James
A. McKee Association
(Jim's
Group)
HISTORY
The
Yellow Springs Men's Group was organized in the fall of 1993 by
retired Police Chief James A. McKee, known to many as "Chief."
Our organizational purpose, as stated in our by-laws, is to carry out
research and education The three primary areas of interest have been
support of public information, education and participatory
democracy.Specific topics in village affairs in which we have expressed
interest and concern include: the affordability of living in Yellow
Springs,protection and expansion of our economic base, equality of
opportunity for all sectors of the community, protection of public
health through rational government policies including a workable water
supply protection program and the health and welfare of public
education. In all of these areas of interest, members have been and
still are dedicated to discovering, defining and promoting the
long-term benefits to the village as a whole rather than some specific
sector or interest group.
In 2004 the name was changed to the
James A. McKee Association to honor our founder and better reflect our
mission.
The
James A. McKee Association (Jim's Group) has a membership of nearly
forty men and women of diverse cultural and ethnic background and
welcomes additional members who are interested in working hard for a
better community.
ONGOING
PROGRAMS
Guest
Presentations-At most of the bi-monthly meeting a speaker is
invited to help keep the group informed about some element of the
community. Examples of guest speakers are: the president of Antioch
College, a representative from Community Resources, representatives
from the Senior Citizens, Small Business owners, and representatives
from other community organizations. The regular meeting agenda includes
updates on the Village Council meetings, Chamber of Commerce meetings,
and local business and community news.
The James McKee Scholarship Fund- The Group holds an annual fundraising
event to support the James McKee Scholarship Fund. For three years the
event has been a Magic Show but more recently we have presented a
social evening of Casino style games, music and food. McKee Awards have
been made to several students over the last 4 years for their academic
and leadership achievements.
Website- The James A. McKee Association has created a website to foster
interactive communication between the group, community organizations
and residents of the village.
Support of Community-wide Efforts- The group supports community efforts
such as the annual Lions Club Fireworks Fund, High School Track Fund,
and the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce.
SPECIAL
PROJECTS
Community
Economic Planning Forum- This initiative was based upon the
Cost of Living Study (see below) and brought together over 70 community
leaders to begin to develop a coordinated plan for revitalization of
our economic base. The effort is ongoing with members of the group
active in various ways.
Cost of Living Study- This study includes cost of living comparisons
with similar communities in the area. A follow-up study is in progress.
Candidates Night- In past years this was sponsored by the League of
Women Voters. This event is now hosted by the Men's Group
Water Supply Protection Forum- A town meeting held to help the
community learn about issues related to our public water supply.
Historic Perspective Committee- This committee was created in 1998 to
produce a series of articles suitable for publication by the YS News
concerning the economic history of the village. Several articles have
been planned and three have been completed and published.
Communications Network Research- A committee has been investigating the
feasibility of bringing a high speed cable network to Yellow Springs
and the results were published in 2004.
CONSTITUTION
Click
here to view the constitution as a PDF document.. |