On one of the coldest days so far, members of the Board completed the winterizing of the Henry Heim house. Although it was cold, the sun was shining and the scene at the house was as peaceful as could be imagined.

We are obtaining cost estimates to repair/replace the water lines in the house. We hope with this work being done during the winter months the cost will be lower. We will be preparing grant applications seeking financial assistance with the restoration of the house. Depending on our success, I may have more to report to you in the near future.

Speaking of success, I recently sent out a letter with a brief update on the work already accomplished on the Henry Heim house, on a successful annual picnic and on our expanded Board. To date I have received some replies - I am both encouraged and thankful for these responses.

The new expanded Board met on November 1, 2003 in Lincoln. Officers were elected. The complete listing of Board members and officers is listed elsewhere on the web site. Committees were set up for the picnic, for youth involvement, for the restoration of the Henry Heim house and for planning our group's participation in the Blooming Grove 200th anniversary celebration in July, 2005. More involvement of members is always welcome. If anyone is interested in serving on any of the committees or in lending of their time or talents for any of the projects, please contact any of the Board members.

Daniel T. Pleiss