LTEF General Meeting Minutes
Monday, October 19, 2009
Attendees: Collette Evanko
Elyse Fiers
Anne Mankiewich
Isabella Tabor
Noreen Ranallo
Mike Walsh
I. Introduction and Welcome to New Members – Mike Walsh
à Mike opened the meeting by welcoming the 5 new members in attendance; Jessica Avallone, Marianne Etheridge, Deborah Goodsite, Jen Housedorf and Susan Kelly.
à Mike presented a brief history of the LTEF, explaining that the organization started as a part of the PTA, and subsequently spun off to form an organization that would work to bring improvements to the schools that could not be covered through the school budget. In addition, we hoped to fund capital improvements and other projects outside of the purview of the PTA, which handles mainly cultural arts events. Our first fundraiser was a golf outing in October, 2006.
à The LTEF’s major focus has been the Playground Project, headed by Collette Evanko. We have raised close to $200K in just under 3 years; most of those funds have been for the playground.
à In addition to the playground, the LTEF’s accomplishments also include the Enrichment Grant Program, started by Julianne Targan to fulfill specific funding requests made by teachers at Woodglen and Valley View. Through contributions donated by parents and supplemented by the LTEF, this program has successfully funded both small and large grants, including the Monarch Butterfly Lifecycle at Valley View, and the student response system in Mr. Haenny’s classroom at Woodglen.
à We also have an Adult Education Program, the Ralph Bleck Scholarship chaired by Liz Burns, and the Shop to Earn Program.
à In addition, the LTEF helps township families in need, including the Vreeland Family in 2006, and most recently the Doran Family, for whom the LTEF has been collecting funds to be channeled into a trust for the children.
à We are also hoping to establish an LTEF Scholarship, which would be primarily a needs-based scholarship awarded to a Lebanon Township senior.
à Our biggest fundraiser has been the Blues Fest, held in 2008 and 2009. However, now the Blues Fest Committee has incorporated as its own entity, so the LTEF will be only one of several beneficiaries of the funds it raises. We will be looking for some new fundraising ideas, as well as input on program and project initiatives.
Questions:
à Jessica Avallone wanted to know how the LTEF is perceived by the schools.
à Collette responded that Valley View had originally requested our assistance with the playground, and is very pleased that it is soon to be a reality. We have been working very closely with both the school and the school board during every step of the process.
à Jessica also asked if any other major needs have been identified now that the playground is almost complete.
à Mike explained that we still want to work on some kind of outdoor recreational facility at Woodglen, such as a fitness course, for example. So far, despite repeated efforts we have not been able to get any specific input from the Woodglen administration and teachers on their needs in this area.
à Mike believes that once the playground is built, we will be in a better position to get more people involved in our organization, and to take on new projects. Ideas might include a new science lab at Woodglen, or an upgrade in the PAC. We also hope to be able to expand on our current programs, like the Adult Education Program, and to launch our new LTEF Scholarship.
à Deborah Goodsite asked about programs for children like a chess club or lacrosse, which are being offered in other school districts but not in Lebanon Township. We discussed the need to go through the Board of Ed. for approval, and to make sure we had dealt with any liability issues associated with running such a program. Deborah indicated she would be interested in pursuing the idea of a chess club.
à Deborah also suggested we do a survey to find out what kinds of programs parents/children are interested in.
II. Playground
à Collette has been working hard to meet the deadline for installation, which has been rescheduled to November 13-15.
à The estimate for site work came in at $47,000, which includes absolutely everything; gravel, rubber curbing, etc. Collette still needs to review the details thoroughly to figure out which of these expense items can be eliminated. Some savings may be obtained by having volunteers take on some of the labor included in the estimate.
à Collette asked about getting permission to use the cafeteria for drinks and snacks for volunteers. As an alternative, Elyse suggested checking with Greg Starr about setting up a tent with sides and possibly a heater for the volunteers. Mike will talk to Greg.
à Collette also expressed concern about the amount of advance site work that will require heavy machinery. The noise will be disruptive during the school day, but if they are required to work only outside school hours, the cost will rise. Mike said he would mention this issue to Judy Burd right away. He and Collette will meet with Judy Burd and Dave Frinzi once they have a more specific schedule.
III. Treasurer’s Report – Elyse Fiers
à Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss statements were distributed.
à The $23,822.90 in the General account includes $14K collected for the Doran family.
à Elyse mentioned that paver payments have been coming in. Is anyone coordinating this? Collette said Chris Houser might be handling the pavers; she will check with Chris.
IV. New Business
à Halloween Madness is on Sunday, October 25th from 3-6pm. Mike will be running the LTEF concession stand. There will be two shifts for volunteers; 2-4pm and 4-6pm. Frank Ranallo will help from 2-4pm, and Anne will cover from 4-6pm.
à The next meeting would normally be on the second Monday of the month, which is November 9th. However, since this is the Monday immediately following the 4-day weekend and some people are going to be away, we are putting the next meeting off until Monday November 16 at 8pm in the Woodglen Library.
Mike closed the meeting by thanking the new members for attending, and inviting them to join us for our next meeting in November.
Prepared by Anne Mankiewich
10/27/09
