Friends of Crawford Park's Blog

Members Present:
Theresa Stevens, Steve Pshierer, Kay Schafer, Sue Yockelson, Eleanor Herman, Carol Selinski, Vicky Van Wert, Bishop Notownik

Review Minutes:
November’s Meeting Minutes were reviewed and accepted as is.

Town of Rye Report:
The floors of the mansion are currently being renovated.

The Town of Rye reported that there was $35,000 less revenue generated from park rentals this year. Bishop believes this has to do with the elimination of Sunday night party rentals and the fact that the new alcohol policy might be chasing people away.

The new stairwell is in final plans and construction for this project, which is est. to cost around $75K, will begin in April or May.

GPS, the new contracted landscape company, seems to be doing a fair job, according to Bishop. Laura mentioned tire tracks on the grass and the sloppy seeding project they did in the fall. Theresa suggested that they start a leaf compost pile in the park, behind the wildflower garden. Bishop said they were n0t in a position to maintain such an endeavor.

There are 8 applications for the caretaker position and Steve Pshierer, is one candidate who came to the meeting. A decision will be made April 1st. Carol suggested that the candidate be more personable than the last caretaker.

The non-profit usage policy is still on the table for the Town of Rye and Bishop is going to recommend that the Friends of Crawford Park be exempt from having to pay to use the mansion.

Bishop reported that they plan to redo, recut, reclay the ball field in the spring.

Financial Report:
Sue hasn’t received the December statement yet but as of November we had:

$6,401.79 in checking
$5,151.35 in CD
$11,553.14 in total.

The renewal letter sent out in December collected $4,700.00 in donations with $3000 coming from one individual, her company and her dogs.

Last year, we collected $19,886.96 in donations and we spent $24,816.

Membership and Fundraising 

We need to come up with a tentative date for Shakespeare in the park and to see if both the park and Gillian (the director/producer) is available. The group decided on July 14th or the 21st as possible dates and are waiting to hear back from Bishop and Gillian.

Once we have a date we need to create marketing material that is separate from the race and go after to distinct groups of sponsors for the play and the run, which is scheduled for September 30th.

Bishop suggested getting in front of the Town of Rye Board twice this year to promote what we are doing in the park to the community.  The months of May and September were suggested.

It was also suggested that we list our donors in the next newsletter. This would add community and possibly get more donors on board.

Bishop also suggested creating certificates for sponsor and donors of raffle prizes instead of thank you cards.

Horticultural Committee

A new tree was donated by Weichert Realty in Rye. This will be a dogwood to be planted in the spring.  Eleanor suggested that we update the list of trees on  our website: http://www.friendsofcrawfordpark.org/tree.htm

We have a horticultural planning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 25th at 1pm at Eleanor’s House.  All members are welcome to come and give input on what they would like to see planted this year. Bishop suggested enhancing the entrances of the park – the Wilton Road and Betsy Brown pedestrian entrances as well as Lincoln Ave entrance.  It was noted that watering in those areas would be an issue.

Other Business

The Rye Brook Cub Scouts want to acknowledge the Friends of Crawford Park and their contribution to the community at the Annual Blue and Gold Banquet. Any member is welcome and ENCOURAGED to come a short award ceremony  on Friday, Feb 10th at 6pm.  Theresa and Kay are going to try to make it.

We reviewed the photo note cards Laura researched and decided to see if there was a printable card format available at Staples. The group would rather have the ability to type out a letter than hand write one.

Theresa suggested having a photo contest with different prizes for certain categories.  The group liked the idea. And we could use them to update website and use in the newsletter.

Theresa also showed the group a CAD-like rendering she did for class using her new software. She suggested using the same software to map the trees and shrubs in the park.  Bishop really liked the idea.

NEXT MEETING IS FEBRUARY 15th | 8pm | Crawford Mansion.  Please come

MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 16, 2011

Members Present: Bishop Nowotnik, Anthony Loizzo, Eleanor Herman, Kay Schafer, Sue Yockelson, Carol Selinske, Sandy Marshall

REVIEW OF PURPOSE:
Our mission is to preserve and beautify the Park.

OCTOBER MINUTES were reviewed and passed.

FINANCIAL REPORT given by Susan Yockelson
CD value $ 5,151.35 as of end of September (FCP voted to renew for another 6 mos.)
Checking Account balance $2,435.46 (Many check were sent out in Nov. to
cover Shakespeare, Race, Planting of the Trees, bulbs etc.)

HORTICULTURAL REPORT-
ANTHONY’S PROGRESS IN PARK & FUTURE PLANS:

A rose bush was donated and will be planted in the Spring. Anthony
suggested that the Rose bush be put on a schedule for fertilization and care.

Anthony stated that he has worked for FCP for the last 5-6 years. He
has taken care of the Sunken Garden, the Shade Garden, and the Sunset Site. In addition, we have asked him to now do the front of the Mansion. He stated that the amount charged will go from $400 to $500 for the months of March thru November of next year. We agreed to this arrangement.

He also stated that he would like to be notified about large project, so that he could bid on them.

Laura suggested that we have a single point of contact with Anthony.

TOWN OF RYE REPORT – Bishop Nowotnik

The staff will water the new plants once a week if it does not rain.
However, if any should die due to lack of water then the Town will replace. We lost less than 5 trees after the snow storm, most of the damage was done to branches.

Two neighbors from Jennifer Lane notified us that some of the trees need
to be replaced. They are very close to the wall and some are not healthy.

Next year, Bishop, would like a deep root fertilization project which
would cost around $3,000. The project would be equally divided between the Town and FCP.

The caretakers cottage will be empty by Nov. 28th. The last caretaker
worked 20 hours per week.

The new contractor needs more time before we can judge how well they are working out. The last mowing of the season was done last weekend, now the
leaves need blowing and taken away.

The Crawford Family visit went well. They stated that our Mansion was
designed by Stanford-White.

It is planned that next year the outside of the house will be painted and the gutters fixed and replaced. The upstairs needs painting and the floors need
refinishing.

Bishop suggested that we raise our visibility to the Town Council. We should
give a presentation in the early Spring and in the Fall.

MEMBERSHIP & FUNDRAISING:

A membership renewal letter will be going out soon. It will be on plain
white paper. Carol, Laura and Sandy volunteered for the mailing.

Next year’s Race will be set for September 30th. Laura will notify the Road
Runners to put it on their Calendar.

We have had other inquiries regarding the landscaping presently done by Anthony. They are interested in doing the work and giving us an estimate.
We have decided to continue with Anthony for next year.

Eleanor stated that Cornell will be offering a class in the care of Roses, April 18th, 10:00, at the Chappaqua Library.

FCP GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR (Laura & Eleanor)
1. Create Plan for plantings around stockade fencing
2. Evasive Vines
3. Map of the Park
4. Gateway Area

Rye Brook Pack 3 of the Boy Scouts will honor the FCP at the Bold and
Gold Banquet to be held in February.

The FCP Calendar will be set for every third Wednesday of the month for
2012.

NEXT MEETING DATE: Jan 18th, 2012 – 8:00 p.m. – Crawford Park Mansion !!!!!PLEASE ATTEND!!!!!!

FRIENDS OF CRAWFORD PARK

Minutes of Oct. 19, 2011 Meeting

Present: Laura Klein, Vicky Van Wert, Eleanor Herman, Carol Selinske, Bishop Nowotnik,  Sue Yockelson , Sandy Marshall, Kay Schafer

Minutes of the Sept. 2 1^st meeting were accepted.

Town of Rye Report  – Bishop Nowotnik

Aeration & reseeding of top plateau and Gateway area done by contractor last week

It was thought that our staff did a better job last year.

Frances Van Liew, granddaughter of the Crawfords, and her family are visiting this Sunday for a walk through the grounds and the Mansion.

Second Floor Stairs: With the preliminary plans for second floor exit stairs it may be possible to build them without needing to change footprint of building.  No decision yet.

Stockade fence around dumpsters has been finished by “our guys”.

Rico Dos Anjos and John Reavis joined the meeting and spoke about their ideas for the park if elected to the Rye Town Board.

Financial Report –Sue Yokelson

Bank: $6489.00 income less $2131 outlay for a balance of $4358.00

Race:  147 runners in the 5K race, collected $3159. Sue is doing thank you notes.

Shakespeare In  the  Park :       Love’s  Labour’s  Lost

We voted to do again next year. Gillian is interested in directing again next year. We will look into having the play earlier in the summer. The stage area can use better lighting.  Macbeth was mentioned as a possible selection.

Race next year is tentatively scheduled for Sept.30^th 2012.

Horticultural Committee

45 trees were purchased with Oppenheimer grant .  Susan Oppenheimer came by for photo during the planting.

Think about plantings around stockade fencing when Spring arrives. Bishop suggested a good looking shrub flowering now is “Montauk Daisy”.

We need to refinish benches. Friday, Oct. 28^th at 10 AM was chosen to do same.

The invasive vines around many trees are killing them and should be removed. Perhaps bring gloves and clippers when walking in the park.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16^th, at 8PM at the Mansion.

Friends of Crawford Park
Minutes of Meeting September 21, 2011

Present: Laura Klein, Bishop Nowotnik, Eleanor Herman, Sandy Marshall, Victoria Van Wert, Kay Schafer, Theresa Stevens, Carol Selinske, Sue Yockelson.

Shakespeare In the Park was judged an artistic success but a financial drain. The probable loss is estimated at approximately $500 attributed to the unexpected charge of over $2k for sound services. It was agreed that if we do this again it should be held in a warmer month, earlier in the day and that the price scale needs to be discussed.

Town Business – Bishop Nowotnik:
A landscape agreement has been implimented with Greenway Property Services (GPS) for mowing, weed wacking, hedge trimming and some reseeding in the Gateway area. This plan reduces the park’s own staff of seasonal workers.

The stairway design plans for access to the second floor of the mansion will be presented to the Town Board for review at their next meeting.

Bishop has digitalized all of the material that Crawford descendant Frances VanLiew has provided to the Town. Laura currently holds the material. Some of the material will be used in the next Newsletter.

Trees
Discussion of the delivery and planting plans for the over 40 trees paid for by Oppenheimer’s grant followed. It is important that they be planted ASAP so that they can get acclimatized before the ground freezes. There is a planting plan in place.

Resolved: Laura and Bishop will consult with Eleanor and Theresa. Laura is empowered to make a final decision and move ahead.

It was agreed that a photographer should take a picture of each new tree in its place. There were no volunteers.

The Town has reimbursed the Friends for a new tree that died from lack of watering.

Race
Carol will provide updated window signs. The goodie bag materials are coming together. Discussion of finding race day volunteers ensued.

Treasurer’s Report – Sue Yockelson
As of August there was $6,140.33 in the checking account and $5,144.41 in a CD for a balance of $11, 284.74. Discussion of possibly changing banks followed without resolution.*

*NOTE the Customer’s Bank has since announced that it will be closing its branch in Port Chester in December and reopening on Ridge Street in Rye Brook at a later date.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 8:00 PM at the Mansion.

Respectfully submitted, Carol Selinske

Meeting Minutes August 17, 2011

Members Present: Bishop Nowotnik, Vicky VanWert, Eleanor Herman, Theresa Stevens, Kay Schafer, Sue Yockelson, Carol Selinske, Sandy Marshall

REVIEW OF PURPOSE:
Our mission is to preserve and beautify the Park.

AUGUST MINUTES were review, corrected and passed.
Corrections:
1. A new entrance/stairway for the second floor conference rooms (has been) will be designed by H2 Architectures at a cost of $16,380.00.
2. Shakespeare: If it rains, it will be held inside the Mansion, otherwise, outside on the front lawn and patio.

FINANCIAL REPORT given by Susan Yockelson
CD value $ 5,144.41 as of end of July
Checking Account balance $9,111.03
TOTAL $14,255.44

The new name for USA Bank is now Customer Bank and they have reversed their service charges and we will remain with them for now.

We have received either money or promises from:
Town of Rye for $2,000.00
Personnel Training Institute 500.00
Costco Gift Card 50.00
Q restaurant and bar $250
Toughman Ironman $100
e.Nopi $100
Sportech $250 ($100 in gift certificates)

TOWN OF RYE REPORT – Bishop Nowotnik

The fencing of the dumpsters was finished and water sealing will be applied.

Greenway Property Services (GPS) out of Stamford, Conn., will start mowing the lawn
September 1st.

Composed soil should be applied between the Sunken Garden and the Wall as
there is a buildup of water. This will help the issue.

A Crawford granddaughter, from R.I., came to visit the Park. She seemed pleased with
the results. She gave the Town a book with many pictures and some history of the
family. We are very grateful and happy and hope to have her invited back soon.

The Park policies were reviewed and changed. Some of the changes were:
- Eliminate Sunday Nite Parties
- Parties stop at 11:00 not 12:00
- Fees for the Mansion and Pavilion went to $2,500.00
- If alcohol beverages to be served, a police officer must be present

Town of Rye is waiting for a bill from FCP for the Maple Tree that needed replacement
because it was not watered properly.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK (‘LOVE LABORS LOST’) AND RACE

We have so far, $950.00, we usually get around $2,500. We can use some volunteers to
canvases local merchants. Literature can be obtained from Laura or Carol.

Laura requested more Banners for the events and it was voted on and passed.

Postcards for Shakespeare is now being printed and will be mailed out soon. Those
volunteered for the mailing was: Carol, Theresa, V icky, Sue and Sandy. The date has not
been set but we will be notified by Email.

An example of a program/playbill was passed around, however, we do not have the time to do an eleborate one but will have to settle for the bare necessity.

HORTICULTURAL REPORT

Susie Oppenheimer Grant was finalized for approximately 41 trees. Michael Nowak walked with Theresa, Laura and Eleanor thru the Park and picked out places to plant the trees.

NEXT MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 – 8:00 p.m. – Crawford Park Mansion !!!!!PLEASE ATTEND!!!!!!

Meeting Minutes July 20, 2011

Members Present: Laura Klein, Bishop Nowotnik, Vicky VanWert, Eleanor Herman, Theresa Stevens, Kay Schafer, Sue Yockelson, Carol Selinske, Sandy Marshall

REVIEW OF PURPOSE:
Our mission is to preserve and beautify the Park.

JUNE MINUTES were review and passed.

FINANCIAL REPORT given by Susan Yockelson
CD value $ 5,143.79 as of end of June
Checking Account balance $8,890.03
TOTAL $14,034.12

Our present Bank keeps increasing our rates they charge us and we feel that transferring our accounts would be in our interest. It was suggested that TD Bank, which will be located on Ridge Street in 2012, would be our best option. They are suppose to waive charges for non profit organizations. Sue Yockelson will look into this.

TOWN OF RYE REPORT – Bishop Nowotnik

The fencing of the dumpsters will begin in August. It will cost $5.400.00

Landscaping bids were approved. Greenway Properity Services (GPS) out of Stamford, Conn., will start mowing the lawn in the Sept/Oct time frame once a week. The remainder of the responsibilities will be done by our full time employees.

A new entrance/stairway for the second floor conference rooms has been designed by H2 Architectures at a cost of $16,380.00. The stairs will be covered and look like part of the mansion. The total cost will be around $75,000.00 and will take 4 mos. to finish. They will start building around Thanksgiving. Upstairs will not be handicapped accessible as
the first floor is.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

The Town of Rye has approved the sponsorship ($2.000) for ‘LOVE LABORS LOST’ which will be FCP first Shakespeare in the Park presentation. It will startat 5:00 p.m., September 17th, at the Mansion. Sound and lights will be furnished by Michael Lounsbery from Manhattanville College. The audience should bring their own chairs, blankets and refreshments. The
performance will be 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. If it rains , it will be
held inside the Mansion, otherwise, outside on the front lawn and the actors will
perform on the patio. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children.

Sue Yokelson and Laura Klein will scour Port Chesster and Rye Brook looking
for more sponsors for Shakespeare and our Run for Crawford Park. If you know of
any potential sponsors, please let us know.

HORTICULTURAL REPORT

Susie Oppenheimer has arranged a state grant for the Town of Rye for $5,000.00 to buy trees for the Park. Eleanor and Theresa have already gone to Shemins for ideas and prices. However, this week with Laura, they will contact and visit other nurseries. For this grant the horticultural committee need contracts by the end of the month. We do not want to lose this wonderful gift.

NEXT MEETING DATE: AUGUST 17, 2011 – 8:00 p.m. – Crawford Park Mansion !!!!!PLEASE ATTEND!!!!!!

FRIENDS OF CRAWFORD PARK

Minutes of June 15, 2011 Meeting

Present: Laura Klein, Vicky Van Wert, Theresa Stevens, Eleanor Herman, Carol Selinske, Bishop Nowotnik, Terry Gentile ( for a few minutes), Sue Yockelson , Kay Schafer

Minutes of the May 18th meeting were accepted.

Town of Rye Report – Bishop Nowotnik

Fencing the Dumpster : There are three bids ranging from $5400 to $13,900 to cover this eyesore. A chain link fence with green slats and a rolling gate, 8 feet in height, with the existing stockade fencing to remain. Hopefully this will be done before the end of summer with the lowest bid accepted.

Landscaping Bid : Bid document for outsourcing maintenance of the park is being finalized Friday or soon. It includes snow removal but does not include watering the trees. The question was raised about trash removal.

Second Floor Stairs: At this time there are 3 architects’ proposals for the second floor egress to Crawford Mansion.

The non-profit use of the park is still in flux. New policies for the “profit” use of the park , including alcohol use as the host’s responsibility, have been accepted.

Saturday is Rye Brook Day. New grass needs compost or peat or fertilizer will burn grass.

John has landscaped with mulch at Korean War Memorial to improve appearance.

Question was raised about any Capital plan to improve bathrooms as we rent these facilities and should upgrade the bathrooms.

Financial Report –Sue Yokelson

There is $ 9,117.05 in the checking account after paying Shemin’s bill and others.

The CD is at $ 5,142.83.

We need sponsors for Race Day. Laura will approach Pat Sestito of TD Bank for a possible sponsorship.

Membership will hopefully support Shakespeare In The Park : Love’s Labour’s Lost

It will be held Saturday, Sept. 17th at 6P.M. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children.

Laura will also approach Westchester Burger, Home Depot and the Town Board as possible sponsors.

Sue need list for Save the Date cards for Run. Save the Date Cards for both the Run and Shakespeare will be given out Saturday. We will have a table there and need helpers.

Horticultural Committee

Family memorial service planned at new tree planting. Anthony will mulch Rhododendron bushes.

Wildflower Garden has been seeded. Eleanor said that signs for memorials have been laminated.

Ideas for signs: “Project Crawford Park”, “Keep Off The Grass”

A request was made that a sprinkler test should be set up for a daytime test to see where changes need to be made for most efficient use of watering.

The next meeting will be held on July 20th, at 8 P.M. at the mansion.

FRIENDS OF CRAWFORD PARK
MINUTES OF MAY 18, 2011 MEETING

Present: Laura Klein, Victoria Van Wert, Sandy Marshall, Kay Schafer, Eleanor Herman, Carol Selinske, Bishop Nowotnik, Sue Yockelson

Minutes of the April 20th meeting accepted.

Town of Rye Report, Bishop Nowotnik.
At the last Town Board meeting it was suggested that a plot of land in the park be set aside for senior citizens to plant a vegetable garden. Questions – Were the Friends in favor? Where would it be located? Who would plant? How would it be protected from the animals? Bishop noted that the Friends are key to aspects of land management.

No action was taken. Further discussion necessary.

The Town Board is considering hiding the view of the dumpster bins near the mansion. No action has been taken or plan settled on.

Requests for Proposals have been prepared for bids on a contract to outsource much of the park landscaping maintenance. Contractors would plow the road in winter, but not the paths. Plowing the paths would open the Town to legal liability for accidents on icy surfaces. Watering and trash collection would remain the province of park staff.

Bishop will check on the functioning of the watering system down near the sunset site.

Bids will be sought for a plan for external stairs to the 2nd floor of the mansion. Stairs meeting the fire code would allow greater community use of the upper rooms.

John Zicca will spruce up the Korean War Memorial next week and work on the wildflower area soil, weather permitting.

Bishop suggested that the Friends explore using local cable channels for publicity, and that we approach TD Bank as a potential race sponsor.

Action: Laura Klein will approach TD Bank.

Treasurer’s Report – Sue Yockelson
The combined balances of the CD and checking accounts, adjusted for current liabilities, is $15,754.90

Race and Shakespeare in the Park
Carol Selinske will prepare “Save the Date” post cards for the race and mail to our race list, our members, and possibly to the Road Runners list (to be determined) in June.

We have had a very limited response to a Chamber of Commerce solicitation for race sponsorship.

Selinske will prepare Donation/Ticket reservation cards for the Shakespeare in the Park in time to be handed out on Rye Brook Day, June 18.

Horticulture Report
Eleanor Herman reported that 10 new evergreens were planted, 8 along the road just past the pavilion and 2 by the path, as part of the Friends tree replacement plan. Bishop Nowotnik expressed hope that we would be able to share in New York State’s tree program this fall

The Spring Planting Day on May 21st focused on the sunken garden area, with $1,300 worth of annuals and perennials planted. Additions were also made to the mansion front entrance plantings.

The sickly tree by the entrance to the sunken garden was discussed.

Action: The tree will be taken down by park staff when time allows.

New Business
Poor attendance at monthly meetings was discussed.

Action: Meeting notices will be sent and phoned 10 days in advance.

The meeting adjourned.

The next meeting will be held on June 15th at 8:00 PM at the mansion.

Wednesday April 20, 2011

Present: Eleanor Herman, Bishop Nowotonik, Laura Klein and Carol Selinski

May’s Meeting Minutes were approved.

Town of Rye Report

 Bishop reported that lawn conditions are improving though he noted that the soccer and outfields are overused so grass isn’t as lush as he’d like.

He confirmed that the watering tank has been reconfigured and takes little time to fill now.

Daffodils look stunning and Bishop wants recommendations on other bulbs to plant next fall that will have a different bloom time so color continues.

Gateway area is moving along… they still need more soil.

The town plans to close the mansion for a week to redo the floors AGAIN. Trying a different techique which will hopefully last longer.

Town hired special event coordinator. A PT employee to work parties on an as needed basis.

Eleanor requested that sprinkler system at the sunset site be extended to cover the new area where we plan to install two new benches and cluster of dogwoods.

Bishop mentioned that Bartlett Tree Company can map and ID on all the major trees in the park. The Friends of Rye Town Park are considering doing it – the cost for that park would be approximately $4K.

Horticultural Report

There are 10 new evergreens planted along Crawford Drive and Jennifer Lane.

Eleanor is planning on buying trees for the sunset site.

Laura met with Chris Cohan regarding Wildflower Garden – he suggested asking John Zicca to do it because his backhoe is right there.

The Annual, Annual planting day is May 14th at 10am.  Please come.

Membersip and Fundraising

The Newsletter was mailed out early April thanks to Carol for putting it together and Eleanor and Laura for stuffing.

The Call for Sponsorship was also mailed out around the same time.

Other News

The birdhouses are being painted at BMP Ridge Street Elementary School.  News from the teacher is that the students are loving this project.  We can prepare a note to  be distributed to every student explaining the birdhouse project and inviting people to view them in the park.