Although the numbers were down at this year’s 15th Wine & Chocolate Festival, the vendors were happy, and did well, chairman Dagan Hardin told Hennessey United Association board members at their Nov. 10 meeting at Vernost Wine Co.

There were some complaints that there wasn’t enough chocolate this year and Tracie Macy said several of them sold out early and left.

Discussion about only having wine and opening it up to food vendors in the absence of the Hennessey Fire Department discontinuing its serving of steak sandwiches this year and in the future.

No decisions were made about what to call next year’s wine event, but it will be visited again at the board’s next meeting.

Members also discussed possible new events they could plan for next year, including a game show, but no decisions were made.

This was the first year for United to charge vendors for participating in the festival.

There was a discussion about charging each vendor $25 next year.

United supplies the tables, canopies and ice for vendors.

Other Committee Reports • Vice President and Beautification Chair Renee Curry said many of United’s flower pots and stands at businesses were still in good condition. But, she suggested they pick them up that week in case of a freeze. She’d already talked with President Scott Hajek about bringing his trailer.

• Cathy Howard, director of United’s Leadership Class for high school seniors, said the group would be going to the state capitol Wednesday, Nov. 19.

• During discussion about other events, Howard suggested going back to having a banquet and speaker for the Red Carpet Night to honor volunteers, etc.

Currently, United has an evening program for groups to honor their members, or others, in the community, and it’s followed with a reception.

Howard said former Governor George Nigh (who died recently) was their first speaker 2001.

He talked about volunteering and working together to make the community better. She said those were “dress up” events with the Catholic Men’s group doing the cooking.

Shaw is Elected to Board

Harold Shaw was elected to the United board this month after a recent resignation by David Jones.

Both Shaw and Jones are current members of the Hennessey Town trustees.

One of the seats on the United board is designated for the town mayor and Shaw had served on the United board when he was mayor in 2024-25 and also earlier as vice mayor in 2023-24.

Next Meeting

Members were reminded they will not meet in December and their next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at Vernost.

However, the group will support the Lions Club’s Mistletoe Magic next month.

At the Meeting

Officers at the meeting were Hajek, Curry and Secretary Cathy Howard.

New United member Mayor Randy Bohnstedt was also present, along with Shaw and other members Macy, Ashley Zielny, Dagan Hardin, Wyatt Muzny (HHS student member) and Barb Walter.

Absent were Treasurer Tammy Hopkins and members Angie Bruner and Lisa Voskuhl.

Visitors were Brooklyn Harris (former high school board member) and Tiffany Rowen, Hennessey town administrator.