Saint Johnsville 2016 Chamber Minutes Archive

St. Johnsville Chamber of Commerce Minutes - December 12, 2016

Kevin Enea opened the meeting at 12:00pm at the St. Johnsville Community House. Those present were members Kevin Enea, Karen Crouse, Bob Smith, Tony Licari, Sam Licari, Robin Wentworth, Judy Swartz, Shellie Walrath, Juanita Handy, Joe Brown, Dawn Lamphere, Bob Quackenbush, David Hollaran, Jim Katovitch and Karyn Bergen.

October minutes approved MSC Robert Smith/Robin Wentworth

Treasurer's Report:

Operating: $1090.35, Fundraising: $2385.17, Sign: 1353.49, Banner: $100, Scholarship: $200, Parade: $277.82, Total: $5406.95

The check that was pending to Gray's Greenhouse for the flowers on Main Street was not cashed, they requested that check be cancelled and a new one sent MSC Juanita Handy/Karyn Bergen

Correspondence: Fulton Montgomery Chamber Newsline

Unfinished Business:

The New Year's Celebration is almost finalized. There will be another meeting at the Library on Monday 11/28/16 to discuss final arrangements. Letters will be going out to businesses in the next week or so and emails will be sent out with request for helping hands at the event.

The Christmas Tree Lighting, Chili Supper and Festival of Wreaths will be held Sunday 12/4/16. The Chili Super will start at the American Legion at 3pm. The Tree Lighting will begin at 5pm with the drawing for the Wreaths to be held at 6:30pm. Santa will arrive at 5pm, Juanita is still trying to confirm with the Patterson brothers but is concerned that they may not be able to attend due to health issues. Discussions were made on someone that may be willing to participate as Santa and attempts have been made to ask Steve Battisti about horse drawn wagon rides. The wreaths will be done this Wednesday, Joe will pick up this week and distribute to businesses that have signed up to decorate. The decorated wreaths will be displayed at Kinney Drugs every day 9am-9pm and then placed in the locked entranceway at night. The tickets and buckets will be available at Kinney Drugs as well. There will be a total of 20 wreaths that will come with instructions on decorating them. Mrs. Brownell will be there with 12 students that have signed up to sing Christmas carols. Dawn is getting the books and candy canes to give out to the children. Karyn will get the cocoa and the cookies ad marshmallows for s'mores. Kevin will talk to Bill Vicciarelli about clean up after the bonfire and ask the fire department to be there during the bonfire. Juanita will do flyers and bring them to the school to hand out. The school has groups that will bake and donate cookies to hand out at the tree lighting and there are a two community members that will bake cookies to donate. All other businesses are encouraged to donate cookies as well.

New Business:

Other Business:

David Halloran discussed the plans for the Capital Project that will be voted on 12/13/16. I will attach the Capital Project Referendum which has the details of the proposed project. This project will replace the roofs for both building, provide a more accessible and secure entrance to the Jr/Sr building, update the science, agriculture and technology programs, an auditorium for the elementary school as well as many other repairs and additions that are needed at both schools. Please read the attached referendum and go to your polling location to vote on Tuesday December 13th between noon and 8pm. Important things brought up by Mr. Halloran during his presentation is that there will be no tax increase due to the capital project, there are absolutely no plans to close any schools and P-Tech will continue to utilize D.H. Robbins.

The Chamber of Commerce will pay BUG Country $250 for advertising for The Last Night MSC Judy Swartz/Karyn Bergen

Announcements

A special meeting for finalizing plans for the Christmas Tree Lighting/Festival of Wreaths will be held at the Library Monday 11/28/16 at 6:30pm

The next monthly meeting is on Monday December 12, 2016 at noon at the Community House.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30PM

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St. Johnsville Chamber of Commerce Minutes - November 14, 2016

October minutes approved MSC Robert Smith/Robin Wentworth Treasurer’s Report: Operating: $1090.35, Fundraising: $2385.17, Sign: 1353.49, Banner: $100, Scholarship: $200, Parade: $277.82, Total: $5406.95 The check that was pending to Gray’s Greenhouse for the flowers on Main Street was not cashed, they requested that check be cancelled and a new one sent MSC Juanita Handy/Karyn Bergen Correspondence: Fulton Montgomery Chamber Newsline Unfinished Business: The New Year’s Celebration is almost finalized. There will be another meeting at the Library on Monday 11/28/16 to discuss final arrangements. Letters will be going out to businesses in the next week or so and emails will be sent out with request for helping hands at the event.

The Christmas Tree Lighting, Chili Supper and Festival of Wreaths will be held Sunday 12/4/16. The Chili Super will start at the American Legion at 3pm. The Tree Lighting will begin at 5pm with the drawing for the Wreaths to be held at 6:30pm. Santa will arrive at 5pm, Juanita is still trying to confirm with the Patterson brothers but is concerned that they may not be able to attend due to health issues. Discussions were made on someone that may be willing to participate as Santa and attempts have been made to ask Steve Battisti about horse drawn wagon rides. The wreaths will be done this Wednesday, Joe will pick up this week and distribute to businesses that have signed up to decorate. The decorated wreaths will be displayed at Kinney Drugs every day 9am-9pm and then placed in the locked entranceway at night. The tickets and buckets will be available at Kinney Drugs as well. There will be a total of 20 wreaths that will come with instructions on decorating them. Mrs. Brownell will be there with 12 students that have signed up to sing Christmas carols. Dawn is getting the books and candy canes to give out to the children. Karyn will get the cocoa and the cookies ad marshmallows for s’mores. Kevin will talk to Bill Vicciarelli about clean up after the bonfire and ask the fire department to be there during the bonfire. Juanita will do flyers and bring them to the school to hand out. The school has groups that will bake and donate cookies to hand out at the tree lighting and there are a two community members that will bake cookies to donate. All other businesses are encouraged to donate cookies as well.

Jim Katovitch provided some information on the Community Activities Council that he is a part of. The idea behind this council is to raise funds and seek out grants to sponsor the activities. They hold different fundraisers through the year such as barrel drives, a Big Bang Club which gets monetary donations from community members, Minute Men Club for donated goods and services, etc. This is something the Chamber will be discussing in the next few meetings and if it’s of interest then discussion will have to take place to determine the best way to transition. New Business: Other Business: David Halloran discussed the plans for the Capital Project that will be voted on 12/13/16. I will attach the Capital Project Referendum which has the details of the proposed project. This project will replace the roofs for both building, provide a more accessible and secure entrance to the Jr/Sr building, update the science, agriculture and technology programs, an auditorium for the elementary school as well as many other repairs and additions that are needed at both schools. Please read the attached referendum and go to your polling location to vote on Tuesday December 13th between noon and 8pm. Important things brought up by Mr. Halloran during his presentation is that there will be no tax increase due to the capital project, there are absolutely no plans to close any schools and P-Tech will continue to utilize D.H. Robbins.

The Chamber of Commerce will pay BUG Country $250 for advertising for The Last Night MSC Judy Swartz/Karyn Bergen Announcements A special meeting for finalizing plans for the Christmas Tree Lighting/Festival of Wreaths will be held at the Library Monday 11/28/16 at 6:30pm

The next monthly meeting is on Monday December 12, 2016 at noon at the Community House.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30pm.

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St. Johnsville Chamber of Commerce Minutes October 3, 2016

Juanita Handy opened the meeting at 12:00pm at Margaret Reaney Memorial Library. Those present were members Bob Smith, Tony Licari, Sam Licari, Robin Wentworth, Judy Swath, Shellie Walrath, Juanita Handy, Joe Brown, Dawn Lamphere, Crystal Napier, Bob Quackenbush and Karyn Bergen.

Treasurer's Report:

Operating: $1550.35, Fundraising: $2385.17, Sign: 1353.49, Banner: $100, Scholarship: $200, Parade: $277.82, Total: $5866.83

There is still a check pending that was paid to Gray's Greenhouse for the flowers on Main Street and $600 has been paid to Ripepis for the annual dinner.

Correspondence: None

Unfinished Business:

The New Year's Celebration is to be held in St Johnsville 12/31/16 with most events between 3pm and 9pm. There will be a bail drop at 8:50pm and possibly a bonfire. Historic tours will be offered in library, Community House with "warming spots" to be offered at different locations such as the St. Johnsville Rehab and Nursing Center. There will be a red trolley brought in to transport between sites. Family portraits will be offered 2pm-4:30pm at the Community House with Kinney's participation for photos. Linda Lee and Fox Creek Band will be at the Masonic Temple. There will be a folk musician as well as a time capsule. Children’s activities possibly at the Youth Center 3pm-6pm (balloon man, parlor games, crafts, new years eve games, a DJ). Bob Smith has the ball, there is some signage from the celebration that was held in Fort Plain last year. Dawn will notify Chamber in the next month if help is needed. Possibly Lee Publications for advertising. Letters will go out to businesses to invite them to join in on activities/advertising to make this a full community event

New Business:

Shellie has decided to step down as Treasurer but will continue to participate in Chamber activities and planning. Sam Licari has been nominated as Treasurer MSC Joe Brown/Judy Swath. Shellie will work with Sam to make it a smooth transition.

The Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Sunday 12/4/16 at 5pm. There will be cookies and hot cocoa, bonfire, s'mores, wagon rides, Santa visit, the tree and display, small gift for the kids, and carols. Joey and Danny Patterson will be asked to do the wagon rides and Santa, Dawn will order the books to give to the kids as well as talk to the American Legion about using their property. She will also talk with Bill Vicciarelli about the bonfire and cleaning and Chief Callen about support from the police department. Juanita will talk to Mrs. Brownell about possibly having the choir lead the Christmas carols.

The Festival of Wreaths was discussed and decided that a combination of real and artificial wreaths will once again be used. Bob Quackenbush, Sam Licari and Joe Brown will have a committee to work on plans for placement of the wreaths and report back to the Chamber.

Dawn will ask the American Legion about plans for the Chili dinner and see now many Chamber members they need to assist.

The issue of the dues changing from January to January has been tabled for this month as there was some concern over the need for a Chamber of Commerce vs. a Merchant Association. The Chamber will request a meeting with the Fort Plain Merchants Association/Activities Community and discuss the benefits of one versus the other.

Several businesses have offered the second Monday of every month as a better day for the Chamber meetings so this has been changed MSC Sam Licari/Bob Quackenbush

Joe Brown and Crystal Napier have been discussing fundraising this fall/winter for the Springfest Parade. Joe has spoken with Texas BBQ about holding a BBQ dinner fundraiser and, if that goes well, potentially having Texas BBQ for the Springfest chicken BBQ. Joe will be sending out letters to recruit more bands to participate in hopes of bringing people to support the local businesses and vendors.

The next monthly meeting is on Monday November 14, 2016 at noon at the Community House.

Kevin Enea opened the meeting at 12:00pm at Parkside. Those present were members Kevin Enea, Carmen Licari, Judy Swath, Shellie Walrath, Juanita Handy, Joe Brown, Dawn Lamphere, Crystal Napier, Tony Susi, Bob Quackenbush and Dave Briggs.

Unanimous disappointment with Springfest, hence in 2017 Springfest will be May 11, 12 and a parade on the 13th

The Chicken BBQ. albeit a success was lacking hands, especially on the line and clean up. There are thoughts of using Brooks BBQ next year or looking at Tex's BBQ out of Palatine Bridge who would be interested in joining the Chamber if we consider them.

There is all upcoming trip that the American Legion is sponsoring to Washington D.C. and there are currently 18 seats available if interested.

Dave Briggs spoke about our insurance coverage and he is looking to insure the Chamber Building on Carmen's lot for $ 10.000.

Arrangements are being made for continuous watering of the plants on Main Street and Carmen has purchased a golf cart, available to make this process easier for whomever is doing it.

There is no meeting in July. We are anticipating Ice Cream Social at the Marina and the Cycle the Eric Canal bike event will be coming through town on Friday July 15, 2016 later on in the day

Plans are underway for the annual Chamber meeting/dinner to tentatively be held Wednesday September 7, 2016 at Ripepi's.

The next monthly meeting is on Monday August I, 2016 at noon at the St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Kevin Enea opened the meeting at 12:00pm. Those present were members Kevin Enea, Joe Brown, Carmen Licari, Judy Swath, Juanita Handy, Bob Quackenbush, Laurie Jean Britton, Robin Wentworth, Patricia Laux, Aaron Manikas, Alex Ruggeri, John Geesler and Karyn Bergen.

Received five sponsors for Towpath Run. 2015-2016 Budget No changes were made

Chicken BBQ- Make sure Carmen is notified of any tickets sold. Alex from FM Chamber will take tickets to sell at their office. Need cupcakes, 2 batches from members. Carmen will cook beans at the store, coleslaw will be prepared Thursday. Potatoes will be cooked outside. Carmen will call Stewarts about milk and Parkside about butter.

Towpath Run- Carmen will supply the water. Will need volunteers for on the route, Joe Brown will contact Softball coach to ask players to volunteer. John has a signup for volunteers for finish line. Police have been made aware that they will be needed. Carmen will supply fruit and cookies, to be reimbursed. Waiting to hear back on yogurt from Fage. All volunteers need to meet at the Marina.

Bake Sale will be held Saturday at 9am in front of NBT Bank instead of Friday

Block Party is arranged with BUG Country doing live remote and DJ. Will be held out in back parking lot and patio.

Advertising- Teaser ads started today. Have 10 additional support sponsors totaling 50 ads. Will start 5/17 and run through Springtest. American Legion wants to run center page in Pennysaver and will split cost with the Chamber for $250 each. MSC Juanita Handy/Joe Brown Kevin will ask Dawn about putting ad in Leader Herald and Courier.

Garage Sales/Vendors- Have some contracts signed for vendors. Garage sale participants will have to notify the Village

Donations- Big M is donating water, KFC donating coleslaw, letters have been sent out to businesses requesting donations

Parade- Next meeting this Wednesday at 1pm at the American Legion. Looking for more marching bands to participate.

Carmen will contact Fucillo about possibly sponsoring a firework show New Business:

There will be a special meeting on Monday May 16, 2016 at noon at the American Legion to finalize Springfest

The next monthly meeting is on Monday June 6, 2016 at noon Meeting adjourned at 1:12pm.

Kevin Enea opened the meeting at 12:00pm. Those present were members Kevin Enea, Laurie Britton, Delsie Hart, Carmen Licari, Judy Swartz, Shellie Walrath, Juanita Handy, Dawn Lamphere, Robin Wentworth, Karen Crouse and Karyn Bergen.

Operating Account- $606.68; Fundraiser- $2385.17; Scholarship Account- $200.00; Parade Account- $277.82; Banner Account- $100.00; Sign Maintenance- $1353.13

Margaret Hastings Vendor application and payment, the Vendor list from Gail of those invited to participate in Springfest. Still awaiting a letter regarding the grant application.

Beauty Pageant- Will not take place this year due to Middle School/High School concert planned for that Thursday night.

Jail n’ Bail- Cathy will coordinate the event. Kevin will make copies of Bail Sheets.

Chicken BBQ- Carmen has mailed out tickets for members to sell. Will need cupcakes donated for dessert. Carmen will order 425 chicken halves, already has one and a half tubs of coleslaw.

Bicycle Rodeo- Chief Callen has helmets for Rodeo. Will need to talk to PAWS about participation and possibly seniors volunteering.

Towpath Run- Sponsor letters need to be sent out. John still needs volunteers to help organize run. Carmen will take care of fruit and water for the day of the run.

Saturday Night Party- St. Johnsville Rehab and Nursing have offered to host the block party. BUG country will be DJ’ing the event with the Rehab and Nursing Center covering the cost.

Donations- Letters have been sent out to local corporations to request donations. Will resend letters and add AmeriGas and Big M.

Carmen is looking into a car show for Saturday and will ask Parkside about hosting. He will also be having a hot dog and soda for $1 on Friday and possibly Saturday.

Advertising- Will have 10- 30 second teaser ads on both BUG and WBTL to run during the week that Springfest has usually been held and will also advertise for the Towpath Run. There will also be 10- 60 second ads on both stations to run leading up to Springfest. The cost of the 10 teaser ads and the 10 full ads will be $550. Members will have the opportunity to ad 4 ads to BUG for $100 and the business will be acknowledged as a thank you at the end of the commercials. Lori will contact the businesses to request sponsor. The Chamber can then run matching ads on WBTL for $5 each. MSC Dawn Lamphere/Judy Swartz

There will be a parade meeting Wednesday April 13, 2016 at 1pm at the American Legion.

St. Mary’s opened the Urgent Care at the St. Johnsville Rehab and Nursing Center which was a success. Peggy Rodriguez from the Governor’s Office was at the opening and has been invited to attend the next Chamber meeting.

There will be a special meeting on Monday April 18, 2016 at noon at the American Legion to discuss Springfest

Kevin Enea opened the meeting at 12:01pm. Those present were members Kevin Enea, Laurie Britton, Patty Laux, Debbie Senft, David Holloran, Juanita Handy, Dawn Lamphere, Robin Wentworth, Karen Crouse and Karyn Bergen.

Deb Senft would like to print out some postcards of the local landmarks and have ready for Springfest parade. She will bring them for Chamber approval. She’s looked at them at Vistaprint, not looking for finance from the Chamber, would make them available for the Library and other local businesses.

Last Night – Next meeting will be Monday 3/14/16 at 6pm at the library, fundraising taking place to cover costs. 10 week club, drawings to win money will take place on Monday nights from 4/4/16 through 6/6/16. Dawn will send email with details. Meatloaf dinner will be held on 4/30/16 at the Community House at 4pm and 6pm. After dinner and music Karen Crouse will provide a tour of the building. The theme for Last Night is celebrating the past and welcoming the future. The Last Night celebration will start at 4pm and the ball will drop at 9pm.

Tax grant application has been sent to Fulton Montgomery to request grant to help the village.

New business on corner needs some guidance from the Chamber about advertising and potentially a ribbon cutting during Springfest for the new businesses in the Village.

OESJ will have Q&A in April about Capital Project. There is new growth with P-Tech at DHR and potential distance learning with Cobleskill as well as potential collaboration with FMCC for special education.

The next monthly meeting is on Monday April 4, 2016 at noon at the American Legion

Kevin Enea opened the meeting at 12:00pm. Those present were members Kevin Enea, Shellie Walrath, Joe Brown, Bob Quackenbush, Tony Susi, Charlie Weaver, Mayor Bernie Barnes, Chief Diana Callen, Mary Rackmyer, Bill Vicciarelli, Christine Clark, Juanita Handy, Karen Crouse, Delsie Hart, Dawn Lamphere, Judy Swartz, Robin Wentworth and Karyn Bergen.

Operating Account- $541.68; Fundraiser- $2385.17; Scholarship Account- $200.00; Parade Account- $277.82; Banner Account- $100.00; Sign Maintenance- $1353.08

Will approve payment for following: $70 to Carmen for member sticker. $100 to each Patterson for Christmas Tree Lighting. MSC Karyn Bergen/Dawn Lamphere

Received one payment from Bassett Healthcare. 35 paid members total for this year.

FM Chamber Newsline, NBT Statement, Member stickers, Thank you from the Benefit Club for Christmas donation, “The Breakfast Buzz” from the FM Chamber to be held at the Community House February 19, 2016 7:30am-9am for all members.

Joe Brown is building webpage through Wix.com with members page and events. Currently collecting information with updated members list, pictures, contact information. We’re looking for more suggestions. Would like to add Village link and Facebook link. Hoping to launch by the end of the month. Events announcements will go on main page.

Springfest- Carmen Licari will head up the Chicken BBQ and will need at least one person to help. He also suggested holding Springfest Memorial Day weekend and combine with the American Legion for the parade on May 30, 2016. Will need to contact suppliers and participants to see if these dates are available. The date will be changed to May 27, 28 and 29 will the parade on May 30 MSC Joe Brown/Judy Swartz

We will still need additional volunteers to assist with these functions. Judy Swartz has agreed o help Carmen with the Chicken BBQ. Juanita Handy and Judy Swartz will work with the American Legion for the parade. Shellie Walrath will work on the vendors and will contact Gail Murray for the vendor list. Joe Brown and Karyn Bergen will assist with whatever committee has a need. An email will be sent out to request sign-ups. Another meeting will be held on Monday February 22 to discuss Springfest further.

Last Night- Theme “Celebrating the past, welcoming the future” Had a meeting last Tuesday, next meeting is Monday February 8 at 6pm at the Library. Christine is the Fundraiser, estimating $5,000-6,000 needed to hold function. They are discussing having the event held at noon rather than midnight. Ideas for events are welcome.

Member stickers have started being distributed. If any member hasn’t received them they need to contact Shellie Walrath.

We will have a Springfest meeting on Monday February 22, 2016 at noon at the St. Johnsville Community House

Kevin Enea opened the meeting at 12:00pm. Those present were members Juanita Handy, Kevin Enea, Shellie Walrath, Joe Brown, Carmen Licari, Bob Smith, Bob Quackenbush, Tony Susi, Charlie Weaver and Karyn Bergen.

Operating Account- $1038.91; Fundraiser- $2,385.17; Scholarship Account- $200.00; Parade Account- $277.82; Banner Account- $100.00; Sign Maintenance- $1,353.02

Will approve payment for following: $100.40 for the credit card, $245 for yearly dues to Fulton-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce (will pay this year and re-evaluate the benefits provided to county chamber members), $240 out of Sign Maintenance to add Bob Smith and AmeriGas to Marina Sign after their deposits, $52.42 to Shellie Walrath for supplies purchased for Tree Lighting, $100 to each Patterson for Tree Lighting, $94.41 to Carmen for decorations for the booth and clock.. MSC Juanita Handy/Carmen Licari

FM Chamber 2016 Celebration and Cocktail Party invitation for 1/22/16, FM Chamber Newsline, OESJ News.

The Tree Lighting went very well. We will send out a thank you to Rachel for singing for us last minute and doing a great job. A thank you and $100 for each Patterson for the wagon rides and Santa.

The Chili and Wreath did not bring in as much funds as previous years. Will start planning for this event earlier this year, possibly look at location of wreaths and tickets being sold. Other business suggested holding this event on a Monday since most restaurants are closed on Mondays.

Joe Brown will work on webpage and head committee, Karyn Bergen will assist as well as any others that would like to join committee.

Facebook page for the Chamber has been up, members are encouraged to provide information to Karyn Bergen on upcoming events that the Chamber can help advertise.

Springfest- will form committees at February meeting to work on each event in Springfest.

New Years Last Night Celebration- Dawn Lamphere and Christine Clark have been appointed to coordinate the celebration.