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Where: Mae Lydia Howell’s home, Avon Park, FL
Attendance: Clara Boone, Linda Bailey, Cynthia Cann, Patricia Carter, Mae Lydia Howell, Roberta Martin, Earl Sims, Sr., Makyla Sims, Melba Sims,
Patricia Sims and Detrice Smith
The meeting was called to order by the president, Melba Sims, and Earl Sims offered the prayer.
Earl Sims read the previous meeting’s minutes, and they were approved as read.
It was reported that Linda Bailey called to report that she would be late, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Old Business: Melba stated that she met with Linda Bailey at which time they discussed the plans for the Right of Passage projects. It was decided that
each participating child would receive a packet, which would include all of the information the child and parent(s) would need in order to participate.
However, the discussion was table until Linda arrived with additional information.
The second project was the children’s financial project. Melba stated that after contacting several banks, which she thought would have branches where
our children reside. Of the ones she contacted, Wachovia offered the best plan for what she proposed. Most of the other banks required a minimum of
$50 to open a savings account, but Wachovia stated that since it was a group effort, they would agree to allow the children, with their parent to open a
savings account with only $15. Melba also stated that we needed to have fund raisers in order to provide the initial $15 deposit for each participating child,
and she asked that we please think of fund raising ideas. A discussion regarding whether the child could use an existing savings rather than having two
savings accounts ensued.
Upon arriving, Linda presented her plans for the two projects, which included an introduction and about six other components, including: Manners, table
setting, telephone etiquette, golden rules, a coming of age for the older children and self-respect. Linda also discussed her ideas for the financial part of the
project.
After much discussion on both projects, it was decided that two savings accounts are not necessary. And, the lessons Linda would provide could take
place in various locations and with parent based support. She also stated that her idea is to culminate this training with a formal dinner and limousine service
for the participants.
Linda suggested that when finalized, we could trademark the plan under the Sims-Gant name to possibly market the plan to be use as a fund raiser. She
suggested “Let’s Do It Right” as a name for the project.
Linda stated that to get the projects started, she would need the names and gender of the participating children. It was also suggested that a “Are You
Interested” form should go out to the family, which should also request the names and gender of the participants.
A motion was not made to approve the project.
As a fund raising project, Cynthia Cann presented a packet that included several free, sample cookbooks. The books and accompanying order booklet
were passed around for inspection. She explained that family members would submit recipes for the cookbook, but the company required a 200 minimal
order of books. She suggested that family members could order and pay for their heirloom cookbook(s) and that would serve as the seed money to help
with the initial investment of the total cookbook order. Then we could sell the cookbooks to others as a fund raiser. After much discussion regarding our
dedication to solicit for fund raising, a motion was made to table the discussion for a later date. The motion carried.
Other fund raising ideas from Detrice Smith and Patricia Carter were discussed, which included yard sales, but none were adopted.
New Business: Two cities were nominated for 2009 reunion sites. They were Miami and St. Petersburg, FL.
A discussion ensued regarding reunion activities, limiting the number of days for the reunion and whether or not we wanted to take a cruise. It was
motioned and second that these cities’ host would investigate possible activities including a cruise from the cities’ ports. The motion carried with a majority
vote.
It was agreed that because of conflicting schedules, the next meeting date was changed and will be held in Avon Park, FL at the home of Arletha Sims, on
her birthday, April 12, at 4 o’clock p.m.
Dues collected totaled $90.00. The late kitty amount collected was $5.00.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted on 1/13/08,
Cynthia Cann
Assistant Secretary
When: April 12, 2008
Attendance: Bill and Linda Bailey, Felicia Blatch, Herman Blatch, Alvin and Cynthia Cann, Audric Cann, Chaddrick and Analisa Cann, Patricia
Carter, William Dickey, Jr., Edna Mae Evans, Rayshaun and Amelia Evans, Carol Hamilton, Joyce Johnson, Irvin Jones, Roberta Martin, Carl and
Tressie Mobley, Arletha Sims, Earl Jr. and Varona Sims, Earl Sr. and Patricia Sims, Katrina Sims, Kesha Sims, Melba Sims, Detrice Smith,
Cheryl Williams, Hiram Williams, and Perditha Williams.
William Dickey, Jr brought the meeting to order with a prayer. Detrice Smith read the minutes from the previous meeting. There was a correction
to the minutes made by Melba that the 'Let’s Do It Right' project was approved. She also clarified that 'Let's Do It Right' is one of the projects
under the 'It takes a Family' umbrella. The minutes were approved as corrected.
Old Business:
1. The Let’s do it right discussion was tabled until Linda Bailey arrived.
2. A discussion ensued about the 2009 reunion sites. William Dickey suggested that we charter a bus to Washington, D.C. He knows someone
who owns a charter company and will check on rates. Melba suggested that we charter a bus to Atlanta. Earl Sims, Jr. will check on the group
rates for possible cruises out of Tampa and other central locations. Chad and Analisa will bring information for a St. Pete reunion. The discussion
was tabled until the next meeting.
New Business:
1. Fund raising:
a. Yard Sale- We will have a family yard/barbecue sale with the proceeds going to the family for the family reunion. It will be held at
Patricia Carter’s home on June 14th. There is a $5.00 fee to participate. We will also sell, Food and Deserts so bring baked goods or food
dishes. Later that day, our very own Detrice Smith will be featured in a play called The Crossroads written by Minister Robert Walker. It
will be held at Faith Temple on Main Street at the old movie theater. There is no fee for the tickets but donations are welcomed.
b. Martin Luther King Day- Melba suggested that we participate in the annual parade with children on bikes and everyone in our family t-
shirts. Then at the end of the parade we can sell food and beverages. The family did not approve this because there are churches that give
away food and drinks. Carol suggested that we sell MLK souvenirs instead and will investigate the cost for shirts, cups, key chains, etc. It
was approved. It was also approved that we participate in the MLK parade wearing our family t-shirts.
2. Membership participation:
a. In order to bring more people to the meetings, it was suggested that there would be raffles held and you must be present to win.
Also, meetings will be scheduled so that the previous months birthdays can be celebrated.
b. Pat suggested that we have teleconference meetings due to rising gas prices for those who travel. She will investigate that and bring the
information to the next meeting.
c. The names, ages, and gender of the children that will participate in the ‘Let’s Do It Right' project were collected.
The next meeting will be on July 26th at Melba Sims’ house. Dickey motioned that the meeting be concluded and Roberta prayed. Dues were
collected in the amount of $136.00 and $10.15 was collected in the kiddie.
Attendance: Bill and Linda Bailey, Felicia Blatch, Herman Blatch, Alvin and Cynthia Cann, Audric Cann, Chaddrick and Analisa Cann, Patricia
Carter, William Dickey, Jr., Edna Mae Evans, Rayshaun and Amelia Evans, Carol Hamilton, Joyce Johnson, Irvin Jones, Roberta Martin, Carl and
Tressie Mobley, Arletha Sims, Earl Jr. and Varona Sims, Earl Sr. and Patricia Sims, Katrina Sims, Kesha Sims, Melba Sims, Detrice Smith,
Cheryl Williams, Hiram Williams, and Perditha Williams.
William Dickey, Jr brought the meeting to order with a prayer. Detrice Smith read the minutes from the previous meeting. There was a correction
to the minutes made by Melba that the 'Let’s Do It Right' project was approved. She also clarified that 'Let's Do It Right' is one of the projects
under the 'It takes a Family' umbrella. The minutes were approved as corrected.
Old Business:
1. The Let’s do it right discussion was tabled until Linda Bailey arrived.
2. A discussion ensued about the 2009 reunion sites. William Dickey suggested that we charter a bus to Washington, D.C. He knows someone
who owns a charter company and will check on rates. Melba suggested that we charter a bus to Atlanta. Earl Sims, Jr. will check on the group
rates for possible cruises out of Tampa and other central locations. Chad and Analisa will bring information for a St. Pete reunion. The discussion
was tabled until the next meeting.
New Business:
1. Fund raising:
a. Yard Sale- We will have a family yard/barbecue sale with the proceeds going to the family for the family reunion. It will be held at
Patricia Carter’s home on June 14th. There is a $5.00 fee to participate. We will also sell, Food and Deserts so bring baked goods or food
dishes. Later that day, our very own Detrice Smith will be featured in a play called The Crossroads written by Minister Robert Walker. It
will be held at Faith Temple on Main Street at the old movie theater. There is no fee for the tickets but donations are welcomed.
b. Martin Luther King Day- Melba suggested that we participate in the annual parade with children on bikes and everyone in our family t-
shirts. Then at the end of the parade we can sell food and beverages. The family did not approve this because there are churches that give
away food and drinks. Carol suggested that we sell MLK souvenirs instead and will investigate the cost for shirts, cups, key chains, etc. It
was approved. It was also approved that we participate in the MLK parade wearing our family t-shirts.
2. Membership participation:
a. In order to bring more people to the meetings, it was suggested that there would be raffles held and you must be present to win.
Also, meetings will be scheduled so that the previous months birthdays can be celebrated.
b. Pat suggested that we have teleconference meetings due to rising gas prices for those who travel. She will investigate that and bring the
information to the next meeting.
c. The names, ages, and gender of the children that will participate in the ‘Let’s Do It Right' project were collected.
The next meeting will be on July 26th at Melba Sims’ house. Dickey motioned that the meeting be concluded and Roberta prayed. Dues were
collected in the amount of $136.00 and $10.15 was collected in the kiddie.
Sims/Gant Family
Minutes 1/3/09
The meeting was called to order at 4:38 p.m. at the home of Arletha Sims by Melba Sims. Present at the meeting was Pat Carter, Robert Martin,
Cynthia Cann, Mae Lidia Bennett, Carol Hamilton, Tressie Mobley, Perditha Williams, Melba Sims, Makyla Sims, Thiram Williams, Carol’s
niece, and Clara Boone by phone.
Old Business
Reunion site - The first item on the agenda was the family reunion. It was agreed to have a one day reunion, a picnic. This means we will not have
the fish fry or the banquet. A covered pavilion was only available at Highlands Hammock on July 11, 2009. So we will move the reunion picnic
from the 4th of July to the 11th of July. The club will provide the meat, drinks and paper goods. We will need members to bring a covered dish.
Carol is looking into finding a cruise to the Bahamas as an extension of the reunion for all interested family members. More information will come
in the next newsletter.
Dues – According to our by-laws we pay $6.00 a month for 2 years. Even though we will only have a one day picnic, our dues of $144.00 are
still due in July. This year the club will use $25.00 of each paying member’s dues to finance the picnic. Please make sure that you have paid at
least $25.00 by June 1st.
T-shirts – We voted to have the club provide a t-shirt for all members. We also voted that the colors this year will be tan and blue. All shirts,
(child’s small to adult’s large) will be free to family members only. The cost of x-large shirts is $1.00 for 1x shirts; $2.00 for 2x shirts; $3.00 for
3x shirts; and $4.00 4x shirts. If you want to order an extra shirt or a shirt for a non-member the cost for a child’s small to an adult’s large is
$5.00; $6.00 for 1x shirts; $7.00 for 2x shirts; $8.00 for 3x…. All money must be paid at the time the shirts are ordered. An order form will
come with the next newsletter.
New Business
Martin Luther King Day – We voted to sell t-shirts before, during and after the M.L.K. parade in Avon Park. We will set up a table at Pat
Carter’s house. Art Williams let us use a picture of Barack Obama surrounded by ministers praying for him. We will use this on the front of the
shirt. We are calling all family members to come out and help us sell. Also we are asking all family members to be in the M.L.K Day parade in
Avon Park Jan. 19th. We need a SUV with a hatch-back to drive in the parade. All kids can ride their bikes. Please come out Jan.19th to
support us in the parade and at Pat’s house to sell the T-shirts in Avon Park. Let show our support for ‘Keeping the dream alive’.
Melba Sims
Club President
Minutes 1/3/09
The meeting was called to order at 4:38 p.m. at the home of Arletha Sims by Melba Sims. Present at the meeting was Pat Carter, Robert Martin,
Cynthia Cann, Mae Lidia Bennett, Carol Hamilton, Tressie Mobley, Perditha Williams, Melba Sims, Makyla Sims, Thiram Williams, Carol’s
niece, and Clara Boone by phone.
Old Business
Reunion site - The first item on the agenda was the family reunion. It was agreed to have a one day reunion, a picnic. This means we will not have
the fish fry or the banquet. A covered pavilion was only available at Highlands Hammock on July 11, 2009. So we will move the reunion picnic
from the 4th of July to the 11th of July. The club will provide the meat, drinks and paper goods. We will need members to bring a covered dish.
Carol is looking into finding a cruise to the Bahamas as an extension of the reunion for all interested family members. More information will come
in the next newsletter.
Dues – According to our by-laws we pay $6.00 a month for 2 years. Even though we will only have a one day picnic, our dues of $144.00 are
still due in July. This year the club will use $25.00 of each paying member’s dues to finance the picnic. Please make sure that you have paid at
least $25.00 by June 1st.
T-shirts – We voted to have the club provide a t-shirt for all members. We also voted that the colors this year will be tan and blue. All shirts,
(child’s small to adult’s large) will be free to family members only. The cost of x-large shirts is $1.00 for 1x shirts; $2.00 for 2x shirts; $3.00 for
3x shirts; and $4.00 4x shirts. If you want to order an extra shirt or a shirt for a non-member the cost for a child’s small to an adult’s large is
$5.00; $6.00 for 1x shirts; $7.00 for 2x shirts; $8.00 for 3x…. All money must be paid at the time the shirts are ordered. An order form will
come with the next newsletter.
New Business
Martin Luther King Day – We voted to sell t-shirts before, during and after the M.L.K. parade in Avon Park. We will set up a table at Pat
Carter’s house. Art Williams let us use a picture of Barack Obama surrounded by ministers praying for him. We will use this on the front of the
shirt. We are calling all family members to come out and help us sell. Also we are asking all family members to be in the M.L.K Day parade in
Avon Park Jan. 19th. We need a SUV with a hatch-back to drive in the parade. All kids can ride their bikes. Please come out Jan.19th to
support us in the parade and at Pat’s house to sell the T-shirts in Avon Park. Let show our support for ‘Keeping the dream alive’.
Melba Sims
Club President