Meeting of Monday, February 18, 2008
Members present: Ruth Bendelius, Bill Collier, Alice Cross, Walter Levy, Ward Mintz, Alice Schoonmaker.
Also present: Tricia Kortright
Minutes of the December 2007 meeting were approved with motion made by Bill Collier, seconded by Alice Schoonmaker, and passed.
Programs
1) Douglas Mackey from SHPO presented a special program on the archaeological approach to TOR heritage. The audience of over 25 local residents gave an enthusiastic reception and asked many questions; proof that there is a receptive audience for future programs on local heritage.
Consensus: the HPC, in cooperation with FHR and other local groups, should sponsor a series of programs on “What can we do to keep our heritage safeguarded, appreciated, and continuing?”
2) Potential speakers – Julian Adams, Lynn Garofalini, Harry Hansen, Win Aldrich, Brian Kennedy, Bill Schnitzer, Bill Rhoads, Steven Hirsch, Mr. Brown @ Catskill Institute, Brown Univ., Gretchen Reed.
3) Tours could be offered, featuring schoolhouses, churches, mill sites, cemeteries, D&H Canal.
4) Ward Mintz and Walter Levy will work on plans for the next program, tentatively set for Monday, April 21st at 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Reformed Church.
Veterans Park
1) Due to the realization that the design concept developed by HPC with the help of Nancy Copley are too ambitious and costly, the plans for the Veterans Park have been modified significantly. The simplified plan includes:
a) The same large stones donated by Napanoch Correctional.
b) Brass plaques for denoting different wars, to be mounted on the stones
c) Flag pole
d) Walkways and benches
e) Grass
f) Simple wooden fence
g) Shrubs and trees
2) The Town Highway Dept. will do necessary grading and fill.
3) $5000 grant from TOR for 2008 should cover most of the basic costs (letters “a” through “e” above).
4) Senator Bonacic has been asked for a Member Item Grant in support of the Veterans Park project.
5) Community support needs to be gained by contacting Veterans groups, civic and church groups, local businesses.
6) A well-publicized groundbreaking event should be planned.
Signage
1) Jeanne Greene will complete the addition of small signs to be placed below the large “Accord” sign at the Main Street bridge (when she returns from Florida). Jeanne asks for the approval of the HPC to include signs saying: Museum, Fire Dept, Post Office, Town Hall, Shops. This concept was approved.
2) Bill Collier will contact Jack Dawson regarding installation of the six hamlet signs that are ready.
3) Six more hamlet signs are being made by Johnson Signs in Kingston.
Next Meeting
March 17, 2008, 4:00 p.m., Town Hall.
The meeting was adjourned with a motion made by Bill Collier, seconded by Ruth Bendelius, and passed.
Alice Cross