Chairperson Mary Lynn Ritchings called the meeting to order at 7:03.

Roll Call

Attendees were as follows:  Joan Crowe, Maryann Ellsworth, Maureen Kale, Janine Mastrokalos, Robyn Palang, Sandy Pasola, Monica Post, Mary Lynn Ritchings, Mary Steiner, Karen Testa, Chesla Wechsler, Arlene Testa, and Sue Deitz.

Review and approve February 28, 2023 meeting minutes

No changes were proposed.  Janine Mastrokalos moved to approve and Maryann Ellsworth seconded.   Minutes are approved with 11 in person votes and 1 in absentia votes from Gary Mecca, who approved the meeting minutes as written and unchanged.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Gary Mecca is not in attendance tonight but no change from last time.  We will start the spring purchases soon.

We received $2000 in grant money from the Fisher Foundation which goes into the Endowment Fund.

There may be a way to get sponsorships for projects in the future.  Arlene Testa will report out on progress that’s been made at next meeting.

We still have the $75 Chamber Gift Card that we won for the scarecrow contest.  We will probably use it at Bain’s for purchases for the spring plantings.

Joining Forces Meeting Report

Mary Steiner reported on the JFM.  There were only four attendees.  Purchasing insurance is being handled on behalf of all committees and that’s still in progress.  ShamRock is coming up 4/1.  Improving the bandshell was discussed (touching up the mural, benches, possibly increasing the size of the pad where the benches go, etc.).   This is still very tentative, so stay tuned.

Planters/Gardens (clean-up, assignments, fertilizer)

The greens in the planters should be removed ASAP as they are getting quite brown.  It’s time to clean up gardens.  We are ordering fertilizer for the spring plantings when the flowers come in.

A signup sheet for the end of April was distributed to clean up the planters and put the plugs in.  The work will include cleaning up the potting mix (clean out garbage, pine needles, top off with potting mix).  Planter people should visit their planters if possible to do preliminary cleaning.

Caryn Byrnes would like to maintain the planters by the bus stop.  Arlene, Monica Post, and Janine volunteered to cover the planters on the corner of Arnold/35.

Arlene is in discussions with Christine Riehl for the town to fill the planters with water once per month.   We request they be filled initially between the 15^th and 20th of May and then monthly after that.  Flowers will be planted in the week of the 22^nd and the planters should be full of water at that time.

Mary Lynn will look into funnels for helping to water the planters.

Flower Order

Flowers will be delivered to Sandy Pasola’s house.  Karen Testa will touch base with the florist, Andrew Seemar, to get an idea of the delivery date. Karen will also ask if we should save any of the plastic trays for the florist.

Flag Assembly

Arlene reported that DPW is primed to hang flags and banners and we just need to make the call.  We’ll target after Memorial Day so that they are up by July 4^th and look nice for the bulk of the summer.

Special Project-Niblick/Randall Garden report

The sprinkler system will be installed the week of April 10^th.  We need the garden outlined before then so that the sprinkler people know where to put it.  A signup sheet was passed out at the  meeting but please sign up if you missed the meeting.  Once it’s laid out, we can estimate stone and soil needs.

The  Point Pleasant Garden Club is starting up a pollinator garden.  They are demonstrating how to test soil if anyone is interested.

It makes sense to do a comprehensive soil test for the Niblick/Randall garden before investing in plants.  Joan Crowe will do some soil testing ($20).

No one wanted the azaleas or boxwoods from the Niblick/Randall garden.  The roses will be trimmed back to see if they thrive this year.  If not, Mary is interested in them for the gazebo.

Bay Head Landscaping has free clean fill.

Open Discussion

The garden near the sign needs mulch.  There is still money in the endowment fund for that garden.  Joan needs to estimate the need and get a price so as to get refunded from the endowment fund.  Janine reports a yucca will also be added and be green all year long.

Monica asked whether we could paint the planters in the gazebo area but Mary was not enthused about that.  The paint on the planters in the bandshell is flaking a bit.

Robyn got a hydroponic planter and highly recommends them. She will send a link to what she purchased to the membership.

Arlene asked whether we want to pursue doing a DIY garden tour. [ Manasquan is having one June 22^nd.  Tickets are available in some stores. ] Please start thinking about whether you have a garden or know someone who has a garden that you’d want to showcase.   Joan thinks we could combine it with education on the gardens.

One thought is to advertise that we’re looking for DIY gardens to possibly feature on a garden tour.   Looking for people who are interested whose garden we can see this year for possible inclusion next year.  We could also have two categories, DIY and with professional assistance.

Arlene can host a starter meeting.  Mary Lynn will send an email soliciting interested members to hash out the details.

Public Portion

No one from the public was in attendance.

Joan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM and Sandy seconded.