The first meeting of the new year for the Dillon Historical School Foundation (DHSF) was held on Tuesday, January 5th, 2016, the Dillon Chamber of Commerce Offices.  Chairman Gerald Berry called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and called the membership roll.  Vice-President, Terry Morris began the meeting with an invocation.  Secretary Mary Miller provided the treasure’s report in the absence of Treasurer John Miller and then read the minutes of the December, 2015 meeting.
Unfinished business included discussion of a grant writing workshop to be held Tuesday, January 12th, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the Chamber offices.  A grant writing committee was formed, with Betty Barclay named as Chairperson.  Mary Miller provided an update on a request for Accommodation Tax Funds.  The old business closed with a discussion of business cards art work.
Reports of recent activities included a project at the J. V. Martin Auditorium to stabilize windows to keep out the weather elements.  Terry Morris developed a tool to reach the top window sashes which had sagged with time and dropped leaving an opening through which rain and debris had entered the facility.  With assistance by Mary Miller they were able to close all the windows.  The group also discussed leakage in the auditorium roof and resources for repairs and replacement.  The group reviewed the progress of removing the mobile classroom and office units from the rear of the property with five units still in place as of today’s date.
Members also addressed security issues regarding destruction of the perimeter fence during the relocation of the mobile units and evidence of building trespass with methods of remedy.  Lorene Arnette reported on a recent property assessment for insurance coverage.   Chairman Berry reported on response to the mass mail-out which has resulted in a number of new members joining the organization.  Mr. Berry reminded members that annual dues are due to be paid.  A discussion followed regarding raising the annual dues, to be finalized at the February meeting.
The meeting closed with members reporting their New Year’s Resolutions and goals for the Dillon Historic School Foundation for 2016, as had been requested by Chairman Berry at the December meeting.
Chairman Berry reminded members of the grant workshop scheduled for January 12th, at 3:00 p.m., and the February meeting to be held on February 2nd, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., both to be held at the Dillon Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, located on Main Street in Dillon.
Any persons who cannot attend, but would like to be kept informed of DHSF activities and plans, send an email to Chairman Berry at berrygm327@ad.com with “INFORM ME”  in the Subject line and your full name as the message.  Individuals without access to the internet may contact Chairman Berry and provide their name and mailing address.  Either by “snail mail” or email, DHSF notices and meeting agenda will be provided.
All meetings are on “first Tuesdays” at the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce Conference Room located on Main Street, in Dillon.  Visitors and new members are welcome to attend.