Members Meeting Minutes - November 19, 2009

Location: Exchange Hotel

Kevin Brady opened the meeting at 7 PM. He invited all attendees to introduce themselves.

Mike Campbell introduced Judith Spektor of the Farmers Market who spoke of the winter Farmers Market being held the Sunday before major Holidays at the Senior Center. from 12 o'clock to 4 PM.

Next on the agenda was Mike introducing Jacquie Roland, a local artist, who painted several canvases being displayed at the newly renovated Exchange Hotel dining room where the Chamber members meeting was held. Jacquie spoke of the long colorful history of the Exchange Hotel and how in the 1800s it was a meeting place where livestock and horses were actually exchanged.

Then Jean Campbell, another local artist, spoke of how she created the mural on the back wall of the Exchange Hotel after doing much research on Saugerties. The mural is done in a folk art style which is very charming.

Mike then introduced Jenn Mangione from the Cahill Elementary School PTA who spoke of the PTA's desire to upgrade the playground at the school. She showed the group a drawing of the proposed plan for the playground. She asked the Chamber members for any ideas they might have to raise funds for the playground renovation. Her presentation was very well received.

Peggy Schwartz suggested that we consider doing a tie-in event between the Chamber and the PTA to help raise the funds. Kevin Brady suggested that the Chamber donate $1000 towards the playground, which was seconded and approved unanamously by the members. Jacquie Wolf suggested that the PTA have an online auction with items donated from area residents.

Next Kevin Brady introduced Nancy Campbell who gave an update on the Holiday in the Village event scheduled for Dec 6,2009, saying that there will be many events taking part in this years event. Attendees can check with the Village website to see the complete schedule.

It was suggested that the Chamber give a donation to the Saugerties Animal Sactuary as a "thank you" to the Mayone family for having their horse pull the wagons for the Festival.

Mike Campbell acknowledged Board member Mark Smith for the design of this years Holiday in the Village poster.

It was mentioned that Chamber members remember to thank the volunteer Firemen for installing the lights on buildings for the Holiday Festival. Mark Smith announced that the annual Historical Society Holiday Tour of Homes will be taking place on Saturday, December 5th and would like the Chamber members to support the event.

Mike Campbell spoke of the possibility of the Chamber becoming a 501(c)3 organization so that certain donations can be used by people as a tax deduction. Dan Lamb is investigating this and will update the Chamber in the near future.

Jerry Schackne announced that the annual Mehorah lighting at Reis Parking lot will take place on Sunday, December 13th at 4 PM this year.

It was announced that the December 16th Members meeting will be at the Renwick Clifton House. This meeting will be strictly a social mixer and will not have an official speaker.

The meeting was adjourned at 8 PM.