More "stuff"

[Mobuck]

During preparations for the post funeral family lunch, I was told that the LP gas range in the community building wasn't working right. I know for absolute fact that one of the sponsors of the twice a month homegrown "music show" is a certified HVAC repairman so sort of wondering why he hasn't looked into the problem. Well, that's another "issue" all together.
Since the appliances were "donated" hand-me-downs from when someone replaced them, it could be a simple fix or the range could just be not worth fixing.
My family has been involved in the organizing, building, and operation of this community use building since the idea was born (1975). The building has been used for wedding receptions, graduation parties, family re-unions, pre/post funeral family time/meals, community meetings, voting precinct, and just general area wide place to meet. In addition, a separate area within the building houses the Post Office. I know the "board" spent a LOT of money on a new roof after the bad storm we has last May and w/o demanding access to the books I have no idea what the financial position might be.
In any case, I've decided to "fix" the malfunctioning range by simply buying a NEW range and having it delivered to the building. Had I known this was an issue, this would already have been taken care of. I'm hoping the Community Building Assoc has a state tax exemption certificate so I don't have to pay the sales tax, too.
I'll take this up with the Assoc secretary tomorrow afternoon and get the range ordered next time I'm in town.

 

[blackhawknj]

Sounds very generous of you. However, I would look at the books first.

 

[Acorn]

Good on you!

 

[Mobuck]

Mom's oldest Son was the board President for many years until his health failed. After that, the "board" sort of waffled w/o significant direction. Looks like maybe I need to step in and put some direction back into the plan.

 

[gramps]

As if you don’t have enough on your plate already? You are a GOOD MAN Mobuck!
gramps

 

[Dave P.]

Might give you something to do with your spare time.....
Dave

 

[contender]

I would look into getting on the board as well. Then a polite look into the books may reveal many answers.
All too often,, when money is available,, some folks feel it is "theirs" to use as needed. And they take it.
And again, there are the times you find truly honest & good organizations,, who just need help.

There used to be a sizable "trust" in my area. The trustees were a husband, his wife, and 2 others. Well, there were two sets of books. That is until a distant relative of the deceased came in about 4 years after,, and brought in CPA & an attorney. It was "discovered" that much of the expensive furniture, artwork etc was in the home of the husband & wife. And their son had purchased a piece of property for next to nothing, and then leased it to the USPS with a 99 yr lease.
The old man died before prosecution, the "stuff was returned & sold, the son had to give "fair market value" for the property, WITH interest.
Oh, and several years later, the son was convicted of a different land/development fraud. He just recently got out of jail. The WORST part was the old man was a retired Army Lt Col, and the son had gotten as far as Captain before he left the Army.

So, get into the committee for that community center & see what you can do. Often,, it can be very rewarding & not as hard as it may seem.
In your case,, it may be that the issues are quite small, and all is fine.

 

[Mobuck]

There are five families in this area who have been here since the late 1800's/early 1900's and I'm related to two of those family trees. My Maternal GreatGrandfather and his brother were prominent businessmen and the local cemetery is on land donated by those men. My Paternal Grandfather was the first rural mail carrier in this community and he and Dad delivered mail here for 64 consecutive years . My family connections to the community go back nearly to the origin of the town. I've never had a permanent residence other than right here. I guess I've got as much invested in this little village as anyone.

 

[jkmo]

MoBuck,

Good on you. As a retired bank fraud guy after 24 years of LE (mostly criminal investigation) you definitely want to take a look at the books. I could tell you horror story after horror story. You wouldn't believe some of them.

You are a patriarch of the community, step up brother. Tell Doug I said he needs to help if necessary

 

[Mobuck]

Thanks guys. I can proudly say everything went as well as could be expected and better than it might have. We had plenty of food, no one got mad at each other, and we made progress in re-establishing an annual family re-union. Several of the family stepped up and covered a share of the cost of the new range I'm getting so it will be donated from the entire family with a suitable plaque(most likely a wood working project for my Grandkids).
Yes, I was officially recognized as the family patriarch and did my best to be supportive and present the proper dignity for the situation. That in itself is tricky considering such a group of career military, LEO, and self made men. I think my Grandson noticed that even in a group of tough , rugged "go get um" men who can bristle as quick as a ruffled rooster, PaPa is accepted as the final word.