President's Annual Report 2006-2007Dear Friends, During the summer, thanks to the generous and determined efforts of board member Beryl Fishbone, there were activities at the Leffingwell Inn every Saturday of the summer. There were diverse presentations from quilting to woodcarving, and from flower arranging to needlework. Although there were no "castsofthousands", the groups who participated were enthusiastic and looking forward to the next series. There have been times when I could expect to be called at any time during the day or night, to answer a fire or burglar alarm at the Inn. That pretty much ended when the alarm system was changed and improved so a gust of wind at a window wouldn't cause an alert. So it was a real shock when on September 23rd my phone rang at 11:30 PM with the message that a water main had ruptured and water was pouring into Leffingwell Inn. You can well imagine my panic. What to do! Thankfully, my husband David, concerned for my state of mind, got dressed and drove me to the Inn, where we found the situation in the very capable hands of the City of Norwich officials. Even though water was pouring down the hill from the road, miraculously it was flowing around, on both sides of the building, and not into it! During the endless ride to Norwich, I had visions of the Inn as an ark, with priceless pairs of antiques, floating away into oblivion. Once I realized the biggest help I could be was to encourage everyone and myself to go home so the crews could do its job without our "help". Thankfully, water damage in the Inn was minimal, and promptly handled by Jay Deming, Beryl Fishbone and a professional moping up crew. We remain very grateful for Joe Loracano, and the Norwich Public Works Department, and John Bilda and his Department of Public Utilities for the restoration of the driveway and grounds around the Inn. They were most solicitous and helpful in "making things right" after the flood. There were several activities planned during the winter months but we did not draw the attention we had hoped to have. I think we finally have realized that the Inn is too dark and too cold to be hospitable in winter weather. In January, the City of Norwich and the Society of Founders lost a good friend and supporter with the untimely death of Richard Sharpe, Norwich architect and historian. It had been his own wish that gifts in his memory should be made to the Leffingwell Inn. Thanks to the generosity of Dick Sharpe's many friends and associates, and the assistance of board vice president, Ralph Learned, we have begun the process of updating our very "antique" and dangerous electrical wiring system. We will miss Dick Sharpe, but we will think of him wherever we use his sage electricity. Sandy Brindamour has been actively seeking and applying for grants to help with our various needs and projects. Unfortunately, many other organizations are also applying for funds, so we have to wait our turn for consideration. One project for which we needed no special funding, but for which I am personally very appreciative, is the additional steps into the Inn's front door. Board member Greg Stott, and his Dad, were able to match the original granite step with two others, so that no one needs to be "hauled" up and over, and into the building or have to use a pole vault! Respectfully submitted, |