CIA Board Minutes for meeting of March 20, 2012
Present at Lynn’s house: Lynn, Sheryl, Pete, Don, Khrena, Roberta, Bruce, Bob S., Jon Alexander, Allie, Nancy H.
Reports:
Treasurer: Pete passed out the current report, which is available from Pete if you’re interested. Our water bill this year was $541 and we agreed to keep the membership fee at $45; but the daily parking is going from $8 to $9. Thanks for all the hard work Pete.
Executive Committee Meeting: was held at Lynn’s house with Lynn, Pete, Don and Sheryl in attendance. The four current officers agreed to another year term in office and set the agenda for this meeting and set a tentative date for the Annual Meeting on May 15th, 2012. Place was secured by Sheryl at Swampscott H.S. Louis Gallo will present a slide show on the History of the area. Ideas on new board members that will be willing to take the lead on some projects in the works or in the future. Some names were mentioned as possibilities including Jim Keating.
Park Committee: Bruce, Sheryl, Roberta, Pete and Lynn had a visit by Doug Redding.
Plants:
Roberta and Bruce talked to Robert Dempster. They had a walk about on Saturday to determine what is needed this year for the park. He mentioned that we would need about $3,000 for plants, would keep sea grass where it is and create a shady area near the corner where the sumac is high and where a new bench could be placed. Roberta said a few more large rocks and some grading would be needed there.
Parking Lot:
Doug Redding came to our park meeting and his concerns were the parking lot. He’ll work with Pete, Bruce, Roberta and Lisa Hickey’s crew to remove the clutter in the far corner as well as the bushes on the corner of Atlantic and Seaview which get in the way of clear vision for cars. They will do this on April 13th to make more room for parking and to clean up the area in general.
Accessibility for the differently able:
Roberta, Pete and Bruce met with Bob Shuman about handicapped access in the park. The Schumanns are long time CIA members and donate to the park. Bob said a five feet turn around is needed for wheelchairs but a ten foot turning radius for his special handicapped chair.
Better pieces of granite are needed to smooth the area and a half-inch gap between pieces of planks to ensure a good ride. A flat turnaround at the anchor area was suggested and on the right side of the park we would continue the planks to loop without turning around at all. Pinning down the planks seems to help the flow and it was mentioned that going up the right side of the park along the back and going down the left side would allow a complete circle to be made by the handicapped. Dr. Schumann also said that a lip at street level made it hard to get wheelchairs into the park and out so that should be attended to. White stripes on the street in front to let off the handicapped or to park would be helpful as well. The top of the steps needed planks that are tapered (Pete) and Bruce said two hard surfaces for turnarounds were recommended.
Maintenance:
Batter board was put up twice by Pete and once by Alex Falk during this last winter. Treks on steps need extra bolts to straighten them out, wall seems good this year. Replenishment of lost sand in park (at top of steps where pipes show, Pete suggests buried sand bags) 10 yards of pea stone for area around the Sun Circle was also recommended. Replacements:North Shore Marine. Pete will call them about the steps at the bottom that are buckled. Need to be unbolted and pebbles taken out.
Message Center with literature stand (Bruce) Barco
Electric shutoff and locked box for use by renters: lights and music behind Message Center/Literature stand. Bruce brought a handout for us, which included drawings of the Message Center and where it will be placed. Copies at the annual meeting for those interested.
Bruce said that the message center would be two-sided in lockable glass. Four feet into the ground-ready made steel polymer. The price would be approximately $1500 and $880 to install for a total of $2500. This will hide the electrical system. Sheryl mentioned that Dan is our electrician and she talked to him. National Grid will be involved. They are calling it a Dog House because it will be made of wood and shingles, which will cover the electric box and blend in with the message center right next to it. The center is three and a half feet wide, two feet deep and four feet high. It will have two keys. The meter will disconnect with a bypass. The Doghouse will be $1200 so a total of $5000 for the both of them installed. National Grid gave us another sequence number and the work must be done asap. Bruce called for a vote on this Message Center and Dog House issue and it was approved unanimously.
Planks: Bob and Carl Siegel will order some new ones. Difficult to work with warped ones. WE actually need 36 more new or good planks for this season.
Brochure- Khrena and Lynn did such an enormous job the last few years and no one has stepped up to replace them. So we will add new tide charts and put them in the last years Brochures and will not solicit anyone for ads this year.
Membership mailings: We have over 400 emails addresses now to send out messages by computer. Khrena said she would update the card to send out for membership.
Jon said he would print the labels, Don and Roberta agreed to stuff envelops. Pete mentioned that in order to get the bulk rate for mailing we need to send out mailings before April 30th. We agreed to have only one mailing and Lynn will do an email blast.
Pete said he has over 800 in his data base of past and present members. Krena pointed out that we have access to the large Chamber of Commerce list as well.
Agents- Jon will take care of hiring the agents for the parking lot this summer.. Lynn said she would order the 2012 stickers for the cars.
The Spring Equinox was well attended and the sun rose in the East as Bruce predicted, thank God. Don had someone take a HD DVD and passed them out to the group at Lynn’s house. We had a violinist and a singing bowl with prayers. Look forward to seeing everyone at the Summer Solstice. Don
Misc.-- Lynn got a letter from the Salem Sound Coastwatch on March 13, 2012 asking us to renew our membership . She brought it up and we decided to exchange memberships with them. For more information on their schedule their information is:
Salem Sound Coastwatch 201 Washington St. Suite 9 Salem MA 01970 info@salemsound.org
Street Light: a change in the current street light was mentioned for future consideration. Bruce passed out information on the style and cost of a proposed streetlight. The cost would be $25,000 to dig up the street, change poles, attach the new light etc. Allie suggested we keep the pole for now and just put the new light up with the arm in place of what is there. The idea was tabled.
The sign across the street in the parking lot was also discussed. Bob S. suggested changing the wording. But it was thought that people may glean from that the support was no longer needed. Some wanted to take the sign down , while others suggested a sandwich board to announce events and happening. Bob S. called for a vote on Sign or No Sign and keeping the sign with different wording was approved something like: The CIA thanks you for your support.
Sheryl- our beloved liason between Swampscott and Marblehead and National Grid and us and the Selectmen and town boards and us and everyone else and us will make a shopping list for the powers that be and ask for everything at the same time. Thank you Sheryl, for years of magic behind the curtin and I don't mean Dennis. Hi to Paul, we missed you.
Fundrasing: Allie said, “we have mailed invitations to 140 houses.”
"Bob S and I met Sunday and Monday nite we mailed them. Already 30 people out of the 80 allotted for the party have paid. Fifty five are committed right now. Our goal is to raise $12,000.00 for this fund raiser at Alex and Nora Falk’s home on Saturday May 12th from 6pm-9pm. Alex will spent over $5,000 of his own money for food, drinks, decorations, catering service etc. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for all his help. They are the best neighbors we could have ever asked for."
Respectfully submitted:
Don Orne-clerk
CIA MINUTES SEPT 12, 2011
Bob Segil hosted at his home, thank you Bob & Family PRESENT: Lynn, Pete, Don, Bob, Krena, Bruce, Allie, Roberta, Nancy
1. Treasurer’s report-Pete gave the committee his report in writing and is available to other committee members upon request. He did say that we lost $2,169 this last month. He mentioned that we have 257 members for this year including life-time members. He has between 800 and 900 people on his data base now. He said, “we haven’t had a fundraiser yet this year and we should think about it before the 2011 season ends to create a backup for the damage to the park that the winter storms may produce.”
He also mentioned that we had $1,117.00 of expenses to create the Guidebook but that we made $5,000 profit from that effort. We have $22,328 as our balance as of today.
He mentioned that he gave a towel to Susan Morrison for the work she did at the park all summer. His summary included the fact that as of today all bills are paid in full.
2. Jewelry Project: Krena and Roberta- Krena told us that we took in about $90 at the Day in the Park event on Aug 20th. People were lined up waiting for her to set out the jewelry and it went well with the people who showed up for the event. Roberta donated over $350 worth of her jewelry to be sold in upcoming events for a fundraising project for the park Thank you Roberta! Allie mentioned that, “it is a wonderful thing you are doing Krena.”
3.Clerk’s reports: Don and Peter Don mentioned that Lynn had done a wonderful job of getting out the word about the Fall Equinox on Sept 23 Friday morning at sunrise (6:15am) hope to see you all there. This will be our third annual . Peter F. was not present to give information.
4.Winterizing Park: Roberta, Pete and Bruce plus volunteers * Before that discussion a motion was made to send Sheryl flowers from the committee to ease her pain after her surgery. Passed by all.
Roberta started the long discussion about the park by saying that, “I was there Sunday and it is starting to neutralize itself as a marsh garden. The Stephenandra has died and 37 plants in all have died as well.” She said that now is the time to put in big trees or bushes but did not recommend it. The salt and wind effect the park quite a bit.” “It has been a strange season.” I will be feeding the garden once a month and I think we need to prune around the planks and leave them in for the winter. The willows didn’t work at all. “ The tall grasses are doing well though; but the major trees need to be pruned. Roberta thanked Pete Bowen for the batterboards he installed. Pete said it was fairly easy to install and the people seem to respect it.
A question was asked if Robert Dempster had a plan for the jute area. It was mentioned that Robert would be doing something proactive this week for which he will be paid.
Planks: the plans have been held up because of the engraver’s being in the hospital. We have a good inventory of planks.
5, Summer Agents: Pete gave credit to Jake and said they all had a good time and wanted to return next summer. A compost pile was started with Jake’s help which may be expanded. A discussion about giving a bonus to the summer agents took place and a suggestion of a $100 savings bond be given to each of the four agents. Pete, our treasurer will set it up at the bank and take care of that matter. Pete made a motion to raise the agents salary to $8.50 per hour. It was voted on and approved.
Another conversation was started about raising the parking fee to $9 a day in the summer months and staying open till 5pm instead of 4 to get the conscious late comers who try to avoid paying.This was voted on and passed as well.
6, A Day in the Park-:Lynn Lynn said that she gave information to many people who showed up and although the turnout was small, she said we should do it more often to inform the children and public in general about the amazing things about the park. Krena had her jewelry table out in the hot sun and managed to sell $90 worth of donated items. Way to go Krena! The agents had their CIA hats on and the staff had a good time. A suggestion was made about having a fair next year with many tables selling many different items. No action was taken yet on that issue.
7.Award: Marblehead Chamber of Commerce Award to Bruce from letter to Bruce:
"Congratulations! On behalf of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee, I am pleased to announce that you have been chosen to receive the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce 2011 Frank Regan Community Service Award.
The Frank Regan Community Service Award is awarded to an individual(s) who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community service. You were nominated by the membership and chosen to receive this award based on your significant contributions to the Marblehead community and beyond.
As the sculptor and designer of the Sun Circle at Beach Bluff Park, you created the concept, obtained the stone, and organized the workmen to do the carving, the installation, and the inscriptions. You helped to preserve and promote some of Marblehead’s architectural treasures such as the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and the historic Marblehead Harbormaster’s office. You have donated countless professional hours over many years, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Bruce, I know that you do not require accolades for your community service. You are content to contribute and enjoy, and that is why it is such a pleasure to honor you with this award
We hope that you and a guest will be our complimentary guests at the Chamber’s 59th Annual Meeting and Community Awards Celebration on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at The Landing Restaurant, 81 Front St. beginning at 5:30pm. This year’s agenda is as follows:
5:30pm to 6:45pm – Networking with heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar 6:45pm – Brief remarks from the Chamber leadership and election of new Board members 7:00pm – Presentation of the 2011 Community Awards
If you wish to invite others to attend, the ticket cost is $35 per person, and the Chamber is pleased to extend invitations to anyone you wish. You are under no obligation to address the membership at this event, but you are certainly welcome to do so. I’m sure everyone would love to hear from you. Please contact me at the Chamber office 781-631-2868 to RSVP for this special event, and we can speak more about the program.
Congratulations again. We look forward to seeing you on September 27th.
Best regards, Ann Marie Casey, Executive Director"
8.Fundraising Party
Allie will talk to Nora Falk since her home will be the fundraising event for this year. She will find out from her what she and Alex have in mind and when we might be able to have our CIA event there. She will get back to us and a committee just for fundraising is formed including Allie, Roberta, Jon, Alex Pete, Don, Bob, Sylvia and Ellen. We are hoping it can be this year instead of next Spring.
9.The new Beach Bluff Deli – it is open now and Lynn asked the question, “What would the Clifton neighborhood look like in the next twenty years?” She spoke about creating a community of shops and revitalizing the area using the Beach Bluff and Sun Circle as an anchoring point. She will talk to the two town planners from Marblehead and Swampscott, along with Bob and report back to the committee next month.
10. The Sign on the parking lot side was discussed Some suggested covering a portion of the sign with the latest current event such as the Fall Equinox. Using the sign to publicize various happenings for the public to be more aware of.
11. Boat Storage-won’t be happening this year!
Next meeting will be Oct 6th Thursday Place to be determined soon
Respectfully submitted,
Don Orne -Secretary
CIA minutes Aug 1, 2011 Location: Lynn’s house-outside
Present: Lynn, Sheryl, Don, Pete, Bruce, Peter F, Bob S., Roberta, Jon, Sylvia, Agents: Casey and Alexandra
Treasurer-Pete B.
Pete handed out his report to everyone.
He said, “We had a good month.”
We had a $4579 profit. We sold one plank and one bench for $3250. We have 255 members and eight lifetime members. Pete said, “We have had some very busy days this last month.” Sheryl asked if he knew where most of the members where coming from?” Most were actually from Marblehead and some were from downtown. Marblehead makes up 60% of the membership and 40% from all other towns. “We took in $7500 this month.”
The committee thanked the treasurer for all of the many hours of work both for accounting and work with the land and the agents.
Clerk- Don Orne and Peter Frisch
Don mentioned that the Aug 20th event A Day in the Park from about 11am till 1pm Saturday will need the help of most of the committee. Peter told us that the legal matters regarding the CIA are in hand as of now.
Park Progress-Roberta
Roberta passed out a two-page phase one and two task, comments and in charge Garden Park summary. It included watering pruning and feeding, batter boards, weeding, planks, bench orders, bench placement, dog fountain, and drip systems in phase one.
Phase two included: stone around the sun circle, electricity, Kiosk, trees for shade, moving the sea grass, regarding and replacing the telephone pole with underground wiring.
Roberta mentioned that she had a meeting at the park to go over the above items. She reported that the watering was getting done in a tough salty, hot summer season. “It is in fact a brand new garden which needs a half hour watering every day. The Pine trees and the Hawthorne trees need more water than others. Roberta is in charge of pruning and weeding aided by Lynn, Pete, the agents and others. The sea grass on the dunes is doing very well but Sheryl shared that one abuttor had complained to the state about the loam when it was sitting there. Praises and grateful thanks go to Jim and Kathleen Bishop, Susan Morrison and Linda Woods who are doing weeding.
Robert Dempster could not attend tonight but sent a written statement, which briefly said, “I regret that I will be unable to attend this evening but want to share a few things with you. Weeding is paramount during this time and needs to be done almost daily. Susan Morrison and Alexandra (agent) have done a lot of work. The sprinklers need to be used more thoroughly and for longer periods. The drip system will be put in next Tuesday Aug 9th and the watering schedule will be adjusted.
Planks-Bob, Pete and Jake-orders for Alex and Lynn’s benches will be in soon. Bob shared that Jake (agent) is doing a great job and that new engraving and replacement is in progress. Our engraver is having a hip replacement this summer however, which will slow things up somewhat. Pete said that Jake tied the planks already and he will have to untie the knots and replace the planks as new and engraved ones become available. Jon asked if his plank was among the ones that are being held up. Roberta suggested that we have a written document with the planks that limits the committee’s guarantee on how long they are responsible for free replacement as they wear through the years. We were told that the plank committee would deal with that issue and report back.
The Dog Fountain: rocks around the fountain were a small issue with barefoot people but a circle of rocks is around the fountain.
Bruce is creating a Kiosk-bulletin board effect for the area for notices and to hide the electricity when we install it.
Summer Agents report: Casey and Alexandra – Casey mentioned that there were a lot of people to help and deal with this last month. Alexandra said, “Not as many people bought memberships this month” and that she was getting better at adding up the numbers under pressure. A scenario was brought up that some people wait till the season is half over and then try to get a reduced rate for membership. A figure of $37 was agreed on as the low figure and no lower.
Lynn asked, “How are the guidebooks going?” She mentioned that the agents should give them out to all so we none left.
Events: A Day in the Park-Lynn
People agreed to be present for the Aug 20th event as follows:
Jon-noon to 1pm
Pete-10: 30-11:30 and 12:30-1:30
Don- 11-1
Bob-12-1
Sheryl-helping Khrena with jewelry table
We will have the towels, guidebooks, jewelry etc out at tables. The committee members will walk around and talk to the people as they come and leave the park about the park, the sun circle, membership, goals, visions etc.
Casey and Alexandra are looking into students playing violins, guitars etc.
Lynn entered us in the Chamber of Commerce for awards for all we have accomplished.
Next meeting September 12 Monday.
CIA Minutes July 11. 2011 Alex Falk’s House
Present: Officers: Lynn Nadeau, Sheryl Levenson, Pete Bowen, Don Orne, Peter Frisch
Committee: Alex Falk, Bruce Greenwald, Jon Alexander, Allie Blodgett, Roberta Levy
Agents: Cole Guyre, Casey Ehrlich
Treasurer’s report: Peter Bowen
The report was handed out to the committee, which is available from Pete in its entirety. He did report that we have 219 members now and that people bought four stickers today. Lots buy daily parking at $8 per day. He said, “we have spent more than we wanted; but less than we thought for the restoration of the park to date.”
Clerk’s Report: Peter Frisch- “I did the State filing and got accepted.” A question was asked if we need to take the new by-law changes to the Attorney General’s office. The law requires a hand count and not a two-thirds majority vote. Peter took that count and gave it to the authorities for us. Paul Levenson’s support was mentioned and acknowledged.
Park Progress: Roberta Levy: Roberta said, “Robert Dempster is done!” “His heart is in the park though and he continues to water and care for the park as for a young child.” “The rain has helped with the watering as well this season. I have not seen a lot of vandalism yet; but the area near the steps is like a parking lot. It is blocked by carriages, bikes, and people a lot of the time. The last four steps are warped and need repair or replacement. The planks on the pathways need refurbishing. Allie mentioned that the bottom step is dangerous.” Roberta continued, “ We need a sign. No one uses the right of way anymore; they all use the steps to get to and from the beach. I did seven hours of weeding this week myself. On July 5th, the beach was a real mess and needed clean up. Generally speaking, the fishermen are using the new dog fountain to clean their fish and are leaving the remnants in the area. Alex Falk spoke about the fishermen walking on to his property and some urinate on the fence. Roberta said that Robert has done such a nice job; we really need to nurture the garden he has created for us. We need to get two or three board members to do two or three things that need to be done right away. We need a 3-5 year plan. Lynn said that “we are the park committee right here now. We need to clear the right of way. The fence is broken in spots and the shed needs some work.” Peter Bowen added that “we have limited resources now and people don’t care about the shed. They care about weeds.” “We have a decent watering plan in place that should work now.” Roberta called for volunteers to help Robert and her maintain the park on a regular basis. Bruce suggested that we have an email sent out asking the members for volunteers to weed, water and clean.
Sheryl asked, “ has the person that donated the money for the fountain, seen the fountain? Lynn replied, “yes she has and is thrilled with it and wants to donate more for other projects -particularly informative signage. Allie asked if the fishermen were parking on the street. They answer by Peter Frisch was yes they are. It was discussed about a sign of sorts to instruct the fisherman that using the dog fountain to cut their fish, urinating in the park, trespassing on Alex’s property, leaving waste like beer cans and cigarettes on the beach is not what we had in mind when creating this lovely setting.
Planks were mentioned by many since Bob could not be present concerning the planks that were upside down, broken, warped, miss-spelled, not in consecutive order etc. Pete thought that Jake Junda (an agent) could string some of them together once corrected and in place.
Roberta said that we need ten yards of sand to put under the planks ASAP and that it should be in the budget. Sheryl mentioned that there are some regulations on signs we need to deal with before we put them on the property.
Don then took the moment to make a motion to re-instate Sheryl Levenson as our Vice President since it was tabled previously. The motion was seconded and the board took a vote. Sheryl was elected unanimously.
Cole asked about second stickers for cars. A discussion followed. It was agreed that the first sticker is $45 per year and the second sticker will be $20 per year. It was made into a motion and seconded and voted on. All voted in favor.
Events: Lynn
Lynn suggested a special Mid-Summer’s Event from 10 am to 2pm on August 20th. Board members and agents would be there to explain the park and talk to interested people about the events that take place in the park and some history. A musician or two was suggested and other good ideas were discussed. More on this event later.
Alex asked about the benches. He wants to purchase one for his mother in law and the engraving and size and type were spoken of. Allie will find out about a metal plaque. It was agreed that we need three more benches for this season. Lynn said that Fausto Braganti also wants to buy one. Alex had the CIA blue towels on display and said some are in the shed for the agents to sell and some were in his garage. Three or four members bought them on the spot for a reduced fee of $25 instead of $30 which Alex thought should be the new price for the summer for everyone. Alex bought the towels and had them engraved at his expense for a fund raiser for the CIA and we thank him for his kindness and generosity in letting us use his new home for two of our last meetings. Our next meeting will be on Don’s 69th birthday which is Aug 8 and will be at Lynn’s house. My apologies for printing our July meeting would be on July 18th. I do hope Lynn emailed you with the right date in time.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Orne - Secretary
*Don brought his Summer Solstice DVD which he taped and showed it to the group. Copies are available
STAY COOLCIA minutes June 7, 2011 Alex Falk’s Home
Present: Officers: President, Lynn Nadeau, Treasurer, Pete Bowen,
Secretary, Don Orne Committee members: Alexander Falk Krena Horowitz, Bruce Greenwald, Allie Blodgett, Bob Segil, Jon Alexander, Roberta Levy, Nancy Hamlin, Agents: Alexandra Gerard, Casey Ehrlich, Cole Guyre, Jake Junda Landscape Architect: Robert Dempster
Treasurer’s report: Pete Bowen: handed out to all present.
Notes: We made $210 so far on donations. $163 income from Jewelry sales, Recycling $809 taken in. Expenses : $11 for electricity, Robert’s landscape bill since last month $3,780, $100 for padlocks, $265 for mowing. Peter mentioned that we have 121 members now and we spent $200 more than we brought in this month.
Clerks Report: Don Orne met with Peter Frisch on May 26th and signed the documents that went into the State House with new By-Laws for filing.
Park Progress: Roberta Levy & Bruce Greenwald, Robert Dempster, Planks-Bob Segil:
Roberta said, “go look at it. It was on time, looks great, I had people come up and hug me.” “It is user friendly, simple, everything I expected it to be. Thank you Robert, great job.”
Bruce, “the sprouting is going gangbusters. I have been dealing with plumbers to get things finished on the dog fountain. We couldn’t get the flexible pipe through the fountain. Now that is worked out. The fountain for the animals should be up and running next week for the Summer Solstice anyway.
The stone etching is underway for the sign, which will read,
ON THIS SITE, A CREATIVE IDEA CAME INTO REALITY WITH THE TRUST, VISION, SUPPORT, WORK AND GENEROSITY OF MANY. HONORING THE COOPERATIVE SPIRIT.
Also underway is the inscription for the Dog Fountain donated by Joan Zofnass.
Roberta said,” we will be $200 over the $26,000 we set aside for the new park. We are having a few problems that I saw when I was at the park with strollers and where to park them so they don’t block the entrance. Some kids ride bikes on the sand dunes and some dogs are doing their business all over the park. Nancy Hamlin added that we shouldn’t be dog friendly and not children friendly with regards to the strollers. We need to find a spot, which does not now exist, for the strollers near the stairs. Roberta, added that the right of way was used in the past for strollers when the stairs where not there. We need to find a spot for them at the larger cement entrance rather than around the stairs. The Agents can speak to people about this. Also, the lower steps on the stairs are buckling and the bolts need to be anchored.
Bruce and others brought up the batter boards issue. They were paid for and never installed. It was thought that the need for a real handyman who could finish that job and do other repairs around the park and the parking lot should be contacted. Lynn proposed, Claudio to be that person. Lynn also mentioned that there were people who wanted to contribute more benches. Allie said she had that information. Robert D. said, we have room for four more. Pete mentioned that people are using the benches now quite frequently. The ones we have are all six-foot benches and they do make a love seat in four and a half foot size. A discussion started over how long the names stay on the benches even after they are broken or destroyed. Some wanted to provide a continuous care with the same names on new bench’s; but Alex F. shared his view that once the bench has outlived it’s time, the new bench should bare a new name allowing more people to dedicated them to loved ones through the years. The average length of quality use for these benches is a decade. Allie agreed to continue work on the bench project for us.
Planks: Bob Segil- Robert D said that the planks and walkways need to be dealt with asap. Lynn mentioned that we get Lisa Hickey’s crew back to help turn over the planks and set aside the good ones, through out the broken, warped and misspelled ones, cut the ropes holding them together and restring the new ones as they come in. Jake, our agent has and will do that job for us. Bobsaid, “I know every plank by heart.”
Let’s get them started. Robert added, we would need continuous maintenance of the plants. They need to be watered every two days at this point. Organic clove oil pesticide works when it is over 70 degrees. Mulch needs to be placed around the major plants. This type of expense will be put under maintenance. Pete offered, “the agents are needed to do the maintenance including weeding.
Summer Agents and Parkers: Jon, Pete and Bob:
Lynn asked the agents to speak briefly and these are some of their comments.
Casey Ehrlich-“the first two weeks were slow; but number of new members signed up.”
Alexandra Gerard-“I only worked two days and fifteen people came. It is busiest during the low tide shift. I really enjoyed working there.”
Jake Junda-“it looks like a very promising year. The new park attracts more people.” I think we need to look into other material to anchor the planks
Cole Guyre-“things are shaping up well, the weather has been poor some of these last weeks and so it was naturally slower.
Whoever has the low tide shift on a nice day always gets more people passing through.
Lynn, “thank you for sharing and being here this evening. I would ask you all if you can be at the park for the Summer Solstice events at 5am and 7am on Tuesday June 21 and also for our grand opening ceremony of the new park on June 24 Friday at 4pm. Our State Representative, Casey’s mother, will be there to cut the ribbon and we need all of your help and other volunteers to make this a success. These are the biggest events of the summer and very important for all of us to attend if possible.
Signs: Lynn and Robert “we need sign painters to paint the new signs for the park. In the parking lot we are thinking a white background with black lettering. Robert asked if we could have a small sign somewhere that said THIS PARK IS CREATED BY DONATIONS.
Pete suggested that we need a sign that says, “NO DOGS ON THE BEACH FROM MAY 1-OCT 1” There is already town ordinances in Swampscott and Marblehead which states this fact; but it isn’t enforced nearly enough.
Lynn mentioned that we need electricity on the site asap.
KRENA asked the agents if they could come early to help (at 4pm) passing out snacks and water etc to the people arriving for the ceremony on June 24th. Roberta mentioned that she had been weeding around the shed in the parking lot and found needles, beer cans, waste of many kinds etc. She wants to plant sunflowers there for their beauty and to cut down on the night
Behavior in that area. Robert told her, he had the seeds and they will be planting sunflowers there.
The 2011 Guidebook-Krena & Lynn
Krena and Lynn wouldn’t say this so I am going to: Don
This new guidebook is a labor of love and beauty. The love and effort that went into creating this cannot be measured in time or money. The book itself is very informative and visually stunning in my opinion. The sunrise on the front cover and the sunset on the back cover are so relevant for this year and this group and this era. I want to personally thank Krena and Lynn for this major fundraising project brought to completion on time and presented in such a fashion as to clearly show the grace and dignity which emanates from their hearts and on to the pages. May I say, job well done and thank you for your continued excellence.
Jewelry project: Krena
The project is going better than expected so far. I have many nice donated pieces to sell at our events. It is hoped that many more will come forward in the next meeting and the near future with things they no longer want or need to donate for this fundraising project. Every little bit helps. Thank you to those that already responded.
New projects: Lynn –“I see we have ongoing funds coming in from different projects, perhaps we don’t need a major fundraiser this year.
Pete- I disagree totally. I think we need a real fundraiser like we had last year at the Ron’s house which brought in around $8,000 when all was said and done.
Alex mentioned that collecting funds after large events are over is not the best time. Raising funds before and during the events seems to bring in more money every time. I think with the new park still shining we should have a fundraiser in July or August. A Sunday afternoon perhaps with some tables set up to give out guidebooks, sell jewelry, planks, benches, parking stickers, etc. A moving children oriented event with free ice cream (Bob’s idea)agents passing out snacks and water. A festival atmosphere during a low tide when many are using the park and passing to and from the beach.
Bob mentioned the beach towel idea. Alex said he would do the towel project, order and design them, pay for them and have them ready soon so the agents could sell them at the parking lot. Done and done.
The committee wishes to thank Alexander Falk for the use of his new beautiful home for our committee meeting this evening. Thank you for being the best neighbor anyone could have and for all the work you have so unselfishly done since you came to Marblehead. Welcome!
OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE AT ALEX’S HOME ON JULY 18TH
MONDAY NIGHT AT 7:30 pm
Summer Solstice: Tues June 21 5am and 7am
Ribbon cutting ceremony:June 24th at 5pm
Adjourn: 9:30pm
Respectfully submitted,
Don Orne
