BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES

November 25, 2025

  1. Call to Order: Penny Gasbarre
  2. Roll Call:  Dustin Sheppard, Rik Goodright, Gary Wimer, Penny Gasbarre, Susan Myers, Jason Anderson, Deb Kitko, Tom Hilt, Helen Oriatti-Bruns, Jeff Musselman, Mark Graham
    1. Excused: Wayne Larson, Diane Butler, Andy Kiel
    1. Absent: Erich Riebe, Kerry Kiel
  3. October Board Meeting Minutes (Action Required)
    1. Motion to approve the October 2025 minutes.
      1. 1st  Tom Hilt  2nd  Jason Anderson  Vote: Motion Passed
  4. Treasurer’s Report: (Action Required)
    1. Narrative: Balance sheet   P&L  P&L-Operating
    1. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report.
      1. 1st Tom Hilt  2nd  Deb Kitko  Vote: Passed
    1. VFW Donation: Earmarked to cover repair of a few GAR flag/banner
    1. Motion to take VFW Donation and move to Military Committee budget from Operating budget.
      1. 1st Deb Kitko 2nd Dustin Sheppard  Vote: Motion Passed
  5. President’s Report: Penny Gasbarre
    1. Budgeting: Looking to work with the committees to follow a yearly budget and looking to create a Finance Committee to help with this cause.
      1. The question was asked how purchase order limits work currently or if we have to get multiple quotes for a project.  The answer was given that we can set up limits if we think it would be best and multiple quotes are best practice for project work.  It was clarified that no money can be pulled from the General Operating Fund without Executive Committee approval.
    1. Charlie Lepold’s Plaque: Anonymous donor donated a plaque to honor Charlie to go on the Military Vault.
    1. Mini Library Update: Penny is managing the mini library to ensure children’s history resources are the primary focus.
    1. Newsletter: Lori has found that per the policy and procedures that Acquisitions are to be included in the newsletter.  She is confirming with donors if they would like their name added to the newsletter. The Calendar of Events will also be added to the newsletter going forward.
    1. Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 6th from 5-8pm: Choir from the Wooster High School will be here for 30 minutes and Penny is confirming when.
    1. Church Walk on Friday, December 5th from 4-7pm: Beall House will be open, along with carolers, and hot chocolate bar in the Schoolhouse.  We will be on the bus hop and will have a stop.
  6. Executive Director’s Report: Rik Goodright
    1. Volunteer Total for 2025: 576 people
    1. Visitor Totals for 2025: 395 visitors, avg 7 per Saturday
    1. Looking into putting in slop sink/mop sink in Kister building men’s bathroom
    1. School visits start again on May 13th.
    1. DAR – George Washington – November 10th – 5:30pm. 43 visitors attended.
    1. Looking into options for Transportation Building doorway to help improve energy efficiency.
    1. Penny and Andy will be creating a form for suggestions for George Schwartz and Alvin Rich Awards
  7. Committee Reports:
    1. Finance – Dustin Sheppard
    1. Nominating Committee – Ray Leisy
    1. Technology – Deb Kitko
      1. Noah update : Americorp volunteer working on our website and keeping the calendar up to date. He is also working to update the website with relevant information.
    1. Fundraising – Penny Gasbarre
      1. Poinsettas – Looking for help to deliver on 12/1. 103 were sold.
      1. Looking to collaborate with the library on a cemetery walk in 2026, seeing if we can sell tickets, Deb will look into it, and a Ghost Walk in 2027.
    1. Buildings & Grounds – Ray Leisy
      1. Christmas Decorations are in place.
      1. Gutters are cleaned and looking at a leak in the Beall House.  Gary is keeping an eye on it.
      1. The basement hallways have been uncluttered.
      1. The Schoolhouse has been professionally cleaned and tables and chairs are being put in place for celebrations. Rik hired a cleaning lady and she spent a week cleaning most of the buildings.
      1. The second story west light on the Beall House has been replaced.
      1. The unused material from the Sports Hall of Fame has been removed. A Big Thank You to Rik for moving them outside for Habitat to pick up.
      1. The bell tower on the School House has been sealed to keep bats out.
      1. The steps in front of the General Store and Dress Shop have been replaced.
      1. A fire inspection has been scheduled for Wednesday 11/26/25 at 11:30pm. Gary and Penny will walk through with the inspector.
    1. Acquisitions – Lori Everett
    1. Public Relations & Marketing – 
    1. Newsletter – Penny Gasbarre: See President’s Report
    1. Programs and Special Exhibits – Penny Gasbarre
      1. Gearing up for the 250th Anniversary
      1. Jason is working with Penny on a History Club for Kids.
    1. Membership – Ray Leisy & Penny Gasbarre
      1. Membership form will go out in the next newsletter.
    1. Military Committee – Charlie Lepold                                
    1. Civil War Roundtable – Penny Gasbarre: Will start back up in February.
    1. Sports Hall of Fame –  Erich Riebe
      1. Mike has been coming in on a regular basis and they hope to be open by January.

8. Old Business

  1. Identifying potential new board members

9. New Business

Save the Dates: 

 1) Next Board Meeting: January 27, 2026 at 7:00pm.  

 2) Holiday Open House is Tuesday, Dec 2, please plan to be present 4-7 pm.

 3) Church Walk with Carolers on Friday, December 5th

 4) Community Walk Through on December 6th at 5-8pm with Choir Ensemble

Motion to Adjourn:

1st: Dustin Sheppard     2nd: Tom Hilt       Vote: Motion Passed