I took the hint in your last line..but this is a very appropriate topic, so
you won't get an argument from me. :)
But...just to clarify...I presume AGS is the Association for Gravestone
Studies? A search of AGS came up with several organizations...but I didn't
think you were speaking of the American Goat Society!
From time to time there has been discussion on this list about
"incorporating" or creating a more formal organization..in fact, I think I
probably
ran off someone with THAT discussion a few years ago! Oh well....he had
higher aspirations for himself anyway... (you see, I've just always been this
way..but some people love me anyway)
But it would appear, from what I'm reading, this would be the perfect fit
for those that would want to move to that next level, and still appease
those who enjoy this informal setting for the INPCRP...and there's no reason
why they cannot coexist and work together.
And it's refreshing to know the AGS is looking at this group because
Indiana has been a pacesetter in this regard. For those of you who have joined
this group in the last few years, the early years were very trying but yet
successful and some of the legislation now in the books was thanks to a core
group of individuals who started this group. I'm not sure if Lois Mauk
is still subscribed here or not, but she and a few others were very
instrumental in the early beginnings of INPCRP and testified before the Indiana
General Assembly in support of legislative changes in regards to cemetery
protection and preservation.
It would be very appropriate for this organization to look at the INPCRP
for ideas, and moreover, it might be of interest for many of us to look to
our involvement in the AGS for furthering the discussion and having more
lobbying power to continue what was started many years ago...and putting
pressure on all government agencies to protect what is left of our pioneer
cemeteries.
Kyle D. Conrad
In a message dated 10/12/2009 9:26:53 A.M. Central Standard Time,
ohiobuck(a)sbcglobal.net writes:
Hello, everyone,
I have returned from a week in New England. Trust me when I tell you that
the colors are absolutely gorgeous this weekend. One thing about that
region - you don't drive on any kind of road, including interstates, without
being surrounded by the trees. In Indiana, you're surrounded by concrete.
Ok, enough commentary. I attended the board meeting in Greenfield, MA
this past Saturday. All of the committees met. The Chapters Committee was
hard at work attempting to make this chapter idea a reality. Let me begin by
telling you that not all of the kinks have been worked out, but if you
have a question (and I don't have an answer), I will be happy to submit your
question/idea to the committee chair for input/answer.
Let me begin by saying that AGS is not about conservation only. For those
of you interested in stonecarvers, stone, carving, photography, art, etc.,
there is a place at the table for you. That is why there are different
workshops at the annual conference. At the last conference, attendees had an
opportunity to carve a stone. And that is what the chapters will be about
- anything having to do with cemeteries. And while we are on the topic of
conferences, I have heard from some of you that the cost is too high. I
can tell you that AGS is looking very hard at the cost; however, the other
side is fluctuating membership. PLEASE REMEMBER that the cost of the
conference includes EVERYTHING including all of your food (breakfast, lunch and
dinner for the entire conference), room (because they are generally at a
college), workshops, and bus tours. Since it will be just outside Columbus,
Ohio next year, the travel costs will be considerably less this time
around.
By the way, rumor has it that the 2011 conference may be in Chicago and
2012 in Maine.
Back to the chapters: the area of the chapter is not set in stone. By
that I mean that if there is enough interest in Champaign, IL and enough in
our area, there could be two separate chapters. However, if there are only
a couple people in IL and Indiana has a chapter, we can include Illinois.
Later on, should Illinois numbers increase and they want to start their own
chapter, they may. When a person joins AGS, that person will
automatically be assigned to a chapter (at no extra cost). Each chapter can put on
programs for anyone to attend covering various topics on cemeteries. Each
chapter will report to the AGS President once a year advising what it has
done.
Let me tell you that the board could not believe the different things that
are happening in Indiana. For instance, the workshops, legislation, etc.
Some of you may know that AGS has previously written pamphlets on various
topics, such as restoration dos and don'ts; how to do pamphlets, and
others. The conservation committee is in the process of rewriting those
appropriate to them and they have already looked at the INPCRP website as a
reference as to putting this information on their own website!
One of the board members is hosting an event in New Hampshire in November
with three speakers. So we are anxious to see how this goes. I hope you
share some of the excitement. Those of us Midwest board members have been
asking for a closer conference and now we have it. Please let me hear from
you as to whether you would be interested in starting a chapter, or not,
and your reasons. While discussion is good, I certainly hope that discussion
on this topic is quite as lively as it was last week on another topic.
Cathi
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