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

Town of Wethersfield Committee on Culture and the Arts
Minutes of the May 9, 2005 Meeting

Members present: Joan Biagioni, Robin Bourassa, Jeanne Ciotto, Rita Doyle, Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, Francis 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 April 11, 2005. Seconded by Fran Patti.

Treasurer's Report:

• In the absence of Sandy, our treasurer, Pat reported a balance of $9,647.10 in the escrow account. Pat received an e-mail from Sandy stating that the committee has $759.02 available to give for a scholarship. This money was collected at the concerts and earmarked for scholarships. The balance in the escrow account is to be used for program events.
• Discussion ensued regarding the scholarship fund. Heidi will contact Sandy with regard to the amount of the scholarships. She will send a letter to the two recipients notifying them of the scholarship and inviting them to our meeting at Ruth Ann's home on June 13.

New Business:

• Rita read a resignation letter from Karen Gove which was effective April 30, 2005.
• A letter was received from United Arts Greater Hartford Arts Council stating they award a $5,000 grant to organizations such as ours. A letter of intent has to be sent out by May 20, which Joan volunteered to write. The grant application has to be submitted by June 10.
• Rita will send a thank you letter to the Wethersfield Health Care Center for their $2,400 donation, with copies to Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager and Kathy Bagley, Parks and Recreation Director. She will also send a letter to UNICO for their $100 donation. A letter has already been sent to Peoples Bank for their $500 donation.
• Liz passed around a copy of Article XIII from the Town Ordinances which states the creation (purpose) and membership of our committee. She also passed around "Helpful Hints for a Successful Concert."
• Publicity: Ruth Ann will have the posters made up for the summer concerts. As in the past, the Rare Reminder and the Wethersfield Life will publicize the concerts. Jeanne will contact the Hartford Courant.

Old Business:

• Robin listened to the Swing Time Quartet CD which was instrumental (jazz and swing - no vocal). She said we should consider the group for one of our concerts next year. Jeanne also listened to the Dramatix Show Band which was very good (Andrew Sisters, Barry Manilow, etc. songs). Liz said the Digger Stevens Band is rhythm and blues--she will contact them for their fee. Heidi has the Sliders CD (trombone ensemble) which she will listen to and report back to the committee. Their fee is $720.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The next meeting is June 13, 7:00 p.m. at Ruth Ann's home, 15 Raynor Lane. Committee members signed up to bring appetizers, desserts and fruit.

Very truly yours,

Rita T. Doyle
Secretary