TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD COMMITTEE ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS
MINUTES OF JUNE 5, 2006

Members present: Jeanne Ciotto, Mary-Beth Dobmeier, Rita Doyle, Frances Patti, Ruth Ann Schumaker, Ellen Spratlin and Patricia Viani.

Before the meeting, we met our scholarship recipient, Christina Copobianco, her father and grandmother. Christina will be attending Wagner College in the fall, majoring in Theatre Design and Management. She was awarded a $500 scholarship.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Pat thanked Ruth Ann for hosting the meeting. Everyone welcomed our new member, Ellen Spratlin.

A motion was made to accept the minutes of May 8 with the correction that $5,487.41 is available for future events. Seconded by Ruth Ann.

Treasurer's Report:

• In the absence of Sandy, Pat reported a balance of $6,611.41 in the Escrow Fund. That is an increase of $350 from last month due to the scholarship donation from the cabaret event. To pay for the Cabaret event $1,000 was removed from the General Fund and the balance of $500 was paid from the Escrow Account.
• The $350 donation from the cabaret increases our scholarship money in escrow to $1,144.41. If we deduct that amount from $6,611.41, it leaves $5,467.41 to be used for future events.

New Business:

• Pat received a letter from Town Manager, Bonnie Therrien, that $1,000 was allocated to our committee in the newly adopted budget.
• Pat received a letter and CD from Suzanne Burgess, President, Middletown Symphonic Band. We listened to some of the CD and decided this type of music would not appeal to family groups.
• Ellen raised the possibility of using the Town Green for an event. When the new Bed and Breakfast opens in Old Wethersfield next summer, maybe our committee could provide some entertainment. She will look into this possibility. Pat said she had spoken to Cindy Brown about combining something with the Keeney Kooler performances but this is not plausible.
• Pat received notification from the Town Clerk's Office that Robin Bourassa resigned effective May 15, 2006.
• Pat was asked by the Town Council to stay on the committee for another term. We all agreed to the following appointments: Pat, Chairman; Mary-Beth, Vice Chairman; Sandy, Treasurer; Rita, Secretary; Ruth Ann and Dawn, Publicity; Jeanne, Scholarship and Ellen, Events Coordinator.

Publicity:

• Ruth Ann had two bills due for the cabaret: $274.37 from the Town of Wethersfield for custodial fees and $4.50 from Pronto Printer. We need everyone's help with the publicity of our future events.

Old Business:

• Pat thanked Dawn for her help collecting money at the cabaret which went into the Scholarship Fund.
• At our September meeting, we will discuss programs for the following year. As previously noted, Matt Catalano at Wethersfield Health Care is interested in sponsoring our programs.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE; the next meeting which is scheduled for September 11, at 7:00 p.m. will be at Pat's home at 72 Sunrise Terrace.

Respectfully submitted,

Rita Doyle