Lagro Township Tourism Board Meeting October 6, 2009

Dora Bridge over the Salamonie River. Built 1874. Destroyed by arson in 1970's, after moved for Reservoir to the nearby boat ramp area.

The October 6 meeting was called to order by Carolyn Hegel, Moderator. Introductions were made. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and corrected.

Joe Eddingfield was guest speaker and advised the Board that he would assist us, pro bono, with setting up our 501-C3 status. This will allow donations to our organization to be tax deductible. He stated we needed to Name the Group, have an Incorporator and Registered agent to accept mail. We also would need an election of officers. He would obtain a federal ID number, and the entire process to be a non-profit status would take around 90 days.

1. OFFICIAL NAME OF GROUP -Becki Wagoner stated that there was so much history in the entire Lagro Township that our group might want to be named "Lagro Township Tourism". This name change was unanimously agreed upon.
2. John Lawson was elected president by acclamation. Becki Wagoner was elected vice president by acclamation. Carolyn Hegel then turned the meeting over to John Lawson, and was then elected Secretary-Treasurer by acclamation.

President John Lawson asked for Committee reports.

LOG CABIN/LOCKS AREA/CARRIAGE RIDES-JoEllen & Lou Studio & Justin Gillespie

Justin Gillespie reported the locks will be lighted and luminaries will be used in the area. JoEllen suggested encouraging luminaries at each home. Scott Siders will check about electrical power for the cabin and locks area. Prices of tents for vendors were discussed. Rod Stouffer offered the complimentary use of a tent for our event. John Lawson said logs and barn siding had been donated to repair the log cabin. However, the work could not be done in time to have the cabin open on December 5.

HOURS FOR EVENT

Scott Siders reported that 9 am to 3 pm was more realistic hours for the Parks Department Bazaar at the school. Justin said the carriage rides could run from noon to 7 p.m. It was mentioned that some people might need rides back to their vehicles following the St. Patrick's service.

LAGRO CAFE - Mary Ross

Mary said she would welcome ideas for Irish foods to serve at her restaurant. She said she would stay open until after the St. Patrick's services. She has started saving cans for luminaries. Most of her cans will be gallons.

ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH ACTIVITIES - Janet Poole

Janet reported that the church would open at 2 pm. Peggy Coppler is working on the musical program. It is planned to have a quartet. Paul Bever will be available to give the history of St. Patrick's at 2 and 2:30 p.m. He would talk about 20 minutes each time.

LAGRO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH-Monica Sparling and Clara Swan

There was no from the church attending, but it was reported that the Sharp Creek Singers would perform and the Kids Club would have a program at 5 p.m.

LIVING NATIVITY-Becki Wagoner

Becki said she would talk to someone at Dora Christian Church about providing the Living Nativity.

COMMEMORATIVE CHRISTMAS DECORATION -Kathy Bradley

Kathy discussed that the tiles would cost 39 cents each. Jo Ellen suggested using slate and knew where some could be found. The group discussed whether to have the items all available at our event or whether we should just take orders. Kathy said she could make a small number of have available for immediate sale but also take orders.

VENDORS - Carolyn Hegel

It was asked whether vendors would want to be outside or in a tent in December. There was much discussion on whether a church would allow us to use their fellowship area for vendors. The Community Church was mentioned, and Becki said she would check on this. Justin and Carolyn are to contact vendors they know to determine if they would set up for our event. Cost to vendors was discussed but no decision made.

LAGRO CALENDAR - Becki Wagoner

Becki reported the size would be 8 1/2 by 11 and have 12 pictures. The prices are: 250 for $843.24 or $3.37 each/ 500 for $867.96, or $1.73 each.

We plan to use old existing pictures. Kathy Bradley said she might have a picture of Hanging Rock. It was mentioned that we need to start working early in the year if we want birthdays and anniversaries on the 2011 calendar. No sales price was determined for the calendar. Becki will be meeting at the Community Building on Monday, October 12 at 1 pm to select the twelve pictures for our 2010 calendar. Anyone having old pictures should bring them.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST

It was suggested that we 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in the decorating contest. Various prizes were mentioned but no decision was made. Also, that we should send pictures of the winning homes to our local media. We will need entry forms for all of Lagro Township published.

DOWNTOWN DECORATIONS

JoEllen said she had talked to J P Hall at the Wabash Marketplace. She discovered that the City of Wabash rents their Christmas decorations for $2000 each season. She will see if we could rent decorations and at what price.

LAGRO COMMUNITY MEETING

This will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at the Lagro United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. We hope to engage the entire community in our activities.

Kathy Bradley said she would bring supplies to demonstrate how to make a luminary for their homes.

INTERURBAN BUILDING

Becki reported that the person who contacted her about the sale of the building did not have the legal responsibility to do this. Rod Stouffer said he would check into the situation of the building.

NAME OF EVENT

The group discussed the naming for our event. Carolyn Hegel motioned the name for the event be: CHRISTMAS IN A CANAL TOWN.

MISCELLANEOUS

John Lawson reported that Kathy Stephan told him that there were locks on one of their farms. John said he would look at them.

Becki said she would contact the media about our event and entire project.

Meeting adjourned by President Lawson.