Meet the Board
The founding TCHPP, Inc. Board of Directors, 2021-2022, at the inaugural Cairo Magnolia Celebration fundraiser, May 14, 2022. From left to right, guest IL State Rep. Paul Jacobs, VP Monica Smith, Director Robbin Patterson, Secretary Jim Fredlund, Treasurer Amy Farrow, keynote speaker IL State Sen. Dale Fowler, Director Jay Holder, President Don E. Patton, and Founding Director Pete Kaha.
Get to know the TCHPP board members and directors by reading their answers to the following questions:
What does Cairo mean to you?
What do you see as the immediate and long term goals of the project?
What makes this initiative different than efforts attempted in the past?
Don Patton, President
I am a lifelong resident of Cairo. My hometown has provided an opportunity for me to experience both frustration and love. The fact is Cairo has never lived up to its rich potential and can often be a source of disappointment. On the other hand, Cairo is my home. I find whether you still live in Cairo or have moved away. The love of Cairo binds all of us for a better future for our beloved town.
We should build upon preservation. I believe the immediate goals are to identify the historic spaces that require revitalization for future prosperity. To that end, focusing on economic development provides an opportunity to attract investors to our community as a long-term goal.
I am not able to speak to past efforts. As an optimist, I believe with strong community efforts both from residents of Cairo and those ex-pats who live “far” away, we can achieve our goals of protecting and preserving our historic spaces. Margret Mead, the renowned anthologist once said, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The Cairo Historical Preservation Project, Inc. is made up of individuals who are dedicated to see change in a positive way.
Tara Kieschnick, Vice-President and past Executive Director
In a word, Cairo means HOME. Both sides of my entire family for several generations were from Alexander and Pulaski counties, and my five sisters and I were born and raised in Cairo. Our parents, Dortha and Harold Worthington, were very active in the community, both through our church (First Southern Baptist), their work (my mother at the Cairo Housing Authority and my father the Cairo Water Company), and the public school district (both of them served on the school board). After the sudden death of our father, my mother permanently moved me and my younger sister to Texas in 1972 when we were teenagers. However, Cairo has never been far from my mind and heart. Warts and all, Cairo is part of me…it helped form who I am today, and it was only after I left and returned to visit that I fully appreciated the impact it made on my first sixteen years of life.
When Jim Fredlund resigned as secretary in July, 2022, I was asked to fill his position, as I was an active volunteer since 2021. It is an honor to serve along side so many caring individuals that I most likely would never have met if it weren’t for our mutual love of Cairo. I am fully aware and on board with the vision and mission of the organization: to preserve and protect Cairo’s historical resources by fundraising, bolstering inclusivity among the historical sites of our town, and encouraging the next generations to eventually pick up the baton and fulfill these goals in the future. After all, if we who love Cairo don’t step up, just who will?
Maybe people like me make it different. Although a Cairo native, I am no longer a resident. Yet, it’s my hometown and I care deeply about what happens to this city, both past and future. I have found I can be a contributor the the Project remotely, as have other ex-pat board members and volunteers. Also, I believe our diversity sets us apart—we come from different walks of life, yet we are united by the goal of doing what we can to preserve and protect the historic treasures of Cairo that we all love. Attendees at the inaugural Cairo Magnolia Celebration fundraising event in May, 2022 are proof of this unity in diversity!
Hope Green, Secretary
I was born and raised here, so Cairo is home. I've been here my whole life. It's the only thing I know. My family is here and I'm surrounded by love and light. Cairo means community and togetherness. Cairo is my comfort zone.
I see the project bringing immediate change and being a catalyst for others to join in the progression of Cairo. Once they see us involved and motivated, others will want to be a part of the positivity.
The board of TCHPP has a variety of different ages and interests, all well-spoken and deeply rooted in the community. We're all invested in the betterment of Cairo.
Amy Farrow, Founding Treasurer
I am a proud "Cairoite” born and raised here, still live and work here. I believe in the people, the history and the future of our hometown.
Initially, TCHPP's job will be to form a list of “attainable” goals geared towards preserving Cairo's rich history and growing tourism.
Our difference is to utilize and welcome the experience and expertise of all sources available to us.
Pete Kaha, Founding Board Director
I was born in Cairo. Our family moved to East Moline, IL in March of 1970. During spring break when other college friends were going to warm, exotic destinations, I always went to Cairo. I would go there during parts of the summer when my job had a break too. My Mother and Father were born there and each of my 4 siblings. This is my home. I am proud to be from Cairo.
Preserving the historic buildings left standing in Cairo for future generations. So many important buildings have been torn down or in disrepair. It is disturbing to me. Cairo is rich in history. Whatever Cairo becomes in the future, hopefully these buildings will still be there and thriving. My vision is to have sustaining donations and grants that will keep these buildings, and hopefully more buildings to be added later, in excellent condition and thriving! Increased tourism is a goal of mine too.
The difference with this initiative is total transparency! Other fundraising projects had missing funds and/or no communication on what their goals were or where their donations were used for. Ours is clear and precise. We will inform all members on our progress regularly. Another difference is expanding the group to include all Cairoites, past and present, toward the same goal. One common, defined goal. Cairo has a wealth of experienced and connected people that we are tapping into.
Robbin Patterson, Board Director
I was born and raised in Cairo. I attended Safford Elementary School, Cairo Junior and Senior High Schools. My mother and father both graduated from Sumner High School along with aunts, uncles, and cousins gradating from both Cairo High and Sumner High School. My grandfather, Willie Irish, was a black entrepreneur in the 1950s owning his own transportation fleet and the first vehicle to cross the Cairo Mississippi River Toll Bridge to Missouri with a bus of field workers in 1953 to pay the new low price - $.25 – one way. My heritage here in Cairo is strong and grows deep. This is the main reason I moved back home in retirement.
My vision is to see buildings being restored, new buildings being built, bringing together the old and the new that will make our town like no other with charm, character and history that will unite people of all backgrounds.
Very obvious to me is the love and passion for my hometown, Cairo USA, as I refer to it, and hoping to encourage others to become a part of this great initiative.
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Jay Holder, Board Director
This is my hometown. I have roots here. I was born and raised here. I have friends and family here and I think Cairo has a lot of potential.
I see the total revitalization of Cairo as the immediate AND long term goal.
I think what makes this initiative different is that we have a group of people working close together with one common goal.
Christopher Davault, Treasurer
Cairo is Home, as I was born and raised here. While my parents are now gone, I consider the people i work with, especially through the organizations, family.
The Project has identified several historic places in Cairo in need of support. We should continue to identify the most pressing needs for each of these places and work towards securing a means to help with that need. Also, the Project should look for other potential historic buildings and resources in Cairo which may also need help.
Creating TCHPP, Inc. as an actual legal nonprofit gives the Project more credibility than some folks getting together to raise money for something. The nonprofit status of TCHPP opens several avenues that may not otherwise be able to be pursued.
Monica Smith, Founding Vice-President
Cairo has long been an integral part of my life. We moved to Cairo in 1981 and became involved in the Chamber, City functions, saving the Custom House from demolition, serving on boards to better the community, helping to organize the Christmas Strolls and Riverboat Days. Cairo means good old Southern Hospitality and helping your neighbors. It has been my home for many years and I love Cairo and its history.
I hope the project allows us to assess the priorities necessary to keep all the earmarked buildings operational. I also hope it helps us to establish new funding sources to provide for restoration, upgrades and the basic day to day operations of these historic structures. Long term goals could allow other buildings to be added to the list as we progress.
This initiative has no hidden agendas. We are simply trying to save what we have and involve people who CARE about Cairo. We hope to utilize those who have been away for a long period of time who have talents and connections to help.
Jim Fredlund, Founding Secretary
Although I left Cairo in 1983 for the military, I have always described it as “just like Mayberry.” A town where everyone knows everyone and neighbors help neighbors. This may be a romanticized view, but Cairo has always been home to me.
I think the initial goal should be to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent any further compromise to the structure of the four initial buildings. Three of these buildings house the relics and treasures of Cairo’s historic past and the fourth is unique in both its architecture and its place in history. Saving these historic buildings of yesteryear to be enjoyed by future generations is the end goal.
Although I have not been involved with any prior efforts, I can definitely understand people’s reluctance, as previous attempts have fallen far short of their stated goals. But I believe in total transparency, and will do everything I can to keep everyone up-to-date as the process evolves.