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THE YELLOW
SPRINGS MEN'S GROUP, INC.
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.
The Yellow Springs Men's Group has
a membership of nearly forty men and women of diverse cultural and ethnic ackground 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 Men's 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 Men's Group has created a website to foster interactive communication between the Men's Group, community
organizations and residents of the village.
Support of Community-wide Efforts- The Men's 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.
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