2011 Fort Worth, TX

Minutes of the 1990 HFA Business Meeting 

October 9, 2011

Fort Worth, TX

(Subject to Approval October 6, 2012)

The Higdon Family Association business meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by President, Martha Tidwell. The Rev. Shelby Smith led the invocation, and the Pledge of Alliegiance was led by Marth Tidwell.

Marth thanked everyone for coming, and extended a special welcome to Lee and Mary Higdon of Plano, TX. She noted that special recognition should be given to the following: Janice J. Higdon for maintaining and updating the HFA website, and Barbara Tedford for editing and publishing the newsletter. A round of applause in appreciation was gien to each. the minutes from the 2010 meeting in Kalamazoo, MI were read by Secretary Janice M. Higdon. Eva Wood moved that the minutes be accepted as read. Bill Higdon seconded, and the motion passed.

Carolyn Cole read the Treasurer's report. As of the close of business, June 30, 2011, the Association has a General Fund balance of $13,105.03, a Scholarship Fund balance of $105, 533.73, and a Archive Fund balance of $9,139.70. Carolyn provided details of fund movements that permitted the association to take advantage of better CD interest rates. Charles P. Higdon moved to accept the report. Frank L. Higdon seconded, and the motion carried.

Barbara Tedford gave her report on the HFA newsletter. For the time being, she will continue to disseminate the newsletter both by email and US mail. She is exploring the possiblity of getting a new printer so that hard copies of the newsletter can be produced with sharper color. Publication of the newsletter will continue on a bi-monthly basis, and Barbara encouraged all members to submit material for inclusion.

Janice J. Higdon gave an update on the Higdon archives that are being stored at Western Carolina University. She has completed scanning all of the 7 scrapbooks that she was given originally. The last three hard copy scrapbooks were delivered to Western Carolina University in September. Janice will hold off on making a DVD until the next scrapbook is completed. Eugene Smith said that one more book will be ready by next year. Janice, also, remided members to send information to be added to the HFA website.

Randy Cole informed the group that he has a few copies of the newsletter CD's available. These are the last of the 50 he prepared which contain HFA newsletters through September 2007. Frances Higdon Smith read names of the HFA members and other relatives who had died in the past year. She asked that we all observe a moment of silence to honor those who have gone before us.

Bill Higdon reported that there were four applicants for scholarships in 2010. Scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to Jaclyn Higdon and Lauren Nuckols. Bill also recognized previous scholarship recipient, Meredith Wood, who was in attendance with her grandmother, Eva Wood.

Nan Harrison read the slate of nominees for office for the 2011-2012 year. The nominees are as follows:

President: Frances Higdon Smith, Greensboro, AL;
1st Vice President: Jane Higdon Brackett, Blue Ridge, GA;
2nd Vice President: Karen Fickes (tentative);
3rd Vice President: (no nominee);
1 Year Directors: Charles P. Higdon, Clinton, TN; Randy Cole, Highland Park, TX
2 Year Directors: Carolyn Cole, Highland Park, TX; Carol Mercer (tentative); Nan Higdon Harrison, Kalamazoo, MI (as backup);
Honorary Director: Jo Ann Smith, Knightdale, NC;
Secretary: Martha Higdon Tidwell, Plano, TX;
Treasurer: Janice M. Higdon, Moon, VA;
Parliamentarian: Martha Higdon Tidwell;
Newsletter Editor: Barbara W. Tedford, Elkins, WV;
Historian: Euguene Smith, Leitchfield, KY;
Necrologist: Eva Higdon Wood, Andrews, NC;
Technologist: Janice J. Higdon, San Antonio, TX;
Scholarship Chairman: William R. Higdon, Moon, VA;
Scholarship Committee Members: Charles P. Higdon; Sally Higdon Swain



There were no nominations from the floor. Motion was made by Nan Harrison to accept the nominees for office as read. Motion seconded by Charles P. Higdon. Motion passed unanimously. The offices were installed as Charles P. Higdon led them in the oath of office.

President Marth Tidwell led a discussion on how to attract new members. Suggestions included issuing letters of invitation to local Higdons before meetings, sending letters to leaders of other Higdon organizations, including information on other Higdon organizations on our website, bringing next generation family members to meetings, and using social networking sites like Facebook.

Eva Wood stated that her sister, Helen Allison, regretted that she could not attend the meeting. She sends her regards.

New Business: Frances Higdon Smith stated that next year's meeting will be held in St. Augustine, FL in October.

Carolyn Cole, outgoing Treasurer, moved that new Treasurer, Janice M. Higdon, of Moon, VA be authorized to set up financial accounts as needed to serve the monetary requirements of the Higdon Family Association, Inc. Janice J. Higdon seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Charles P. Higdon moved that HFA continue to give two annual scholarships of $1,000 each. The organization will use investment income and donations first, then invade principle if needed. Randy Cole seconded and the motion was passed.

Barbara Tedford informed the membership that she has HFA copies of all books in the organization library. She was authorized to have them as reference material for inquiries to the newsletter regarding Higdons past and present.

Carolyn Cole read the membership report. As of June 30, 2011, there are 95 members, including 6 new members. Eighty-five members are current with paid dues; 10 members are not. Four members were removed from membership due to death, by request of non-renewal for 2 successive years. For those members who are seriously in arrears with dues, Barbara will include a note with the November newsletter informing them that it will be their last edition unless they renew by December 1.

On motion made and passed, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.


Janice M. Higdon

Secretary


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