Contact:
Recreation Commission Clerk Mary Bodner
Category: RECREATION COMMISSION MEETINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE West Long Branch, NJ - March 10, 2010
ROUGH DRAFT
WEST LONG BRANCH RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 8, 2010
THOSE PRESENT: Joe DeLeonardo
Harvey Leuin
Russ Olivadotti
Lorraine Strohmenger
Debbie Ronan
Susan Trocchia
THOSE ABSENT: Mike Dwyer
Debbie Ronan
Ray Rubman
ALSO PRESENT: Steve Cioffi, Council Liaison
Lori Cole, West Long Branch Borough Clerk
Debbie Cameron
Meeting Called to Order: 7:35 p.m.
Joe reported that he had done some research regarding the discussion the Committee had during its last meeting pertaining to having residents in the age group between minor children and senior citizens. Joe stated his research revealed that there are activities for this age group. He stated he spoke to the art teacher at Shore Regional High School who stated she could offer watercolor classes on a Saturday afternoon and possibly once a week at fee to be determined. These classes would be offered to residents on a first come first serve basis. Joe also stated that the art teacher suggested ceramic classes for this age group on a first come first serve basis at a fee to be determined.
Joe reported that this teacher is also one of only about 25 registered Feng Shui experts in the state and that she would be willing to offer a lecture and demonstration that could accommodate a large group. He also stated that was a resident who teaches yoga and who could possibly offer a demonstration and class to residents. Karen stated she would ask a friend about the game Mahjong. Joe suggested doing two or three things a year just as a start and to see what type of reception these activities receive. The goal is to offer a form of recreation with very little cost to the Borough. The Commission discussed possibly having refreshments at these events. Karen suggested possibly using the meeting room at the library and Joe suggested the Community Center.
Easter Egg Hunt `10: Joe stated the Easter Egg Hunt is in Debbie Ronan’s hands and is the next event for the Commission. It is in the first week of April.
Fields `10: Joe reported that many requests for fields have come in and that the fields look good. Joe stated he checked into the price for bleachers for Thorne Park. He stated that he found a three-tier bleacher unit for approximately $1,600.00. Joe asked Debbie Cameron if she thought the three-tier bleacher unit would suffice as a replacement for the four-tier unit that is presently there and she though it would make a good replacement considering what is now there.
Concert Series `10: Karen stated that she spoke to Joe Accusa and that she was told the Brookdale Swing Band could play for the last concert in August and that they could provide between 12 and 16 pieces and would offer more vocals. The Commission agreed and asked Karen to hire them for the last concert of the season. Joe asked Karen to check with Joe Accusa to ask if he could find out if the band had lights for their music stands as towards the end of the concert season it will be getting darker earlier during that time of the year. Karen would do so and report back to the Commission. The Commission discussed possibly having the “Kootz” band for one of the concerts next year. Joe stated that Roustabouts, Brookdale Swing Band and Cats-on-a-Smooth Surface have confirmed their dates for the concert series but have not sent in their contracts.
Solicitation Letters: Lorraine stated that she had not as yet received an answer to her email to Paul DeMent of Monmouth University regarding donations. Steve mentioned that Monmouth would be getting a solicitation letter and we can just leave it alone until then. A donation of $10,000.00 for Fourth of July fireworks would be ideal, but we will take what we can get. Steve stated he and Joe are working on the letter to Monmouth University.
Steve suggested bulk mailing for the solicitations letters. Lori Cole, Borough Clerk pointed out that the postage costs for these letters would be approximately between $400.00 to $500.00 and that it probably would not be costs effective to do so. Steve stated that if letters were to go out it should be done without conflict with the town agencies such as fire, police and first aid squad. It was stated that the fire department raised approximately $23,000.00 through its mailings. Steve suggested and everyone agreed that the town businesses such as TD Bank be contacted first and then a decision can be made about sending them to residents. Steven will sign solicitation letters as council liaison.
Steve confirmed the following dates for town events: Easter Egg Hung-April 3, 2010, Summer Recreation-June 28, 2010, Greaseband-July 4, 2010, Movie Night-September 25, 2010, Town Garage Sale-October 2, 2010 with rain date of October 3, 2010.
Steve also stated the following name of the acts and dates for the Summer Concert Series: Beatlemania-June 25, 2010, Greaseband-July 4, 2010, R & B Express-July 16, 2010, Cats-o- a Smooth Surface-July 30, 2010, Roustabouts and Angel Tones-August 13, 2010 and August 27, 2010-Brookdale Swing Band.
Steve stated that it had come to his attention that the West Long Branch Sports Association had a problem with non-profit status and tax-exempt status. He confirmed that they had indeed lost their not for profit status quite a number of years ago and through documentation and phone calls it has not been reinstated as of yet. Steve stated that he is mailing a letter to the Sports Association requesting their explanation. Steve further stated that if anyone has any questions about the status that they call him directly. It may simply be a mis understanding, however, an explanation would help clear up the matter.
Joe thanked Lori and Steve for their attendance at the meeting.
Meeting adjourned 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
______________________
Mary G. Bodner, Secretary
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY, March 8, 2010 AT 7:30 P.M.