LTEF GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
November 30, 2009
Attendees: Jessica Avallone
Marianne Etheridge
Elyse Fiers
Susan Forenzo
Anne Mankiewich
Noreen Ranallo
Bob Tabor
Isabella Tabor
Mike Walsh
George Wilhelms
I. Treasurer’s Report – Elyse Fiers
à Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statements were distributed, as well as a summary of playground status and costs.
à Elyse reported the total expenditure on the playground as $165,926.78. With some additional costs yet to be reflected, including some trips Mike took to Califon Lumber, the total stands at close to $167,000.
à We remembered having budgeted between $163-165K, in which case we will end up somewhat over-budget. (Note: a subsequent review of the June 8, 2009 meeting minutes indicated we had actually voted to set aside $167K for the playground.)
à The Balance Sheet indicates approximately $25,500 in the General Account. The actual amount is $11K, since the $25.5K includes about $15K that we have collected for the Doran Family.
à The Nutcracker performance at Voorhees H.S. this Saturday, December 5 will benefit the Doran Family. Mike commented that if we sell enough tickets, we could possibly bring the fund for the Dorans to $20K.
à Isabella would like to get some information on how the Doran boys are doing, to write up and add as an insert to Saturday’s printed program.
II. Playground – Mike Walsh
à There are just a few items still to be completed on the Valley View Playground. The concrete was poured last week for the remaining section of sidewalk and the gazebo footings; the gazebo also needs some additional carpentry work and staining.
à The playground cannot be opened for use until the handicap access is complete. The school district, which is handling this aspect of the project, is expecting proposals for this by December 8th.
à Elyse expressed frustration that we worked so hard to get the playground built this fall, and now there is a possibility it cannot be used until spring. She urged that we try to find a way around this, if only on an interim basis, so that the children can start using the playground right away. Mike suggested he and Elyse attend the next School Board meeting on December 8th in order to voice our concerns.
à The lines on the basketball court cannot be painted until spring, since the court needs 6 months to settle before it is painted and sealed.
à The pavers will go around the outside of the rubber curbing. Mike mentioned that Collette needs someone to handle coordination of the pavers; Jessica volunteered.
à It was noted that Barkman donated a tremendous amount of labor for this project.
à Jessica followed this up by reporting that she had contacted various papers concerning the playground construction, and they seemed very interested. She would like to publish a comprehensive article, with photos, which will also recognize everyone who donated their time, labor, goods and services.
III. Education Program – Mike Walsh
à Mike reported that Deborah Goodsite and Allison Mikulski have expressed an interest in working on adult education programs, as well as after-school programs for children.
IV. Web-site – Noreen Ranallo
à The Enrichment Grant web-site is back up and running again. Each teacher now has his/her own password, which Noreen has passed onto Julianne Targan. She is not sure what steps Julianne has taken yet to let the teachers know they are able to post grant requests.
à Mike mentioned that the PTA has volunteered to help get the word out to parents about the Enrichment Grant program.
V. Future Fundraising
à Collette and her Playground Committee may be holding a Cabin Fever event again this coming winter.
à Last year, even with participation down, we made about $4,000. The year before the profit from Cabin Fever was about $7-8K.
à Elyse reminded everyone that this event was a good money-maker in the past because we had the venue, the DJ and the food donated. We have to nail down these items again this year in order to make it a worthwhile event.
à Isabella commented that we might get better local participation if we move the event closer towards town. It was suggested that we consider the Califon Firehouse. Mike said we had checked last year, but it was not available on our desired dates. Noreen suggested we keep our date flexible and try to work around the Califon Firehouse availability.
à We also discussed themes for Cabin Fever, including a St. Patrick’s Day and a Valentine’s Day theme.
à The 2010 Blues Fest is scheduled for May 22.
à We talked about doing a mailing; either a “membership” or simply a fundraising drive. In order to elicit contributions, we should be prepared with some specific projects we are targeting. These can include the Enrichment Grant Program and our Adult Education Program, as well as an outdoor recreation area at Woodglen. Mike has been trying to talk to Mr. Dally and Ms. Harrington to get their ideas on outdoor recreation equipment for Woodglen, but they have not yet responded.
VI. Old Business
à Now that the holiday season is here, we should remind parents of our Shop-to-Earn program. Anne will modify our previous announcement about this program, and Noreen will send it out to our e-mail database.
VII. New Business
à George Wilhelms has volunteered to be our new Treasurer as of January 1st. Bob Tabor will be Assistant Treasurer.
à We will not be meeting in December, since our November meeting was so late in the month. Our next meeting will be January 11th.
Prepared by Anne Mankiewich
