Members and Others present: John and Signe Vraa, Helen Estenson, Bernice Wahl, Phil Gerla (recording), Janet Gerla , Jane Vigness, Joe and Elda, June and Melvin, Milford and Beulah, Eunice Evenson, Keith Evenson, Todd and Faye Evenson

Chairman Vraa called the meeting to order. Minutes of the 20 November 2003 will be read at the SHSHS annual meeting in January.
Draft Secretary's report from November is available on the society's web page.
Treasurer's report: A savings - 10.61, D savings - 1683.21, checking - 11,334.62, CD 15,000.00. During the prior two months, income included A savings 0.03, B savings 8.58, checking 8,500.00 (from the SADI arts grant).

John turned the time over to Jane.
(1) Phil read an old Norwegian story about a contrary couple.
(2) Jane recognized the Wallace Foundation for making the funds available for the SADI / arts team grant. The dinner at the Inn was dedicated to the contribution and effort of all who are and have been involved in the art and history organizations.
(3) Jane pointed out items on the time line - research and planning until Small Town Saturday on 26 June 2003 and then an assembly phase with work toward a drama production in April 2005. Efforts would include a school project with interviews, small gatherings with a consultant, and associated recordings. The Knight Rider would receive contributions. The second night of the drama production would include a theme meal with ethnic food. An evaluation of the entire program would follow.
(4) Jane and others reviewed the accomplishments of the two organizations since 1999, and pointed out the need for arts in the school and community.
(5) Suggestion was made at one point to plan to hold a meeting at the Shelly Museum
(6) With Jane directing, the group answered questions:

A. Why do we need to build participation in the organization and for the events?
- cannot accomplish goals without participation
- participation builds variety and substance
- more fun and chance to meet new people
- cannot reach those in need if the do not participate
- need people to maintain and sustain the two organizations
- efforts need to be passed on to the younger generation
- we learn from each other
- participation brings about effective use of individual skills and talents

B. How will participation benefit us and the community we serve?
- fun in the process
- discover new and otherwise unknown talents
- widen horizons of individuals
- know each other better
- cannot critize volunteer labor
- preserve our heritage
- makes the community more attractive to others
- more effective in obtaining other grants
- helps kids from being missed
- supplements and sustains school activities in the arts and history

C. How do you picture the change? What will success look like?
- participation by youth in arts and history
- a change in how we do things, i.e., encouraging groups, school teachers, school activities
- more members and more participation
- buildings go up, plays presented, i.e., physical things happening
- the school and community will see the value and importance of local arts and history
- our group will become more welcoming and will hold a happy countenance

D. What barriers do we face?
- competition for the individuals' time
- ignorance and simply not knowing about the activities
- sabotage and negative actions by others
- lack of funds
- loss of leadership

E. Who, within and outside our organization, will support our efforts?
- teachers and students and the school
- former residents
- residents from surrounding communities
- people who care
- other leaders in the community

Time was turned back to John, who asked for a motion from SHSHS to pay the bill for the dinner. So moved and seconded.

Meeting adjourned at about 6:45 pm for dinner. The next general SHSHS meeting will be held at 7 PM, Thursday, 15 January 2004. This will be the Annual Meeting of the Society, with election of officers. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend!