30 committee members and guests joined Co-chair Jackie Dally for the first Clifford Homecoming 2017 meeting of the new year on Jan. 7 at Knox United Church here.
In December, Cheryl Tobin organized a chocolate bar door-to-door campaign selling chocolate covered almonds, chocolate almond bars, chocolate caramel bars, and mint meltaways. She complimented Don Senek on promoting the Homecoming in the local parades. She is talking to bands to participate in the parade and is working on prizes and categories for entries.
Al Rams was nominated as chair of federal grants. He and his team are confident the paper work is ready to be sent away in hopes of a federal grant to help with the celebration.
Peter Buhrow is continuing to collect, copy, and edit historical photos and stories into a souvenier booklet. On the day of Confederation July 1, 1867, it was reported townspeople gathered to raise the framework and build the Clifford feed mill that stood proudly at the southern entrance to the village until it was sold and dismantled. Some of the boards were salvaged and turned into stools, toolboxes, candle holders, and bookshelves. One whole floor was disassembled and stacked carefully to be reassembled out west.
Sherena McGlynn of Forty Hills Farms answered questions surrounding a chicken fundraiser. The committee will discuss the idea.
An entertainment update was given by Morgan Janssen who has most of the acts lined up. Contracts will need to be signed and local talent will get a chance to shine over the weekend. Country and western, blue grass, classic rock, DJs harmonica players, soloists, and song writers will be featured.
Bonnie Becker reported souveniers are moving and t-shirts will be added closer to spring. Connie Diebold has space for more recipes and stories in the cookbook. Sharon Kaufman has the quilt designed and sponsored by service clubs and community organizations.
Sharon Machina is expecting hundreds of hungry party goers for breakfast and evening meals. The logistics of storing, sorting, and setting up the food supplies is the next step.
Finding people to help set up portable lighting, pylons, and directional arrows will be part of Jim Potts’ parking project.
Camping sites are being requested and Phyllis Kaufman and her team have a list of names and sites available.
Town of Minto facilities manager Al Carr reported the town will be tidying the area and addressing capital items such as lighting, plumbing, and a pathway to the ball park. Smart Serve training will be offered for anyone helping in the bar area.
