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President Deb Vandervort called the 2025 annual meeting of Monon Civic Preservation Society to order at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, in the Monon Civic Center.
After welcoming the attendees and leading the pledge to the American flag, she asked for a moment of silence in memory of three MCPS members who had passed since the 2024 meeting: Deb Redlin, Mick Culp and Darlene Mellon.
Vandervort then introduced MCPS officers and board members who were in attendance:
President Deb Vandervort; VP Jim Davis; Secretary Julie Gutwein; Treasurer Devon Querry.
Board: Bob Allen, Lisa Hornback, Kaitlin Willbanks.
Treasurer Devon Querry distributed a report that detailed MCPS’s finances since the purchase of the theater in 2013; $741,000 has been raised through fundraising, donations, memorial gifts, membership dues and grants. The BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair) concerts have not only been financial successes but have exposed the theater project to a wide audience both from Monon and the greater White County area. To date, 140 seats have been adopted/sold for $370 each. These funds are in a dedicated CD and may not be used for construction costs.
Vice President and Theater Chairman Jim Davis reported on construction progress. He and project manager Paul Schutter are meeting to plan the next phase utilizing the MCPS available funds. The Society proceeds only with available funds – “pay as we go.” Now that the HVAC and water/sewer service have been installed, the Society has additional utility bills as well as insurance. The insurance premium is higher because the building is not permanently occupied.
The Town of Monon has owned the Civic Center building since 1976, accepting it as a donation from the State and Savings Bank. At that time, a special Civic Center board was appointed to assist the town in managing the building. As MCPS now serves in that capacity, Davis brings the building’s concerns to the town council. As a result of Davis’s reports, the town installed a new roof on the building earlier this year. Davis noted that the chimney needs tuck pointing work and the exterior also needs major repairs.
Davis encouraged the group to invite people to the All Aboard Monon meetings. If All Aboard becomes an official Indiana Main Street organization, Monon will have more opportunities for growth in quality of life. All Aboard Monon is chairing the annual Monon Food Fest/Railroad Day on June 7.
Following adjournment, the White County Historical Society walking tour of historic downtown Monon.
Submitted by Julie A. Gutwein, secretary
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