TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of December 8, 2011
Chair Howe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Terrye Blackstone; Karen Howe; Glynis McKenzie; Judy Okeson;
Maureen Rodgers; Betty Russell; Dan Russell; John Ryan; Florence Schroeter;
Sue Tukey; PrescilleYamamoto.
ABSENT: Regina Barall; Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien (excused).
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by John Ryan
To approve the minutes of November 10 , 2011
Correction: New Board of Education member is Marilyn Pet.
Approved with correction.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
Recommended meeting dates to Town Clerk for 2012-2013
Chair Howe distributed the draft of the meeting dates for 2012-2013.
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To approve the meeting dates for the 2012-2013 year.
Approved.
Chair Howe discussed the passing of EHSYF director Joe Connolly. She stated that Ray Grasso will assist in the production this summer.
Chair Howe reported to the Commission that Roger Moss is no longer with the Park and Recreation Department. (Roger Moss was in the building and he stopped by the meeting, thanking the Fine Arts Commission for their continued support of Podunk BlueGrass and Sound of Summer Series.)
Chair Howe further reported that EHSYF members now know how to operate the sound and light system in the Auditorium at the EHCCC.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was received:
- Thank you note from EHSYF for Commission’s continued support.
- NBC weather information for cancellations
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Art
Terrye Blackstone reported that Lynn Thrall scheduled two Master Classes at Sunset Ridge Academy. The classes are being held on December 9 and December 14.
MOTION By Terrye Blackstone
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To approve $700 for the Master Classes conducted by Lynn Thrall.
Approved.
Terrye Blackstone further reported that Lynn Thrall has been commissioned to do art work at the Village for Children and Families.
Terrye Blackstone stated that Jeff Feldman will be doing a lecture/slide demonstration on December 11 from 2-4 p.m. Cost is $150.
Children’s Programs No report at this time.
EHSYF – St. Patrick’s Day program – 3/9/12 – 7:30 p.m.
Chair Karen Howe reported that EHSYF will be doing caroling on Tuesday evening, December 13.
She further stated that EHSYF is investigating the possibility of doing “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at the middle school, Sunset Ridge Academy and the high school. There will be a cost involved to put on the performance.
Glynis McKenzie reported that the Marksmen will be doing the St. Patrick’s Day program. This is a fundraiser for EHSYF and the cost is $10.00.
Music – CitySingers 12/10 – St. John’s
Glynis McKenzie reminded everyone of the program this Saturday.
Florence Schroeter reported that the Paul Bisaccia program was successful during Holiday Fest. Paul stated that he and John Thomas are available in the spring of 2012 to do a program. Florence will speak with Paul as to what type of program and the cost. She will report back next month.
Florence Schroeter thanked Glynis McKenzie for all her assistance with the program.
Brass Quartet – Spring 2012
Betty Russell will be contacting the performers for a date availability and cost.
Dance – Ongoing Willowbrook Program, Dance Program April 2012 No report at this time.
Drama/Lecture/Poetry – Drumming Program February 2012
Betty Russell reported that she spoke with Laura White in reference to the program. Laura White had recommended that the drumming program take place at Woodland School (where the initial grant application came from for the Mini-grant). Discussion was held, the drumming program will take place during the month of February for Black History Month at the EHCCC. Betty will contact the performers for availability.
Sue Tukey will be looking into a program by poet/artist Harry White. She will find out his availability and fee.
Mini-Grant – East Hartford Public Schools
All letters written, grants awarded. Check was sent to Laura White. (per clerk)
Photography
John Ryan reported that he has a colleague who agreed to do an exhibit He is serving in Afghanistan and has been taking photos of Afghan children. John will report further next month.
Film Series
Films are scheduled for January 14, February 11, March 10, April 14, 2012.
Glynis McKenzie reported the first film of the series is a South Korean film. She distributed flyers on the January film being shown at the EHCCC at 7:00 p.m.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Voting of Officers
Glynis McKenzie casted one vote for the following officers:
Chairperson – Karen Howe
Vice Chair – Florence Schroeter
Secretary – Glynis McKenzie
Historian – Judith Okeson
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Terrye Blackstone
To accept the vote for the slate of officers for the Fine Arts Commission.
Approved.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Budget 2012-2013
Discussion was held on the 2012-2013 budget. The following motion was made:
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by Maureen Rodgers
To have a zero increase budget, keeping the total the same as this year, $22,543.
Approved.
VIII. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Theresa Godreau (clerk fee) $ 80.00
Lynn Thrall (Master Classes) $ 700.00
Jeff Feldman (Lecture/Slides) $ 150.00
Glynis McKenzie (programs) $ 88.70
MOTION By Maureen Rodgers
Seconded by Sue Tukey
To pay the bills as submitted.
Approved with one abstention (Prescille Yamamoto).
IX. MEMBER’S CONCERNS
Betty Russell reported that Willowbrook never got to contract Buffa for a performance. Because they still had the funds, a Storyteller will be performing. Betty distributed the flyers to the Commissioners with an invitation from Principal Joanne LeBeau to attend.
Chair Howe reported her son is very ill and she is unable to attend scheduled events.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by Florence Schroeter
To adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
Unanimous.
Commissioners stayed after the meeting to enjoy the snacks everyone brought to celebrate the holiday.
The next Fine Arts Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the EHCCC, 50 Chapman Place, Room 12.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa A. Godreau, Clerk
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