October 10, 2024
TABERNACLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 10-10-2024
President Franzen called the meeting to order at 7:00 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Members Present and signed in:
Rick Franzen James Cuviello Carol Riener
Mary Ann Silvers Eileen Chesla Harry Silvers
Gail Corey Carolyn Cuviello Bill Sprague Ann Franzen Sue Shannon Bill Berlin
Noble McNaughton D. Underwood
Lisa Giafaglione
Members present silently read the highlights from the minutes of the previous meeting. A motion was made by Jim Cuviello to accept the minutes and seconded by Bill Sprague. The motion was unanimously approved.
The Treasurer’s Report was read into the record. There was a beginning balance of $18738.42, .15 in interest, $600.00 was transferred from the Grant Account and $675.00 in expenditures leaving an ending balance of $18663.57. Mary Ann reported that $6734.85 from the balance belongs to the cemetery fund. A motion was made by Gail Corey to accept the report and seconded by Bill Sprague. The motion was approved unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
President Franzen announced that the Township Committee had formed a sub committee to look at the possibilities for the future use of the Town Hall site as well as the Public Works facility. Rick is part of the committee and they will be/are soliciting input from the community on what they would like to see happen. A very lengthy discussion ensued with many varying opinions on what members would like to see happen. Rick stated that there will be a public meeting at some point in order to gain input from the community at large.
Mary Ann suggested some changes to our Constitution/By-laws which were brought forth by previous discussion. An Executive Ad-hoc Committee has been meeting informally on an as needed basis and it has been suggested that a standing committee be formed by the President with the members serving for specific terms. There was discussion and some disagreement as to the structure and name for the committee. There was no consensus and the formation will be discussed again at a future meeting.
Discussion was had regarding our current membership fee structure. Several people offered opinions and the following fees were agreed upon:
Individual membership will increase from $10.00 to $15.00
Family membership will increase from $15.00 to $25.00
Lifetime membership will increase from $100.00 to $150.00
These will go into effect at the next renewal date. A motion was made by Ann Franzen and seconded by Gail Corey to place it on next months agenda for a full vote.
Jim Cuviello discussed dates for our next road cleanup. No dates were chosen but it was decided that doing the cleanup on Fridays & Saturdays works out best.
Gail gave an update on the Reenactment event. She asked that all volunteers be at the Cemetery by 12:00
OLD BUSINESS:
Gail Corey presented a Grants update including information which is available upon request. Of specific note is the fact that we will be receiving funds towards the restoration of the 1849 map. Bill Berlin will put us in touch with a restoration expert.
Discussion was had about the hard work that is being done with regard to the African American Cemetery and the Black History Trail. All present thanked Gail for her efforts.
Rick inquired about the 3D model that was proposed some time back and Mary Ann suggested that we hold off on it.
Carol will bring refreshments for the next meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Riener
Secretary
September 12, 2024
TABERNACLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 9-12-2024
President Franzen called the meeting to order at 7:00 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Members Present and signed in:
Rick Franzen James Cuviello Carol Riener
Mary Ann Silvers Stephen Cramer Eileen Chesla
Gail Corey Carolyn Cuviello Bonnie Bozarth
Bill Sprague Ann Franzen Sue Shannon
Dotty McNaughton Sharon Grovat Bill Berlin
Noble McNaughton D. Underwood Suz Brandt
Lisa Giafaglione Barbara Milloy Barbara Toms
President Franzen suspended the reading of the minutes.
The Treasurer’s Report was submitted and is pending.
OLD BUSINESS:
President Franzen announced that updates on new and old business will be presented at our next meeting which is scheduled for October 10, 2024.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nicholas Muscella, Docent and Historian at the Atsion Mansion and Village, was introduced and submitted the following biographical information:
“…I am a graduate of Seneca High School Class of 2022; I am currently a student at Rowan College where I am majoring in the field of history. I began as a volunteer for the State of New Jersey in August 2022 at Batsto Village before becoming a Seasonal Historian in July 2023 for the Atsion Mansion & Atsion Village. I have done extensive research on the history of Atsion and the families that owned the property.”.
Nicholas gave an informative and entertaining presentation to a very attentive audience.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 and refreshments were served.
Respectfully submitted:
Carol Riener
Secretary
June 13, 2024
TABERNACLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 6-13-2024
President Franzen called the meeting to order at 7:00 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Members Present and signed in:
Rick Franzen James Cuviello Carol Riener
Mary Ann Silvers Stephen Cramer Eileen Chesla
Gail Corey Carolyn Cuviello Donald Gerber
Leon Winstanley Ann Franzen Sue Shannon
Debbie Winstanley Vic Gorin Bill Berlin
Noble McNaughton Kim Ware Suz Brandt
President Franzen acknowledged the appointment of Noble McNaughton as our new Mayor which was received with a resounding round of applause.
Members present silently read the highlights from the minutes of the previous meeting. A motion was made by Gail Corey to accept the minutes and seconded by Jim Cuviello. The motion was unanimously approved.
The Treasurer’s Report was read into the record. There was a beginning balance of $14819.01, $4716.63 in revenue and $1075.00 in expenditures leaving an ending balance of $18460.64. A motion was made by Ann Franzen and seconded by Bill Sprague (although not signed in above) to accept the report which was unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Caranza Day is being held July 13, 2024. The Society will be represented by the Allen family again this year with their Grandchildren making the wreath presentation.
The Farm Fair is being held from July 16-20. Rick asked if there would be any volunteers who would be able to man our display. Much discussion was had about whether it would be beneficial for us to be there. Several members said they would volunteer if we chose to go.
Discussion was held regarding a speaker from the Young at Heart Club for the October meeting. Carolyn Cuviello and Rick said they would reach out to them.
Mary Ann visited the Medford Schoolhouse and reported that the children in attendance were both interested and engaged in the discussion.
Kim Ware and her husband have volunteered to help with the replacement/repair of the front door at the Friendship Schoolhouse.
We will be having a presentation at the September meeting by Nick Muscella, Docent at the Atsion Mansion.
Rick reported that we are working on Grants for the restoration of the 1849 map.
Mary Ann would like to form a committee to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Society. Kim Ware, Carol Riener, Carolyn Cuviello, Sue Brant (not signed in above) and Gail Corey all volunteered to be a part.
OLD BUSINESS
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the status of the old Town Hall.
Gail Corey provided a grants update a copy of which is attached.
The old signs have been replaced. We received a donation to cover a new sign replacing the old one at the Caranza Memorial.
We are continuing the Digitalization Project recently adding the NJ Mirror form 1818-1940 and the Central Record from 1898-1960.
Rick thanked the participants of the Road Cleanup as it is a means of financial support as well as keeping the community clean.
A discussion was had about the abundance of plates and Afghans we have on hand although it was reported we had an upswing in purchases since the debacle with Town Hall. Kim Ware suggested that we more aggressively advertise the remaining ones available for purchase.
We discussed the importance of supporting the community organizations in town.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Riener
Secretary
ADDENDUM
A meeting of the Executive Board was held on 7-15-2024 to discuss plans for the upcoming Civil War Veterans event which is being held Saturday 10-26-24 from 1:00 to 4:00 with a rain date of 10-27-24.
A productive discussion was held with regard to the planning of the event. It was decided that the members of the Executive Board that were able to should meet at the cemetery on 7-20-24 @ 9:30 to walk through the cemetery to identify the specific location of the graves we are going to highlight.
Gail Corey, who has done extensive research and compiled historical “scripts” for the recreators to use, is going to contact the organization to see if someone is able to attend.
On 7-20-24 members met at the cemetery with a representative of the Recreators and walked the grounds of the cemetery with a map compiled by Rick and were able to identify the locations of the graves which were marked with an American Flag. Other issues such as parking and displays were also discussed. Everyone in
April 11, 2024
TABERNACLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 11, 2024
President Franzen called the meeting to order at 7:00 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Those Present:
Rick Franzen James Cuviello Bill Sprague
Mary Ann Silvers Eileen Chesla Gail Corey
Carolyn Cuviello Sue Shannon Harry Silvers
Peg Pitney Ann Franzen Carol Riener
Denise Hudson Noble McNaughton Joe Barton
Stephen Cramer Vic Gorin Susan Brandt
Rick Franks Vernitia Taylor Doris Underwood
Bob Stoerrle Barb Stoerrle Valerie Scales
Frank Scales Fran Brooks Stuart Brooks
Kelly Kemps Kenneth Held Madellyn Held
Tammy Creelman Allen Rowles Erin Delaney
Kristi At Molly Pitcher (?) Ranae Parker
Kathy Crain Kathryn Morris Kim Ware
Sharon Grovatt Debbie Alcott-Winstanley
Leslie Schmidt Lisa Giafaglione Carol Fucci
Garry Cutts Gwendolyn Cutts Shawn Cutts
Mark LeMire Carl Delaney
The reading of the minutes from the prior meetings was dispatched as the audience was larger than expected. The Treasures report was read and a copy of it is attached.
A lively and lengthy conversation was had by those in attendance with regard to strategies aimed at preserving Town Hall. Among the many suggestions were a peaceful protest, attending Committee Meetings and potential litigation.
A Go Fund Me is in place for donations to the cause but is not being administered by the THS.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 and refreshments were served.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Riener
Secretary
February 14, 2024
TABERNACLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 14, 2024
President Franzen called the meeting to order at 2:30
Members present:
Rick Franzen Mary Ann Silvers Bill Sprague
Gail Corey Carol Riener Carolyn Cuviello
Jim Cuviello Harry Silvers
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Rick and Gail brought us up to speed on the grants they are pursuing.
Gail has spoken to Michael Rowan from the NJ 8th Infantry Civil War Reenactors about their participation in event we have been discussing
to be held at the Tabernacle Cemetery. Their members would be stationed around the cemetery and would have “scripts” written from the Pension Records we have secured. As of now we have 12 records on hand. They would also like to be able to add personal commentary about life back then as well as answer any questions from the public. If the Board approves, she would like to schedule the event for October 26, 2024 @ 2:00 pm with a rain date of October 27, 2024. The Board unanimously approved.
Bill mentioned that he may be able to get us a Horse Drawn Carriage for the event but it was decided that, for now, it was too expensive.
Carol R. mentioned the need to secure insurance for the event and Carolyn C. was asking how much we anticipated spending on the event. It was agreed that we would make a donation to the reenactors the exact amount TBD.
Rick said 22 more roles have been sent for digitization and Gail reported that she is working on another grant to finish the project.
Rick spoke to Dr. Bill Berlin about the map in the Friendship Schoolhouse building. It is very rare and will cost between $2000.00 and $3000.00 to retore.
We are expecting the $6500.00 check for the grant we received from the New Jersey Council of the Humanities in March. It has been converted to an Incubation Grant which can be used for research etc. on the African American Cemetery.
A discussion was had regarding the Old Town Hall and what position the Society would take on its future. Rick announced that there was a Township Committee meeting on February 26, 2024 and that the building would be discussed then.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Riener
Secretary
Tabernacle Historical Society 
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