| The Spencer Penn School Preservation Organization,INC | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Organization Purchases Spencer-Penn Building The Henry County School Board closed Spencer-Penn Elementary at the end of June, 2004 as part of the process of consolidation of schools in the county. For the first time since Spencer-Penn opened in 1927 students were no longer being educated in the building. In response to concerns from members of the community, alumni, and former students, the Spencer- Penn School Preservation Organization formed in August, 2004, to obtain the property and develop plans for the use of the site for the service of the community. A strong core of interested people began meeting regularly at the Spencer Ruritan Building and within a few weeks had become an organized group which moved quickly to take necessary steps to meet its goals. The SPSPO became incorporated and developed a mission statement and bylaws, as well as electing officers and directors. In November, 2004, the purchase of the property, including the main school building, an adjacent cottage, and approximately 8 acres of land was finalized. Immediately committees were formed from the members of the organization to begin renovating the buildings, develop plans for marketing its use, raise funds for the restoration, and plan the use and upkeep of the grounds. Application for placement of the buildings on the Historic Landmarks Register was made and, as of March 16, 2005, Spencer-Penn School was accepted for placement on the Virginia Register of Historic Landmarks with acceptance for the Federal Register anticipated later this spring. We have obtained federal tax exemption (5-1c3) status as a non-profit organization as well as changes in local zoning designation. The expertise and experience of various members of the organization proved invaluable in meeting the many requirements to get the project started. The organization continues to meet the second Monday of each month to address ongoing concerns and plans. The most recent decisions included finalizing the names for the Spencer-Penn Centre and The Chalkboard. Applying for grant funding and soliciting donations has begun. Current plans for activities to raise funds and to serve the community are detailed in this newsletter. Additional members in SPSPO are always welcome and a membership form is included on the Membership link. |
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| Spencer Penn School Preservation Organization P.O. Box 506 Spencer, VA 24165 spspo04@yahoo.com Officers President--Mary Jordan Vice-President--David Draper Secretary--Lillian Holland Treasurer--Linda Barnes Directors Harrison Toms Rose Hylton J. E. Pigg BIOS page1 page 2 |
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| Meetings scheduled on second Monday of January, April, July & October 7:00 p.m. You're invited to join us! |
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