Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, April 2, 2025
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Bluemont Citizens Association
Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Bluemont Winery
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In Attendance: Bill Bogard, John Constant, Luke Edwards, Melissa Hess, Mike Jackwood, Hillary Perkins, Samantha
Smane, Lori Seeley, Tyler Steele, Peter Weeks, Rachel Wetherill, Kate Zurschmeide
Meeting called to order: Peter Weeks – presiding
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Treasurer’s Report:
- The March report with specific expenditure amounts will be emailed to everyone soon.
- A BCA computer has been purchased for use by the Treasurer.
- For the upcoming Spring Fling, a deposit has been paid for the tables and chairs and an additional
deposit of 50 percent paid for catering costs.
Bluemont Fair 2025 News:
- The next meeting of the Fair Committee will be at the end of April to select the artwork for the
fair. - For the benefit of fair volunteers, there will be a special night to show the two documentary films
about Snickersville Turnpike and Bluemont. Exact date and time TBD. (Several volunteers have
never seen the films because the documentaries are shown during the time when they are
working their shifts at the fair).
Bluemont Heritage:
- Bill Bogard, John Sullivan, and Peter Weeks met to determine what renovations/restorations are
needed for the Snickersville Academy. They conducted a survey of the building and developed a
list of 13 restorations. - The budget is $50K. As a next step, they will get more specific information on prices.
- We will begin a fundraising campaign to offset costs as much as possible.
- Ideas to work more closely with schools and local Boy Scout troops were discussed.
- There will be a community clean-up day in the near future. Date TBD.
Snickersville Turnpike Association:
- A picnic is planned for some time in either August or October. This will be an invitation only
event.
Spring Museum Exhibition:
- The exhibit is called Fiber Arts of the Blue Ridge.
- Set up of exhibit items is underway.
- The exhibit will include a variety of plant and animal fibers, antique tools, natural dyes, and quilts.
- The organizers hope to tie in with local fiber mills.
- The exhibit will run from May 4 through the first week of October and from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on
Sundays. There may be days when hours could be extended.
Documentary Film:
- Tyler Steele is in the process of filming events for use in the film.
- The subject of the documentary is a year in the life of Bluemont.
- As part of the film’s content, he plans to conduct interviews of key individuals after the Bluemont
Fair. - Anyone selected to be interviewed will need to sign a waiver.
- To learn more about this project, check out Tyler’s website.
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway:
- On April 25, in honor of Arbor Day, 40 trees and shrubs will be given out.
- Venue is at the EE Lake Store.
- 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. An announcement will be sent out ahead of time.
- The tree giveaway is on a first come, first served basis.
- Trees are saplings and should be planted as soon as possible.
Boulder Crest Tour:
- The time to register for the tour is now.
- Tour will take place on Wednesday, May 7 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
- It will include the Memorial garden, one of the family cabins, artwork, stables, and the lodge.
- Tour is free, but advance registration is required.
- To register, send an email to bluemontvillage@aol.com.
- So far, only one person has registered. If you would like to attend, please register now.
- Please spread the word to others who may be interested.
Land Use Forum:
- There will be a Land Use Forum at the BCC with date and time TBD.
- It will feature a variety of discussion groups for individuals to join.
- This is an informational event for the community.
- Some of the discussion topics include tax benefits for farming, tax benefits for conservation
easement, planning for power transmission lines, cash grants for planning trees. - Additional information will follow.
Community Litter Pick-up Day:
- We are clearing the way for a potential new trail to provide safer and easier access from Bear’s Den to
the Bluemont store and Post Office. Clearing litter will make the path cleaner and safer for everyone to
use. Trash grabbers, trash bags, and gloves will be provided. Terrain is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. - Meet at 1:00PM at the hairpin turn on Snickersville Turnpike.
Next Meeting:
- May 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. – Dirt Farm Brewing
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