From the President's desk . . . September 2003

Dear Members,     Here we are at the beginning of a new season and the weather has already begun to change...and a welcome change it is! We are also beginning a new year in the Historical Society that I hope will be an interesting and profitable one.     Ray Anderson has many great programs for the year, Peter Allen says our treasury is in good shape, and the other chairpersons are continuing their work. As always we are looking to our members for input and especially help in making the society run even more smoothly. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated!     Along those lines, Pat Henry needs help in providing munchies for the monthly meetings. For many years now Pat has provided baked goods and decorations for all of us. Although some of our members have been helpful in this regard, she needs a commitment from many more or we will not be having refreshments at the meetings any more. I am hoping that many of you will step forward to help so that this most enjoyable part of our socializing can continue. There will be a sign up sheet at the September meeting for those who are willing to help. Committee Reports: Grounds: Take a walk around the back of the John Hunt House Museum and view the beautiful rock wall being constructed by city workers! It is not complete yet, but you can see how it will contribute to the garden that will eventually be planted. Markers: We have had a few requests for historical markers and one will be given out at the September meeting. I am planning to send a note to all home owners who have requested information in the past, whom I have not heard from, in hopes of getting more applications returned. Museum: After a discussion with Ginny Berwick and Edna Anness, Museum Committee members, it was decided to open the museum to the public on the second Sunday of the month, 1 - 4 pm, instead of Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested parties can call the society, 438-1750, to arrange a special tour with Ginny Berwick. If anyone is interested in beoming a docent at the museum, please see Ginny at the September meeting. Programs: Ray has many different and interesting programs planned for the year. Each program will be announced in the newsletter. We would love to have members reactions to these programs posted on the web-site! If you feel like being a "junior reporter", write something up and send it to our web master: reinhard-kathy@worldnet.att.net. Publicity: Florence Adams continues to send notices to the local newspapers on upcomming events. If you miss the newsletter, check the East Providence Post, Providence Journal or the society's web-site: ephist.org. Membership: Mona Breault reports that we now have 218 memberships; 147 indivdual and 71 families.     I hope to see you all at the September meeting, and please consider voluntering this year. Every little bit helps!!                 Kris Rose