Historical society board approves Pampered Chef fundraiser, plans timeline for calendar work

The Merrimack Valley Historical Society voted to authorize a Pampered Chef fundraising campaign after members said the city attorney cleared the sale as an ordinary fundraiser. "The attorney said that we can go ahead and do that. That is just kinda like any other fundraiser," the society director said.

The board discussed logistics including a live online link, a Facebook group for invitations, flyer and catalog distribution at local banks and businesses, and commission splits the vendor offers (20 percent up to a set sales threshold, 30 percent above that). Members agreed proceeds should go into the society's restricted historical fund; use of those funds would require board or administrator approval depending on the amount.

Laurie Perdue moved to authorize the Pampered Chef fundraiser and Michael Gallagher seconded; the motion carried after members voted "Aye" with no opposition recorded. The board asked the fundraiser lead to report back at the next monthly meeting with a plan and timeline.

Members also discussed calendar production: the society concluded it was too late in July to publish a calendar for the current year and agreed to assemble a timeline so work would begin in February for a 2028 release. Chair emphasized the need to set deadlines now to meet future production schedules.

The board closed the item by assigning outreach and plan reporting to the member who volunteered to spearhead the campaign; members will revisit details at the next meeting.