Bicentennial Committee Meets

By Submitted, 07/3/18 12:23 PM

The Hempstead County Bicentennial Committee met Monday July 2nd at Tailgaters. The meeting opened with a report from Cherry Stewart on the recent Community Coffee and noted over 90 people attended. Richard Read also reported the time capsule is on display at the Chamber of Commerce.
A financial report was given and cash on hand is $2,062. Online donations were discussed. The committee approved any excess of funds raised from the time capsule funds to be given to three other previously approved funds.
The sponsorship report contained the information that Hope Auto, McDonald’s, Pafford, and Sisson Real Estate have signed on as sponsors.
Cherry Stewart gave an arts report. McCaskill Mayor Marion Hoosier noted the Blevins School is enthusiast about the proposed History Fair. Mayor Hoosier also invited Richard Read to the next Township Committee meeting July 26th in Emmett. Danny Watson will speak to the group.
Josh Williams gave a report on the Bicentennial website. He asked that everyone send news to Hempstead200@gmail.com. Dale Gathright noted he is using the Bicentennial logo on his Saratoga Arkansas Digest site. Gathright also suggested asking the college to use it on their sign.
Josh Williams agreed to seek prices on commemorative signs for the townships.
Tarona Armstrong of the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site. She gave an update on the facility’s Junior Ranger program and also on their Jazz Fest August 18th. Armstrong is also working on a letter inviting President Clinton to the December program.
Josh Williams noted 3,000 more passports have been printed and are available at the Chamber of Commerce office.
Keenan Williams and Alan Woll reported 29 silver coins have been ordered.. The onr ounce silver coins are $50 each.
Richard Read gave an update on the time capsule. He noted the steel has been cut and will be taken to UAHT for welding this week. Read gave a proposal on “letters to the future” for local students to compose letters for the time capsule. These students will not be charged to submit a letter for inclusion in the capsule. A pricing structure was discussed for adults who submit letters for the time capsule. A committee was set up for the time capsule pricing. Warren Hansen suggested possibly proofing the letters submitted to the time capsule.
The meeting then adjourned.