The 2006 Annual Fund Drive is still underway but the response to date has been wonderful.  As we mentioned before, one of the pressing projects this year is the documentation, preservation and display of our growing archival collection – and this fund has been designated to help support that ongoing and important endeavor.  We are able to move forward with this project because of the continued support we receive from you -- we and you are accomplishing this together.  A most sincere THANKS to the following:

Virginia Ackerman, Allegheny Valley Landscape, Edward Bartolowits, James G. Betz, Paul & Lois Blum, William K. Bowen, Kim Brown, Nancy W. Brown, Mona Burns, John Campbell, DMD, Guy & Carol Cant, Doug & Ramona Carlson, Bob & Katheryn Carringer, Deborah Che, Randy Ciborowski, Donald F. Cloud, Richard D. Cramer, Rodney Daum, Deborah Davidek, Frances Dickrager, Philbert & Cecile Dietrich, Dianne Drake, Nancy & Paul Eck, Joseph Farley, Rachel Farley, Doug & Faith Finnemore, B. Jane Flick, Gust A. Flizanes,  John M. Flynn, Forest County Sports Center, Joan E. & Joan Forsyth, Beverly Kincaid Franklin, Boyd Fulk, Curt & Marlene Furnish, Wayne Gilchrist, James G. Graham, Frank & Judy Habjanetz, Haller’s Sporting Goods,  Dan & Shirley Hannah, Carl & Ann Harting, D. Wilma Heasley, Charles R. Hillman, Robert & Bernadette Holzer, Charles & Marjorie Hoopingarner, Lee & Susan Hughes, John Husak,  Delores James, Harry & Sandy Jamieson, Paul B. Kemble, Jr. Harry E. Kincaid, Thomas B. Lander, Harry J. Laughery, Daniel J. Leech, Bert & Mary Lee Lehman, Harry & Barbara Litten,  Pat & Nola Lyons, John & Deborah Malagise, Tom & Sandi Malley, Carter Masteller, Connie Mayo, Don & Micki McCoy, Eugene & Jolene McWilliams, Allen M. Montgomery, David Morrison, William & Virginia Motzer, Harry E. Mueller, Jr., Jeffrey & Lynda Ness, David Newson, Northwest Savings Bank, Leo & Joan Nuhfer, Gordon E. Nygren, Fred & Joanne Obreza, Michael & Mary 

Anyone who would like to send a contribution to this worthwhile fund can do so by mailing it directly to the Historical Society and note that it is for the Annual Fund Drive.  Large or small, each donation is greatly appreciated.

The 2006 membership has reached 294 at the time of this writing – and is still coming in nicely.  We topped out last year at 324 and I feel certain that we will surpass that number this year.  We have had a good increase in new members in 2006 resulting from those who have given memberships as gifts, some coming in from the website, those that have attended a function for the first time, and our news in the Forest Press.  New growth is so vital to the Society and combined with our loyal returning members – we are offering the “strength in numbers” that is so important when we apply for grants. 

Our goal for 2006 Membership is 350.  If you haven’t paid your dues yet, please consider it now.  A reminder is included in this newsletter to those we haven’t heard from this year.  Membership entitles you to all the mailings, admission to tour the History Center anytime during the open season, and free use of the Ruth McDonald Genealogy Research Room.

Preservation of Forest County history for future generations – that’s the GOAL and the REWARD.

T-Shirts with the FCHS Logo will be available this summer at the History Center Gift Shop