Dear Friends and Fellow Members:
Greetings to all!
As you may be aware, the membership meeting scheduled for March 12th was cancelled due to the impassible driveway. Remind me next time to choose a “rain” date, and include that in the newsletter! Unless we form a calling tree, mailings are a bit cumbersome!
The Annual Membership Meeting is being held at the Smith-Appleby House on September 10th at 6:30 pm. We hope you will be able to attend. As a gentle reminder, your membership dues must be current in order to vote. Our new fiscal year begins September 1, so if you have not paid your dues in advance (check your membership card please) then most likely your “dues are due.” When making out your check, please make sure to make it out to: The Historical Society of Smithfield, as that is the official account name. This will make things easier for our Membership Chairperson, Teresa Ignasher. On more than one occasion I have wished for some special reward, prize, gift or acknowledgement for our steadfast members. Instead I offer gratitude, for those that appreciate the behind the scenes work done on, around, and for the property – to keep it safe and enjoyed for today, and tomorrow. Your membership dollars are a real, and important part of that.
For the faithful few that spend many hours at the museum you understand how busy the days are with cleanup, preparation, and recovery for the many events we hold. Perhaps that is why the days slip by so fast, and not everything is accomplished to a schedule!
We have been rather blessed with the participation of a group of young people from Smithfield High School, under the direction of Mr. Vincent Zibelli, Social Studies, who have helped with yard work, the May Breakfast and the following school programs.
During the period of June 10 – 18 we hosted field trips for the young people of Anna M. McCabe Elementary, Raymond C. LaPerche Elementary, & William Winsor Elementary. I think these schools shared with us a total of over 275 children who toured the museum, learned about Rhode Island with Ranger John McNiff, participated in 18th Century “chore related” relay races – as well as candle dipping, stenciling, having a silhouette done, weaving, doll making, scroll making, writing with a quill pen, tin punch and paper making. I believe I am forgetting something, but for any of you who have ever spent even one day with grandchildren, or any children, will perhaps join me in saying, “whew!” As ever, when working with these groups of children, Deb Cote is the driving force, and organizer.
We have hosted two Rhody Ramble events this summer, on July 12th a Rain gutter Regatta, and on August 9th, a Weaving class. Deb Cote was again instrumental in signing up volunteers and running the event, with assistance from David Brooks, Julia Mendonca, and Michael Korba.
Thanks also being in order for the gardens, and grass – thank you to Pete and June Giammarco, and to Bob Guertin for keeping the property looking so beautiful.
We will be hosting another Antique Show on October 4th, hoping the weather will be a little warmer than last year. We had a lot of fun with the Historical Society table (your donated items), so if you have any “bane or blessing” items you would like to donate, we can arrange for drop-offs!
On November 14, our Colonial Dinner will also be themed “A Colonial Dinner in New England.” As ever, I will be looking for brave souls to help with cleaning, table set up, food preparation, etc., etc., etc.
Our Christmas Open house is scheduled for December 6th, and a call for cookies around that time would be appreciated! Following our tradition, the members Christmas party will be on December 12th. Not meaning to distress anyone, but it seems that interest in the party has dwindled in the past few years, so perhaps we can make that a topic for discussion at the next meeting.
Again, the Membership Meeting is scheduled for September 10th, at 6:30. Looking forward to seeing you!
Warmest wishes,
Maggie Botelho
Program Director
