Notes from the 2012 CFC Annual Meeting on December 4, 2012

Notes from the 2012 CFC Annual Meeting on December 4, 2012 at The Inn at Grace Farm

After a very successful year, we look forward to working to build community and connection with all of you in 2013. The minutes contain several ideas for future events, and we welcome your input and suggestions. Please email Mark Hunziker (mark@vtwellness.net) with your thoughts.

Summary of 2012 Activities by Mark Hunziker:

Our goals for the year were to increase the visibility of our name, the need for rehabilitating the Baptist Building and the need for a community center.

We have achieved better communication among the players, which include the United Church, its Baptist Trustees, the Masons and the Recreation Department. We have all worked together on events such as the Hunters’ Breakfast and the Haunted House.

Events: The ice cream giveaway at Community Day was very successful. It was fun and informed people about our mission. The planned spaghetti supper was a “learning experience” as we had to cancel it due to a lack of interest on the part of Egg Run runners and their families.

The Haunted House was attended by over 575 people. Thank you to the Recreation Department for their participation and contribution of operating funds. At least 100 volunteers contributed more than 700 hours of their time. We had help from the Cub Scouts, BFA Honor Society, BFA Drama Group, BFA Soccer Team, the Masons, the United Church and the Fairfax Community Theatre Company. Ann Lemieux was thanked by the group for her hard work and creativity in designing and organizing the Haunted House. CFC is so grateful for her leadership on this event.

There was a Christmas Tree lighting on Saturday, December 8 at the Baptist Building. Agreement has been reached among the parties to plant a real tree on the Baptist Building property (site to be determined by consultation) so that we will have a live tree to light in the future.

Nominating Committee: Mark thanked departing Board member Elizabeth Griffin for her years of service and Roy Hill who left the Board earlier this year. Two new Board member candidates were introduced, Harold Vance III and Susannah Chamberlin. Amanda Duling and Robbie Rodimer are up for re-election. Mary Taylor, Mark Hunziker, Doug Stuart and Barbara Duval will continue to serve.

Brainstorming Ideas for 2013

All agreed that the Haunted House should become a tradition. Ann is recommending a pirate ship theme for next year and said we will need to ask volunteers for clear commitments ahead of time, especially for set up and clean up. We should also continue to participate in Community Day.

Liz G. asked if there was a way to work with Success by Six since many young families participate in their activities. Amanda will follow up.

We need to obtain Officers and Directors Liability Insurance this year.

Ann said that the National Association of Realtors has a “Good Neighbor” award for realtors who contribute to their communities. If someone were to nominate her and she won, the $10,000 award (or $2500 honorable mention) could go to CFC. The nominations are due May 18th. Ann will email the information.

Other Ideas:

Help with a new resident packet or possibly reviving the new residents’ orientation

Watch for grant opportunities and possibly collaborate with the Historical Society

Increase community participation in the Hunters Breakfast- perhaps Hunters and Shoppers Breakfast?

Revive Bean Hole Supper tradition

Have a community lunch which might attract young families

Get Baptist Building on the Historic Register

Lay ground work for getting grants

Continue to participate in the maintenance of the Baptist Building

Pilot a spring event such as a flower show or historic house tour

Next Meeting: January 8, 2013 at 7 PM at the United Church of Fairfax. Note the return to the 7 PM time

Questions? Contact Amanda Duling at asduling@gmail.com