Members Meeting Minutes - October 29, 2009

Meeting Location: Kiersted House

Theme: Saugerties not for profits

Kevin Brady opened the meeting at 7 PM. As usual, he asked attendees to introduce themselves and tell what business they represented.

The first not-for-profit organization on the agenda was the Saugerties Area Council of Churches. Reverend Hart presented the mission of the Council. He said the suborganizations included:

A group within the organization that organizes birthday celebrations for underprivileged children.
Another group called 'The Well' which collects and distributes clothing to the underprivileged in our area.
The "Finger Emergency Fund', which helps people in need get through a bad time (one time only).
The Christmas Toy Store, which collects toys and clothes and gives them to underprivledged children before Christmas.
The Saugerties Area Food Pantry, which gives canned and packaged foodstuff to needy area residents. The Council also holds Vacation Bible School in the summer months.

Miriam Adams asked the Council how the area businesses can support their work. Reverend Hart replied "with donations of money, toys, food and volunteering".

Next on the agenda was the Ulster-Green ARC presented by Jo Cicale. She mentioned that the organization helps 1,300 to 2,000 people who have disabilities. She said that the organization is a grass roots group and is based on early intervention. The organization desperately needs funding at this time.

Next was the Saugerties Historical Society presented by Marjorie Block. She spoke of the mission of the Society which is to teach and share the rich history of Saugerties with the residents and students.

The Esopus Creek Conservancy was the next organization presented by Susan Bolitzer. The group was started by some concerned community members getting together to raise money to purchase a certain tract of land near the Creek. The group is now busy building walkways and bridges on the property. One of the big pushes for the organization at this time is to become partners with the statewide Land Trust. Susan announced that there was an information pamphlet available to any attendees who wanted one.

The Saugerties Art Lab was next on the agenda. Katie Emerson-Hoss announced that Art Lab celebrated its 5th anniversary last month with a meeting at the Kiersted House. She also announced and that all of the programs the Art Lab puts on are free to area residents. There is a 'Family Fun Night' at the Inquiring Mind Bookstore. The main purpose of Art Lab is to have a venue where people can express themselves in a creative way. In the near future Art Lab plans to have space in the Carousel Building. Donations and volunteers are some of the support the Art Lab would make good use of.

The next not-for-profit was the Farmers Market presented by Judith Spektor, who said that for the colder winter months the Market would be held indoors at the Senior Center each Sunday before major Holidays. Everyone can support the Market by simply attending the Markets. The indoor Market features many local food products as well as some arts and crafts. Local businesses can support the Market by posting fliers. Judith announced that the Market will be using some vacant storefronts to display window designs promoting the Market. There is a weekly e-newsletter available to anyone who would like to register to receive it online.

Barbara Bravo and Gus Peterson were next, representing the Saugerties Artists Tour. They announced that they just held the 7th Tour this past August, and it was a huge success. Barbara read the mission statement and goals of the organization. She also spoke of the new program which was started this year called the Artist's Boxes, where artists express themselves through executing small boxes which were hidden in various places throughout the Saugerties area. The boxes will be on display starting Nov. 2 at Cafe Mezzaluna. Gus Peterson asked attendees if they had any other creative ideas that could be utilized by the Artists Tour Artists.

Next on the agenda was a relatively new organization called 'Healthcare is a Human Right" presented by Susan Weeks. She spoke about the background of the organization as well as her professional career as a healthcare provider. The objective of the organization is to supply holistic clinics to those in need. She also spoke of the need to obtain grant money in order to continue their work. The group desperately needs the help of a grant writer. At this time they are providing 3 clinics but would like to do more to help more people.

Next on the agenda was Nancy Campbell, who will be taking the reigns as the Director of the Woodstock School of Art in January 2010. Nancy spoke of the School's 70 year history. The school offers art classes throughout the year. Attendees can check the School's website for classes offered. Among the classes offered are the

popular $8 Wednesday night sketch class.

Kevin Brady thanked the not-for-profit organizations for participating in this month's meeting.

Michael Campbell announced that seven additional artists will be participating in the member-to-member discount program. He also spoke of the idea of having a video produced highlighting some of the Chamber's businesses to be shown on the Chambers website as well as a link to the videos on the Village and Towns websites. This idea will be discussed in more detail at future Board and Members meetings. One of the SACofC members who is a photographer, Michael Nelson, said that he would be interested in doing the videos when they were ready. Mery Rosado mentioned that Michael has a new website (tellyourstory.com) about local people.

Michael Campbell gave an update on the proposed 'what's happening' bulletin board ... which is now being suggested be located on the outside wall of the Tango Cafe near the corner of Partition and Main Streets. Construction ideas from Carpenters and artists will be considered to execute the project.

Mike also mentioned that volunteers are needed for the upcoming 'Hors'n Around Saugerties' art project for this year. Additionally Mike spoke about the website, (UlsterCountyAlive.com) which promotes events and businesses of interest in the area. Any announcements from area organizations will be accepted if it's under 400 characters in length. This is a great resource that organizations should be aware of.

In answer to a question, Mike said that this year's Members discounts for fuel oil and ptopane are posted on the Chambers website.

The meeting was adjorned at approximately 8:45 PM.