Committee on Culture and the Arts Meeting Minutes

[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Committee on Culture and the Arts acceptance.]

Members Present: Rita Doyle, Karen Gove, Jeanne Ciotto, Frances Patti, Ruth Schumaker and Patricia Viani

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

A motion was made by Pat Viani to accept the minutes of January 12, 2004. Seconded by Jeanne Ciotto.

Treasurer's Report:

In the absence of Treasurer Sandy Mulcahy, Pat Viani reported that the Committee has received $710 from the Town which was deposited in the Escrow Account. Sandy will report at the next meeting the source of the contribution. Escrow Account: $4,337.70.
$2,200 is to be paid in full to Prism Marketing for the summer concerts on or before July 1, 2004.

New Business:

Pat Viani received a letter from Paul Bevan from New York who has a string ensemble. He is going to send more information.
Dick Santi from Kensington sent information on his 17 piece band. He will be placed on the list as a possibility for next year's concerts.
Emily Kesel from Leisure Services in the Town of Bloomfield was inquiring about Prism Marketing. Bloomfield gets sponsors for all their programs in Town.
A Community Arts Center proposal was received from Stephen Haynes. It was sent to Kathy Bagley, Parks and Recreation Director, who was directed by Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager, to send it to the Committee. The media center would include Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Newington and Wethersfield. We were asked if we could help with programming if such a facility gets off the ground.
Alcohol beverage application for rain site at the Community Center was signed by Pat Viani. There is no payment required.
Received a letter of request from Cindy Jacobs Ramirez who is interested in facilitating a chorus in Town. She is looking for $400. Pat mentioned Stephens Haynes' proposal for a Community Arts Center to her.
Received information from Kate O'Brien from "Moxy". She will send an updated press kit along with new C.D.
Rita Doyle read a letter sent to Tom Vaughan, President of UNICO, asking for a donation to help us provide necessary funding for other groups.

Old Business:

Mary-Beth Dobmeier called Pat and said she sent a letter to the Connecticut River Bank asking if they would like to sponsor programs. She has not heard back for them yet.
Heidi Lane called Pat and said she has not heard from Karl Kumme with a name of high school recipient for the scholarship. Heidi said she will also look into other sponsorships.
Karen Gove has the application for the high school in case of rain on August 15, 2004 for the 94th Army Band. The band would set up in the auditorium at 12:00 noon and the concert will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Miscellaneous:

Pat received an inquiry from Mary Goodman about a sign in front of Town Hall which was done a few years ago. Pat thought the sign was made by Mr. Potter in Vermont.
Pat also received a list of attractions from the Wethersfield Tourism Agent.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held Monday, March 8, 2004 in the Employees' Lounge.

Respectfully submitted,
Rita Doyle, Secretary