Meeting Minutes – September 19, 2019

The meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Margaret Hambrick, acting chair. A   copy   of   the   August   meeting   minutes   was   passed   to   everyone   and   after   reading   them,   Doris   Griffith moved to accept the minutes as written, Joe Baker seconded and the minutes were approved. Treasurer,   Margaret   Hambrick   presented   the   financial   report   noting   the   cash   in   hand   to   be   decreasing   as the   final   renovation   payment   for   the   depot   has   just   been   paid.     The   current   total   given   was   $16,725.55   and a   copy   of   the   financial   report   with   column   breakdowns   is   filed   with   the   minutes.   Lynda   Howe   moved   to accept the treasurer’s report and with a second from Sarah Alderson, the treasurer’s report was approved. OLD  BUSINESS: It   was   reported   that   the   Bricktop   concert   was   very   successful.      Food   sales   during   the   event   broke   even financially.   The   good-sized   crowd   enjoyed   the   music   and   appreciated   the   beautiful   sky,   the   nice   breezes and the lack of rain from their chairs seated on the bridge. The   Community   Picnic   was   successful   with   122   in   attendance   and   many   positive   comments   were   shared.     The   Raffle   Drawing   was   held   at   the   Picnic,   and   the         winner   was   Debbie   Nash.      Thanks   to   all   participants that fundraiser event brought in $1000.50 profit. The   unveiling   of   the   new   Lion   plaque   was   held   on   September   12th   with   refreshments   and   press   available.     This plaque was provided through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and The Humanities Council. Discussion   continued   on   possible   additional   signage   in   our   town,   but   a   report   on   this   was   not   available   at this meeting. A   brief   update   was   given   on   brick   pavers   for Alumni   Park,   as   Sue   Fleshman   noted   that   brick   sales   are   still coming   in,   however   it   is   a   slow   process   and   more   sales   are   still   needed   before   the   first   order   for   50   pavers can officially be placed. NEW BUSINESS: Lynda    Howe    reported    there    are    plans    being    made    for    Trick-or-Treating    to    be    held    at    the    Visitor Center/Bridgewalk   Vendors   site   from   6   –   8   pm   on   Thursday,   October   31st.      Volunteers   are   needed   to   help decorate, to donate candy and small toys and to assist with games outside if weather permits. Lynda   Howe   reported   she   has   big   plans   for   the   2019   Grand   Illumination   event   and   hopes   to   begin   setting up   the   middle   of   November.      It   sounds   like   a   full   month   of   activities   planned   to   last   from   just   after Thanksgiving   till   New Year’s   Eve.     Again,   many   volunteers   will   be   needed   to   make   these   big   plans   come   to life.      They   have   great   hope   of   celebrating   the   Winter   Solstice   and   perhaps   a   Family-style   New   Year’s   Eve in the early evening of Dec. 31st. Lynda   will   oversee   the   Strawberry   Festival   in   2020   and   will   be   working   closely   with   Jennifer   Gilkerson.     They    are    having    a    planning    meeting    on    Tuesday,    September    24th    at    6:30    pm    at    the    Visitor Center/Bridgewalk   Vendor   site.      This   will   be   just   after   the   Community   Market   shuts   down   for   the   day.     Everyone interested in helping and/or making suggestions should attend the meeting. It   was   also   announced   that   Bill   Ward,   Vice   President   has   resigned.      He   was   our   Web   Master   also,   so   a new Web Master is now needed. One   final   item   of   business   was   brought   before   our   small   group   of   attendees   at   this   meeting.      Some   have requested   a   wooden,   carved   lion   sculpture   be   placed   on   the   green   space   along   the   tracks   on   the   Monroe County   side.   It   is   understood   that   the   wood   has   been   donated   and   the   sculptor   has   been   contacted.   The wooden   sculpture   will   be   sealed   and   in   the   event   of   cracks,   (often   the   case   in   weathered   wood   items)   the sculptor   has   agreed   to   do   repairs.   The   finance   committee   has   heard   this   request   and   approved   it,   so Lynda   Howe   made   the   motion   that AMS   purchase   the   wooden   lion   sculpture   and   Sarah Alderson   offered   a second. This motion was also approved by those in attendance. Meeting was adjourned with the next meeting date announced to be Thursday, October 17th at 7 pm. Respectfully submitted by, Sue Fleshman, Secretary