Hello to everyone !

What an extremely busy time it has been in these first few months since our AGM. It is my intention, as President of our Association, to write a short news note from time to time – and this is the first!

Our program of excursions and activities for the spring and summer season have already been posted and sent out. June 17th is the next, — a walk along part of an old road between Dunkin and Mansonville, across Clark Hill, after Samuel Clark, one of first settlers. It is a walk some of you made this past winter. As a finale to that Sunday walk, I’m looking forward to welcoming you at the Chapel Hill Cemetery, where I’ll give a little history of Meigs’ Corner, site of a prosperous little pioneer community, now existing only in memory and historical texts.

Doubtless many of you took wonderful pictures over the winter in anticipation of our annual photography contest. I’m looking forward to seeing the entries exhibited at our booth at the Multicultural Festival. Contest rules are on the web site. Have a look – and join in the fun!

As you know, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the construction of our Round Barn. Our barn is of five remaining in Quebec – and the only one in a village setting. The Centenary committee, chaired by Hans, with the help of several Board members, has been working on plans to celebrate the event. Potton’s public market will have a new permanent home there. Landscaping and other details are well underway. As soon as these are completed, we’ll ask you to set aside the date for the inauguration and centenary of the Round Barn, and to join in the festivities. Watch for details on our website. I know one of the events planned is an old-fashioned homemade pie competition! So – get out those recipe books! Details will be posted.

I’m so proud to be a member of our Association and to have had some small share in our many accomplishments to protect and promote heritage in Potton. No need to enumerate them here – you know what they are. You were part of them! And, as you know, the Association is the dedication of volunteer members. I must remind you, however, that Serge, our interim Treasurer, keeps close account of our membership lists. Thank you to those who have renewed your membership; but to those who procrastinate, let me remind you that on July 1st, family membership increases from $30.00 to $35.00 annually. As you know, we count on your support to continue our work and we hope you’ll renew soon.

I wish each of you a wonderful summer – full of fun, sun and good health!

Sandra Jewett
President 

 

At the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Potton Heritage Association held April 1st 2012, we had the opportunity to thank Hans Walser for his 7 years as President and to welcome Sandra Jewett as new President.

A word from our new President

Our Annual General Meeting, held April 1st was quite an event!  It was entirely fitting that the vagueries of air travel from Cuba should play a trick or two by delaying the arrival of Jean-Louis, our Secretary.   Jacques was quickly conscripted as « scribe for a day ».  In Yolande’s absence, Serge donned the Treasurer’s cap and presented our financial statements; and without skipping a beat, proceeded with his web master’s report.  Carol and Edith did a lovely job of organizing our luncheon and making the room spring-like and inviting.  Thanks go to all of them.

As you know, Hans has decided to step down as our President.  Yesterday was his last in the Chair; lending a bitter sweetness to the AGM.  Hans has been a force to reckon with on Potton Heritage.  He has been our very hardworking Chairman for 7 years, and a member of the Association since 1992.  In addition to his wise financial management, his legacy of accomplishments is impressive.  Central to these of course, was his untiring work to save, obtain citation and protection of the Round Barn in Mansonville, as well as the Province Hill covered bridge, both important heritage elements of Potton.

Yesterday, I was honoured to be elected President, and thus, privileged to say the following to Hans on your behalf:  « You have put your heart and soul, and considerable talent into making us into the well-respected group that we are in our Township.  You have kept us current– keen and interested and in the forefront of those places where we needed to be…

…not only you have been our leader and public face, keenly devoted to the preservation of the heritage of this Township; but you have also devoted yourself to the progress of Potton.  History will continue to unveil your legacy and show the influence of your leadership of this Association – of that I am certain!  You have given much of yourself to us.  For years, you have not only listened but heard – researched and understood, observed and participated as a productive member of committee after committee; at each, generously offering considered and concise observations on questions which would frustrate many.  To each you have given the benefit of your considerable experience.   If you were met with tenaciousness equal to your own, you restated your position and continued onward!  In my opinion, few problems have presented themselves to you as insurmountable.” 

I am personally grateful that Hans will remain as member of the Board of Directors.  Inevitably, I will bring my own style and «flavour» to the Board – and with your encouragement, continue the legacy of our previous presidents.  I feel most privileged and look forward to your continued support of Potton Heritage Association.

Sincerely – Sandra Jewett

2012-2013 Board of Directors

The following picture presents, in order, the newly elected Members of the Board : Jacques Huppertz, Denis Lamontagne, Hans Walser, Sandra Jewett, Édith Smeesters, Carol Bishop and Serge Normand. Yolande Lamontagne and Jean-Louis Bertrand were not present. Hans is holding our gift to him, a garden sculpture by Almut Ellinghaus, a Ruiter Valley artist.

We would like to remind you that it is time to renew your membership for the current year. Please do so before July 1st 2012, because the family fees will increase from $ 30 to $35.