June 2017 Minutes

Minutes of the June 13, 2017 Friends of the Merrick Library Meeting

Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice-President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chair), Barbara Goldberg, Fran Kommor, Steve Dershowitz (Kumon of Merrick).  Meeting called to order at 4:37 PM by Chair Karen Tusa.

The minutes of the May 2017 meeting, as emailed to the members, were read and accepted on a motion by Marion Ormsten, seconded by Howard Schwartz and unanimously approved.

The Treasurer’s report, as follows, was accepted on a motion from Diane Christie, seconded by Howard Schwartz and unanimously approved:

Total in Savings:       $5,806.62

Total in Checking:       $662.24

Total Income:               $241.30

Total Expenses:         $2,972.70

There were no invoices for review for the month of May.

Diane Christie reported that a bank letter was received stating that a fee will be charged if a minimum balance is not maintained in the accounts.  Diane visited the bank and was informed that FOML would not be exempt from this fee.  Karen Tusa advised to bring this matter to the attention of the Library Director, Ellen Firer for discussion/resolution.  

Committee Reports

Membership

Karen Tusa reported no change in memberships.  Currently, residential memberships are at 45 and there are 13 business sponsors.

Tasting Event
The event, Merrick Eats, will be held on Thursday, September 14 from 5:30-8:30PM.  There are 17 tables available.  Fran Kommar, Marion Ormsten, Diane Christie, Ellen Shurgan, Steve Dershowitz and Howard Schwartz will personally visit local restaurants to offer them the chance to participate.  Karen Tusa passed around a flier she created for the event along with a commitment form and fact sheet.  Once approved for distribution by Library Administration, these documents will be organized into packets and given to the volunteers visiting the local restaurants.

Craft Fair & Vendor Fair
The fair will be held on Saturday, November 18 from 10:30AM-4PM.   Howard reported that he sent out “save the date” notices.  In July, Howard will email personal invitations to vendors.

Old Business

Diane Christie reported that the tax return has been filed.

New Business
Karen Tusa reported that the website is in progress and hopes that it will be completed and launched by the September meeting.

Howard Schwartz reported he will contact (a second time) the Copiague Library on how to run a document-shredding event.
The Library dates for the FOML sponsored fall meditation classes are currently being scheduled by Angela Capone, Program Director.
Marion Ormsten will send a get well card to Sandra Mintz (Publicity Chair).

Diane Christie mentioned raffle sales are low and asked for volunteers to sell raffles at the Library.  Marion Ormsten volunteered to do so once a month or whenever possible.

Marion Ormsten suggested FOML sponsor a “Tech Support Program” at the Library.  This would entail having a tech support person that patrons could go to at a certain time of the day in the Library to ask various technical questions about their computers.   Karen Tusa said she would discuss this idea with the Library Director.

Upcoming meetings of the Friends of the Merrick Library will be held on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM (not 4:30 PM) on the following dates:  September 12, October 10, November 14, December 19, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, and June 12.  There will be no meetings in July & August.

Howard Schwartz made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Tusa
President

May 9, 2017 Minutes

Minutes of the May 9, 2017 Friends of the Merrick Library Meeting

Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice-President) Maureen Garvey (Secretary), Diane Christie (Treasurer), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chair), Barbara Goldberg and Shirley Sherwin.  Meeting called to order at 4:30 by Chair Karen Tusa.

The minutes of the April 2017 meeting, as emailed to the members, were read and accepted on a motion by Maureen Garvey, seconded by Diane Christie and unanimously approved.

The Treasurer’s report, as follows, was accepted on a motion from Diane Christie, seconded by Maureen Garvey and unanimously approved:

Total in Savings:       $5,762.80

Total in Checking:         $20.94

Total Income:              $397.02

Expenses:
 Museum Passes        $2970.00
 Bookmarks, fliers          $2.70
 Jem Yoga                   $400.00
Total Expenses:         $3,372.70         

The members reviewed the invoices for the month of April.

Committee Reports

Membership

Karen Tusa reported that residential membership is currently at 45; there are 13 business sponsors.

Tasting Event
The event will be held on Thursday, September 14 from 5:30-8:30PM.  There are 17 tables available.  Jan Sanseverino will personally visit local restaurants to offer them the chance to participate.

Craft Fair
The craft fair will be Saturday, November 18 from 10:30AM-4PM.  Setup for the vendors starts at 9AM.  Howard will send out “save the date” notices today.

Old Business

New Business
Diane Christie reported that the tax return has been submitted and will be e-filed by May 15.
Maureen Garvey reported that the website is in progress and hopes that it will be completed and launched by the June meeting.
Maureen Garvey and Howard Schwartz both reported that they have not yet obtained any information regarding how to run a document-shredding event, but are hopeful that they will have something to report at the next meeting.
The Library could not fit the meditation class into the summer schedule; it will be held in the Fall and Spring.
Karen Tusa reported that she submitted “Save the Date” information on the tasting event and the craft fair to Angela Capone for the summer newsletter.

The next meeting of the Friends of the Merrick Library will be held on Tuesday at 4:30 PM on June 13.

Howard Schwartz made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen Garvey
Secretary

April 2017 Miutes

Minutes of the April 18, 2017 Friends of the Merrick Library Meeting

Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice-President) Maureen Garvey (Secretary), Diane Christie (Treasurer) Fran Kommor, Steve Dershowitz (Kumon of Merrick) and Ellen Firer (Library Director).  Meeting called to order at 4:31 by Chair Karen Tusa.

The minutes of the February 2017 meeting, as emailed to the members, were read and accepted on a motion by Maureen Garvey, seconded by Howard Schwartz and unanimously approved.

The Treasurer’s report, as follows, was accepted on a motion from Diane Christie, seconded by Howard Schwartz and unanimously approved:

Total in Savings:       $8,455.43

Total in Checking:       $308.64

Total Income:              $313.17

Total Expenses:               $0.00

The members reviewed the invoices for the month of March.

Committee Reports

Membership

Karen Tusa reported that residential membership is currently at 44 out of 54 renewals mailed.  Fran Kommor and Marion Ormsten did call those who have not renewed their membership.  We currently have 13 business sponsors (of the 142 mailed) compared to the 18 we had in 2016.

Craft Fair

Howard Schwartz reported on vendors’ comments that he obtained at the last Craft Fair.  He said he kept the lawn signs from last year, and observed that we need to continue to improve publicity. Karen Tusa reported that she has already received calls from vendors asking for the date of this year’s Fair. The date will be November 18.  Howard will send out “save the date” notices.

Old Business

15 people attended Family Movie Night; although it was a small crowd, Karen Tusa reported that everyone seemed to enjoy the program, and the kids particularly liked the popcorn machine. After some discussion it was concluded that we might do better in the future to hold a similar program in the afternoon.  Maureen Garvey will talk to Sue Goodwin, the Head of the Children’s Department, to obtain her comments and suggestions.

The Meditation Class was a success, and some patrons have requested it be continued. The Friends will sponsor the program twice again in the coming year.

Karen reported that we have some positive outcomes from the three MUFSD PTA meetings that she and Maureen Garvey attended. We have two volunteers who will re-do the FOML website.  The members present agreed unanimously that the Friends will pay the approximately $100 hosting fee for the new site.   At the Chatterton meeting, a parent requested that the Library re-institute the “meet and greet” for parents and potential baby-sitters who have completed the Red Cross Baby-Sitting course held at the Library. Ellen Firer said the Library had ceased that program due to lack of attendance, but would be happy to reinstate it if there is interest.  She suggested Maureen Garvey speak to the Teen Librarian.

Steve Dershowitz suggested we contact the Superintendent’s office and request that a flyer advertising the FOML be placed in the students’ backpacks along with all the other informational material that goes home with the students at the end of the school year. Howard Schwartz suggested that representatives of the Friends attend the first PTA meetings next fall, which typically have higher attendance.

Ellen Firer suggested that the FOML underwrite the cost of the refreshments that the Library puts out during National Library Week, and Fran Kommor suggested that Friends staff the tables as well.

New Business
Karen passed around the updated FOML bookmark.   Steve Dershowitz volunteered to pass them out to his clients at Kumon.

The date of the tasting event has been re-scheduled to September 14; the June date we had picked turned out to be the night of one of the proms. Ellen Shurgan and Jan Sanseverino have met with Karen re: the planning, and will do so again.  Angela Capone, the Library’s Program Director, is working on the configuration of the tables.  We estimate we can accommodate approximately 20 restaurants.

Karen mentioned some possible program ideas, and the one everyone liked was a paper-shredding event. The Friends would arrange for a shredding company to come to the Library, and patrons would bring their sensitive documents to be shredded. Howard Schwartz said he would speak to someone he knows in the Copiague Library, where they hosted such an event, and Maureen Garvey will speak to the Bellmore Memorial Library, which also provided this service to the public, to get information about how to proceed.

Maureen Garvey mentioned that Chocolate Works does fund-raising events.  After discussion, it was decided that Karen would invite them to participate in “Merrick Eats” and Howard will send them in invitation to participate in the Craft Fair, and possibly we will consider doing a fund-raising event with them in the future.

Friends members are asked to come a few minutes earlier to the May meeting to review the Friends books and records of the treasurer.

Upcoming meetings of the Friends of the Merrick Library will be held on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM on May 9 and June 13.

Howard Schwartz made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 5:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen Garvey
Secretary

Minutes of the February 14, 2017

Friends of the Merrick Library Meeting

Present: Karen Tusa (President), Maureen Garvey (Secretary), Barbara Goldberg, Fran Kommor, Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chair), Sandra Mintz (Publicity Chair), Carol Goldberg, Ellen Shurgan,  Jennifer Menza (Roslyn Savings Bank), Steve Dershowitz (Kumon of Merrick) and Ellen Firer (Library Director).  Meeting called to order at 4:35 by Chair Karen Tusa.

The minutes of the January 2017 meeting, as emailed to the members, were read and accepted on a motion by Maureen Garvey, seconded by Fran Kommor and unanimously approved.

The Treasurer’s report, as follows, was accepted on a motion from Marion Ormsten, seconded by Sandra Mintz and unanimously approved:

Total in Savings:    $ 10,814.43

Total in Checking:       $326.14

Total Income:              $515.00

Total Expenses:           $335.99

The invoices for the month of January were reviewed by the members.

Committee Reports

Membership

Residential membership is currently at 38 out of 54 renewals mailed.  Fran Kommor and Marion Ormsten volunteered to call those who have not renewed their membership.  We currently have 10 business sponsors (of the 142 mailed) compared to the 18 we had in 2016.  Karen read the names of the businesses that have become Friends:

All Island Transportation

Century 21 American Homes

CSM Engineering

Kiddsmiles Pediatric Dentistry

Kumon of Merrick

Mortgage Professionals Corp.

N.F. Walker Inc. Funeral Home

La Strada of Merrick

On the Safe Side Inc.
Roslyn Savings Bank

Jennifer Menza of Roslyn Savings Bank volunteered to mention The Friends at the next Chamber of Commerce meeting that she attends.

Craft Fair

There was a discussion about possibly moving the Craft Fair from December to February, but that idea was discarded because the weather is so unpredictable.  It was decided that Karen would look into moving it back to November from December. 

Old Business

The Friends purchased 15 flash drives for the Library.

New Business
Karen Tusa asked for volunteers for Family Movie Night at 6:45PM on Feb. 21. Sandra Mintz, Fran Kommor and Ellen Shurgan volunteered.  Karen reported that Diane Christie had already volunteered.   Volunteers are still needed to greet attendees at the meditation class on March 9^th and 30^th. Steve Dershowitz of Kumon volunteered to display a flyer for the Family Movie Night at his establishment.

Karen Tusa and Maureen Garvey reported on their presentations at the Birch and Lakeside January PTA meetings. Unfortunately, Chatterton had to re-schedule their January meeting and neither Karen nor Maureen was able to attend; they will attend the Feb. meeting.

Karen reported that as a result of our appeal for volunteers, especially to work on the FOML website, one of the Lakeside PTA members did contact us with an offer to do that. Maureen Garvey will follow up.

Debbie Jones of the Merrick Library is working on a new bookmark that has information on the Friends, including a quick registration form and a listing of all the current corporate sponsors. Members at the meeting edited the Friends bookmarks.

Karen Tusa reported June 22 & 29 and all Thursdays in July are open for the Friends to host the tasting event. After discussion, June 22 was chosen.  The event will run from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.  Karen called for suggestions as to what to call the event; Steve Dershowitz suggested “Merrick Eats”, and those present agreed. Ellen Firer said the Library will provide coffee and it was agreed that other beverages would be purchased locally. Karen will discuss the table set-up with Angela Capone.  Admission will be $10 per person.

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce networking meeting originally scheduled for Feb. 9 and cancelled due to the snowstorm will be re-scheduled, but the date is not yet determined.

Karen informed those present that the Friends’ officers may sign up for an emailed version of the NYLA newsletter as part of the FOML’s membership. Karen, Maureen, Diane, Sandra and Marion signed up; Karen will contact Howard Schwartz to see if he wants to receive the emailed version as well.

Karen announced that Maureen Garvey has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Merrick Library to complete Susan Dillon’s term. Maureen will serve as liaison between the Board and the Friends.  

Upcoming meetings of the Friends of the Merrick Library will be held on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM on March 14, April 11, May 9 and June 13.

Barbara Goldberg made a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen Garvey
Secretary

FOML sponsors Family Movie Night at the Merrick Library

Minutes of the January 10, 2017 Meeting

Minutes of the January 10, 2017 Friends of the Merrick Library Meeting

Present: Karen Tusa (President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), Maureen Garvey (Secretary), Barbara Goldberg, Fran Kommor.  Meeting called to order at 4:37 by Chair Karen Tusa.

The minutes of the December 2016 meeting, as emailed to the members, were read and accepted on a motion by Diane Christie, seconded by Fran Kommor and unanimously approved.

The Treasurer’s report, as follows, was accepted on a motion from Diane Christie, seconded by Fran Kommor and unanimously approved:

Total in Savings:  $10,814.43

Total in Checking: $147.13

Total Income: $175.40

Total Expenses: $0

The 2016 spreadsheet of income and expenses was distributed and reviewed.  The monthly invoices were shared with the members present.

Committee Reports

Membership

Karen Tusa reported that we have received 35 residential memberships. 142 business membership applications were mailed on this date.

Craft Fair

Karen Tusa said that hopefully at the next meeting Howard Schwartz would report on his findings from the survey he sent to participating vendors.

Old Business

Karen reported that the mediation class is scheduled for March 9, 16, 23 and 30.  Karen passed around the flyer she created for the class.

Maureen Garvey reported that Jump and Jam LI will supply the popcorn machine for Family Movie Night. Karen passed around the flyer that the Head of Children’s Services, Susan Goodwin, created for the event.

Karen Tusa has all the flyers and information ready for the PTA meetings that she and Maureen Garvey will attend in January. 

New Business
The Library reported another damaged pair of ear buds. Karen Tusa will wait until we have a few to request a credit from JanWay.

Marion Ormsten has agreed to serve again as Correspondence Chair.

Karen Tusa reported that the Board of Trustees approved the tasting event.  A discussion of potential dates ensued. The consensus was that a Thursday night either in June or July from 5:30 to 8:30.  Karen Tusa will discuss dates with Angela Capone.

Diane Christie informed Maureen Garvey that she has to complete paperwork at HSBC. Diane will accompany Maureen to the bank to do so.

There was a discussion of possible events that the Friends could sponsor; a trivia event was favored.

Acting on President Tusa’s suggestion, Maureen Garvey made a motion that the FOML subscribe to NYLA’s Friends Newsletter.  The motion was seconded by Diane Christie and passed unanimously.

Upcoming meetings of the Friends of the Merrick Library will be held on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM on Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 9 and June 13.

Maureen Garvey made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Diane Christie. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Maureen Garvey
Secretary