Larry Puzen called the meeting to order at 6:31pm at the PACE room. Those attending were Larry Puzen, Larry Szymanski, Chris Jaworski, Jim Zajac, Sharon Bauer, John Mihalko, Roger Brzeczkowski, Mike Blohowiak, Katie Walters, Rock Mannigel, Claudia Ryczkowski, Tammy Brzeczkowski and Norine Heuser.
Secretary’s Report – Sharon made a motion to accept the secretary’s report. Jim seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Larry Szymanski reported the check book balance is $8,381.11 He mentioned there will be two big expenses coming up. The insurance payment and the scholarships. Rock made a motion to accept the report. Sharon seconded. Motion carried. Larry read a thank you card from the Casimir Pulaski Committee and gave us the date of next year’s event…March 6-12, 2017. Larry Szymanski passed around the mail.
Plant Sale – Mike said he had talked with John today and everything is ready. The sale will be May 14th and May 21st from 8:00-1:00. Four people will be needed to help run the sale. They will have most of the items they did last year. Tammy will advertise this event.
Brick Sale – Mike said we had new people sell a brick and we need more to help out. We are at 136. Mike then mentioned that he would match any “new” money up to $250.00 for our scholarship award. After discussion, Rock said he would donate $250.00. After more discussion, Larry Puzen said he would donate $250.00 and Chris Jaworski matched his. So because of these four generous board members, our scholarship awards are covered for this year!
Newsletter – Tammy said their committee has met and are working on several stories including, Piney’s TV, the ice cream shop, Irene Szymanski, Premier Bank’s 75th celebration, our bakeless bake sale, plant sale, trivia, time capsule etc. They will try their best to have it out before the plant sale.
Finance Committee – Roger said he approached the village for monetary aid to insulate the upstairs of the museum. If we want any money, we will need to write a letter specifying why we want the funds. He will take it to the next board meeting. Claudia asked if they would consider helping repair the back of the museum in regard to the parking area and sewer drain. Roger suggested possibly raising our membership dues to $24.00 and $12.00. He also has some long term ideas of raising money including using Casimir Pulaski Week to generate funds along with another idea he is working on but is not ready to reveal yet.
Tammy said she, Claudia and Roger had met for strategic planning. They made a list of our strengths, weaknesses and threats. She will be checking with other historical societies. After they meet again, they will present their ideas and findings. She also mentioned the Brown County Library system is seriously considering the use of the friary building in Pulaski.
Time Capsule – Claudia said it is set for Sunday, June 12th. The museum will be open from 12:00 – 3:00 with the digging being done at 1:00. She and Marian have asked Harry Krysiak to dig it up since he is the one who originally buried it. We will serve lemonade and cookies. It will be advertised in various area newspapers as well as church bulletins. Marian will invite the people who are still alive who were there when it was buried…Harry Krysiak, Theresa & Paul Bialozynski, Dorothy Peplinski, Wally Wengrzyn and Marian. Volunteers will be needed.
Maintenance Committee – Mike asked if anyone noticed any repairs needing to be done and if we thought it was necessary to paint the back of the building. Jim said he needs to finish the lighting on the bricks. Larry Puzen said he would like to see a light on the back of the museum. Roger will ask the village board to look at the sewer drainage problem in the back. World War I – Ray Mroczynski is working on gathering items for this event. Rock offered to help. Larry Puzen is getting a list of the names of the veterans in our area who participated. It should be ready for Memorial Day 2016. Claudia reported she has donated a computer to the museum so anyone who wants to scan and print a picture or article will now be able to do so. It also has internet capability for research.
History Walk – Tammy handed out a brochure regarding this. It will be held on Thursday, May 19th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Several Brown County historic sites will be participating. They will be serving food & refreshments. She suggested having small pieces of polish sausage on tooth picks and maybe miniature paczkis with coffee for a “taste of Pulaski”.
Norine made a motion to allow Tammy to purchase whatever supplies she needs for the event. Jim seconded. Motion carried.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tammy seconded. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm. Our next meeting will be June 20th at 6:30pm in the PACE room.
Minutes taken by Norine Heuser, recording secretary.