New prices will be published in the Tenney Times. Peta-Anne
Tenney asked how many books had been pre-ordered. Debbie responded that 483
had been pre-ordered, and indicated that we will not maintain a large
inventory. Natalie Tenney asked if the Tenney Library would be receiving a
set. Debbie responded that we would donate a complete set to the Library, and
one to our archives. We have not made any other commitments for gratis sets.
Duane Dubke asked if a note will be included with initial book distribution
that Volume 1 will be forwarded at a later date. Debbie indicated that a note
would be included. Debbie also encouraged everyone present to contact Hal if
they have moved since their pre-order was submitted. There were no further
questions or comments regarding the Merchandise Manager’s report.
A motion was made (Joanne
Tenney) and seconded (Peta-Anne Tenney) to approve the Merchandise Manager’s
report. Motion unanimously carried.
Debby Bianchi requested that we
revisit the Treasurer’s Budget for the Curator. She proposed an additional
$400.00 in case items need to be stored. Dick Tenney stated that the budget is
only a “guestimate” and there is no problem if we go over the budget. Melanie
is aware of a storage area at $63.00 month.
At 10:15 am President Roger Tenney announced a 15 minute
recess to tally the election results.
At 10:30 am President Roger Tenney reconvened the Annual
Business Meeting.
ELECTION RESULTS
President Roger Tenney requested a nomination from the
floor for the curator position.
A motion was made (Debbie
Montgomery) and seconded (Laura Bunting) to nominate Melanie Tenney for the
position of Association Tenney. Motion unanimously carried.
Gail Guillory announced the election results (36
ballots)
President – Roger Tenney
Vice- President – Joy Shingleton
Treasurer – Richard “Dick” Tenney
Recording Secretary – Kay Hartzell
Corresponding Secretary – Gail Guillory
Curator – Melanie Tenney
Genealogist – Debbie Montgomery
Membership Chair – Ken and Laura Bunting
Newsletter Editor – Peta-Anne Tenney
Merchandise Manager – Hal Tenney
Gail suggested that future ballots include a return
envelope (not stamped).
NEW BUSINESS
Edward J. Tenney Memorial Fund. President Roger
Tenney reported on the establishment of the Edward J. Tenney Memorial Fund for
membership. Ed and Della were membership chairs for many years, and Della
feels that this is the most appropriate way to recognize Ed’s dedication to
the Association.
Headstone Project – Roger reported that the main
part of the cemetery has been cleaned up, but the area we are interested in
has not. Roger will explore cost of professional maintenance or continuance
with Boy Scout troop. Peta-Anne Tenney suggested hiring a handyman to do the
initial clean up and then have the Boy Scouts maintain the property. Roger
stated that Barron Tenney has encountered some resistance as to who is
responsible for the cemetery. Roger wants to shoot for 2009 for the headstone
placement for our progenitor (common ancestor) Thomas Tenney. Debbie
Montgomery asked about using the funds in the life membership account to
underwrite the headstone. Ken Dubke stated that he felt the life membership
should be kept as a perpetual endowment and we should do a separate fund
raising effort for the headstone. Joanne Tenney suggested that the Headstone
Project be our special project for the next two years. Roger stated that
Barron has been looking into costs for a monument, and has been in contact
with Atwood Memorial Company. Paul Tenney is also checking into Vermont
granite monuments. Ken Dubke suggested that we funnel the funds through an
already established 501(c)(3) organization, so donors can receive tax
deductions. Melanie Tenney asked why we are not already established as a
non-profit. Ken stated we were never incorporated, and Dick continued that we
are recognized in Vermont, but Past President Edward J. Tenney did not think
it was worth our effort to pursue. Discussion about our non-profit status,
and Melanie Tenney offered to look into obtaining our 501(c)(3). President
Roger Tenney appointed Melanie to look into obtaining our federal non-profit
status. Roger Phenix opined that a lot of consideration should be given to
the design of the headstone – it should represent Thomas, should not look
dated or futuristic, and should be reflective of his life. There was a
suggestion that a committee should make presentation/proposal to the group.
Gail Guillory recommended that all members have input into the design.
President Roger Tenney will ask Barron Tenney to give survey to Peta-Anne for
publication in a future newsletter. Roger stated that no decisions have been
made in regard to the design or wordage on the monument. Barron was only
looking into pricing, and came up with an estimated cost of $6k – 7k. Ken
Bunting asked if the Tenney crest had been considered for the headstone.
Roger replied, “No.” President Roger Tenney appointed Barron Tenney, Roger
Phenix, Joe Williams, Debby Bianchi and Melanie Tenney to serve on the
headstone committee. Barron will act as the chair, and they will be tasked
with suggesting a design for the headstone. Roger Phenix commented that the
Association could have a contest for the design.
Project for Upcoming Year. President Roger Tenney
stated that the project is limited to $500.00 per year. Debbie Montgomery
proposed that the Bradford Cemetery Clean up Project, with money going to the
Boy Scouts, and a handyman. Duane Dubke stated that the city is responsible
for the clean up of the cemetery, but they stay away from cleaning up the
poison ivy. Roy Tenney proposed that we offer the project to the Boy Scouts
first and then a handyman. Natalie Tenney and Debbie Montgomery suggested we
(the TFA) approach the city officials and offer to adopt the care of the
cemetery, as our ervice project.
A motion was made (Dick Tenney)
and seconded (Melanie Tenney) that the Bradford Cemetery be our project for
the upcoming year. Motion unanimously carried.
Solicitation of Membership incentives. President
Roger Tenney asked Laura and Ken Bunting if they had any ideas for soliciting
new members. Laura has gone on line to find names/addresses for mass
mailing. She will cross check with current membership and on line data, to
eliminate duplicates. Debbie Montgomery reminded everyone to keep addresses
current. Roy Tenney remarked that when he and his wife, Joan, travel around
the country, they contact Tenney’s in the phone book, and tell them about the
Association. Gail Guillory stated that she had established a memorial fund for
her mother, and she will continue to pay membership fees for those who can’t
otherwise afford to join. Ken Bunting asked what had happened with the
inquiry into a new server. Debbie Montgomery responded that Michelle Tenney
had changed her service provider, so was no longer receiving as much spam.
A motion was made (Peta-Anne
Tenney) and seconded (Marylou Tenney) to look into obtaining a new service
provider for the Association. Motion unanimously carried.
New Revenue Ideas. President Roger Tenney
reported that the Tenney crest has been redone by Tom Tenney and Meredith
Tenney and is available on Café Press items. There are several items available
on Café Press, and the site has been re-vamped. Gail Guillory reported that
she is looking into Tenney ornaments.
A motion was made (Joanne
Tenney) and seconded (Dick Tenney) to table the new merchandise/revenue
discussion. Motion unanimously carried.
Genealogy Volumes. Debbie Montgomery again
explained the layout of the new books, and stated that the books would not be
available on line or on a CD due to privacy concerns. The books have been
copyrighted and will only be available in hard copy.
2008 Reunion location. President Roger Tenney
solicited suggested locations for the 2008 reunion. Suggested locations
included: Chattanooga, TN (Ken Dubke); Gettysburg, PA (Joanne Tenney);
California Gold Country (Debbie Montgomery); Michigan (Roger Tenney); West
Virginia (Roy Tenney); and Arizona (Duane Dubke). A discussion was held on
the merits of each location. Ken Dubke offered to be the contact for
Chattanooga. Laura Bunting suggested we go to West Virginia in 2016 – the
200th anniversary of the arrival of Tenneys in West Virginia. Duane Dubke
mentioned that we should reconsider Arizona/Utah due to the disappointment of
the Arizona families with the fires in 2002. A hand vote was held to
determine the location of the 2008 reunion. Chattanooga, TN was the overall
winner.
President Roger Tenney appointment Debbie Montgomery to
chair the 2008 reunion committee.
Draft of Annual Meeting Minutes.
A motion was made (Dick Tenney)
and seconded to require the Recording Secretary to submit a draft of the
Annual meeting minutes to all Association Board members within 30 days of the
meeting. Motion unanimously carried
There being no further business,
A motion was made (Dick Tenney)
and seconded (Marylou Tenney) to adjourn the 2007 annual meting. Motion
unanimously carried. .
Meeting adjourned at 12:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Hartzell
Recording Secretary
