H.O.P.E. Membership Meeting, 5/30/26
Location and Time: St. John’s United Methodist Church, 9:30 a.m.
Membership Meeting Attendees: Peter Peterson, Robert May, Jacqueline Wilkens, Christine Ussler, Marilyn Gorski, Margo Biblin, Elise Hoffman, Ludmila French, Cindy Wormser, Charlie & Lisa Iulo, Monica Sobon, Ann Rhinesmith, Betsy Peterson, John Hovell, Tom and Jane Bodolsky, Audrey Planer, Elsie Donohue, Timothy McDonough, Fred Werdann, Sherry Shaw, Marilyn Walsh, Kim Start, Jodi Keggan, Tom Gabel, Dan Beatty, Hope & John Lucas
Meeting Topics:
Pete Peterson made opening remarks and addressed membership dues, asking if an attendee was not a member, to refrain from voting on official H.O.P.E. matters.
Hope Mayor Tim McDonough addressed rumors that the Township is not supporting H.O.P.E. Mayor McDonough stated that the Township sent a letter to the County, supporting our application for grant funding for the Cooper/Crusen project. He stressed the importance of our group and the fact that the Township has always supported H.O.P.E. and will help in whatever way possible. Pete thanked Mayor McDonough for his support and for the clarification regarding the grant situation.
Pete asked everyone present to look at the meeting minutes from 5/31/25, as we would be voting on them. Margo made the motion to approve the minutes and Ann Rhinesmith seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Bob May discussed 2025/2026 grant applications and approvals:
a) Received two historic site management grants (one for Crusen and one for Cooper) totaling $55,000, to cover the cost of preparing Preservation Plans and conducting Phase I Archeology Surveys.
b) Received a $3,500 grant form the NJ Highlands Coalitions towards stabilization of the Cooper house’s foundation.
c) Discussed grant application that was approved by the Warren County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy. They authorized a stabilization grant of $54,450 for both properties, which was not approved by the County Commissioner. We do not know why the County Commissioner denied it and H.O.P.E. was never formally notified that it was denied. We will be going back to Warren County to apply for stabilization/repair grants for the Cooper House, which will be submitted in June.
d) For 2026, we have applied to the New Jersey Historic Trust for a Level One Capital Grant in the amount of roughly $144,000. This will cover the cost of restoring 23 windows and four exterior doors. We have received a letter from the Historic Trust saying that the application is complete.
e) Bob thanked Ellen Benoit and Margo Biblin, H.O.P.E.’s two grant writers, for their excellent work.
Bob introduced Christine Ussler, of Artefact Inc. (our architectural consulting group) and gave a summary of her credentials and accomplishments, especially pertaining to Moravian structures.
Christine ran through her PowerPoint presentation, discussed each property at length and answered members’ questions along the way. Topics included her firm’s research into the properties; the properties’ histories and current conditions; questions that have yet to be answered about the properties; and possible restoration recommendations and property uses. The presentation included wonderful historical maps, photos and drawings of the properties (and Hope in general), along with current photos and drawings. Members chimed in with memories and knowledge passed down over the years. There was also a pros-and-cons discussion regarding future uses of the properties. The group then thanked Christine for her comprehensive and interesting presentation.
Jodi Keggan had a question about current funds. Pete said that we are in good shape and that the Long House is fully rented for the first time in a couple of years.
Meeting break at 10:45; reconvened at 10:55.
Pete Peterson gave the Treasurer’s report (see attached). Discussed grant activity, income from tenants and other sources and amounts to be paid for upkeep of the three buildings (Long House, Crusen, Cooper) and future expenditures. Long House tenant income covers the building’s cost and maintenance. Painting, attorney’s fees, etc. have all been paid. H.O.P.E. currently has a surplus of $34,198 (as opposed to being in the red last year). Pete thanked Dan Beatty for everything that First Hope has contributed. Ellen made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report and Sherry Shaw and Fred Werdann seconded the motion. All approved and motion carried.
Jackie Wilkens gave the membership report: 56 current members, representing about 75 individuals, which puts us ahead of last year’s membership numbers. Encouraged members to renew (if they hadn’t) and let others know about H.O.P.E.’s mission. Mentioned that over one-third of our membership has been with us for at least 25 years and extended our thanks for their support. Discussed dues payments: $3,900 for calendar year 2025; $2,355 so far for 2026. Mentioned that membership numbers are an indication of community support and help when applying for grants. Pete encouraged members present to distribute membership forms to neighbors, relatives, etc. who might be interested in supporting us.
Bob presented the slate of Officers for this year: Bob May, President; Pete Peterson, Vice-President and Treasurer and Jackie Wilkens, Secretary. Bob asked if there were any additional nominations from the floor for any of the three positions. No additional nominations were made. Monica Sobon made a motion to accept the slate of officers; Ann Rhinesmith seconded and all were in favor. Motion carried.
Bob discussed future plans. H.O.P.E. contracted with Hunter Restoration, who dug test pits at the Cooper and Crusen properties and found many interesting old artifacts. The items were taken back to Trenton for cleaning and analysis. Additional testing at the site may be necessary. Bob said that the New Jersey Historic Trust requires the completion of a Level I Archeological Survey, prior to awarding funding for restoration.
Pete discussed Preservation New Jersey, which announces the top ten endangered historic sites in New Jersey every year. Monica Sobon and Elise Hoffman were the driving force to apply for endangered status for the Cooper House, and due to their efforts, the Cooper House was on the top ten sites for 2026. This should help us with our grant application to the County the next time around. Bob said that perhaps we can ask someone from Preservation New Jersey to give an oral presentation to the County (and perhaps Christine Ussler, also) in support of our grant application.
General conversation and questions about Christine’s presentation, followed by an offer to tour the Cooper and Crusen properties. The meeting at the Church adjourned at 11:25.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline Wilkens, Secretary