President's Annual Report 2010-2011

Annual Report | Officers | Managers | Committee Chairs

Dear Friends,
it has been a confusing year for me but I had a lot of help to keep it all together. As it is down to the wire to complete this and invite you to the Annual meeting I'm going to make this short and resolve to get back on schedule the rest of the year.

At last years Annual meeting we introduced a new treasurer in hopes of lightening my load but it didn't work out. As a direct result some bills were not paid on time and we lost our mail box. I've also dropped the use of bulk mail. With a desire of sending out only 3 newsletters and the annual report it was about break even and with first class the delivery was more reliable.

Last year in October we had a Malware attack on our website that was eventually cleaned up and we can be thankful for the skills of our web support, Bizgrok, but specifically Joyce Thomas who so ably manages our web pages, thank you Joyce.

Last fall, Beryl and I as well as several others spent a number of days buttoning up the Museum to prevent the loss of heat through the fireplaces, windows and doors. From the looks of our fuel bills we were quite successful.

At the suggestion of a member we have added PayPal for the purpose of paying dues, making donations or making purchases from the gift shop. [At] ... the website you will see how it is used.

The project known as the Greenleaf House, next door, has been partially advanced. The rear of the building has been restored. A new foundation, basement floor and rear wall are all in place. We are preparing new a grant application with Connecticut Culture and Tourism and would hope to continue development of the property in the fall.

The Leffingwell Inn has received some fresh paint but needs more. We are putting our best face to the public. Plans are advancing for a colonial garden by the front door. The garden is being developed by a Master Gardener. We expect grow a number of heirloom vegetables and herbs, providing explanations as to how they were used.

During our fall program, several women docents wore colonial era costumes they had made. Your president was there and not in costume. This has been rectified by Kate Clark. I now have a rather handsome suit, pants, shirt, vest, and a coat is in the works. By the fall I should in complete and appropriate attire, thanks to Kate.

Many Thanks

~Austin Jay Deming
President