Beautification Committee

Salem Beautification Committee Meeting Minutes December 13, 2016 In attendance: Sam Fiore, Marcia Lambert, Sandi Powers, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Bev Moustakis, Barb Sirois, Colby, Ellen Talkowsky, Lisa Lyons, Giulia Ballofatto Absent: Denise Balfe Meeting Start 7:14 p.m. Welcome Giulia Ballofatto – new BComm Member for 2017! Deferral of approval of Meeting Minutes from June, July, September of 2016 until January meeting. Pumpkin Decorating Contest 2016 – Project Review - Pumpkin Trailer was open on October 15th (for pumpkin intake) and judging (and late pumpkin intake) happened on October 16th (judging was at noon). - There were about 82 pumpkins in the contest (the trailer didn’t look as full (necessarily) as in previous years but this might be due to the fact that the new trailer is larger than the previous one. - Every winner got a ribbon and letter from the mayor – checks were distributed in amounts $25, $20, and $5. (Of note/special acknowledgement for Joan Anders’ pumpkin – she won special prize for ‘effort’ because it was a beautiful pumpkin, but fell and broke). - About 20 people were at the trailer when judging took place. - Only two schools participated in the contest this year (B&G Witchcraft and Saltonstall). We didn’t do a program with For Kids Only this year. - About 140 Pumpkins were donated (by Joe Finaro, Asst. Superintendent @Lawrence Jail); leftover pumpkins went to Park & Rec (for Firepit Friday, but it got rained out). - Thank you notes from the kids have been received. - We were missing the Pumpkin Decorating Contest banner – maybe get a new one for 2017 or have carnival co. find the old one. - * IDEA for 2017 * – Colby suggested that we consider setting up a table for kids to decorate a pumpkin for submission. For a small fee, we could cover costs for supplies. - * IDEA for 2017 * – Colby suggested we get local artists to help judge the pumpkin decorating contest, e.g., The artist featured on Inkmaster/tattoo artist. Wreath-making & Lamppost Ribbon Wrap – Project Review - About 75 wreaths were assembled with ribbons/lights by BComm’ers and volunteers on November 15th at Mack Park. Production went smoothly; Jeff put the wires on the wreaths in advance (very helpful). Of note, George isn’t at Mack Park anymore, he’s at DPW. - Several BComm’ers helped out with lamppost ribbon wrapping on November 19th (Sandi, Bev, Guilia, Lisa). TRAFFIC ISLANDS - Ongoing Mill Street Traffic Island - This island has been dug up again (about two weeks ago). - We need to put a plan and budget in place for work that will be done in 2017. (Do we need to think ahead for future digs in 2017 and associated costs?). - Contractor (Geoso?) will pay for mulch and urns (reimbursement for the utility work). Witches Island - Sandi’s volunteer group did a fall clean up of this island. - (see previous Minutes about Phil Blackwell taking over this island in 2017; he may be taking over another traffic island as well). Veterans’ Island – work for 2017 to re-establish this island. - Quote needed to re-irrigate this island? (Confirm). - Will need to add 6” of loom. - (see previous Minutes about rosebushes (QTY 10 @$250/Thompsons) . Bank of America - Sandi has contacted Carol at BoA to see if they’d be interested in another garden at their location, no answer/interest. Possibly pursue Starbucks or other tenant in the building. Related conversations about Lafayette Park survey and Sandi’s volunteers contributing to the clean up of Remond Park (removing huge weeds, dead blueberry plants, and adding more mulch). LADY OF SALEM – Project Update - Eastern National/Derby Wharf/Waite and Peirce – displayed the Lady and has donated $150 to BComm. - Some Lady of Salem posters have been sold (about $40 worth/4 posters at $10). - Marcia would like a poster. - In January – there will be an effort to clean up and touch up the Ladies, currently wintering in the basement of the YMCA. The LOS subcommittee with inventory and repair as needed. - The Beverly Coop Lady is back and is at the YMCA – This was one of the first ladies painted and was seemingly a bit bland Amber Lynn (new artist) will upgrade and make more lively for 2017. - Some accommodations may be needed for 2017 Essex Street display because there’s a section by PEM that is under construction. - Possible new ladies entering into the mix for 2017; Turner’s Seafood possible sponsor. - Still awaiting resolution by City Solicitor re: Village Tavern and LOS contract breach. Misc. Tom O’Shea has retired from DPW. We’ll need to update BComm info on City web site – delete Marc, add Denise and Colby (possibly Giulia). Possibly consider doing something/a project related to Salem So Sweet event in mid-February. Meeting adjourned 8:13p.m.