TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Meeting of September 13, 2012
Chair Karen Howe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Regina Barall; Terrye Blackstone; Karen Howe; Glynis McKenzie; Judy Okeson;
Maureen Rodgers; Betty Russell; Dan Russell; Valerie Scheer; Florence Schroeter;
Sue Tukey; Prescille Yamamoto.
ABSENT: Hilde Mayranen-O’Brien.
GUEST: Ted Fravel, Director/Park and Recreation Department
II. MINUTES
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by Florence Schroeter
To approve the minutes of July 12, 2012
One correction: Spelling of Terrye Blackstone’s name under Members Concerns
Approved with one correction.
III. CHAIR’S REPORT
Chair Howe began the meeting by introducing and welcoming Valerie Scheer to the Fine Arts Commission.
Chair Howe then introduced Ted Fravel, Director/ Park and Recreation Department. Commissioners introduced themselves. Terrye Blackstone presented Ted with a Day in the Life book and told him about the history of the Commission.
Ted Fravel stated that he knows the importance of having Commissions and the need to work closely with them for the benefit of the residents in town. He has been with the town for 7 months and he is hoping that the Commission will use him as a resource.
Chair Howe thanked Florence Schroeter for chairing the July meeting.
Chair Howe contacted Hilde Mayranen in reference to her sabbatical. Hilde is recuperating from surgery and it was the consensus of the membership to extent her sabbatical.
Chair Howe announced she will be having surgery on October 17 but plans on being at the October 11 meeting.
IV. CORRESPONDENCE
The following correspondence was received:
- Thank you letter from Sunset Ridge School for the mini-grant award and what was done with the funds
- Noise of Democracy at St. Joseph’s September 21 to December 9
V. COMMITTEE REPORTS
EHSYF – “Once on this Island” – July 2012
Chair Howe reported the performance was successful and the new board members were appointed with the new season. She stated that this with be the 50th anniversary of EHSYF and is hoping to work in conjunction with the Commission for a combined celebration.
Drama/Lecture/Poetry
Maureen Rodgers contacted the Department Head of English, Michelle Echler and will have her contact Elizabeth Thomas to schedule dates for her to come into EHMS to work collaboratively with students and senior citizens. Maureen will report on the dates next month.
Art - Teacher’s Art Exhibit October 26, 27, 28
Dan Russell reported he will be getting a form to Laura White, Department Head of Fine and Performing Arts, for the teachers who will be exhibiting at the Brewer House. He will have the work dropped off at the Brewer House on Thursday, October 25 from 4-6 pm. An Opening Reception will be held on Friday, October 26 from 5-7 pm. He will be doing a program as well as posters. Glynis will assist in getting a postcard sent out to dignitaries in town.
Children’s Programs
Regina Barall reported on the extremely successful library summer program. Approximately 34 children participated in the 10 sessions for the various arts programs which included dance, voice, poetry, visual arts and drama. The report is attached.
Betty Russell stated that her daughter-in-law, Wendy Russell, town librarian, spoke of the success of the Fine Arts Commission sponsored children’s program held during the summer.
Terrye Blackstone reported she is attempting to contract artist Shauna Shane to do a demonstration for the Art League on October 14 at 2:00 pm.
EHPS Mini-Grant
Betty Russell reported the mini-grant application will be submitted to Laura White for her department tomorrow. Due date for the grant is October 19, with the Commission awarding them at the November meeting. The following Commissioners agreed to assist Betty: Judy Okeson; Maureen Rodgers and Prescille Yamamoto. The clerk will pick up the applications on October 22 and mail them out to the committee.
Holiday Fest
Chair Howe reported that Buffa will be performing at HolidayFest on Saturday, December 8th at the First Congregational Church. EHSYF will be doing Karaoke for HolidayFest as well.
Music – Organ Recital St. John’s Church 9/9 @ 1:30 and Brass Quartet 9/9/12 @ 3:00
Betty Russell reported that the Brass Quartet performance was successful. Approximately 40 people were in attendance. They were extremely professional and she will discuss with Ted Fravel to have them for the 2013-14 Sounds of Summer Series.
Glynis McKenzie reported that the organ recital was enjoyable and he was an impressive young man. St. Johns Church was pleased with the turn-out of 35-40 people.
Film Series – French Films – 3rd Saturday of the month in January, February, March & April 2013
Glynis McKenzie reported she is choosing the films and researching the film rights for the 2013 series. The 7:00 pm event will be held on the following dates:
January 19, February 16, March 16 and April 20, 2013
Willowbrook Program - Music and Movement
Regina Barall reported the program has begun at Willowbrook using the same teacher as last year.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Terrye Blackstone stated that a plaque should be hung in the meeting room honoring Mrs. Matusik for the donated doll collection to the commission. Commissioners will assist with wording and she will contact Discount Trophy for a cost and type.
Posters for Fine Arts Events
It was recommended that posters be hung at EHCCC as well as the kiosk on Main Street.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Glynis McKenzie received information that the library will be using Room 12 (while the library is being renovated) beginning March 2013 and the Commission must contact Park and Recreation for another room for meetings. The clerk will contact the office.
Discussion was held on the email attached to the agenda from the Whiffenpoofs. Prescille Yamamoto and Valerie Scheer will work together to schedule them for the 2013 season.
Chair Howe distributed a sign-up sheet for hor d’oeuvres and finger foods for the reception on October 26 for the Teacher Art Exhibit. See attached.
VIII. APPROVAL OF BILLS
Theresa Godreau (clerk fee) $80.00
MOTION By Glynis McKenzie
Seconded by Betty Russell
To pay the bills as submitted.
Approved .
IX. MEMBER’S CONCERNS None.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Prescille Yamamoto
Seconded by Glynis McKenzie
To adjourn the meeting 8:36 pm
Unanimous.
The next Fine Arts Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at the EHCCC, 50 Chapman Place, Room 12.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa A. Godreau, Clerk
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