HENRY C. CONRAD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
MEETING MINUTES ARCHIVE

MINUTES From March 16, 2009 – Conrad Library – 6:00 P.M.

Attendees: Geri Renai Brainard, John “Ozzie” Cheban, Kris Fletcher,
Jim Hudson, Sue Nicholson Laushey, Tim Laushey,
Lynn Farley Makowski, Gail Pollinger, Harry Rogerson,
Buck Simpers, Faith Carter Simpers, Paul Stratton,
Susan Strawbridge, Principal Mark Pruitt

Meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Buck Simpers.

Website – Harry Rogerson
> To date 304 registrants
> Harry has a list of 1138 emails for future mailings
> Actual meeting dates have been posted
> Brick paver schematic will be posted

Fundraisers
> Brick Pavers – Faith Carter Simpers
> 26 purchased to date
> Only 4 more and we can order and start the first phase
> Geri Brainard suggested we start to consider formulating additional fundraisers in preparation for Homecoming; we’ll discuss further at April meeting

Treasurer’s Report
> Current balance of $2,247.29 as of March 16, 2009
> Monies disbursed for April 5K sponsorship and post office box rental

Old Business

Committee Volunteers – We still have not received any volunteers to chair or participate on committees (which are posted on website):
> Events – school and alumni
> Fundraising
> Membership
> Mentoring
> Museum/History Room
> Publicity/Communications
> Recognition
> Still strong feeling that Membership Committee should have highest priority
> Previous goal - to have committee chairs and members in place by our May 18 meeting
> Briefly discussed the need for flyers to be distributed in local businesses, etc.
> Geri, Ozzie and Paul will meet to research establishing a class contact list for class reunions, membership drives, etc.

501(c)(3) Investigaton – Kris Fletcher
> Post Office Box has been acquired for association address:
> Conrad Alumni Association, P.O. Box 3398, Newport, DE 19804
> Kris and Buck will set up a meeting to finalize missing information needed to prepare and file proper paperwork
>> Foundation versus public charter?
> Question was posed about establishing an association email address for specific inquiries.
>> Harry will contact John Davis (class of ’72) to further discuss.

PTO Athletic Boosters Meeting – 2/26
> Ozzie and Jim Hudson both attended
> March 24 – Charcoal Pit on Kirkwood Highway will have Conrad High School Day where part of what is taken in will be donated to the school. Alumni should make a point to go and patronize. Ozzie will try to find out specifics (specific time?)

PTO General Meeting – 2/26
> Jim Hudson attended
> Main emphasis was on the Midnight Madness event scheduled for April 24 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the school gyms
>> Volunteers are needed for committees
>> Jim handed out the Planning Meeting Summary
>> Next meeting scheduled for April 1, 7-8:30 p.m. in school library.

New Business

Buck made a recommendation that a letter be sent to Dr. Mervin B. Daugherty from the Alumni Association congratulating him on being selected as the next Superintendent of the Red Clay Consolidated School District.
> Discussion ensued around the need to establish an official association letterhead for all future correspondence; i.e.,
Conrad Crest with old Indian head
> Both old Indian head and new Indian headdress – since the new school will eventually become part of the alumni association, we should have both
> Buck will have his graphic designer prepare something

Susan Strawbridge posed the question whether we should initiate annual membership dues to increase our financial base. After much discussion, Susan will prepare some suggestions and present at April meeting for further discussion.

Tim Laushey recommended a letter be formulated and sent to the Charcoal Pit on Kirkwood Highway from Principal Pruitt, Buck Simpers and Tim asking to have the Conrad High School sundae reinstated on the menu. Tim has an old menu with the ingredients. Faith suggested that when it is reinstated, Principal Pruitt should have the first one.

Kristen reported receiving a request for a Silent Auction item to be donated (specific to Conrad High School) for the May 14 retirement dinner for Dr. Robert J. Andrzejewski. If anyone has items they’d like to donate, bring to April meeting.

Principal Pruitt Reports

April 11 - 5K
> Alumni Association was first to become a sponsor
> Discussion around what should be put on banners or T-shirts since we do not have an official logo – conradalumni.com(?)

9th Grade Car Wash – April 24 – specific time?

Student Pride Day – May 29 from 3-6 and picnic afterwards from 6-7
> students, parents and alumni to work on sprucing up the school
> Can brick pavers be installed?

PTO started preliminary work for October 23 Beef and Beer

Homecoming – October 24

NEXT MEETING: April 20, 2009 – 6:00 PM – SCHOOL LIBRARY

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Faith Carter Simpers – Class of ‘65