Smith-Harris House Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes

September 24, 2008

Present:         Carol Marelli

                        Denise Russo

                        Beth Hogan

                        James Littlefield

                        Gary Lakowsky

                        Richard MacDonald

                        Maggi Prokop

Chairlady Marelli called the September 24, 2008 Smith-Harris House Commission Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 

1.  Delegations.  Mr. Littlefield stated Dean Walston, of the Key Club, informed him he has Key Club members willing to volunteer to help with Heritage Weekend.  Mrs. Marelli suggested that they help see that the trash containers have fresh bags as needed; that they help with the Friends’ sales table; that they help visitors carry items to their cars; and that they greet visitors.

The Leos can work together with the Key Club.

2.  Friends.  Mary Cutillo reported she has two volunteers to help with sales at the Friends’ table.

3.  Ex-Officio Report.  There was no ex-officio report.

4.  Agenda Additions.  There were no new agenda additions.

5.  Approval of Minutes.   The August 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes of the Smith-Harris House Commission were tabled until the October regular meeting of this Commission.

6. Finance Report. 

a. Current Standing.   Mr. Lakowsky reported $10,508.85 remains in the Smith-Harris House budget.

Mr. Lakowsky suggested giving $1700 to the Friends to be used for Heritage Weekend expenses.

MOTION:       Mr. Lakowsky moved to give $1700 to the Friends of the Smith-Harris House to be used for Heritage Weekend expenses.  Seconded by Ms. Hogan.

(7-0) Unanimous.

b. New Reimbursements.   There were no new items for reimbursement submitted.

7.  Chairlady’s Report.  Mrs. Marelli read in part from the September 17 Board of Selectmen’s Meeting.  Mr. Lakowsky suggested that this Commission obtain a copy of the map referred to in these minutes to determine how much of the house property is in the purview of this Commission.

MOTION:       Maggi Prokop moved to have Gary Lakowsky, Grounds Superintendent, contact First Selectman Paul Formica on behalf of the Commission about overseeing the Smith-Harris House grounds.  Seconded by Beth Hogan.

(7-0) Unanimous.

8.  Special Committee’s.   

            a. Heritage Weekend, September 27 and 28.  Mr. and Mrs. Prokop and Mrs. Littlefield will prepare a turkey and ham dinner, with beans, potato and egg salad, coleslaw, spinach salad and tossed salad for the Friday night dinner for reenactors.

            Mr. Littlefield agreed to give one presentation per day.

            Mrs. Russo stated the house will be open using post and chain to guide visitors through.

            Mr. Lakowsky agreed to tend to the fire in the fireplace on Saturday and Sunday.

            Maggi Prokop will set up coffee on Saturday morning and provide sweet breads.  Two coffee urns will be needed.

            b. Holiday Program.  The Holiday Program will begin with a Holiday Stroll.  Planning will begin right after Heritage Weekend.  Board members are asked to think of organizations which might like to decorate a tree. 

9.  Adjournment.

MOTION:       Mr. Lakowsky moved to adjourn the Smith-Harris House Commission Regular Meeting of September 24, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.  Seconded by Jim Littlefield.

(7-0) Unanimous

Respectfully submitted,

Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary