The John G Neihardt Foundation Board of Directors met
Saturday March 4, 2017 at the Neihardt Historic Site in Bancroft.
Board Treasurer Nancy Gillis reported on the 2016-17 budget of
$83,879.
Director Amy Kucera reported on the completion of the
renovation project that added two handicapped restrooms to the museum.
Board President Jon Cerny reported on grants from the Lower
Elkhorn Natural Resource District ($3112.50) for tree removal and planting, and
from the Dinklage Foundation ($12,262.92) to upgrade the sound system and
technology in the museum. ReTree Nebraska contributed trees to the forestry
project.
Sunday at the Museum programs are scheduled every Sunday
through March promoting One Book One Nebraska selection Black Elk Speaks.
Board member Paul Hammel reported
that attendance at the Conversations with Dick Cavett and Ron Hull program at
Wayne State College had over 150 in attendance.
Dr. Michael Oltragge, President of Nebraska Indian Community
College, was added to the Foundation Board of Directors.
Thirty entries were received for
the Sculpture Naming Contest. Each Foundation Board member will select their
top three choices and submit them to Director Kucera. An electronic display
board is being planned to recognize the donors to the Sculpture project. Donations
are still be accepted through June 30.
The Neihardt Young Poets contest
will be held this Spring with the winners reading their poems at Neihardt Day
in August.
The 2017 Laureate Feast will be
held Sunday November 12 at Metro Community College in Omaha. Recommendations
for the 2017 Word Sender were discussed. Donations for silent auction items are
needed.
Neihardt Beerfest will be held
Saturday August 26 in Bancroft. Arrangements will be made with the Village of
Bancroft to use the Bancroft Community Building.
Jon Bailey was selected as the 2017
Wall of Fame recipient in recognition of his word on the Sculpture Committee.
The Neihardt Strategic Plan was
discussed. Progress has been made in all areas of the plan- Outreach, Facility
Improvements, Connections with Colleges and Native American Tribes, and
Fund-Raising. Receipts from the Laureate Feast and Beerfest have decreased and additional
fund raising efforts are needed.
The Board discussed the identifying
new projects to pursue. The 2001 plans for a 6500 square foot auditorium
addition were revisited. This would require support from the Nebraska
Historical Society before large donors could be approached.
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The next meeting will be Neihardt Day August 6, 2017
