Salem Beautification Committee
Meeting August 27, 2013
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Barbara Swartz, Sam Fiori, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Marcia Lambert, Lisa Lyons, Judith Wolfe, Ellen Talkowsky Absent: Sandra Power, Bev Moustakis, Barbara Sirois Visitor: Dana Menon
Meeting was called to order at 7:31 P.M.
1. Minutes of the Meeting of July 23, 2013 were reviewed and amended as follows:
1) The visitor’s complete name is Claudia Paraschiv
2) Fourteen traffic islands are maintained by volunteers and have sponsors while seven
more islands need sponsors
3) The Tavern in the Square “Lady of Salem” is missing
The Minutes were approved as amended.
2. Reminders and Announcements – Service Island cleanup schedule: Committee members
were reminded of their scheduled duty week to maintain and clean the Active Duty Service
Island.
3. Guest presenter: City of Salem, Dana Menon – Discussion planting tree lawns at the
request of the Mayor: “Tree lawns” as a city feature were fully described. The pros and
cons of various planting techniques such as “hardscaping” were noted and explained.
Mayor Driscoll is interested in improving existing “Tree lawns” and in establishing more
such sites throughout the city and is looking for suggestions with related priorities. Various
locations were discussed. Chairperson Barbara suggested that the Committee create a
brochure on the residential possibilities of the “Tree Lawn” project. Committee member
ideas are to be submitted to Ellen Talkowsky.
4. Lady of Salem –Update on Sails and Trails: The event is scheduled for September 21,
2013, from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The Committee’s project is noted in the event’s brochure and on its website plus information has been sent to Salem Patch, the Gazette and Salem News. The Committee will be offering guided tours to view the Lady of Salem figure heads. A tour guide script is being prepared. A search is on for a suitable map of the city. A map of historic trade routes is also being sought. The Committee will have a setup near the “Friendship” with a tent, chairs and a table with crayons available for coloring drawings of the “Ladies.” Committee members will man the tent and be tour guides. A request for additional volunteer
guides will be made to the Salem Volunteers group. The “Ladies” has a new website. The need for sponsors, funding and other matters were discussed. Committee Chairperson Barbara will set up a brainstorming session.
5. Citywide pumpkin decorating contest- Dates and brainstorming for planning the event. Bring your ideas: The Committee discussed the success the project has had over the years reviewed the tasks involved including acquiring the pumpkins, scheduling, coordination, monitoring of the event and awarding the prizes. It was decided that decoration of the pumpkins will take place on October 19th and that judging of the pumpkins will take place on October 20th. Chairperson Barbara and Ellen will refine and devise the preparation activities and then Committee members will help with the execution of the plan.
A Motion to adjourn was proposed and allowed. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted
Judith Wolfe
Next Meeting: September 24, 2013 at 7:30 P.M.
Chairperson: Barbara Swartz
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