11-14-17 BComm Minutes
Salem Beautification Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2017
(This was a combined monthly meeting for October, November, and December 2017)
In attendance: Sam Fiore, Giulia Bellofotto, Sandi Power, Mary Ellen Halliwell, Lisa Lyons
Absent: Denise Balfe, Barb Sirois, Marcia Lambert, Ellen Talkowsky
Meeting started at 7:10
September Minutes approved. Motion to approve: Mary Ellen Halliwell, seconded Giulia Bellofotto
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Brief conversation about the pumpkins, winners, and the couple that got engaged at the pumpkin trailer. It was agreed that the two Salem State University interns (Jair and Tom) were an enormous help coordinating and tracking the pumpkin entries.
Traffic Islands
Sandi Power worked 8 hours (today) – cleaning containers; she is considering getting holiday greens for them from Darlene’s.
Sam Fiore said that RCG is willing to get two more containers for the upper Washington Street traffic island. The Beautification Committee will discuss irrigation and other ideas for this traffic island in January, 2018.
General conversation about irrigation at certain traffic islands.
It was mentioned that there is not irrigation at the Bank of America traffic island and that it is being hand-watered.
Mill Hill traffic island does have irrigation.
Possible discussion in January re: irrigation at Jefferson and Loring Ave. traffic islands.
Lady of Salem
Mary Ellen Halliwell gave an update on the Ladies of Salem. The Creative Salem Lady is being worked on. Sam Fiore dropped off two ladies for repair. Remaining Ladies are in the YMCA basement for winter storage.
Leslie’s Retreat Monument Ideas
The Committee talked about ideas for highlighting this important historical monument. Ideas included adding cobblestones near monument, a possible bench. Potentially, we could speak with, and partner with area business to help fund and construct a bench. Mary Ellen Halliwell talked about the Community Preservation Grant and showed the Committee the application. It was voted that we should submit an application for supporting funds for this endeavor. Mary Ellen Halliwell will fill out the application and submit by the January 4, 2018 deadline. It will be necessary to decide who will lead and work this effort; Beautification Committee resources are stretched thin.
SATV BComm Promotion/Video Ideas
Brief conversation about promotional video opportunity with SATV. Chair asked Committee to think of ideas that might include mission statement, humorous quips, and existing photos and videos to tell the Salem Beautification story. Potentially, it’s a video or a series of seasonal ‘loops’ that could be played at different times throughout the year to highlight spring happenings, traffic islands, fall happenings, Lady of Salem, etc.
December Activities
At this time, the Salem Beautification Committee is waiting to hear about downtown Salem holiday decorating opportunities (wreaths and ribbon wrapping around lamp posts).
Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Lyons
Chair and Secretary