ARTS CULTURE TORRINGTON – The Arts and Culture Commission of Torrington
Minutes – November 20, 2013 – 10 a.m. – Council Chambers
Present: William Haygood, Ed Cannata, Fiona de Merell, Lynn Gelormino, Jessica Hodorski, Kimberly Fazzino, and Sharon Waagner
The meeting was called to order by Lynn Gelormino at 10 a.m.
As there was no one present from the public, the next order of business was approval of the minutes on a motion by Fiona and seconded by Bill.
Old Business:
Ed Cannata was congratulated on the successful Christmas ornament project. Thanks to his hard work, 200 Torrington Library ornaments were created by Cats Meow and will be on sale during the holidays. They may be purchased at the Torrington Library, the Torrington Historical Society, the gift shop at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, The Arts Desire, Hatfield Jewelers, Petricone’s Pharmacy, Putnam Hallmark store, and Moscarillo’s Garden Center. The ornaments are being sold for $12 each. The cost of producing the ornaments will be covered and each merchant will earn a percentage of the sale. The library will retain 100% of the sales. The ornaments may not be ordered online but must be picked up in person. ACT initiated this new tradition as part of their
effort to increase feet on the street. Plans for future ornaments will include consideration of historic Torrington locations such as Skee’s Diner and the Torrington Historical Society.
Sharon reported on the growing enthusiasm of downtown merchants who will be participating with sales and special events during Light Up Main on November 29 and on Small Business Saturday on November 30. She said that the future is promising with continuation of events into the next year.
Representatives from the Main Street Market Place committee will prepare an outline of how MSMP is produced and the details that involve City Hall. They will meet with mayor-elect Elinor Carbone to present it and to discuss how to proceed in 2015. We need to be realistic as information is compiled and to be prepared to discuss all options.
New Business:
The new mayor will be sworn in at 1 p.m. at the Warner Theatre. All commissioners are invited.
Kim reported the amazing success of the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party and on the upcoming production of The Nutcracker.
Fiona reported that the Litchfield County Writers Project has another program scheduled for Feb. 13 at the Warner. She said that 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of UCONN.
Ed reported that the Skee’s Diner committee has decorated a four-foot tree for LARC which will be on display at Valerie Manor.
Jessica reported that the Torrington Library will be 150 years old in 2014. A façade grant will be used to obtain banners that will be on display outside the library. The library continues to provide a wide range of programming for all ages.
Lynn reported that the first in a series of jazz performances is scheduled for the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre for this Friday, November 22. The Warner has a full schedule of upcoming events including holiday movies on November 30.
Due to the conflict with Christmas falling on the last Wednesday in December, the meeting for December has been cancelled.
The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for January 29, 2014 at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers.
Meeting was adjourned at 11 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Waagner, Secretary
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