Byron Herbert Reece Society Annual Meeting

May 22, 2010

Wilson Lecture Hall, Young Harris College

Seventh Annual Meeting 

Dr. John Kay, Board of Directors Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. He extended a warm welcome to all those present, and stated that this was actually the eighth meeting of persons interested in the legacy of Byron Herbert Reece, the first being in July 2003 to organize the Society in its present form. 

He called attention to the bookmark in the attendees packets, and broke with tradition by not reading the poem, but pointed out artwork by the children of the Bryant family and how the poem itself “Feathers and Fur” brought out the lighter side of Byron Herbert Reece.  

Greetings and welcome from Young Harris College were brought by Dr. Ron Roach, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Roach updated the meeting on the many aspects of the College’s growth and programs that tie in with the study of Reece, including the formation of an Appalachian Studies Center. 

Dr. Kay gave special recognitions to the following:

·         All first time attendees

·         Persons who have attended all six previous meetings

·         those who knew Reece personally

·         Honorary members - those who have reached the age of 90 and knew Reece. Dr. Kay states there are five such members, but none was in attendance.  Mrs. Fay Clegg Hoag recently celebrated her 97th birthday

·         Members of the Society who were deceased since the last meeting include James Mathis, Sr., Douglas Reid Sasser, Rod Chamberlain, Paula Paris Johnson, and Jim Dobson. He asked to be informed of any others.

Dr. Kay then asked the attendees to review the minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting (included in the handouts). There being no changes, it was moved and seconded to accept the minutes. Motion carried. 

Dr. Kay reviewed the summary from the Treasurer (included in the handouts). Janice Parmer, Society Treasurer, was unable to attend the meeting. The handout detailed the balances in all three accounts, with Dr. Kay giving a brief explanation of the nature and purpose of each account. There were no questions regarding the summary distributed. 

Dr. Kay called attention to the report of the Nominations Committee chaired by Keith Jones, who was unable to attend due to his church responsibilities. Those leaving the Board of Directors include Janice Parmer, Deuce Douglass, Harris Green, Mildred Greear, and Jim Dobson (deceased).  New members include Rosann Kent, Rev. Jim Mitchell, Dr. Ron Roach, and Debra March.  There being no nominations from the floor it was moved and seconded to accept the report of the Nominations Committee.

In Other Business, Dr. Kay recognized Bill Durrett.  Mr. Durrett reported that at the last meeting the Board voted to investigate and commit to improving the appearance of the Reece Family Cemetery plot located at Old Union Baptist Church in Young Harris. He displayed pictures showing that the ground is rather barren, and could benefit from some grass being sowed and other improvements. Burt Weertz and Bill Durrett are looking for volunteers to make suggestions and sign up for a work day, and a signup sheet was made available. Dr. Kay reminded everyone that the Society had committed to finance the project, but labor was needed. 

Dr. Kay then related to the meeting that in appreciation for the excellent work done by Ms. Karen Deem of Deem Loureiro, Inc. on the VOICES dvd, she was being awarded a lifetime membership in the Society. Her outstanding and lasting contribution to the mission of the Society with her dedication to the project was recognized by a sustained round of applause. She was unable to be present, but Dr. Kay will see that she receives the appreciation of the Society. 

Dr. Kay called for items from the floor, and there were none.  

Dr. Bettie Sellers then introduced Dr. Helen Lewis, calling her “writer, teacher, activist, poet, friend.” 

Dr. Helen Lewis has been a member of the Society’s Board of Directors since 2003.  She is an educator, writer, filmmaker and activist in issues related to the study of Appalachia.  Her address was titled “Byron Herbert Reece & Don West – Two North Georgia Poets: Same Time, Same Place, Divergent Paths,” and was very enlightening about both men. 

After Dr. Lewis’ talk and a break, Fleming Weaver, Chair of the Farm Development Committee gave a comprehensive and entertaining update detailing the accomplishments and plans for the farm property.  Utilizing pictures of the various stages of development, Mr. Weaver provided an overview of the present construction underway on the Welcome Center, Group Pavilion, and parking area for the venue.  He also explained the changes in design by architect Garland Reynolds regarding the poetry trail and other features of the property.  Union County has submitted an application to the Department of Natural Resources for funds needed to build the amphitheater.  Another development is the preparation of the VOICES video for showing on PBS stations.  This involves a brief introduction of the video by the Society chair and a closing interview with architect Reynolds.

Dr. Kay then recognized Joel Legg. Joel has refurbished the exterior of Reece’s writing studio “Mulberry Hall” as his Eagle Scout project, under the direction and with the assistance of his father, Terry Legg. Dr. Kay awarded both a year’s membership in the Society, and read letters of appreciation to each for their efforts. The letters are attached to these minutes. 

Dr. Bettie Sellers then gave an overview of Reece’s prose work,The Hawk and the Sun, explaining some of the themes in the work, and tying it into the protest literature that Dr. Lewis had spoken of earlier.  She recommends that persons interested in Reece read both of his novels, Better a Dinner of Herbs and The Hawk and the Sun. 

Dr. Kay then made the following announcements.

·         Next year’s meeting will probably be the first Saturday in June, which would be June 4, 2011. It is hoped and expected that the meeting can be held at the Reece Farm  and Heritage Center.

·         The Directors elected earlier in the meeting are requested to stay after dismissal for election of officers.

·         Thanks are due to

·         Dr. Ron Roach for use of the College facilities and the dining hall

·         Dr. Helen Lewis for her extraordinary keynote address

·         Dr. Bettie Sellers for her willingness to present on topics of interest

·         The Annual Meeting Planning Committee-Patti Kay, Dawn Lamade, Debra March, Janice Moore, and John Kay.  Dr. Kay expressed his profound appreciation for Mrs. Patti Kay- for her patience with him as well as her efforts for the Society.

·         Those who served as greeters and helpers

·         Hollis Townsend of the Young Harris College ITECH department for technical assistance during the meeting.

·         Debra March for assuming the Secretary duties in the absence of Dawn Lamade.

·         David Sellers for filming the meeting and for drawing the Reece Society logo.

·         Fleming Weaver for his efforts on the farm project.

Lamar Paris then took the floor. He introduced John and Sue Ellen Pentecost and reminded the members that their generous donation of their farm implement collection would be key in development of the farm exhibits.  William and Carol Lewis of Braselton were in attendance, with a collection of letters between Reece and Mr. Lewis’ grandfather, Preston Williams.  Mr. Paris also spoke thanking John Kay for his leadership of the Society, to applause. 

The closing and blessing of the luncheon in the Young Harris restaurant was given by Rev. Jim Mitchell.  The Annual Meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m. 

Dr. Kay called the Board of Directors meeting to order at 12:30 in the Wilson Lecture Hall. The following Board members were in attendance: Burt Weertz, Bill Durrett, Fleming Weaver, Lamar Paris, John Kay, Debra March, Ron Roach, Jan Bennett, Jim Mitchell, Ken Boyd, Bettie Sellers, Helen Lewis, Rosann Kent, Bud Hill, Carol Knight, and Rosemary Royston.

The following slate of officers was presented.  John Kay, chair; Ron Roach, vice-chair; Dawn Lamade, treasurer; Jan Bennett, membership secretary; Debra March, recording secretary; Janice Moore, Lamar Paris and Fleming Weaver, members at large. There was a motion to accept the slate as offered, with second. Motion carried. 

There being no further business, the Board meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, 

Debra March 

Packet inserts:

Program

Minutes of 2009 Annual meeting

Treasurer’s summary report

Report of the Nominations Committee

Reece Society membership brochure

2010 Bookmark by Patti Kay 
 

Added material

      Letter to Joel Legg

      Letter to Terry Legg