West Chester alumni attend reunion

West Chester alumni, spouses, friends, and community supporters met Sunday June 7, 2015, at the West Chester Heritage Schoolhouse for the annual celebration and potluck dinner at 12 p.m.

Ellen Dunbar O? Dean, Class of 1955, called to order the regular meeting of the West Chester Alumni at 1 p.m. on June 7, at the Schoolhouse in West Chester.

Roll call was answered by Pat Dusenbery 1942, the oldest alumna in attendance. Others answering the roll call were: 1945, one member; 1948, one member; 1950, one member; 1951, five members; 1952, one member; 1953, four members; 1955, five members; 1956, three members; 1957, one member; 1958, five members; 1959, three members; 1960, four members. Several members of the West Chester grade School were also in attendance as well as members of the community and other guests; 120 attended the Alumni Event.

Janice Gibson, Joyce Hardy, and Mary Lou Fuller led the West Chester School song, ?Faithful and Loyal.?

Sharon Hahn, Class of 1959, read the minutes from the last meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Members of the Heritage Board of the West Chester School were introduced: president- Bob Hough; vice president-Dean Greiner; Carol Hough, Missy Patterson, Carmen Woods, Kevin Dunbar, Vanessa Eastwood, K.J. Jones and Terri Hoffman. Business and concerns from the Heritage group were: the Iowa Museum Association gives grants for 100 years of history, and in 2017 the West Chester School will be 100 years old and will be eligible for more grants.

The Heritage Group is working on ideas for a 100-year celebration. A Parade is planned. They would appreciate other ideas for the celebration.

Applications for grants from the State of Iowa and the Riverside Casino were discussed. It seems matching funds are needed to receive monies. The Heritage group is accepting fundraising ideas and donations toward school restoration money for matching grants. The kitchen, dining room and restrooms have been updated.

Upkeep and cleaning the building is expensive. The board would like to hire a custodian for cleaning before and after meetings.

Kevin Dunbar discussed a solar project to save on electrical energy.

Carol Hough reported that event rentals have been down and urged the public to rent the school for reunions, graduations and other events.

June 8-14 is Museum week. Visit the West Chester Museum!

Ellen Dunbar O? Dean, Class of 1955, adjourned the meeting.

Minutes submitted by Sharon Hahn.

Following the meeting, Dwight Duwa conducted a lively auction of donated items. This auction is the main fundraiser for the West Chester School House and Museum.