Veterans Memorial Committee

Approved: 09/24/14 M&C Nagro Gardiner Stumpff Minutes Veterans Memorial Improvement Committee Wednesday, August 13, 2014 7:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers Members Present Absent Deloris Cass ______ __X___ Joseph Ruth ______ __ X___ Leonard Smith ______ __X___ Rita Zito __X___ ______ Tom Davis ______ __X___ Doris Davis ______ __X___ Mary Cook __X___ ______ Arthur Eaton __X___ ______ Also Present: Bob Stumpff, Public Works Director; P J Brennan, Councilmember; Jane Hirshberg, Community Engagement Manager of the Clarie Smith Performing Arts Center; Ryan McCulley. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. Mary Cook chaired the meeting. 1. Review and Approval of the May 7, 2014 minutes: Under members: Change Eton to Eaton Under New Business #4: Add Peggy Magee’s title Change Kavenaugh to Cavanagh A motion was made by Rita Zito and seconded by Arthur Eaton to approve the minutes of May 7, 2014 as amended. All were in favor. The motion passed 3-0-0 2. Review and Discussion of Memorial Day Program  Publicity – Mary All spoke about the great photo of former Mayor Joe Page in his military uniform on the front of the Gazette after the Memorial Day event. Bob Stumpff will do an inventory of the Memorial Day/Veterans Day signs we have in stock. The Committee feels that the signs are effective in advertising the events.  Water – Mary The Boy Scouts handed out the water at the ceremony and that there was plenty of water on hand. The smaller bottles work very well.  Plantings – Rita Celosia’s were planted in May and looked very good. They are now not doing and looking very well. Rita Zito, spoke to Brenda Alexander, City horticulturist and they both feel that the flowers need to be water more frequently. Ms. Zito explained that it’s a challenge to get plants to stay healthy at the site as the area is in direct sun and lots of pollution. Tulips will be ordered and planted in the fall.  Luncheon – Tom $350.00 was spent on the luncheon at the American Legion. Since nobody in attendance whet to the luncheon, there was no report given.  Photography – Arthur Arthur Eaton took photographs of the event and passed them along to “the other guy – do we know who the other guy is?” Mary will check with the Clerk’s office to see if they published the photos on the City’s cable channel. FYI…..I haven’t even seen them. I will put a few on if I get a copy.  Old Flags – Bob and Tom New to the program, the flag container was at the event. Only one person utilized it. At this point, we will continue to collect the old flags.  Public Works – Bob Public Works staff stated there were no problems. It was mentioned that Public Works forgot to set up the tent and it was very hot. Bob will add it to the top of the list for the next event.  Photo Holders New for a few years, a display table is set-up for people to bring photos of their loved ones. Many people brought photos to display. Doris and Rita brought several photo holders to the event. Will continue asking people to bring their photos at future events.  Music and Program – Doris Everyone felt that the program and music went well. Mary Cook suggested on getting an a cappella group for Veteran’s Day. Jane Hirshberg suggested that maybe she could help getting signers for Veteran’s Day. 2  3. Old Business None 4. New Business Ms. Jane Hirshberg, Community Engagement Manager, of the Claire Smith Performing Arts Center of the University of Maryland introduced herself to the Committee. The Claire Smith Performing Arts Center is working on a new series of programs that may have some interest to the Veteran community in College Park. They would like to work with VMIC in hopes to get more veterans in the area involved in the programs available. Ryan McCulley introduced himself to the Committee. He may be interested in serving on the VMIC Committee or at least help with the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. Rita Zito will contact the Clerk’s office to obtain information on the local Girl Scout Troop to see if they are interested in participating in the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. 5. Next Meeting Date Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Minutes prepared by: Yvette Allen 3