From the Executive Director
by Tom Drugan

Winter, 2002-2003

Another year is history…2002 arrived and departed with what seems to be unusual velocity. Are the years getting shorter?

Your museum had a good year. We have been able to survive a real downturn in visitation as a result of reduced tourism.

Our membership has increased by about 10% over last year and we are continuing our program to add new members. As of December 31, 2002, membership in your museum stands at 1,191 current and life members. The breakdown is as follows:

Veterans remain the predominant category of membership. We are all hopeful that you descendants will work hard to get more of your group involved as active members. The reason for this effort is obvious…the future viability of your museum depends on it.

Your Board of Directors approves an expense budget every year. In spite of rising costs over the last several years, we have not increased the budget. Our focus has been to operate efficiently and to maximize the abilities of our willing volunteers. I am pleased to report that this year, as well as in 2001, we were able to operate somewhat under budget. Our actual operating expenses for 2002 were $101,124 versus an approved budget of $107,150. The expense budget is now close to an absolute minimum, and we are fortunate that no major maintenance costs have been incurred. Thanks to the generosity of our membership, we were able to fund all of these expenses from current contributions and dues, enabling us to enter 2003 with a very modest surplus. This allows us to fund some much needed promotional material in 2003. Total operating costs to keep your museum open 363 days per year works out to $84.91 per member.

Your contributions this year helped build the Endowment Fund to a new high. That fund will someday provide an essential level of support for your museum. Thanks to all who participated in this wonderful program sponsored by Dorothy Moller. Her review of the program appears on page 2.

Take a moment to read on page 8 about our very own John Day, the volunteer in the spotlight this quarter. As you read, say a quiet thank you to John who joins our other fine volunteers in assuring that our visitors enjoy their visit to your museum.

Marcia (Balmut) Ward has offered to help us collect articles for the Descendants Corner. Her e-mail address appears in the contact list on page 2. Please help her with descendant articles of interest for the J Bulletin. And feel free to submit directly to the museum any other stories you think may be interesting to our membership.

Tom Drugan