BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Meeting – Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Chair – Marcia Lambert
DRAFT Minutes
Present: Marcia Lambert, Sam Fiori, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Sandra Power, Ellen Talkowsky, Judith Wolfe. Absent: Bev Moustakis , Maryanne Piechocki. Guests: Professor from Salem State University plus five Journalism students.
The meeting began at 7:40 P.M.
The Minutes of the meeting of October 25, 2011, were reviewed and approved as written.
Agenda
1. Halloween wrap up. The event was very successful. Some 100 to 140 pumpkins were donated by Stop and Shop, Cromwell Growers (through a connection with Home Depot), Clark Farm and Gibney Gardens The pumpkins were decorated by students during three after school sessions held at Bentley, Carleton plus the local Salem YMCA. The School and YMCA student decorated pumpkins plus others were displayed at the Salem Common on shelves of a trailer. Twenty Five dollar gift certificate prizes were awarded.
2. The Beautification Committee Mission. – Past projects were reviewed and accomplishments were reviewed. Proposed projects were considered. Interest in methods that could improve the appearance of the Pedestrian Mall included shared responsibilities for clean up with store owners, contact with Main Streets, discussions with shop keepers on Front Street, planting hostas, plus coordinating Fall and Spring cleanups. It was noted that currently available supplies will be inventoried. It is understood that the Garden Club will maintain the three big urns on the Mall.
3. Traffic Island wrap up. Sandi reported that most of the islands have sponsors. There is a need to do more for the awards ceremonies. The Awards Certificates were created by Adele Maestranzi of the Salem Garden Club. The suggestion was made that pictures of the islands should be put on the website. It was suggested that members wear Committee “ T” shirts when working at the sites.
4. Christmas wrap up. Appreciation was extended to those who helped with the Christmas red ribbon light pole wrapping project including Marcia, Ellen, and Bev.
5. Lady of Salem update. The grant of $750.00 from the Salem Culture Committee was noted and appreciated. Requirements for this year’s grant request were noted. Salem Five Bank has given Ellen $500.00 towards the project. Mary Ellen noted that the subcommittee is looking for five sponsors who will contribute $100.00 each. The Salem Seaport Credit Union has expressed an interest in the project.
6. Artist Row. Mary Ellen will explore student interest in maintaining the space as well as assessing the interest of others.
7. Peabody Congress Street area. Doubt regarding the ability of the Committee to maintain this area was expressed. There are [“traffic problems” is eliminated,] litter problems and a pervasive weed problem. The topic was forwarded to the “parking lot.” (A place for further consideration.)
8. End of the year report. Ellen reported that the report is near completion and will be forwarded to us by email.
9. Set dates for “Clean Sweeps” and the Plant Sale. Marcia has spoken with the co-sponsor Recycling Committee. Clean Sweeps is scheduled for May 5th with a rain date of May 6th. However, there is a charity walk scheduled for the 6thth. Moreover two of our Committee members will not be available.
The Plant Sale is scheduled for May 19th to be held behind Old Town Hall. The need for a Plant Sale chairman was discussed.
A call to adjourn the meeting was made and approved. It was determined that the following items that were forwarded to the “Parking Lot” will be addressed at the next meeting: charities, funding for Artist Row, the Peabody/Congress Street traffic island plus the creation of a Committee Historian position.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Wolfe
Next Meeting: February 28, 2012
Chairperson: Marcia Lambert
| 
