Preston Bend Cemetery Association Meeting 2025    RAIN!!

 

The Preston Bend Cemetery Association held its 69th meeting at Preston Bend Cemetery on Sunday, Father’s Day, June 15, 2025.  There were 25 people in attendance.

The meeting was called to order at 10:26 by President Jessica Adams.

The Pledge to the United States Flag was led by Benton Helm.

An opening prayer was led by Jessica Adams.

Last year’s minutes were read by the Secretary Morgan Helm.

A motion was made to approve the minutes by Jordan North and seconded by Dustin Helm. Minutes were approved.

Jessica Adams thanked the board members, officers, and association members for their contributions of time, energy, and financial support before recognizing a few special members in attendance.

Special Recognition/Gift Certificates:

Oldest Man- Benton Helm (91); Oldest Woman- Gladys Helm (87); Youngest Child- Molly Helm (5 years); Most Children present- Dustin and Andrea Helm (4); and Farthest Traveled- Jordan North (Plano, Tx).

Virginia Thompson, Treasurer, gave the financial report. She explained expenses and income since our meeting last year. She reported account balances and special donations that were used to fund the ‘Historical Awareness Project.’ Virginia stated again that donations and expenses do not include money received from burials.  There were no questions.

A motion to accept the financial report was made by Dustin Helm, seconded by Stanley Thomas, with all in favor.  The financial report was approved.

Donations were collected to support the cemetery's general fund.

Before sharing a list of accomplishments, Jessica again thanked the board members and officers for their support and active participation in meetings, sharing ideas, and working together to preserve history and maintain the serene beauty of the cemetery. 

Jessica reported the following goals that have been achieved:

1. Permission was gained from the county and state historical commissions to relocate 2 historical markers (Holland Coffee Trading Post #7349 and Sophia Porter Marker #7421) with a donation of $1,650 from the Preston Trail, NSDAR.

2. Organized, advertised, and hosted a ceremony at the cemetery, followed by a reception at Lakeway Methodist Church. 70+ attended, including Trail Life USA Troop TX-0710 from Georgetown Baptist Church, local author Natalie Clountz Bauman, and Grayson County Historical Commission’s Historical Marker Chairperson and military hero, Lieutenant General Kurt A Cichowski, all of whom participated in the event. We made KTEN News.

3. Received a Certificate of Award and Medal for Excellence in Historical Preservation from the Preston Trail Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

4. Filed the revised Rules of Operation with the Grayson County Clerk.

5. Reset/repaired 12 headstones/monuments.

6. Main entrance gate received some needed attention and was straightened out.

 

There was no old business to discuss.

 

Ongoing business, including continued work on headstones to be reset and repaired, the cemetery’s Participation and Exclusivity contract with Matt Barnhill/3B Excavation contractor, who continually does a good job and is very quick to respond. There were no updates on the media. Donations continue to be received throughout the year in response to the bi-annual mail-outs.Jessica gave the reminder that money may be donated to the cemetery according to specific interests. She also reported on the fundraiser held at Texas Roadhouse on 4/16/2025 with another planned for 6/18/25.

 

New Business included updates regarding the lawn maintenance company, Island Mowing/Russ Haley. Virginia Thompson reported that, effective immediately, the rates will be increased. He is currently getting paid $500 per month and is changing to a per-trip pricing of $360/trip.

 

Clifford Helm made a motion to pay him $360, no more than twice in one month. Stanley Thomas seconded the motion. Motion approved.

 

Also during new business, Jessica Adams reported a few unexpected headstone repairs that exceeded the allotted annual Headstone Preservation budget of $1000 by $250. She suggested adjusting the budget for the upcoming year.

 

Clifford Helm made a motion to lower the Headstone Preservation budget to $750 for this year. Seconded by Stanley Thomas. Motion approved.

 

There was a request for reimbursement from Stanley Thomas for a sign that was purchased during the ‘Historical Awareness Project’ for $79.01.

 

Stanley Thomas nominated Cynthia Thomas to become a board member. After a discussion about the size of the board and voting procedures,

 

Clifford Helm also made a motion for the board to revote in the event of a tie concerning future decisions. Seconded by Stanley Thomas. Motion approved.

Jessica mentioned Kurt Cichowski suggested PBC apply for a historical marker due to the rich history of the cemetery and its significance to the area. She proposed looking into this idea in celebration of the 70th anniversary in 2026 and suggested revisiting the thought in the next few months.

Burials: Jimmy Dale Watkins, Charlie Carender, Marilynn Lillie, James & Delores Johnson, Alice Stratton, Maye Philips, Virginia Faye Holder

‘Not-A-Raffle’ Prize Winners: Benton Helm, Gaitlin Helm, and Cynthia Thomas

Dustin Helm made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Daniel Helm. The meeting was adjourned at 11:12 following a prayer.

Morgan Helm/ Secretary

Donations collected $878