Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Beautification Committee Minutes
November 30, 2022
The meeting at the Borough Hall was called to order at 7:02 PM by Committee Chair Mary Lynn Ritchings.
The following members were in attendance: Maryann Ellsworth, Dorothy Hadley, Janine Mastrokalos, Gary Mecca, Penny Mecca, Sandy Pasola, Monica Post, Chesla Wechsler, Mary Lynn Ritchings, and Mary Steiner.
As there was not a quorum, the October 25, 2022 minutes will be disseminated, via e-mail, to those attending that meeting for approval.
Treasurers Report: Gary presented a detailed report. There is $103.00 left in the 2022 budget and $362.46 left in the Fisher Fund Grant. $180.00 has moved to escrow for the DPW luncheon. The budget deficit will be covered through donation. Gary suggested increasing the Committee’s 2023 budget request to $4K,
Mary reported on what was discussed at the Joining Forces Committee meeting: Tree lighting; house decorating contest; Winter Wonderland event on December 10th in Pleasure Park; working on electronic town crier sign and volunteer form. Next meeting is scheduled for second Monday in December.
Chair Mary Lynn reported on Holiday decorations: the Holiday banner shipment has been delayed; thanked those who worked on the Holiday decorations which look great; Chesla, Moises, Arlene, Monica, Andy Cortes, Mary Lynn & Pete, Janine & Jim, Karen & Jim for decorating the light poles; Gary, Penny & Sue for delivering the garland bags; Mary for making the bows; Janine for the Holiday balls on sticks for planters; those who care for planters and gardens; Janine and Joan for decorating by the welcome sign; Sandy for decorating the Point; and Mary & John for decorating the Gazebo.
Sandy added that the electrical box at the Point is not good; has been resetting it. Would like the big tree to be done professionally as it is the focal point for those coming into town.
Mary advised all to contact her and Janine for replacement bows or balls.
Mary Lynn stated that 2 bows were missing from poles; discussed buying ladder through endowment fund; asked who would be decorating town hall.
Mary answered that the employees decorated for Halloween using a Candy Land theme and some of those decorations. which are Holiday appropriate, are still up; need to get into sheds to see what else there is; also need someone to hang the wreaths around the lights at the town hall.
Dorothy added that lighting is needed for the company’s sign by the Horseshoe Garden.
Mary stated that she has no reindeer for the Borough Hall. Gary added that he has made parts for 2 reindeer and is currently painting same.
Chair Mary Lynn stated that all decorations should be removed by January 14th.
Mary Lynn reminded all that MJ will once again host cookie platter assembly at her home on 12/11 at 1 PM; drop off is 12/10 between 1 and 4 PM – each member should bring 3 to 4 dozen.
Chair Mary Lynn reported on flower order: Sue decided not to go with the person she had in mind; Mary will call Seemar Greenhouses as to when they need the order; Alan forward all the paperwork to her; have been happy with Seemar; need someone to facilitate order.
Gary volunteered to do the spreadsheet if someone gets prices.
Karen volunteered to facilitate order if no one else volunteers.
New Business:
Chair Mary Lynn reported that the Committee will be losing people who do planters; suggested removing barrels and those people can then do barrels.
The Mayor stopped by after leaving another meeting; thinks banners are snowmen and lanterns; the Committee can have input on banners next year;
Gary advised that our Committee doesn’t have people to climb ladders to decorate poles and take decorations down.
The Mayor volunteered to help if he is in town; suggested calling Councilman Vitale for help from Recreation Committee; send him an email if help is needed from DPW.
Discussion ensued about removing all 12 barrels on Broadway.
Penny advised that the flower order needs to be done soon as we are not meeting again until the end of January. Mary Lynn will send out an email to those who tend the gardens for their flower orders.
Sandy reported on Scarecrow Contest; 200 students participated; spent $275.78; Dunkin donated seven $30 gift cards; purchased twelve $15 certificates from Sundaes and they donated a matching amount; received thank yous from the Art Club and Mrs. Simunovich’s third grade class.
Sandy had asked that the trees by the Gazebo be trimmed in 2013 in order for the security cameras to work efficiently; she reiterated that request.
Mary reported on how the DPW luncheon is handled; 3 sub platters, drinks, deserts and paper goods from Shop Rite; need to amend who can sign the PO. Maryann can sign PO and will aid Mary.
Mary talked to Greg from the Senior Committee and if we provide him with a date for decorating, he will ask his Committee for help.
Mary Lynn reminded all that the Committee’s Holiday Party will be on12/15. Janine is still collecting the money for same.
Public participation was opened and closed with no member of the public participating.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:11 PM upon motion by Maryann and second by Gary.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maryann Ellsworth
