Dick Fraley, Madge Fraley, Carol Frances, Stephen Topping

 

Guests:             Napoleon Crews, Author

                        John Andre, Olathe Sesquicentennial

 

Clenece Hills called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

There were no changes to the agenda for the meeting.

 

Bruce Roberts distributed a signup sheet for the meeting, and Clenece distributed three signup sheets for volunteers, to help after the parade on September 18, to host open houses at Sesquicentennial Point, and for selling souvenirs at the Library on August 11, and August 25.

 

The minutes for the May 26th meeting were approved as published on the Sesquicentennial web site.

 

William Crowe presented the Treasurer’s report to the Commission reflecting a balance as of July 28, 2004 of $27,527.69.

 

Bob Foster was unable to attend the meeting, so Clenece provided an update on his behalf for the parade, noting that it is developing well and that KU is planning on having a float in the parade.

 

Kendall Simmons provided an update on the Birthday Party that follows the parade. There are over 30 participants in the celebration and she will be working with Roger Steinbrock to map out the specific locations of sites in South Park in the near future.

 

The portrait of Amos Lawrence will be presented to the Lawrence City Commission on September 14. Clenece thanked Karl Gridley and Bill Crowe for their work in getting the digital reproduction of the portrait completed and suggested that a copy of the portrait might also be presented to KU.

 

Bruce Roberts is preparing Certificates of Appreciation and invited Commission members to notify him of individuals that have helped with the Sesquicentennial to insure that they are recognized. Certificates will be presented at the September 22 meeting of the Commission.

 

Mary Burchill (Horizons Committee) provided an update on the fund raising efforts for Sesquicentennial Point. In addition to proceeds from souvenirs sold, and general contributions received, a committee has been formed and will meet regularly to outline efforts to raise contributions.

 

Jerry Niebaum provided an update on the educational CD project of the Education Committee. The CD is being produced and will be presented to educators at a ceremony at Watkins Community Museum on August 30, including recognition of the students that designed the CD cover.

 

There was no report from the Heritage Committee.

 

Clenece distributed a calendar of the Sesquicentennial Week and encouraged members to be at these events and to help inform other citizens of these events.

 

Clenece introduced John Andre who is helping plan Olathe’s sesquicentennial. He is interested in the process that Lawrence has followed.

 

There was no Other Business.

 

Clenece introduced Napoleon Crews. Napoleon discussed his interest in Lawrence history and outlined his new series of self-published Fireside Novels. Each novel comes out monthly and presents stories of Lawrence history. Napoleon distributed packets of his first three Fireside Novels to Commission Members. More information on the novels is available at www.firesidenovels.com.

 

The video for the 1976 Bicentennial Parade was shown.

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 pm.

 

Next Commission meeting will be September 22, 2004 at 4:00 pm. This will be a celebration for the Commission’s efforts. All Commission members should be sure to attend.

 

Minutes taken by Bruce Roberts, Secretary.