Cornwall Free Library

Minutes of the December 13, 2004 Meeting

Present: Janet Gold, presiding, Paul De Angelis, John Green, Pam Jones, Dominique Lasseur, Roxana Laughlin, Julie Schieffelin, Ann Schillinger, and Jean Vitalis. Absent: Alec Frost, Norma Lake, Amy Worthington-Cady, Library Director.

Janet Gold called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Upon motion by Ann Schillinger, seconded by Paul De Angelis, the November minutes were accepted with the following corrections:

· Catherine Tatge is helping to plan the February 6 benefit but is not a member of the selection committee for the program;

· The name of the she represents is the Cornwall Consolidated School Fund for Excellence;

· A cross-section of Cornwall residents will be invited to participate in the strategic planning exercise, not the January 15 interviews.

Treasurer’s Report: John Green reported that the Library’s finances should be OK through December, with about $6,000 in hand and some $1,200 to be deposited. January’s financial condition will depend on the success of the Annual Fund solicitation.

President’s Report: Janet Gold reported that gift certificates had been purchased as Christmas presents for the two librarians and as a gesture of appreciation to Will Calhoun and Alexa Venturini for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the Library. There was a discussion whether such presents should be personally underwritten by board members or included as annual budget items. Janet also suggested holding a party at the Library to show appreciation for the Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department, perhaps during Fire Safety Week.

Development Committee. The rest of the meeting was devoted to the Sam Waterston event. Roxana Laughlin and Amy Cady have reviewed the Library benefit mailing list (about 1,600 people) and shared it with Catherine Tatge’s committee at the December 12 planning meeting. Board members should give Roxana the names of people outside Cornwall who should receive invitations. Jean Vitalis will draft a sponsorships ($500 and $250) letter for Dusty Sandmeyer’s use in approaching Cornwall businesses.

Jean noted that procedures for handling ticket and contributions still need to be determined as well as deciding how benefit checks should be made out (e.g., “Cornwall Library Association-Sam Waterston event”). John Green will check this question with the Library’s accountant, and Janet will consult with Dr. Fitz about the School’s part on the financial side. Jean emphasized the necessity of joint prompt acknowledgment of all ticket orders and contributions. No reservations will be accepted without accompanying payment.

Other arrangements for the February 6 event: A notice will be put in the January Cornwall Chronicle, and a poster with Sam Waterston’s picture will be designed. Harriette Dorsen will draft a “save the date’ letter to be mailed on January 6 over Catherine Tatge’s signature, and general invitations will be mailed on the 10^th. Ilisha Helfman will be responsible for design. A tentative program has been sent to Sam Waterston with the tentative title “An Afternoon of Letters.” Alexa Venturini will do the food; parking and shuttle buses still need to be arranged.

Upon motion by Jean Vitalis and seconded by Ann Schillinger, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Julie Schieffelin, Secretary