BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Meeting – Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Chair – Marcia Lambert
Present: Chairperson Marcia Lambert, Sara Fiore, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Bev Moustakis, , Sandra Power, Ellen Talkowsky, Judith Wolfe. Absent: Maryanne Piechocki Visitor: Rachel Carroca
The Meeting was called to order at 7:38 P.M.
The minutes of meeting held October 26, 2010 were approved as written.
Old Business
- Christmas – Marcia reported on the Committee’s project to place wreaths with red bows and red ribbon barber pole striping on the street lamps located on the Mall, Derby Street and Washington Street from Dunkin Doughnuts to the train station. The issue of the irregular placement of wreaths on certain light poles due to the vagaries of the structure of the poles was explained. The intention to expand the project next year was noted. The Tree lighting ceremony scheduled for November 26th and Santa’s arrival on December 3rd were noted. It was suggested that the Committee begin planning earlier next year.
- Traffic Islands – Sandi reported:
“The Danversbank traffic island has been run through for the third time in two months. The lawns are in bad condition, with several deep ruts in the lawns.
Most of the sponsored islands have been cleaned up for winter with the help of volunteers. A couple of islands including the Shaw/Fisher Island on Hawthorne Blvd. and the Rotary sign garden remain to be done. The Tache and the Rose Ins. Islands have been redesigned by their sponsors for the fall season. The Loring Square Island was weeded, raked over, and planted with some of the Blue Dune grasses from the Congress St. islands. The Cornerstone Book Store Island will need a new sponsor in 2011, assuming the store closes.
- Public Spaces – Discussion was based upon Sandi’s list of public spaces in Salem that need improvement. Ellen had asked each of us to identify and prioritize five choices from the total list. The bathrooms on Artist row had great interest. But it was determined that the Committee does not have the resources to tackle that project. Hanging planters on the pedestrian Mall and street banners on Washington Street were of interest. Moreover the islands in front of the Adriatic and Passage to India restaurants were of interest. Marcia and Judith are to look at these two islands to make suggestions. Sources of funding were also discussed.
- The Lady of Salem – Mary Ellen and her group are planning to meet with the mayor to discuss this project. They have met with a number of groups and scheduled a lot more. The Palmer Cove Yacht Club has signed on to be a sponsor. They want to have sponsors committed by the middle of January and then get the artists to submit proposals by the middle of February. The plan is to choose the preferred artists’ selections by the middle of March and then roll out the project the middle of June. They are hoping to throw a Gala event including an auction. They hope to have 15 – 20 sponsors and are working hard to find them. They have created a presentation that has been well received. And they are preparing materials to present to the Schools.
- Other
- Julie Rose of the Recycling has inquired about plans for “Clean Sweeps” now called Clean Salem Green Salem. Clean Sweeps is scheduled for Saturday, April 30th. A two day plant sale to be held the weekend of May 14th and 15th was also discussed.
- The Committee was saddened to learn that due to new work duties Amy Alpert had to resign. The members volunteered that Amy had been a productive member of the group and would be sincerely missed.
- It was agreed to forego a December meeting and to resume the monthly meetings in January.
A Motion to Adjourn was proffered and allowed. Meeting adjourned at 8:52 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Wolfe
Next Meeting: January 25, 2011
Chairperson: Marcia Lambert
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