Town of Wethersfield Committee on Culture and the Arts
Minutes of the January 10, 2005 Meeting

Members Present: Robin Bourassa, Mary-Beth Dobmeier, Rita Doyle, Sandra Mulcahy, Frances Patti, Ruth Ann Schumaker and Patricia Viani.

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. A motion was made by Pat to accept the minutes of November 8, 2004. Seconded by Fran. Sandy made a motion to accept the December 15, 2004 minutes. Seconded by Mary-Beth.

TREASURER'S REPORT:

There was nothing new to report from our Treasurer, Sandy.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Pat passed around the Town's Strategic Plan for the Committee's perusal.
• Robin had volunteered to solicit local businesses as well as Mary-Beth. Any of the businesses may sponsor the whole summer concert series or just one concert. The April 22nd Cabaret could also be sponsored. The Glamour Girls will cost $650 and the custodial fees are approximately $183.
• Mary-Beth will contact the Connecticut Community River Bank again this year. The Committee has a sale and use tax exemption. If we do not have enough funds for the concerts, we can tap the escrow account which has $6,377.70.
• The sponsors can place an advertisement banner on the Showmobile. They can also pass their business cards around.
• Pat received a call from Vincent Roccaro who has a 17 piece band. They are performing Bobby Darin songs from "Beyond the Sea." The whole band is $3,000, but they will perform at concerts with four members for between $1200 and $1500. Pat will call him to inquire if he is available on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Tuesday in July. She will report back at the next meeting.
• Robin will call Cindy Brown at the Historical Society to find out if they have lined up entertainment for August. The concerts in July will be on July 5, 12, 19 and 26.
• Ruth Ann will call Shoreline Connection and report back at the next meeting.
• Discussion ensured regarding publicity for the committee. Robin will call Doug Maine at the Wethersfield Post to see if he would like to attend one of our meetings. Fran will call Joyce Rossignol to see if she would like to do a story about the committee.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Karen was to report on her progress with Moxie. A report will be made at the February meeting.
• Fran said that Tony Allen is in Florida. She will contact him when he returns.
• Joan will report on the 94th Army Band.
• Jeanne is to contact the Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

The next meeting will take place on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room next to the Town Manager's Office. Please plan on attending this important meeting. If you cannot attend, please notify Pat.

Respectfully submitted,

Rita T. Doyle
Secretary