People in attendance: Adele S., Aidan O., John Pu., Don M., Peggy M., John Pa., June M., Donna O., Sharon O., Sandy G., Buck G., Linda D., Patti B., Bonnie C., Kelly Z., Joshua H., Sally H., Ron T., Ken B., Glenys B., LaVerne H., Linda B., David S., Sarah L., Rebecca S., Donna Doherty
Call to order Adele S.
Minutes from the previous meeting – any changes? Motion to accept the minutes – John Pu, seconded by Peggy M., All in favor – Aye, Opposed? None, so carried
Treasurer’s report – We had debits of $4864, and deposits of $3195.00. Some of the balance of the checking account is in the savings account to save for the scholarships. The sign for the new building will include a dedication sign in memory of Stephen Hardeski and Annie Hardeski Gerlacki. CD did roll over at 3.25%. Motion to accept>John Pa, second Kelly Z., All in favor Aye, opposed? None, so carried.
Members and Memorials – Membership is still split, there are approx.. 75 lifetime members, and 94 regular members.
Correspondence – Thank you card to Sonny’s for giving us a gift of $500 that we used to help pay for our Grand Re-opening of the museum for Waretown on April 13th. We are also giving him a Custom Challenge Coin as a thank you. The Treasurer is going to have an additional plaque made for the Dept. of Public Works, and this will be paid for by her own money and will be hand delivered to them. The ladies that handled the serving of the food, need a thank you as well. This will be done.
There was also a donation made to us from Margot M., who works with Aidan, and she wanted to make the donation for the Grand Re-opening for the Waretown Historical Society.
We received a letter from SRSD , Mrs. Shaw and the Waretown Historical Society, Thank you for your support for the Southern Regional Scholarship Program. You are invited to attend the Scholarship night on May 28th at 7pm. Adele will handle all paperwork. Question to the group, does anyone want to attend the awards ceremony? Aidan? Yes. Kelly Z. will be there for another group but may sit together.
Custom Challenge Coins – one was passed around for all to see. Aidan O. and Linda B. worked together on the design for the coins. John Pa asked if we had advertised that we had these coins. Aidan said he had posted it on the website and on Facebook. They are $15 a piece and they are very nice. WHS may end up ordering more depending on how low we get, we do not need to pay for the setup fee, since that was paid in the first order.
Program report = who wants to talk about the Grand Re-opening. It was a wonderful event. Lots of people came out, there was a dedication of the historical society. Very happy night. Three of the oldest women in Waretown, came out. Linda Mc sang the National Anthem and she was also the person who sang at the 2004 Grand Opening celebration. A New member commented on how nice it was to see so many people involved in the celebration and that she had decided to get more involved in Waretown as well. Ken B., said it was better than he could have imagined. Cutting the ribbon picture was wonderful to have all of those dignitaries involved.
The ladies from Greenbriar who volunteered to serve the food were wonderful. They picked up the sandwiches and the cake, and they provided us with snacks, water and small sodas. They were professionally dressed. Very nice job.
Kick Off program at Albert Music Hall was very well attended. Any comments? Glenys B., thanked Adele for her comments at the program. Linda B was also thanked for her presentation to the town.
Social media report – all posts of our events on Facebook and the website. The pictures taken by Curtis were outstanding.
New business – Fireworks coming up on May 23rd at the end of Bryant Road.
Opening this summer – every Friday from 1-3 but no official speakers this year. The Executive board will be working on items that have not been documented yet and reviewing the inventory on the excel spreadsheet. Any people who stop by will be given a tour of the building or answer any questions that they might have.
People and children who receive the Passports will be stopping by and we will be stamping their passports using a vintage stamp from a past notary.
Flag program update –
Emails have been sent out to regular businesses with information on how to order flags again this year. New businesses will also be contacted to see if they are interested. Volunteers are still needed to help put the flags up and take them back down. Any one interested in helping with the flag program please contact John Pa.
Grant report –
The grant that is being worked on now was explained that it was a very simple process, but this is not exactly true although it is almost completed. Now that the grand re-opening celebration is over, more time can be allotted to it and accomplished. Ken brought up the subject of the donated quilt and explained that it is hanging in town hall with the proclamations on either side. A picture will be taken.
Trustee report –
Painted the doors, painted the old ramp, and the new ramp. Flowers were planted in the gardens. Wildflower seeds were spread out and many are starting to come up. John Pu, Ron, and John Pa all helped. Debbie W. donated old bricks to us and were placed all around the border of the gardens.
Acquisitions –
Birdsall pictures donated by Keith Bance, framed and accessible to view. Sally H. donated decoys hand carved by local artists. Sally H. is also donating a sneak box replica which cannot be reached just yet but will be and then donated. Adele S. gave a bit of a background story about the Birdsall Family explaining again why we put together the Birdsall corner in the museum. Amos Birdsall’s house is across the street from the library. Halfway down the street, the big house in the middle was owned by Jacob Birdsall.
Announcements –
Town events up until June 1st – May 23 Fireworks at the end of Bryant Road at 8 pm.
June 1st is the deadline for any Artists who want to put their projects in for the contest. Glenys B. talked a bit more about the contest. Several students have taken the essay forms, and one student has turned an essay in so far.
April elections -
Adele announced that she and Aidan would have a few minutes to explain why they want to run for President and then John Pa and the Election Committee would handle the vote.
Election chair called all the people who are already on the list of officers. There were a couple of positions where there was more than one person. The election chair explained that up until last night we were under the impression that if you were a regular member that you could vote. Late last night, on April 12th, we received an email from one of the original writers of the bylaws, who is also a lifetime member. She had a statement that said that only members who had attended three meetings in a years time could vote. The election committee chair announced that not all of the people at the meeting would be allowed to vote, since they had not attended three meetings within the last year. A conversation started where the election chair along with John Pa had been reading by laws for several weeks and seemed to be very familiar with them.
The election chair introduced Adele S. as the current President and that she has been President for over 20 years. She has been a member of the WHS even before this building existed. They used to meet at the Methodist Church in Fellowship Hall. WHS had several fund raisers, and many people volunteered their time and helped put this museum together. Adele was part of this from the beginning, first as Vice President under Engel Sprague and then as President. Every year at this time Adele asks if anyone is interested in taking over the Presidency and most of the time no one does. This year our Secretary Aidan O. voiced his concerns and wanted to be considered for the President, which led us to today.
The original plan was to put both of their names on the list under President and under Vice President, but that was changed. The nominating Chair is also the current Vice President. This person would step down from Vice President to allow one of them to become President and one of them to become the Vice President. They both agreed to this. The election chair proceeded to explain how the voting would work. The ballots and the pens were at a separate table where you can fill out your ballot and then fold it up and place it in the ballot box.
At this point Adele interjected that she was going to make a brief statement and then Aidan could make a brief statement and then they would leave the room for the discussion.
Aidan also added that if anyone wanted to become a trustee or any other position, they could write their name on the ballot. The Election Chair also commented that WHS is looking for docents, so if anyone is interested in doing that, let us know. A docent is a person who has knowledge about the contents in the museum who could explain this to visitors.
Aidan’s statement consisted of him saying he has been a longtime member since he was 6. Over the years he has worked with many members of the society. In recent years Aidan took up several duties of the executive board, most recently he headed up the project of rejuvenating the museum and grounds including the new hands on exhibit. He has been head trustee for several years. Many members have voiced their opinions of having a younger generation taking on the role of President. He works on projects at the museum making it look better on the inside and outside. He stated that he thinks it is time for term limits for officers and that it is time for new visions for the society. He stated that he started to make some changes as secretary and that he thinks he can do more as President.
Adele’s statement started with her saying that she was going to open her heart. She explained how much the town means to her. She displayed 7 books showing her lineage thru 3 different branches of family members tracing her lineage back many generations. She showed a copy of the township book and stated that her parents were contributors to the book. She holds Waretown very dear to her heart. She then shared original draft drawings of the museum in the beginning stages of it being planned and built. She explained how the museum would not be here if it were not from the work that her husband David S. put into building the museum. She stated that she was not ready to step aside from being the President. That was it. She loves Waretown, she loves Waretown Historical Society. She thinks she is the best choice for the future of historical society.
Adele said she would go outside, but the Election Chair told her she could stay inside. The Nominating chair started reading the list of members who were present who were allowed to vote. Included in that list were: Ron T.,John Ps.,John Pu, Sandy and Buck G., Ken and Glenys B., Linda B., Adele S., Kelly Z., Aidan O., June M.,Don and Peggy M.,Beth C.,and Sally H., LaVerne H., and Sharon O., After reading this list, it was determined that Sharon O. could not vote and neither could LaVerne H.
At this point, Sarah L. stood up and claimed that the bylaws do not specifically say the last year, but say any one year. She claimed that she has attended many meetings in the 1990’s and even helped put together the museum and offered to babysit children of other members who needed to attend meetings. Aidan stated that she was incorrect on what the bylaws mean, That it referred to 3 meetings within the current year. Many members stated that they didn’t know her or her sister and she responded that she did not care.
This started the debate about the meaning of the bylaws. Adele and Aidan were reading the exact same sentence but interpreting it differently. One was claiming any one year, which could mean any year since the 90’s and the other was claiming any one year, meant within the past year.
At this point, the conversation that the committee had recently had with Joan F., a lifetime member who was not present at the meeting but who understood the bylaws completely, stated that she (JoanF) would not be allowed to vote tonight if she had shown up because she had not attended a meeting in the last 2 years. She knew that the bylaws meant three meetings within the last year.
David S. stood up and stated that he was a lifetime member who basically built the museum and that without him, this building would not exist and he should be allowed to vote. Adele stated that she wanted to recuse herself for making any decisions since she thought it would be a conflict of interest. The executive board had already discussed this and had agreed that it meant three meetings in the last year. Adele suggested that we take a vote amongst these members, but Aidan said that since they were not active members and no one knew who they were, why would they be allowed to vote on anything. Adele continued with her comments about how instrumental they were in getting the museum together back in the beginning.
Election chair referenced another phone conversation with another lifetime member who also knew that she would not be able to vote since she had not attended a meeting in over 2 years.
Laverne H. stood up and stated that she was there because there was a post of Facebook that claimed that any member could vote. The Chair did acknowledge that post but further explained that upon learning that was incorrect information which had been sent out in Adele’s email, the post was changed. Any member who has attended three meetings in the last year is what should have been sent out. The executive board had voted on this already.
Someone asked if Lifetime Members had special voting rights. Adele then read from the bylaws the definitions of all the different members. And then re-read the statement about voting privileges.
John Pa stated that he thought it had been typed wrong and that it was meant to read three meetings in the last year. Adele agreed that it was worded incorrectly. Kelly Z. stated that we should all come together and asked if we could postpone the voting? Aidan agreed. She did not like us all arguing about this one sentence. Someone with more knowledge could be brought into this conversation to determine what was meant? Ken B. suggested that we get a legal opinion and most people agreed with this idea. Adele did not want to wait another whole month and the bylaws state that the voting take place in April. Adele stated that she would be perfectly fine if everyone who came out tonight would be allowed to vote, could vote.
Aidan stated that the bylaws state three meetings in the last year. He also stated that all of the people in the front of the room come to meetings on a regular basis and are allowed to vote. Many of the people in the audience have never been to a meeting since possibly the beginning times. Some of them, no one has ever seen. Some people in the audience feel that since they are lifetime members they are allowed to vote, just because they are lifetime members. However, there is nothing written in the bylaws concerning this. Adele mentioned that the broken front steps had been repaired recently by her husband David S., which is true, but he has not attended any meetings.
Aidan stated that three executive board members met to discuss this vote. Adele stated that that discussion did not include a conversation about people’s ability to vote. Adele stated that she was under the assumption that anyone who was a member could vote.
The Election chair stated that she would take responsibility for the false post on Facebook even though she did not personally post it and that once the realization of it being incorrect was determined, the post was removed and corrected before it was re-posted.
Linda D. stood up and stated her opinion about this whole situation. That people who helped in the past were equal to the ones who are helping now and that all should be allowed to vote. She also stated that the chair should not take responsibility for anything negative, that the chairperson does an excellent job. Adele said we couldn’t be here if it weren’t for Linda. She also stated that she thought everyone that was attending the meeting should be allowed to vote and whatever happens happens. Adele stated she would be fine with that. Adele did not want to postpone another month. She stated that she has been in agony waiting for this meeting and she wants the decision to be made.
The chair decided that if everyone was going to vote, then more copies of the ballot would be needed. Aidan stated that we cannot do that. Sarah made a motion to have all people at the meeting be able to vote, but it could not be a legal motion because Sarah is not an active member and cannot make a motion. (robert’s rules) Adele asked for a regular active member in good standing to make a motion. No one wanted to make that motion. Regular members in good standing were opposed to allowing these people who showed up tonight to vote. Sandy G. was asked her opinion and she basically declined to add any opinion. Ron T. was asked the same question and he stated that if the people who came out tonight to vote and did not vote tonight, that they would probably be willing to come out again to vote. Once this decision is cleared up? Adele and Aidan both agreed that the bylaws need to be updated but that that cannot happen until after this vote. The election chair spoke about a conversation that she had had that day with a lifetime member, she kept saying that if we are not going to abide by them, then what is the point of having them?
An agreement that the bylaws need to be updated to today’s standards, according to grammar corrections and the wording on some phrases need to be changed was decided. The issue of the vote was still up in the air. Sandy G. stated again that the phrase was ambiguous and could be interpreted differently. She stated that if it read current year, that would be clearer. She stated that until this phrase is cleared up, it should be followed as written. Ron asked the audience how many people here tonight would be willing to come again on another night. David S. inserted that another night would be that we changed the wording in the by laws and then they would not be able to vote and he did not think that would be a fair thing to do. LaVerne was told by the Election chair that she could vote because she had been to several events. Upon further research, events do not count as meetings and therefore that statement about her voting became false. LaVerne and David continued stating that if the wording is changed, then the people who can vote will change.
Kelly stood up and stated that this type of conversation could go on all night. She did not think it fair for people who have not come to meetings since the 90’s should show up tonight to vote when they have done nothing recently to help at the museum. She stated that the three people in the front are here all the time, putting in hours of volunteer work. She also thought there was a bit of manipulation going on here tonight. She stated that she thought we should get a legal representative to tell us the meaning of that phrase, not to change it but to make the final decision and take it out of the hands of the executive board. David S. disagreed with Kelly. Kelly said that’s fine, you can disagree. David made a few comments towards Aidan and Aidan was curious how did he know anything about him. He has never had a complete conversation with David, so how does he know anything about his life. The position of President is a two year term and Adele mentioned that there have been elections every two years but without another person wanting to be President. Aidan brought up the topic of a rotating President which was basically shut down. The election chair stated that in two years there would be another election and another new executive board would be created.
At 8:38 Adele stated that she wanted to postpone the vote. June M. made a motion to postpone the vote until a legal advisor on this phrase can be made. Kelly Z. seconded the motion. All in favor? Aye. Nay Election chair announced that a count was needed for the Nays. 8 Nays. 18 Ayes. Abstentions? No. Adele asked if there was someone in town, legal person who could take a look at the phrase in question. The Election chair stated that she would find someone on the following day. Adele stated that the Election chair would have to take care of this since no matter what she said it would be a conflict of interest. The chair asked for a motion to adjourn, and then a discussion of who could make that motion came up and Adele thought that anyone could make that motion, however Aidan stated that if they technically could not make a motion, then why would they be able to vote. Adele knew that the Election Chair was following Robert’s Rules which is our backup to the bylaws. The election chair stated , “let’s get a legal person to look at this phrase and then we will do this again.” John Pa stated that postponing this for six months might be an option. This would allow all people here tonight to come to three meetings and then be eligible to vote at that time. Adele was in favor of this idea, but she was not thinking that our bylaws state that the election must take place in April. This conversation floated around the room for a bit. Adele seemed to remember that the original bylaws had been copied from Lacey Historical Society. Adele stated that if we voted at this meeting, it would be distention and the last thing she would want is distention. Adele brought up the difference between an event and a meeting and that is what nullified LaVerne from being able to vote. Adele agreed to having a legal person define the meaning of that phrase and then have a vote. Adele argued that if we can’t postpone the vote then there would be no time for members to attend meetings, but again the bylaws state that elections take place in April. Adele seemed to agree with the postponement, except that it would go against the bylaws of having the election in April. Adele stated that she did not care that the bylaws stated that the election needs to take place in April.
The election chair stated that membership runs from Jan. to Dec., Regular programing runs from Sept to June and the summer months are different where we are open on Friday’s and the first Sunday of every month and we continue having meetings in the summer on the third Monday of every month. The chair also reminded us of the fact that we are celebrating our 150th anniversary of the town and the 250th anniversary of our country. Adele agreed that a postponement of the vote would allow members to attend the meetings and then vote, which basically had her agreeing with the initial interpretation of the phrase stating three meetings in the current year. Once again John Pa stated that if we were to do this then the position of President would not be a two year term, but an 18 month term which again went against the current bylaws and again the bylaws cannot be changed until after the vote.
Another lengthy discussion started with Ron T., bringing up what will change if we postpone the vote? If the legal representative states that the interpretation is three meetings in the current year, then all of these people cannot vote. Adele stated that if we postpone the vote until September it would allow people to attend the meetings and be able to vote. Once again proving the point of three meetings in the current year and therefore, the people who showed up tonight cannot vote since voting needs to take place in April.
Adele thanked all the people who came out to the meeting. She is very grateful for their attendance. This is what the museum is about. Keeping our history strong. The election chair stated that there is going to be a parade in August and that she will be in in as Betsy Ross and Adele will be wearing her vintage outfit and we may have a float and that all members are invited to help with those preparations. All people at the meeting seemed to like this idea and the idea of the fireworks, etc. plans for the 150th.
The upcoming Friday, we will host a group of homeschooled students at 3pm at the museum and Adele will be presenting a PowerPoint presentation and they will be given tours in the museum and in the new building. Anyone else who would like come is welcome. Another event is the group of widowers who want to come and learn about Waretown and again any of you who want to come and volunteer are welcome.
John Pa made a motion to adjourn, and John PU seconded the motion.
Not in the official minutes, but this is what transpired after the meeting on Monday night. The township lawyer was contacted thanks to Ken B. and the response was
“I would interpret that to mean 3 meetings in the last twelve months. It does not state calendar year; therefore 3 in the last 12 months,” Christopher Dasti, attorney for the town. Offices located in Forked River.
Upon receiving this information and by following the bylaws with the vote needing to be in April, a continuation of the vote was set up for April 27th, allowing only those members who had attended three meetings within the last year the ability to vote.
The chair stated that if we postpone until September we would be changing the bylaws which cannot be changed until after the vote, which has to be done in April. The postponement until September was cancelled and membership was informed.
April 27th arrived and many members who were not allowed to vote did attend, even though it was not a meeting but merely a vote. Two members abstained. 13 members voted.
President became Aidan O’Hearn Vice President Adele Shaw
Secretary – floating position Treasurer – Linda Bleeke
Historian – Adele Shaw Corresponding secretary/membership – Ron
Curator- a committee Trinder and Linda Bleeke
Flag program – John Pawlowski
Trustees : Aidan O’Hearn
John Pawlowski
John Puzyr
Don Mantuano
Ron Trinder
Dan Collamer
Comments from Vp Shaw in respect to the above minutes:
End of comments from VP Shaw.
Call to order Adele S.
Minutes from the previous meeting – any changes? Motion to accept the minutes – John Pu, seconded by Peggy M., All in favor – Aye, Opposed? None, so carried
Treasurer’s report – We had debits of $4864, and deposits of $3195.00. Some of the balance of the checking account is in the savings account to save for the scholarships. The sign for the new building will include a dedication sign in memory of Stephen Hardeski and Annie Hardeski Gerlacki. CD did roll over at 3.25%. Motion to accept>John Pa, second Kelly Z., All in favor Aye, opposed? None, so carried.
Members and Memorials – Membership is still split, there are approx.. 75 lifetime members, and 94 regular members.
Correspondence – Thank you card to Sonny’s for giving us a gift of $500 that we used to help pay for our Grand Re-opening of the museum for Waretown on April 13th. We are also giving him a Custom Challenge Coin as a thank you. The Treasurer is going to have an additional plaque made for the Dept. of Public Works, and this will be paid for by her own money and will be hand delivered to them. The ladies that handled the serving of the food, need a thank you as well. This will be done.
There was also a donation made to us from Margot M., who works with Aidan, and she wanted to make the donation for the Grand Re-opening for the Waretown Historical Society.
We received a letter from SRSD , Mrs. Shaw and the Waretown Historical Society, Thank you for your support for the Southern Regional Scholarship Program. You are invited to attend the Scholarship night on May 28th at 7pm. Adele will handle all paperwork. Question to the group, does anyone want to attend the awards ceremony? Aidan? Yes. Kelly Z. will be there for another group but may sit together.
Custom Challenge Coins – one was passed around for all to see. Aidan O. and Linda B. worked together on the design for the coins. John Pa asked if we had advertised that we had these coins. Aidan said he had posted it on the website and on Facebook. They are $15 a piece and they are very nice. WHS may end up ordering more depending on how low we get, we do not need to pay for the setup fee, since that was paid in the first order.
Program report = who wants to talk about the Grand Re-opening. It was a wonderful event. Lots of people came out, there was a dedication of the historical society. Very happy night. Three of the oldest women in Waretown, came out. Linda Mc sang the National Anthem and she was also the person who sang at the 2004 Grand Opening celebration. A New member commented on how nice it was to see so many people involved in the celebration and that she had decided to get more involved in Waretown as well. Ken B., said it was better than he could have imagined. Cutting the ribbon picture was wonderful to have all of those dignitaries involved.
The ladies from Greenbriar who volunteered to serve the food were wonderful. They picked up the sandwiches and the cake, and they provided us with snacks, water and small sodas. They were professionally dressed. Very nice job.
Kick Off program at Albert Music Hall was very well attended. Any comments? Glenys B., thanked Adele for her comments at the program. Linda B was also thanked for her presentation to the town.
Social media report – all posts of our events on Facebook and the website. The pictures taken by Curtis were outstanding.
New business – Fireworks coming up on May 23rd at the end of Bryant Road.
Opening this summer – every Friday from 1-3 but no official speakers this year. The Executive board will be working on items that have not been documented yet and reviewing the inventory on the excel spreadsheet. Any people who stop by will be given a tour of the building or answer any questions that they might have.
People and children who receive the Passports will be stopping by and we will be stamping their passports using a vintage stamp from a past notary.
Flag program update –
Emails have been sent out to regular businesses with information on how to order flags again this year. New businesses will also be contacted to see if they are interested. Volunteers are still needed to help put the flags up and take them back down. Any one interested in helping with the flag program please contact John Pa.
Grant report –
The grant that is being worked on now was explained that it was a very simple process, but this is not exactly true although it is almost completed. Now that the grand re-opening celebration is over, more time can be allotted to it and accomplished. Ken brought up the subject of the donated quilt and explained that it is hanging in town hall with the proclamations on either side. A picture will be taken.
Trustee report –
Painted the doors, painted the old ramp, and the new ramp. Flowers were planted in the gardens. Wildflower seeds were spread out and many are starting to come up. John Pu, Ron, and John Pa all helped. Debbie W. donated old bricks to us and were placed all around the border of the gardens.
Acquisitions –
Birdsall pictures donated by Keith Bance, framed and accessible to view. Sally H. donated decoys hand carved by local artists. Sally H. is also donating a sneak box replica which cannot be reached just yet but will be and then donated. Adele S. gave a bit of a background story about the Birdsall Family explaining again why we put together the Birdsall corner in the museum. Amos Birdsall’s house is across the street from the library. Halfway down the street, the big house in the middle was owned by Jacob Birdsall.
Announcements –
Town events up until June 1st – May 23 Fireworks at the end of Bryant Road at 8 pm.
June 1st is the deadline for any Artists who want to put their projects in for the contest. Glenys B. talked a bit more about the contest. Several students have taken the essay forms, and one student has turned an essay in so far.
April elections -
Adele announced that she and Aidan would have a few minutes to explain why they want to run for President and then John Pa and the Election Committee would handle the vote.
Election chair called all the people who are already on the list of officers. There were a couple of positions where there was more than one person. The election chair explained that up until last night we were under the impression that if you were a regular member that you could vote. Late last night, on April 12th, we received an email from one of the original writers of the bylaws, who is also a lifetime member. She had a statement that said that only members who had attended three meetings in a years time could vote. The election committee chair announced that not all of the people at the meeting would be allowed to vote, since they had not attended three meetings within the last year. A conversation started where the election chair along with John Pa had been reading by laws for several weeks and seemed to be very familiar with them.
The election chair introduced Adele S. as the current President and that she has been President for over 20 years. She has been a member of the WHS even before this building existed. They used to meet at the Methodist Church in Fellowship Hall. WHS had several fund raisers, and many people volunteered their time and helped put this museum together. Adele was part of this from the beginning, first as Vice President under Engel Sprague and then as President. Every year at this time Adele asks if anyone is interested in taking over the Presidency and most of the time no one does. This year our Secretary Aidan O. voiced his concerns and wanted to be considered for the President, which led us to today.
The original plan was to put both of their names on the list under President and under Vice President, but that was changed. The nominating Chair is also the current Vice President. This person would step down from Vice President to allow one of them to become President and one of them to become the Vice President. They both agreed to this. The election chair proceeded to explain how the voting would work. The ballots and the pens were at a separate table where you can fill out your ballot and then fold it up and place it in the ballot box.
At this point Adele interjected that she was going to make a brief statement and then Aidan could make a brief statement and then they would leave the room for the discussion.
Aidan also added that if anyone wanted to become a trustee or any other position, they could write their name on the ballot. The Election Chair also commented that WHS is looking for docents, so if anyone is interested in doing that, let us know. A docent is a person who has knowledge about the contents in the museum who could explain this to visitors.
Aidan’s statement consisted of him saying he has been a longtime member since he was 6. Over the years he has worked with many members of the society. In recent years Aidan took up several duties of the executive board, most recently he headed up the project of rejuvenating the museum and grounds including the new hands on exhibit. He has been head trustee for several years. Many members have voiced their opinions of having a younger generation taking on the role of President. He works on projects at the museum making it look better on the inside and outside. He stated that he thinks it is time for term limits for officers and that it is time for new visions for the society. He stated that he started to make some changes as secretary and that he thinks he can do more as President.
Adele’s statement started with her saying that she was going to open her heart. She explained how much the town means to her. She displayed 7 books showing her lineage thru 3 different branches of family members tracing her lineage back many generations. She showed a copy of the township book and stated that her parents were contributors to the book. She holds Waretown very dear to her heart. She then shared original draft drawings of the museum in the beginning stages of it being planned and built. She explained how the museum would not be here if it were not from the work that her husband David S. put into building the museum. She stated that she was not ready to step aside from being the President. That was it. She loves Waretown, she loves Waretown Historical Society. She thinks she is the best choice for the future of historical society.
Adele said she would go outside, but the Election Chair told her she could stay inside. The Nominating chair started reading the list of members who were present who were allowed to vote. Included in that list were: Ron T.,John Ps.,John Pu, Sandy and Buck G., Ken and Glenys B., Linda B., Adele S., Kelly Z., Aidan O., June M.,Don and Peggy M.,Beth C.,and Sally H., LaVerne H., and Sharon O., After reading this list, it was determined that Sharon O. could not vote and neither could LaVerne H.
At this point, Sarah L. stood up and claimed that the bylaws do not specifically say the last year, but say any one year. She claimed that she has attended many meetings in the 1990’s and even helped put together the museum and offered to babysit children of other members who needed to attend meetings. Aidan stated that she was incorrect on what the bylaws mean, That it referred to 3 meetings within the current year. Many members stated that they didn’t know her or her sister and she responded that she did not care.
This started the debate about the meaning of the bylaws. Adele and Aidan were reading the exact same sentence but interpreting it differently. One was claiming any one year, which could mean any year since the 90’s and the other was claiming any one year, meant within the past year.
At this point, the conversation that the committee had recently had with Joan F., a lifetime member who was not present at the meeting but who understood the bylaws completely, stated that she (JoanF) would not be allowed to vote tonight if she had shown up because she had not attended a meeting in the last 2 years. She knew that the bylaws meant three meetings within the last year.
David S. stood up and stated that he was a lifetime member who basically built the museum and that without him, this building would not exist and he should be allowed to vote. Adele stated that she wanted to recuse herself for making any decisions since she thought it would be a conflict of interest. The executive board had already discussed this and had agreed that it meant three meetings in the last year. Adele suggested that we take a vote amongst these members, but Aidan said that since they were not active members and no one knew who they were, why would they be allowed to vote on anything. Adele continued with her comments about how instrumental they were in getting the museum together back in the beginning.
Election chair referenced another phone conversation with another lifetime member who also knew that she would not be able to vote since she had not attended a meeting in over 2 years.
Laverne H. stood up and stated that she was there because there was a post of Facebook that claimed that any member could vote. The Chair did acknowledge that post but further explained that upon learning that was incorrect information which had been sent out in Adele’s email, the post was changed. Any member who has attended three meetings in the last year is what should have been sent out. The executive board had voted on this already.
Someone asked if Lifetime Members had special voting rights. Adele then read from the bylaws the definitions of all the different members. And then re-read the statement about voting privileges.
John Pa stated that he thought it had been typed wrong and that it was meant to read three meetings in the last year. Adele agreed that it was worded incorrectly. Kelly Z. stated that we should all come together and asked if we could postpone the voting? Aidan agreed. She did not like us all arguing about this one sentence. Someone with more knowledge could be brought into this conversation to determine what was meant? Ken B. suggested that we get a legal opinion and most people agreed with this idea. Adele did not want to wait another whole month and the bylaws state that the voting take place in April. Adele stated that she would be perfectly fine if everyone who came out tonight would be allowed to vote, could vote.
Aidan stated that the bylaws state three meetings in the last year. He also stated that all of the people in the front of the room come to meetings on a regular basis and are allowed to vote. Many of the people in the audience have never been to a meeting since possibly the beginning times. Some of them, no one has ever seen. Some people in the audience feel that since they are lifetime members they are allowed to vote, just because they are lifetime members. However, there is nothing written in the bylaws concerning this. Adele mentioned that the broken front steps had been repaired recently by her husband David S., which is true, but he has not attended any meetings.
Aidan stated that three executive board members met to discuss this vote. Adele stated that that discussion did not include a conversation about people’s ability to vote. Adele stated that she was under the assumption that anyone who was a member could vote.
The Election chair stated that she would take responsibility for the false post on Facebook even though she did not personally post it and that once the realization of it being incorrect was determined, the post was removed and corrected before it was re-posted.
Linda D. stood up and stated her opinion about this whole situation. That people who helped in the past were equal to the ones who are helping now and that all should be allowed to vote. She also stated that the chair should not take responsibility for anything negative, that the chairperson does an excellent job. Adele said we couldn’t be here if it weren’t for Linda. She also stated that she thought everyone that was attending the meeting should be allowed to vote and whatever happens happens. Adele stated she would be fine with that. Adele did not want to postpone another month. She stated that she has been in agony waiting for this meeting and she wants the decision to be made.
The chair decided that if everyone was going to vote, then more copies of the ballot would be needed. Aidan stated that we cannot do that. Sarah made a motion to have all people at the meeting be able to vote, but it could not be a legal motion because Sarah is not an active member and cannot make a motion. (robert’s rules) Adele asked for a regular active member in good standing to make a motion. No one wanted to make that motion. Regular members in good standing were opposed to allowing these people who showed up tonight to vote. Sandy G. was asked her opinion and she basically declined to add any opinion. Ron T. was asked the same question and he stated that if the people who came out tonight to vote and did not vote tonight, that they would probably be willing to come out again to vote. Once this decision is cleared up? Adele and Aidan both agreed that the bylaws need to be updated but that that cannot happen until after this vote. The election chair spoke about a conversation that she had had that day with a lifetime member, she kept saying that if we are not going to abide by them, then what is the point of having them?
An agreement that the bylaws need to be updated to today’s standards, according to grammar corrections and the wording on some phrases need to be changed was decided. The issue of the vote was still up in the air. Sandy G. stated again that the phrase was ambiguous and could be interpreted differently. She stated that if it read current year, that would be clearer. She stated that until this phrase is cleared up, it should be followed as written. Ron asked the audience how many people here tonight would be willing to come again on another night. David S. inserted that another night would be that we changed the wording in the by laws and then they would not be able to vote and he did not think that would be a fair thing to do. LaVerne was told by the Election chair that she could vote because she had been to several events. Upon further research, events do not count as meetings and therefore that statement about her voting became false. LaVerne and David continued stating that if the wording is changed, then the people who can vote will change.
Kelly stood up and stated that this type of conversation could go on all night. She did not think it fair for people who have not come to meetings since the 90’s should show up tonight to vote when they have done nothing recently to help at the museum. She stated that the three people in the front are here all the time, putting in hours of volunteer work. She also thought there was a bit of manipulation going on here tonight. She stated that she thought we should get a legal representative to tell us the meaning of that phrase, not to change it but to make the final decision and take it out of the hands of the executive board. David S. disagreed with Kelly. Kelly said that’s fine, you can disagree. David made a few comments towards Aidan and Aidan was curious how did he know anything about him. He has never had a complete conversation with David, so how does he know anything about his life. The position of President is a two year term and Adele mentioned that there have been elections every two years but without another person wanting to be President. Aidan brought up the topic of a rotating President which was basically shut down. The election chair stated that in two years there would be another election and another new executive board would be created.
At 8:38 Adele stated that she wanted to postpone the vote. June M. made a motion to postpone the vote until a legal advisor on this phrase can be made. Kelly Z. seconded the motion. All in favor? Aye. Nay Election chair announced that a count was needed for the Nays. 8 Nays. 18 Ayes. Abstentions? No. Adele asked if there was someone in town, legal person who could take a look at the phrase in question. The Election chair stated that she would find someone on the following day. Adele stated that the Election chair would have to take care of this since no matter what she said it would be a conflict of interest. The chair asked for a motion to adjourn, and then a discussion of who could make that motion came up and Adele thought that anyone could make that motion, however Aidan stated that if they technically could not make a motion, then why would they be able to vote. Adele knew that the Election Chair was following Robert’s Rules which is our backup to the bylaws. The election chair stated , “let’s get a legal person to look at this phrase and then we will do this again.” John Pa stated that postponing this for six months might be an option. This would allow all people here tonight to come to three meetings and then be eligible to vote at that time. Adele was in favor of this idea, but she was not thinking that our bylaws state that the election must take place in April. This conversation floated around the room for a bit. Adele seemed to remember that the original bylaws had been copied from Lacey Historical Society. Adele stated that if we voted at this meeting, it would be distention and the last thing she would want is distention. Adele brought up the difference between an event and a meeting and that is what nullified LaVerne from being able to vote. Adele agreed to having a legal person define the meaning of that phrase and then have a vote. Adele argued that if we can’t postpone the vote then there would be no time for members to attend meetings, but again the bylaws state that elections take place in April. Adele seemed to agree with the postponement, except that it would go against the bylaws of having the election in April. Adele stated that she did not care that the bylaws stated that the election needs to take place in April.
The election chair stated that membership runs from Jan. to Dec., Regular programing runs from Sept to June and the summer months are different where we are open on Friday’s and the first Sunday of every month and we continue having meetings in the summer on the third Monday of every month. The chair also reminded us of the fact that we are celebrating our 150th anniversary of the town and the 250th anniversary of our country. Adele agreed that a postponement of the vote would allow members to attend the meetings and then vote, which basically had her agreeing with the initial interpretation of the phrase stating three meetings in the current year. Once again John Pa stated that if we were to do this then the position of President would not be a two year term, but an 18 month term which again went against the current bylaws and again the bylaws cannot be changed until after the vote.
Another lengthy discussion started with Ron T., bringing up what will change if we postpone the vote? If the legal representative states that the interpretation is three meetings in the current year, then all of these people cannot vote. Adele stated that if we postpone the vote until September it would allow people to attend the meetings and be able to vote. Once again proving the point of three meetings in the current year and therefore, the people who showed up tonight cannot vote since voting needs to take place in April.
Adele thanked all the people who came out to the meeting. She is very grateful for their attendance. This is what the museum is about. Keeping our history strong. The election chair stated that there is going to be a parade in August and that she will be in in as Betsy Ross and Adele will be wearing her vintage outfit and we may have a float and that all members are invited to help with those preparations. All people at the meeting seemed to like this idea and the idea of the fireworks, etc. plans for the 150th.
The upcoming Friday, we will host a group of homeschooled students at 3pm at the museum and Adele will be presenting a PowerPoint presentation and they will be given tours in the museum and in the new building. Anyone else who would like come is welcome. Another event is the group of widowers who want to come and learn about Waretown and again any of you who want to come and volunteer are welcome.
John Pa made a motion to adjourn, and John PU seconded the motion.
Not in the official minutes, but this is what transpired after the meeting on Monday night. The township lawyer was contacted thanks to Ken B. and the response was
“I would interpret that to mean 3 meetings in the last twelve months. It does not state calendar year; therefore 3 in the last 12 months,” Christopher Dasti, attorney for the town. Offices located in Forked River.
Upon receiving this information and by following the bylaws with the vote needing to be in April, a continuation of the vote was set up for April 27th, allowing only those members who had attended three meetings within the last year the ability to vote.
The chair stated that if we postpone until September we would be changing the bylaws which cannot be changed until after the vote, which has to be done in April. The postponement until September was cancelled and membership was informed.
April 27th arrived and many members who were not allowed to vote did attend, even though it was not a meeting but merely a vote. Two members abstained. 13 members voted.
President became Aidan O’Hearn Vice President Adele Shaw
Secretary – floating position Treasurer – Linda Bleeke
Historian – Adele Shaw Corresponding secretary/membership – Ron
Curator- a committee Trinder and Linda Bleeke
Flag program – John Pawlowski
Trustees : Aidan O’Hearn
John Pawlowski
John Puzyr
Don Mantuano
Ron Trinder
Dan Collamer
Comments from Vp Shaw in respect to the above minutes:
- What email from Joan? I never saw it. I have no proof that there was any email. But even if there was an email, Joan is not an "expert" on the bylaws. Joan was not an "original writer" of the bylaws. They were copy/pasted from Lacey. I was there at the time as well. I'm just as much as an "expert" as she is, and I have legal advice that assures me there is a difference in intent between the legal phrases current year and any year. Besides, Joan quit, and she is no longer a member. If you are going to put in Joan's opinion, then you must add mine. Otherwise, take out Joan's opinion. Before that email, we were going to allow all current members to vote. If you are going to change the interpretation of a bylaw, it should come to the attention of the membership long before the night of an election.
- If Linda and John were reading the bylaws for several weeks, why were you both so blindsided by Joan's supposed email?
- I never offered up my position as president to anyone, and I didn't say that every year. I made that statement once, the year I went back to college. No one was interested, so I continued serving with a happy heart. This year, I told Aiden straight up that I was not ready to leave my position. He chose to run anyway.
- I did not hear "many members" say they wanted a younger generation of president that meeting. I heard Aiden say it. Also, If Aiden is working on exhibits, he should be curator. We need a curator, but he refuses to do that.
- Term limits: If there were term limits on the office of president, what would have happened during covid, or during the decades when nobody was willing to serve as president but me?
- What do you mean by the phrase, "That was it?" It feels like a dig. My story is not over by any means.
- That night, you told LeVerne Herring that she could vote. It was NEVER mentioned that she couldn't.
You colluded with Aiden to change this later and took LeVerne off your list behind the scenes. - Many members did not state that they don't know Sarah LaVoie. Aiden was the only one who said that. Many members in attendance that night actually do know her very well.
- What difference does it make how Joan Field interprets the bylaws? She is not a lawyer, and she quit. I was there when we put the original bylaws in place just as much as she was. My opinion is just as valid as hers, and I am still a serving member. Again, either get her opinion out, or include mine alongside it.
- That other lifetime member was Anne Gerken. Say her name, or don't include her. Again, no proof, and my opinion is just as valid as hers, and I have spoken to lawyers who agree with me. Anne also quit, and I am still an active, serving member.
- "Any member can vote is what should have been sent out," because that's what all of us believed at the time, and three meetings in any year in the bylaws supports that understanding. By limiting the ability to vote to three meetings in one year, the standard for officer candidates, you were effectively changing the bylaws. This requires being read over three different times and approved by the membership.
- I was not included in any vote by the executive board to restrict the voting rights of members. If that decision was made, it was done in collusion without my input. I know that collusion goes on, because I have caught Aiden and Linda violating the sunshine laws with secret meetings at the museum.
- I did not agree that the bylaws were worded incorrectly. I agreed that they could be interpreted in different ways, and we needed to take the time for both sides to get legal advice and figure out a path forward. This would require coming to some kind of consensus, or a bylaws change-with at least three months of discussion-not a railroad-rush job of an election.
- Why would you say some of the lifetime members have never been seen? You mean, Aiden has never seen them. That does not mean they were not an active, important part of the society before he came along. Aiden is a leaf that doesn't know he's a part of a tree.
- What meeting of three executive board members is he referring to? Does he mean the meeting where I told him that I was not ready to quit as president and asked him not to run against me? Nothing about voting rights was discussed at that meeting. It never occurred to me that lifetime members would be disenfranchised.
- The chair decided that if everyone was going to vote, more copies of the ballot would be needed. Aiden said, "We cannot do that." He obviously read the room and decided then to silence lifetime members.
- Sarah was told she couldn't make a motion because she wasn't an active member. Since when have we ever done that? This is the first time I've ever known when membership required three meetings to even make a motion at a meeting.
- LeVerne was TOLD she could vote that night. This idea of "events" not counting as "meetings" occurred in a collusion meeting between you and Aiden that I was not part of. It was not discussed that night, and I was not aware of your secret manipulations until LeVerne showed up to vote on the 27th.
- Bylaws are a framework for how meetings should be run, but we must have the flexibility to make changes when circumstances require, as in Covid, or as in this case, when there was a serious disagreement between the interpretation of the terms "any year," and "one year." To rush an election through was disrespectful to all the members who disagreed with your interpretation. You deliberately silenced their voices.
- I agreed only that any member could vote if they attended three meetings in any year. You also believed that any member could vote, until that mysterious email from Joan - who quit—and she chose not to vote. Why should Joan's personal opinion silence the rest of the membership?
- Do not put words in my mouth. I was not proving your point of three meetings in the current year by saying this. I was merely trying to find a consensus that everyone could live with, and I felt that the board member's proposal was fair. This also provided time for both sides to get legal advice.
- You had no problem manipulating the wording of the bylaws on who could vote, but at the same time, you maintained the election must be held in April, by demanding adherence to the bylaws. You talk out of both sides of your mouth. You silenced the membership to the benefit of one candidate. Also, I never agreed to canceling the September election.
End of comments from VP Shaw.