Back to Minutes Menu

Rustic Ridge Association
Minutes of the Annual Meeting

August 2, 2008
Music Building , Northfield Mount Hermon School
Northfield , Massachusetts

Bob Ziegenhagen, President of the Rustic Ridge Association, Inc. called the meeting to order at 9:43. Mary Snyder, Clerk, stated the Call to Meeting and noted that one vote per cottage was allowed. Associate members do not vote. A quorum of 40 was present. Warren Snyder gave the invocation. Bob made introductions including officers and board members, and new members John Bundas and wife. The minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting were approved.

Reports/Activities

President’s Report:

Bob Ziegenhagen reported: Many deaths in the community. Finances in good shape. Roads in good shape despite heavy rains in the spring. Many issues have been dealt with thanks to Alan Abel using the funds contributed by members. There are some nibbles on school campus sale. July 4th parade continues to be a great time for families to get together. Thanks to Carol Ziegenhagen for her organization of that event. Our web site has been updated to make it more user friendly and accessible. Address information may be edited on line. Personal copies may be printed. A round of applause for Bob and his work. Credit given to Dave Powell for obtaining data for cottage history. A committee has been formed to promote interest among and give information to younger families. Another committee is dealing with the problem of derelict cottages. A reminder is made to drive with care on roads which are being used by pedestrians and children playing and animals. Cottages presently for sale 14 Pine, 17 West, 237 North, The Web site is a great place to share your family news. Send in news for publishing on site.

Auditor:

Ed Burdick reported that the books are accurate and in good order.

Treasurer:

Lucia Powell presented the treasurer’s report for 2007-2008 Explanation of insurance figure of $800. to cover executive members.
 
Lucia Powell then presented the budget for 2008-2009. It is hoped that we will pick up a couple of new cottages, but cottages that are derelict are not likely to pay dues. It is hoped that we will add new associate members bringing the projected income to $10,000. The budget was moved, seconded, and approved.
 

Community Contributions:

Lucia Powell announced that the 2007-2008 contribution was made to the Northfield News Letter
 

Memorials:

Elaine Harned led the group in a moment of silence to remember the following members and friends who have died since August 2007

A memorial book will be chosen for each member and placed in the Dickinson Memorial Library.

Signs:

Lucy Livingston writes from Alaska that the signs went up in April. The town had been contacted for sign at North and Woodruff, One way signs have been purchased for Willows and West and will be installed soon. Name signs will be updated. (Suggestion from Doug Denise to post speed signs.)
 

Gardens:

Lucia Powell reports that John Bundas has joined the team. All are welcome to help.
 

Trash:

Warren Snyder - make me laugh. New composting opportunity for those who desire. Trash pick up is around 2 PM Saturday. You must use approved yellow bags for all regular trash. Recycling materials should be put in containers (i.e. paper bags) to keep them contained on the truck. Information may be obtained at the Town Hall in regard to hazardous waste, bulky waste, stickers, and dump permits. Weekly pick up will end the Saturday after labor day with another day Columbus Day Weekend and perhaps the weekend after. Brush pick up sometime before the end of the season. There is a bin for discarding books at the dump.
 

Roads:

Work done on Cliff Rd. , Heath Lane , Oak Terrance and Wood Way . Roads have held up well. Work is now needed to improve the water runoff problems. Several projects are planned. Steve Wiggins will cut meadows. Road work parties are scheduled for Aug. 9 and 16.
 

Ridge Representative:

Sue Ross will be at picnic this evening. Those who have questions may talk with her there.
 

Cottage History:

Dave Powell - cottage history work started 1999 - eight years later, he has a book of pictures and a history showing the owners of each cottage. These have also been posted on the web site. Applause!!! Also available on CD. The Pine Grove and South Addition cottage information is not as complete because of the lease situation that was then negotiated to sale in 1976. Suggestion that members add text to flesh out the history of each cottage and the people connected with the Ridge.
 

School Update:

Dave Powell - no definite offers. The first priority of the school is to get the Mt.Herman Campus viable. Much progress. More aggressive marketing is now going on. Deerfield Valley Art Association has shown an interest in Moody Homestead for an Art Gallery .

 

NEW BUSINESS

Nominations:

Charlotte Martin presented the report of the nominating committee. The slate was moved, seconded and approved unanimously. Thanks to Bob Ziegenhagen for job well done.

Derelict cottages:

Lucia Powell gave an update of the beginning work of the committee.

Dick Young suggests email communication of major events concerning Ridge members i.e. deaths

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meeting Adjourned 11:00 AM