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
