Changes in board members occur in every healthy organization. Although it is difficult to say “good-bye” to long-time members, it’s refreshing to have new energy and ideas. This year, two decided to “retired,” and we welcomed two new members. The Bad News – We’re loosing two wonderful board members!
Joy Shaw will be leaving the board in June 2009, after serving in a variety of capacities since first joining the Kelley House as a volunteer in 1999. Joy and her husband, Cliff, had just retired and moved to the area from Southern California. Joy remembers, “I wandered into Kelley House (my husband was at Little River Golf Course) where I immediately fell in love with the old and genteel house.” Joy joined the board in 2001. In 2003, she served as President for two years and then as Secretary for the remainder of her years. I will certainly miss Joy’s insight and guidance during our board meetings, not to mention the delicious refreshments she supplied at our meetings (especially her brownies!). Although Joy is stepping down from the board, she will continue to serve as our newsletter editor and work on various committees as time permits.
Chuck Bush left the board in March, after serving since 1993. It would take the entire newsletter to list all the projects that Chuck has been involved with during his time at the Kelley House. He served as President and Treasurer, wrote a monthly column for the newspaper, and served as a museum docent. Also, a variety of construction projects have benefited from Chuck’s expertise, including re-wiring the house, and (re)building the loo and shed. Chuck has been living part-time in Oregon, and he felt it was time to move on and give someone else a chance to serve. It will take many hands to fill the positions that Chuck vacates, and his good humor and knowledge of the museum will be sorely missed. However, Chuck isn’t leaving us completely and has promised to serve as a docent during the winter months. And, since Chuck discovered that he’s a descendent of Henry Meiggs, he’ll always be part of the Kelley House history!
The Good News – We’re gaining two wonderful board members!
Gail Lauinger and Kris Smith joined the Kelley House board in May. Gail is a long-time resident and, over the years, has been involved with Kelley House as a volunteer, most recently on the Student History Contest. Kris has only been in the area a few years, but has already helped in the vault on research projects and is serving on the July 4th Committee.
We welcome Gail and Kris and look forward to working with them as they settled into their new roles.