Committee on Culture and the Arts Meeting Minutes

Members present: Mary-Beth Dobmeier, Rita Doyle, Liz Kirkpatrick, Frances Patti, Ruth Ann Schumaker and Patricia Viani.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. A motion was made to accept the minutes of December 12, 2005. Seconded by Mary-Beth.

In the absence of Sandy, Pat reported no new activity.

Pat introduced Kathy Bagley, Park and Recreation Director, to our committee. Kathy was invited to discuss the upcoming Newington's Children's Theater Production of "Oz" and our committee's participation in the selling of tickets and publicity. The committee unanimously agreed to co-sponsor the production in conjunction with the Women's Firefighters Auxiliary. Liz will include publicity in the library newsletter.
"Oz" will be performed on April 1st at 2:00 p.m. at Wethersfield High School. Tickets will sell for $5.00 for all ages. The cost of the production will be about $1,200, $800 of which goes for the performance and the rest for custodial costs. Kathy hopes to sell out the auditorium which holds 800 people.
Kathy will have flyers printed. There will be an intermission and the children attending will be able to meet the performers. Pat said that tickets could be sold at the UNICO pasta dinner on February 12 at Community Center.

Ruth Ann contacted the Community Center for availability of dates in April and May for a cabaret. The dates available: April 29, May 6 and May 20. The committee agreed that May 20 would be good if Pat could get Vincent Roccaro to perform. She will contact Vinnie. Ruth Ann and Pat will co-chair the cabaret. It was agreed to sell tickets for $5.00 each. The cabaret would run from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Jeanne had volunteered to contact Karl Kumme for the name of a recipient for our scholarship. We will give out one $500 scholarship.
The Digger Stevens Band called Pat to inquire about performing for our committee. Liz had listened to their CD and said they were very good. Liz will contact the Group to advise them that we are not having summer concerts this year.
Mary-Beth received information from Moxie. She will let them know that we are not having summer concerts but will keep them in mind for future cabarets.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 13. 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center, Room S-2.

Respectfully submitted,

Rita T. Doyle
Secretary