Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
June 27, 2023
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:02 PM by Chair Mary Lynn Ritchings.
The following members were in attendance: Sue Deitz, Maryann Ellsworth, Dorothy Hadley, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, Robyn Palang, Sandy Pasola, Monica Post, Mary-Lynn Ritchings, Mary Steiner, Karen Testa, and Council Liaison Arlene Testa.
Joint Meeting Report: no report as there was no meeting
Update on Gardens: Chairperson Mary Lynn reported that gardens were looking beautiful. She thanked Gary and Chesla for helping her and Penny mulch the Parkway garden. She also thanked Chesla, Penny and Arlene for helping her, Robyn and MJ weed the Ocean/Broadway garden. Mary Lynn also reported that the Committee received Certification and sign for the Monarch Way Station; she thanked Gary for putting the sign on a post and erecting same; she looked at rocks for that site today and signs for the pollinator garden. Reach out to her if you need help weeding, mulching or watering. It’s wonderful that other members are willing to pitch in and help those in need. The Lake Louise garden sign is in disrepair.
Some of the sprinklers were repaired.
Gary reported that while mulching at the Elizabeth Avenue Garden he saw hundreds of young lantern flies all over the tall plants. When he called the Rutger’s Extension he was told that spraying oil on them will also kill butterflies and bees. The expert there told him that they do nothing.
Penny added that you can scrape them off and bag them.
Upon motion by Gary, with second by Sandy, the minutes of the May 23, 2023 meeting were unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Gary reported a balance of $1,069.86 after encumbering funds and ordering new flag poles today.
Update on Planters/Barrels: Chair Mary Lynn reported that the planter reservoirs were filled with water by the town sometime after June 20th. The small Vincas are not doing well.
Dorothy reported that squirrels had uprooted about 16 of her Vinca plants (Pepper will keep them away, but must be added after rainfall).
Garden Tour 2024: Mary Lynn reported that she had attended the Manasquan Garden Tour with Karen and Penny.
Arlene added that the Manasquan members had hats and umbrellas with flowers on them.
Mary Lynn reported that they had artists painting watercolors of the gardens at some of the venues and music at other gardens. Brick is having their Garden Tour on July 11th with tickets available at the Purple Iris. Our Garden Committee will be meeting in July.
Penny added that the Seaweeders have 200 members and the tour is a pretty intensive undertaking. So, everyone will need to help with our 2024 Tour.
Mary Lynn reported that Brick gets their gardens through word of mouth.
Beautification Facebook Page: Mary Lynn reported that she met with Pat Kile and the Beautification FB page will be an extension of the Borough’s Facebook page. Monica came up with several ideas for the Committee’s logo, which members in attendance viewed and discussed. If we want T-Shirts, the expenditure can come out of the Endowment Fund. Mary Lynn asked if we should add the word “Committee” to the logo. Consensus was to have “Point Beach Beautification Committee” on the logo along with the flowers. Discussion ensued regarding how many times new material should be added with the consensus being twice a month.
New Members: Christoper Mitchell asked Mary Lynn about becoming a member. She also had two people interested who attend the Recreation Committee walk on the Boardwalk with her.
Summer Meetings: There will be a regular meeting in July and a social meeting in August.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM upon motion by Arlene and second by Robyn.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
