PLANNING MEETING on March 24

PLANNING/COMMITTEE MEETINGS
JENS RINGNESS PROJECT

Amount in the Jens Ringness Project funds: submitted by Betty Tindall - 9-25-02

Funds Available:

Pledges:		$7,050.00
Account:		$7,218.75
Total:		$14,268.75

Meeting of Committee: August 31, 2002

Resolutions:

Continue with these activities:
- Booth in Clifton Antique Mall
- Brochure
- Web page
- Publicity
- Commitment of Althing, all chapters

New Resolutions:

Enlarge committee
Submit Grant application to National Trust
Contact architectural firms, structural engineer, house movers
Complete Historical Preservation Plan
Explore variety of ways to move the building, costs, etc.

Committee Meets to Consider Jens Ringness Options

Saturday, July 14, the Jens Ringness Project Committee met at the home of Betty Tindall. Wayne Rohne, Ronnie and Owen Ringness, Mary Ann Stokely, and Betty Tindall met to consider options presented at an earlier meeting with Architect Craig Melde. Unable to attend was Janice Bertelsen. After reviewing ideas presented at a previous meeting in June, the committee decided that the first step in the reconstruction of the building is to explore the restrictions placed upon the property by its inclusion in the Norse Historic District. If at all possible, the committee wishes to maintain the home’s designation in the National Registry of Historic Places.

Another decision made was to broaden the solicitation of funds to include pledges. A form for making a pledge to be paid when the actual moving and reconstruction of the home begins will be available on the website and published in the Norge Posten, Nyheter, and The Clifton Record. It was also suggested that persons who so wished could make a pledge to be paid monthly or yearly.

Betty announced that she has been contacted by James Mortensen, previous editor of the Nyheter. Jim has volunteered to spearhead the publicity and solicitation of memorials through the state organization of the Norwegian Society of Texas. He feels that the Jens Ringness Restoration Project is a worthy goal that could unify and excite the entire organization. He plans to begin publicity in January. Wayne and Betty will meet with Jim at the next Althing meeting, to be held in Houston in September.

As soon as the committee has information from the National Historical Commission, it will poll members for input and take all ideas to the Althing for confirmation.

Our Savior's Lutheran Church
An enthusiastic group met Saturday, March 24, 2001, at 11:30 a.m. for sandwiches and sharing of ideas concerning the Jens Ringness Restoration Project. Those present included: Ruthie Allen, Ozzie Brynie, John and Frances Homerstad, Mark and Jan Wallace, Archie Nelson, Lauris Huse, Owen Ringness, Mary Ann Stokely, Geneva Finstad, and Betty Tindall.

Following brainstorming of ideas as well as consideration of ideas presented by Betty, the group adopted a number of strategies to be enacted.

Written Publications: Betty will compose an article for the Clifton Record, the Nyheter, and the Norge Posten, which will thank the Brandenbergers for their gift to NST, give a bit of history of the place, and indicate how gifts may be made.
A publication will follow, which includes pictures of the site and other pertinent information.

Website: Jan Wallace volunteered to create a website for Bosque Co. NST. This will be an invaluable way for us to reach a much greater audience, not only concerning our meetings and activities, but also to solicit interest and donations for this project.

Architect's Drawing: We will ask Charles Stokely to generate a computer view of the completed building as it might look including landscaping. This picture as well as those of the site as it appears today, will be used for publications, a website, and other advertising.

Video: We will pursue the filming of a short video which includes views of the buildings, a brief history of the family, the site's importance to the Lutheran church in Bosque Co., the completed project's intended use, and the need for funds. Clips of descendants such as Owen Ringness, John Homerstad, Janice Lindberg Bertelsen, and one of the Reiersons, as well as Don and Alice Brandenberger would be desirable. This would be circulated to all NST chapters, Sons of Norway chapters, and could be available on our website. It could also be shown at our booths at a Norwegian Country Christmas and other activities.

Mailing List: The need to formulate a mailing list for future use was discussed, and the imperative of keeping an accurate record of all donors was noted. It was decided that a committee formed of co-chairpersons, plus a representative from each of the four descendant families was needed. One co-chairperson would be responsible for keeping a mailing list of all donors, and the other co-chairperson would be in charge of fund raising. It was further decided that we should place all donations in the Althing Vanguard Money Market Fund, asking Anna Getzoff to establish a separate memorial fund entitled "Jens Ringness Restoration Project."

Donations: Checks need to be made out to the Norwegian Society of Texas, and designated to "Jens Ringness Restoration Project." All proceeds are tax deductible and all persons donating to this project will receive recognition.

Later Needs: It was noted that we need to find an architect who has experience with historical buildings, and that we should be ready to pursue the designation of this site as an historical building when the next Texas Legislature meets (2003).

The meeting closed with the decision that the next planning meeting will be held Saturday, June 16, at 10:00 a.m. All interested persons are urged to attend.

Betty Tindall