Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee
August 24, 2021 Minutes
Meeting called to order by Mary Steiner at 7:07pm.
Attendees: Mary Steiner, Alan Steiner, Sue Dietz, Sandy Pasola, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Karen Testa, Robyn Palang, John Palang, Karin Magala, Barbara Palombo, Lou Vassalotti, Chesla Wechsler
Minutes: Mary S. read minutes from July meeting. There were no corrections. Alan made a motion to accept minutes and Sandy seconded. It was suggested that the minutes be sent to committee members prior to meeting via email.
Planters and Barrels: Mary Lynn reported that the flowers in the planters are growing beautifully. She reminded volunteers to keep mandevilla vines from dangling below the vinca flowers and to pull weeds around the planters. She also reminded everyone to secure the plug after watering to keep debris from going into the reservoir. Mary will speak to John Trout about replacing barrel by Hoffman’s ice cream. Mary questioned how the planters will be replaced if they get damaged. Since there is no money left in grant or budget we would have to look into town insurance or getting the driver who damaged it to replace it.
Gardens: Mary reported that the sprinkler systems are all working well.
Chesla said the garden planter in front of borough hall needs something more striking. No plantings seem to do well there and the soil may have to be replaced. The committee members agreed it needs revamping. Sue D. also expressed that there should be more plantings under the welcome sign coming into town.
Scarecrow Contest: Sandy P. said she would like the scarecrows to be displayed at the gazebo by October 16. Several classrooms in the Antrim School participate and Sandy is not sure what will happen because of masking and covid restrictions. The Point Beach Arts Committee spoke to Sandy about the scarecrow contest and possibly coordinating efforts. Karen T. suggested putting up a sign by the gazebo and posting on social media so the residents know what is happening. Since the committee members vote on the scarecrows to win prizes in different categories, it is important that members stop at the gazebo to view them. Mary will bring photos of the scarecrows to the October meeting.
Christmas Decorations: Mary said we need to decide what we will put on the garland that goes around the light poles in town. Mary felt that the suggestion to put little lights on the garland was not feasible. The lights would be plugged in at the top of the light posts and it would be too difficult for our committee members to climb a ladder that high. She said Andy C. said a different cover would also be needed. Perhaps solar lights could be an option to look into.
Other suggestions: Sandy P. suggested silver or gold ribbon instead of tinsel garland could be added to the green garland after it was up. It was suggested to take one garland, put it on the pole and decorate it to see what it looks like. Everyone liked that idea. Mary will send out an email to the committee about working on the garland next month so committee can make a decision.
Boat Garden (corner of Ocean Ave. and Broadway): Mary said that Penny M. Lynn P. and MJ would someone to take care of the weeding on the section of the garden where there is no boat. Karen T. and her husband volunteered to do it.
Public Portion: Peter Ritchings mentioned that he appreciates everything the Beautification Committee has doe for the town.
Alan S. made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 pm. Robyn seconded the motion.
