The Montpelier Area Chamber of Commerce opened their September 13, 2013, meeting with a financial report. After the minutes of the last meeting were reviewed, the board reported that a planning meeting had been held on August 15th for the 2014 Bean Days celebration. There were 15-20 persons present, and several had volunteered to serve on committees. The next planning meeting for those who are serving or would like to serve on a committee is on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express meeting room. This is not a meeting for the general public as suggestions were already received during the earlier open meeting, but those wishing to serve on a committee are welcome.
In Committee reports, Jamison Grime, Superintendent of Montpelier Schools was unable to attend, but sent a message that all of the needed teachers had been hired, and the school year was going well so far.
Gloria Osburn of the Montpelier Public Library was on hand to announce that “A Touch of Fall” painting class would be held on September 24. Due to increased interest, a second session was opened up. Classes will be at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. There are only a few openings available and those interested should contact the library right away to reserve their spot. The Knitting Club will be starting back up again this month on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. This year they will do one project per month, and as always, participants will be able to work on their own projects and get or give advice to others. This is a wonderful time for individuals to work on their craft or learn a new one while having a chance to socialize with others.
On September 28, the libraries in the county will all be participating in the “Tour de Book.” People will ride their bicycles, starting at the Bryan Library, and travel to the other libraries in Williams County. For those who wish for a less lengthy ride, there will be a 21-mile round trip ride between the Bryan and Montpelier libraries. The event is sponsored by the United Way, and proceeds go to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library which provides free books for young children. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. ith the bikes leaving at 8:30 a.m. The 21-mile bicycle trips begin at 11:00 a.m.
The Montpelier Library will hold its Fall Festival on October 19 with crafters, homemade soup, and a bake sale. Two area authors will be at the library to sell their books and do a book signing. Bobbie Schlosser will have copies of her book “Pilgrim,” and Marsha Baker, author of two cookbooks, will be there with her new book, “Love at First Bite.” A beautiful hand-made quilt will be on display, and raffle tickets for the quilt can be purchased for $1 or six for $5. A winner will be drawn during the Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering in November.
Board President Terry Buntain said that the year-to-date account balance for the Chamber was at $4,659. There was a loss of over $400 for the cost of the wrestling event during Bean Days. Board members discussed needed repairs to the steps leading up to the apartments above the office. The board will meet at a separate date for an executive session for further discussion on this matter and other building repairs.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. in the Chamber office on Main Street.