MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 22, 2009

Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 2:05 pm in the lower meeting room of the Lawrence Township Municipal Building by Co-Presidents Laura Nawrocik and Jacqueline Haun.
The meeting was dedicated to the memory of Emery Perkins.

Pledge of allegiance was led by Bill Agress.

President’s remarks: President Nawrocik summarized the year 2008 as one of innovation.  New events included a joint program with the Friends of the Library and a family picnic for members.

Reports: The minutes of the 2008 annual meeting were approved as corrected to include the name of Laura Nawrocik on the slate of Trustees.    The reports of the Treasurer and the Membership Chair were approved as read.

Recognitions: Jim Williams spoke of our debt to the late Emery Perkins and presented his widow Karen with a framed certificate in his memory. 
Ruth Barringer thanked Eleanor Horne for her years of service and support as a Trustee.  Janet Bickal thanked Chantal McCarroll for her years of work for the Society.  Laura Nawrocik thanked the other outgoing Board Members, Chris Turnbull and Robert Smit.

Memorial Gift: On behalf of the Lawrence Arts Council, Betty Leedom presented the Society with a check for $500 in memory of Marie Meseroll’ a good friend of both organizations.

Honorary Membership:  Janet Bickal proposed that Mary Tanner be named an honorary member of the Lawrence Historical Society, and the motion was made unanimous.

Election of Trustees: The following slate of trustees was presented:

Bill Agress            Rina Banerjee          Ruth Barringer
 Janet Bickal                 Bruce Bitcover         Skip Conover
Paul Gatterdam     John Halvorsen        Jacqueline Haun
Janet Hubbard       Carolyn Kozlowski  Catherine Medich                       
Mike Milewski      Laura Nawrocik       Karen Perkins
Dennis Waters       Jim Williams
                
The slate was elected by acclamation.

Swearing-in of Trustees: Mayor Pam Mount administered the oath of office and congratulated the Trustees.

Proclamation by Mayor:  Mayor Pam Mount read the proclamation of the Town Council naming October Lawrence History Month.

Vote to amend the Constitution and By-Laws:  John Halvorsen moved and Ruth Barringer seconded a motion to approve the amendments previously published in the Society newsletter, Places in Time.  The motion carried.

Program:  Jacqueline Haun, Archivist of the Lawrenceville School presented an illustrated talk on the history of the school, which will celebrate its bicentennial in 2010.  From its earliest principals, who were also owners, to the current head-master, who is the first woman, the school has had a remarkable and impressive life.  The Lawrenceville School began as a day school serving nine boys from the village of Maidenhead and is now a co-educational boarding school with 800 students from all over the world.  Ms. Haun fascinated her audience with such little known facts as:
            The basis of the school’s early endowment was the “China trade,” or opium. 
            The style of instruction is known as the Harkness system, small groups of students around a table.
            At one time, the dormitory for freshman boys consisted of a large open space with cubbies, much like a modern office.
            Fidel Castro spoke at the school in the 1950’s, causing quite a stir.
A lively question and answer period followed the talk.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm.

Reception: Members and guests enjoyed refreshments provided by the trustees.