August Reunion Meeting Follow-up - What's next?

John W. Ligon High School - Class of 1968

Meeting Notes - Sat., August 25, 3 PM – 4:30 PM

Richard B. Harrison Library, Raleigh

Present: Alice Banks Lambright, Toney Bethea, Janet Howard, Portia Tomlinson, William Bridgers, Geneva Rogers Hill, Mary Johnson Campbell, Gail Flagg Cromwell, Helen Montague

The meeting convened at 3:15 PM with Toney Bethea Presiding.

Welcome

Financial Report

The 1968 Class Income/Expenses Report was reviewed and discussed.

A. Non-reimbursed Reunion items discussed can be reimbursed ($443.73 presented w/receipts)

C. Voted to reimburse anyone who presents a Reunion related receipt.

Treasurer's Report

The treasurer reported the following Scholarship Fund (donations)

Mrs. Aldrich $100.00; George Bailey $45.00; Clarence Merritt $25.00; Wilton Wallace $25.00;

Bertha Montague's son earmarked $200.00 from his Business, F-M Development, to the Scholarship Fund for a total of $395 earmarked for the Class Scholarship.

Janet Howard moved that the Class add $105 from its treasury to bring the total Scholarship Fund to  $500.00. Motion seconded by Helen and passed unanimously. Total earmarked for the Scholarship Fund $500.00.

Portia Tomlinson suggested that we follow-up w/class members who paid Assessments but did not attend the 50th Class Reunion because of illness/sickness. The Class discussed and agreed to follow-up,

Other discussion of Reunion activities:

Portia Tomlinson brought The JW Ligon Alumni tape of Saturday Night that is available for $5.00

Class of 1968 tapes are available for $15.00

A photo book or album w/about 60 pictures (similar to the DVD) is available for the Class of 1968

Frank Weaver's check ($25.00) will be returned to him.

Toney Bethea retrieved from on-line the Articles of Incorporation for the Class of 1968 dated Feb 20 1991, incorporated May 23 1993. He noted references to Officers, The Mission, Incorporators, & The Purpose

He mentioned the Dept of the Secretary of State requires any organization incorporated to establish By-Laws. This discovery answered questions he had as to an organization and its purpose.

A. His concern for the Class of 1968 is that we make the community aware of the impact of JW Ligon High School as the mission and purpose state.

B. He asked that we think about what we are doing and what can we do to keep the JW Ligon Legacy alive.

Some suggestions/attention-getters include:

Helen – adopt a highway w/sign recognizing the Class of 1968

Howard – Principal indicated a few yrs ago - Tutor Ligon Middle School students

Discussion was made as to our Next Steps as a class:

A. What activities does the Class want to complete?

B. When to meet/how often-regularly, quarterly, during holidays?

C. Networking with ideas

D. Preparing for the 55th Reunion

New Business

Janet suggested that the Class consider establishing an Operating Budget of ($500-$700).

Question asked if the Class does anything in terms of Bereavement for Classmates; do we send cards/flowers at these times? Someone needs to oversee this activity.

Janet mentioned we may have a template for a Resolution whenever a Classmate passes that's read at funerals at times; she would check w/Vivian Logan who has presented resolution.

The Class agreed to meet Quarterly, every 3 months, for fellowship with business meeting announced in advance. Next meeting is scheduled for December, details to follow.

Toney reminded us to network between meetings and to think about what we as a Class can do to impact our community with the Ligon Legacy.

Alumni Association News by Representative Geneva Rogers Hill

President Alicia Adcock expressed thanks to the Class of 1968 for the way they supported the Association: -sold 49 tickets ($3926) some were just for Sunday activity;  -8 tables reserved with 10 per table ($800); -Ligon is celebrating being 65 years old in 2019;  -Harry Payne suggested a trip to New York

-ask Clarence Williams about a TV 5 appearance; -suggestions and ideas are needed; -any deaths should be reported to Carolyn Chippey for the Quarterly Newsletter; -Survey given on Sunday for the Reunion Evaluation-Clarence Merritt's response readapt Alumni mtg;  -Emphasis made for the class reps to report Alumni Association news to their class

-Alumni Officers sworn in at the last Alumni mtg.

Other Class Business:

'68 Classmates desiring Directory can receive it by e-mail

Classmates are encouraged to call/e-mail concerning meetings/agenda

Meeting adjourned 4:30 by Toney Bethea

Recorder: Gail Flagg Cromwell

Remember the William Walker Family

Classmates,

Celebration of Life Service for William's brother, James Walker, is Tues., Sept. 11, First Congregational Church, 2410 Creech RD Raleigh, visitation 11AM -noon, service @12 noon.  For additional details, see 

http://www.carltonlgrayfuneral.com/obituaries/James-Walker-Jr?obId=3257923#/obituaryInfo

Meeting this Sat., Aug, 25, 3 PM, Richard B. Harrison Library

Classmates,

Remember, if you have receipts for Reunion related activities, please bring to the meeting; costs may be reimbursed. 

See you Saturday.

What's Up with You??

Again, thank you for your support of our 50th Class Reunion activities.  It was GREAT to see all of you.  Guess what? Let's continue to stay in touch because many of us were unable to talk to each of you.

Would you like to keep in touch via our Facebook page that we are opening to anyone OR via our blog?

Share with us what you are doing - starting a new business, welcoming a new grandchild, writing books, growing veggies or roses, caring for loved ones, playing golf, learning to swim, preaching initial sermon, fishing, traveling and the list is infinite.  Add a few photos to brighten our correspondence. 𓁝

We will continue to share those times of bereavement and are excited about adding other 'news'.

We want to hear your thoughts.

Remember the Green family . . ,

As our classmate, Abraham Green, and family prepare for the Homegoing Service of his father, Roman Green, remember them in your thoughts, prayers & condolences.  The Service is Sat., Aug. 4, 

12:00 PM

Springfield Baptist Church

4309 Auburn- Knightdale Road 
Raleigh , NC 27610

Mr. Green will have a visitation from 11:30am to 12:00pm prior to funeral service at the church. There will be military honors and masonic rituals performed at the cemetery following the service.

More details at the Gray Funeral Home link - 

http://www.carltonlgrayfuneral.com/obituaries/Roman-Green-Sr?obId=3169561#/obituaryInfo

Remember Fabette Smith and family . . .

Fabette Smith's brother, Calvin Smith, passed recently.  Please see the following Haywood Funeral Home link for details regarding the Memorial service, 1:00 PM Saturday, August 4, 2018 at the C.A. Haywood, Sr. Memorial Chapel preceded by a 12:30 PM visitation. .

https://www.haywoodfh.com/obituary?id=318388

Final votes needed - See you Sat., May 19, 3 PM, Harrison Library

JOHN W. LIGON HIGH SCHOOL - CLASS OF 1968 MEETING NOTES - SAT., APRIL 21, 3 PM – 5 PM RICHARD B HARRISON LIBRARY, RALEIGH

PRESENT: Carolyn Avery, Alice Banks Lambright, Toney Bethea, William Bridges, Geneva Rogers Hill, Barbara Horton, Janet Howard, George Jones, Helen Davis Montague, Gwendolyn Robertson Horton, Brenda Peebles, Fabette Smith, Portia Tomlinson, Clarence Williams REGRETS: Carolyn Ratliff

The meeting was called to order at 3:12 PM with Toney Bethea presiding.  Toney thanked everyone for attending. 

The March meeting minutes were approved with no corrections.

The Treasurer, Alice Lambright, reported that there were two disbursements based on motions from the March meeting: payment of the JW Ligon Alumni Association dues for Class rep, Geneva Rogers Hill, $120 and $96 for Class mailbox rental.  The Treasurer shared that some class members are mailing checks without clear designation of whether the payment is for Class assessment, Alumni activities or guest. Howard will create a form that members can use to accompany checks. (See attachment.)

Class members asked about the remaining payments due.  Point of clarification: Class members unanimously agreed that members of 1968 Class must pay class assessment to attend class events and will be unable to attend 50th Reunion Celebration Brunch for the guest rate. 

Alumni Association representative report: Geneva Rogers Hill, class rep reported the following: The Class needs to submit a song. Howard stated again that the survey song result (only 7 responses) was Say It Loud I’m Black & I’m Proud, James Brown.  The attendees unanimously voted to have DJ play Soulful Strut rather than Say It Loud .  . . during the Sat., Alumni Class Roll Call for 1968. The Sat., night Alumni dinner/dance is scheduled for 7:30 PM - 12:30 AM with dinner served between 8 PM – 10 PM only. The Sunday Social at Robert’s Park is scheduled for 3 PM – 7 PM with food served 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM only. Remember to save and bring the Alumni ticket stub to the Sunday event.  No stub, no entry. Sun., event catered by Carolina Barbeque. Tickets for Sunday only are $25 and $15 for those 12 and under. Class voted unanimously to accept classmates’ Alumni Association payments until June 15th; after that time, Alumni event tickets increase to $100 instead of $80 & must be purchased directly from Alumni Association or its representatives. (To ensure that you sit with class, pay on or before June 15th). Class was advised to submit within the next few days any information it wants in the Alumni Association newsletter. Howard agreed to prepare and send an announcement of Class events. Asked if the class still wanted the Hospitality Room for Friday evening.

After discussion about the cost of snacks and the bartender, the class agreed unanimously to release the room to another class and to charge a small fee for all persons attending the Friday night hospitality event except guests of Classmates who have paid their assessment.

St. Augustine’s University location approved; menu #3 forwarded w/additional requests for omelets & shrimp grits at $25/per person Max. 

Souvenir(s) Committee Report: Carolyn Ratliff called and informed the Exec Committee that she had a commitment and would miss the meeting.   She did however since a reminder via Helen Montague who reported that the t-shirt Ratliff designed w/1968 Class ring front is $12 per shirt.

Program Committee Report: Fabette Smith, co-chair, presented program overview & outline for entire program. Confirmed that all Prg participants have agreed to serve; Class members requested visuals for memorial; Leotha Forte volunteered to provide sound equipment; proposed starting time 9:30 AM; however, SAU contract indicates 10 AM; Bethea and/or C. Williams will confirm time. Program accepted as presented.  Bethea added that even though the length is 4 hours, since the committee will forward a program that includes time for each activity, class members can select what they want to attend if attending the entire program creates a challenge for some.

The Marriott Presidential Suite and/or similar room along w/other locations will be investigated for location of Friday hospitality event.

The additional action was decided by unanimous agreement/consent: Expend a maximum of twenty dollars ($20) for invitations to faculty and staff.  

There was no new business.   

Next meeting: Sat., May 19, 3 PM – 5 PM, Richard B Harrison Library, New Bern AV, corner of Hill ST & New Bern AV. 

REMINDERS: Make checks payable to JW Ligon Class of 1968 and mail to JW Ligon Class of 1968, PO Box 26041 Raleigh NC 27611-6041. 

Class Assessment  $100 per classmate (50th Celebration Venue and Brunch, souvenirs, hospitality area, teacher  acknowledgment, decorations, music, class scholarship award)  DUE NOW!

50th Brunch guest $25/per guest DUE NOW. 

Alumni Activities $80/per person (June 30th Sat., night dinner/dance w/class roll call; July 1st Sun., social w/meal) DUE no later than June 15th.  (Our class Alumni Assoc rep will purchase our tickets so that we have assigned and adjacent seating.  You must purchase your tickets directly through an Alumni Assoc member after June 15th at $100/ticket.) 

Silent Auction  Remember to submit your bid for our Silent Auction items on or before June 1. Current April high bids:  18 inch Galileo thermometer: $110;  15 inch thermometer: $50;  Dark wood knife set: $60;   Lighter wood knife set: $25

Adjourned at 5:30 PM
Respectfully submitted, Toney Bethea, presider Janet Howard, recorder

Minutes Correction

Classmates,

CORRECTION to the March 2018 minutes:  Even though the minutes stated that the Alumni Association President Alicia Adcock informed the class that the Association has discontinued the Alumni Friday evening hospitality room due to poor attendance, the Class Reminders at the end of the March minutes included this event in the $80 assessment for the Alumni Association Activities.  Please note that the Alumni Association has no Friday hospitality room; however, the Class will have a hospitality room.  Email or call if your have questions. 

March minutes, Next mtg Sat., April 21, 3 PM, RBH Library, Assessments Due Now

John W. Ligon High School - Class of 1968

Meeting Notes - Sat., March  17, 3:30 PM – 5 PM

Richard B harrison Library, Raleigh

Present: Alice Banks Lambright, Toney Bethea, Mike Corbett, Geneva Rogers Hill, Janet Howard, Ronald Lewis, Helen Davis Montague, Gwendolyn Robertson Horton, Portia Tomlinson

The meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM with Toney Bethea presiding.  Toney thanked everyone for attending and explained that meeting will follow a standard business meeting agenda with Welcome & opening, Minutes Approval, Treasurer’s Report, Committee Reports, Unfinished Business, New Business and Adjournment.

The meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM with Toney Bethea presiding.  Toney thanked everyone for attending and explained that meeting will follow a standard business meeting agenda with Welcome & opening, Minutes Approval, Treasurer’s Report, Committee Reports, Unfinished Business, New Business and Adjournment.

Minutes were approved with two corrections from Geneva Rogers Hill – 1) The JW Alumni Association fundraiser is the Mr or Ms Alumni Association rather than Mr and Ms (one person will receive the designation based on funds raised) and 2) the Alumni Sunday event is an Afternoon Social rather than a cookout.  Howard made the corrections in the minutes and posted to blog; she included that the Sunday Afternoon Social includes a meal.

Alicia Adcock, Alumni Association President, joined our meeting after the Alumni mtg adjourned late before our Class meeting.  She encouraged members to made the experience fun and to plan well of our 50^th celebration. She shared the important additional information. 1) The Ligon Alumni Association meeting membership (our class paid rep is Geneva Rogers Hill.) voted to cancel the Friday night hospitality room due to poor attendance; 2) she asked if our class would like to have the room; the unanimous discussion was that Toney would have a conversation w/her regarding the details because the class does want to have a hospitality area on Friday night, 6 PM - midnight. Room access will be available, for a cost, to others who are not assessment-paid 1968 class members. 3) She asked about our Class Song selection for the Sat., Dinner/Dance Roll Call; J.  Howard reported that there were 7 responses to survey and 3 listed James Brown’s ‘Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud’ as the selection for Saturday night’s Roll Call;   4) Alicia confirmed the Alumni Association’s fiscal year is Jan- Dec and the membership fee per class rep is $120 per year; this membership voting participation amount can be supported by the class or the individual. 5) She added that classes are asked to donate an additional $100 for the JW Ligon Alumni Association scholarship fund; Adcock announced that this year the Alumni Association would award two (2) $1000 scholarships. (The Class of 1968 began awarding scholarships at its 10^th reunion and has awarded eight, ranging from $250 - $500.) She extended her openness to answer any questions from the class or individuals.  We thanked her for your leadership as she departed.

Treasurer’s Report: Alice Banks Lambright reported current bank balance without no expenditures since the last meeting.  To ensure verification when discrepancies arise, it was recommended that a copy/picture etc., be recorded of each check/money order along with addresses that will be added to the class database.

Howard reported that the survey to class members revealed the following:
Only 7 respondents from 84  persons emailed

Class song Sat., night Roll Call selection: Say It Loud, James Brown (3 – 43%) only recurring title; others were single suggestions;
43% want DJ & 29% maybe
86% prefer Marriott Crabtree as Class HQ rather than other location downtown or other Crabtree hotel
Suggestions: have a hospitality suite on Friday 10-2 AM   & Sat midnight to 2 AM

Ronald Lewis thanked Portia for sending him a letter about  the Class meetings; he will forward his  email  address.  He has written a novel that he plans to have available for purchase at the reunion activities.

Geneva Rogers Hill, class rep to the Alumni Association reported that Alumni tickets will be available next month (April).   Tickets for the Baby Contest are $5 and they too are available. She has been appointed secretary for the JW Ligon Alumni Association.

Portia Tomlinson, co-chair Teacher Invitation committee, reported that there are 25 teachers and staff and that she and Barbara have designed an invitation to send.  Since the class is covering the cost of the meal for all teachers, the members asked who was on her list.  After names read included teachers who were employed well after 1968, J. Howard offered the following motion: That the current list be adjusted to first identify those teachers who were employed during 1964-1968. Geneva seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

J. Howard asked that the class consider reimbursing Toney Bethea for the mailbox that the Class has. She moved that the Class pay $96 annual mailbox fee.  Gwen Robertson Horton seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Toney Bethea was asked to provide details regarding the design he and daughter modified for souvenirs for the class. He shared the following and reminded members that there is no volume discount - v tee- cotton - $25;  crew tee - $25; polo (blue, white) $35; collared shirt snap closure $35; gold metallic 11 oz mug $16; tumbler $20; canvas tote: $25; 6 Pk cooler fanny pak $15; large denim canvas tote $20;  jersey $25; duffle $65; white legacy nonmetallic mug $14.

J Howard moved that the class consider the design & prototype as the class souvenir tee. Gwen Robertson Horton seconded the motion; the motion carried unanimously.

The final consideration was JW Ligon Alumni membership renewal cost. One of the questions was what are the benefits of the $120 annual class membership.  Many present stated the class should be supportive and renew each year without exception.  Typically since the class meets only during quinquennial and decennial years, another question was how would annual dues be paid during non-meeting years? Geneva reminded members that persons can participate by paying the dues personally which she plans to do if class votes to discontinue participation; she also stated that all 18 classes are represented.  Gwen Robertson Horton offered the motion for the class to renew its membership by paying the $120; Portia Tomlinson seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 or 2.

There was no new business.  

Next meeting: Sat., April 17^th 3 PM – 5 PM, Richard B Harrison Library, New Bern AV, corner of Hill ST & New Bern AV.

REMINDERS:

Make checks payable to JW Ligon Class of 1968 and mail to JW Ligon Class of 1968, PO Box 26041

Raleigh NC 27611-6041.

Class Assessment           $100 per classmate (50^th Celebration Venue and Brunch, souvenirs, hospitality area, teacher

acknowledgment, decorations, music, class scholarship award)  DUE NOW!

50^th Brunch guest             $25/per guest DUE April 15^th or meeting date, April 21. 

Alumni Activities              $80/per person (June 29^th Fri., hospitality; June 30^th Sat., night dinner/dance w/class rollcall; July 1^st Sun., social cookout) DUE April 15^th or meeting date, April 21.  (Our class Alumni Assoc rep will purchase our tickets so that we have assigned and adjacent seating.  You may purchase your tickets through an Alumni Assoc member.  Purchases after June 15^th are $100/ticket.)

Silent Auction                   Remember to submit your bid for our Silent Auction items.  We will provide monthly updates.

Current April high bids:

18 inch Galileo thermometer:  $110                     15 inch thermometer: $50

Dark wood knife set:                $60                       Lighter wood knife set: $25

Alumni Class Song          7 responses – Say It Loud - James Brown (3 votes)

Adjourned at 5 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Toney Bethea, presider

Janet Howard, recorder

---

 [JH1]

Next Meeting March 17, 3 PM and February Meeting Minutes

John W. Ligon High School - Class of 1968

Meeting Notes - Sat., February 17, 3 PM – 4:45 PM

K&W Cafeteria Tower Shopping Ctr Raleigh

Present: Alice Banks Lambright, Toney Bethea, Carolyn Lee Bray, William Bridgers, Mary Johnson Campbell, Esther Delany, Leotha Forte, Geneva Rogers Hill, Janet Howard, Shirley Williams Hunter, George Jones, Carolyn Avery McClain, Glorias McCullers Lee, Clarence Merritt, Helen Davis Montague, Rosalyn Swayze Ollison, Brenda Peebles, Carolyn Ratliff, Fabette Smith, Portia Tomlinson, Clarence Williams, Harold Williams,

The meeting was called to order at 3:30 PM.  Janet Howard opened the floor for the nomination of a presider, chair, president. The attendees unanimously agreed that Toney Bethea would be the presider, president, chair.

Toney thanked everyone for attending. The first order of business was a discussion of the menu for the St. Augustine’s University, Student Center Ballroom venue.  Toney thanked Clarence Williams, an alum, who received and forwarded the catering information.  After extensive discussion of the information distributed (emailed & on the blog) Janet made the following motion: ‘I move that we set a $25 per person maximum for the 50^th Celebration brunch to include the basic breakfast and 3 custom items: made to order omelets, chicken & waffles and shrimp and grits.’ George Jones seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.  Toney added that, of course, the caterer has to agree with our proposal.  Clarence Williams agreed to be the class negotiator for our menu items within the cost specified. 

Toney asked who wants to serve as the class treasurer. Alice Banks Lambright agreed to serve and asked that the minutes show that she ‘wants no drama or stress and will pass the responsibility to someone else if that occurs.’ Classmates wholeheartedly agreed with no drama and no stress. Esther reported that she had received assessments in the mail and that she would pass those along to Alice along with receipt books, bank statements, deposit records and paid lists. Make checks payable to JW Ligon Class of 1968 and mail to JW Ligon Class of 1968, PO Box 26041

Raleigh NC 27611-6041.

Geneva Rogers Hill requested to see a written financial report at each meeting.  Janet reminded the group that at every meeting the former treasurer presented a full report of income, expenditures and balance along with a copy of the bank statement.  She added that Mike Corbett had requested, and classmates agreed, that the financial report would be verbal.  Shirley Williams Hunter suggested that a form be created with the pertinent information for distribution, Janet agreed to create a form with the assistance of the presider and the treasurer.

Classmates agreed by consensus that the 50^th Celebration Brunch cost for spouses, guests (except teachers who receive a gratis meal) would be $25 instead of $30.

Fabette asked if the current Ligon principal, an African American woman, could be invited.  The class agreed to invite her.  Howard offered to cover her meal cost and her invited guest.

Geneva, the class Alumni Association representative asked which song we wanted for the Sat., night class roll call (as each class year is called a song is played as class members come to the dance floor); she stated that the Alumni Association wanted the song title at the March meeting.  Toney suggested a poll of the class. Additional shared Alumni items included: Alumni Scholarship Baby Contest April 14, @Mt Sinai Church - 10% goes to the winner along with picture and article in The Carolinian; Class dues to the Association are $120 dues for 2018, fiscal year Jan- Dec are due; planned Mr or Ms Alumni contest; reminder that Alumni activities (Fri., hospitality, Sat., night dinner dance, Sun., social cookout) will cost $100 after June 15^th.

Toney asked that we double check carefully the deceased list because there is at least one name of a classmate who is not deceased on the list.

Next meeting: Sat., March 17^th 3 PM – 4:30 PM, Richard B. Harrison Library, 1313 New Bern AV (corner New Bern & Hill)

REMINDERS:

Make checks payable to JW Ligon Class of 1968 and mail to JW Ligon Class of 1968, PO Box 26041    Raleigh NC 27611-6041.

Class Assessment       $100 per classmate (50^th Celebration Venue and Brunch, souvenirs,          hospitality area, teacher acknowledgment, decorations, music, class scholarship award)  DUE NOW!

50^th Brunch guest      $25/per guest  DUE April 15th

Alumni Activities       $80/per person (June 29^th Fri., hospitality; June 30^th Sat., night dinner/dance w/class rollcall; July 1^st Sun., afternoon social to include a meal)  DUE April 15^th   (Our class Alumni Assoc rep will purchase our tickets so that we he assigned and adjacent seating.  You may purchase your tickets through an Alumni Assoc member.  Purchases after June 15^th are $100/ticket.)

Silent Auction            Remember to submit your bid for our Silent Auction items.  We will                                                      provide monthly updates.

Current high bids:

18 inch Galileo thermometer:    $100 (2)

15 inch thermometer:                  $50

Dark wood knife set:                    $60

Lighter wood knife set:                $25

Alumni Class Song          Watch for a poll to offer your choice.

Adjourned at 4:45 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Toney Bethea, presider

Janet Howard, recorder