28 Oct 2023

Dear friends and supporters of Walker Memorial Hall,

 

So far, we've accomplished a lot already in 2023, and we still have projects proceeding right up to the end of the year.  

 

On the outside of the building, the decrepit gutters have been removed and new fascia boards installed.  The tower, porches, and privy shed have been reshingled.  The chimneys have been repointed above the roofline.   Railings have been installed on the front porch steps.  After a long delay, a modern electrical panel was installed to bring the new 200A electrical service online. On the inside, the decks have been cleared for action by the removal of the old appliances from the kitchen and 2 of our 3 pianos. Repairs and painting of interior walls and ceilings are expected to begin in November.  Interior electrical work is expected to begin by the end of this year.   I think it's safe to say that the 131 yr-old lady certainly shines with all the care and attention she's received in the past few years!  

 

Exterior projects still remaining to be done are: construction of a new back entranceway; bringing in water; construction of a septic system; landscaping and grading, including parking and walkways.  On the interior, substantial projects remaining include plumbing; (re)construction of the kitchen; construction of a bathroom; rehabilitation of non-painted finished surfaces; buying or rehabilitating furniture.

 

Organizationally, ownership of the Hall has been transferred from the Trust created by the Probate Court to the non-profit 501(c()3) corporation performing the renovations to the building.  This change will not affect the charter of the Hall to serve the surrounding community.  It will eliminate the obsolete and poorly understood process of appointing Trustees in conjunction with the Probate Court.  Instead, governance of the Hall will follow the modern, well spelled-out rules for non-profit corporations.   

 

We welcome Bill Chalmers to the Board of Directors for the corporation.  Bill has been doing an excellent job of outreach and fundraising for the renovation project, and his appointment to the board of directors is simply a formal recognition of the role he has played and will continue to play.  Laurie Chalmers has resigned from her post as corporation Secretary due to her overbooked schedule.  She will continue in her role as a director.

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Going forward into 2024, our top priorities are:

1. Increase the number and scope of fundraising activities.

2. Add new directors to the Board of Directors.

3. Sign up and engage volunteers to work on projects.

If you are interested in becoming a director or volunteering for projects, please fill out and submit an application on our website.

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Wishing everyone Happy Holidays for 2023 and looking forward to a happy and productive 2024,

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Ken Abbott

President, Walker Memorial Hall corporation