December 2015 Minutes

Friend of the Merrick Library

Minutes of Meeting December 8, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 4:33 PM by Chairperson, Karen Tusa.

Present: Karen Tusa, (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice-President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), Joan Sculli (Publicity Chairperson), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chairperson), Jesse Just (Volunteer),  Sandra Mintz and Ellen Firer, (Library Director).

Minutes:  The November minutes were corrected to read “Stop and Shop” instead of “Shop Rite” in the Holiday Craft Fair report.  The minutes were approved as corrected.

Treasurer’s Report: Savings $5,538.80.  Checking $35.15. Total income was $807.24 of which $45.70 was book sale, $71.00 raffle, $450 membership, $3 tote bags, $35.00 craft fair, $53.00 spare change, and $149.54 Chipotle fundraiser.  Total expenditures were $58.48 of which $5.98 was for envelopes for the business membership drive and $52.50 for brochures printed by the library.  The Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

Membership Report:  Twenty-three renewal memberships have been received.  Two additional new memberships were received.  A request was made to have the new brochure posted to the link on the library web-site. An ad for outreach will be edited by Howard.

Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair Report:  $169.00 was raised on the day of the fair in addition to the earlier income from the vendor tables sold. Response to a survey responded to by vendors was reviewed and discussed. Thank you letters were sent to Bagel Boss, Bagel Plaza and Stop and Shop. Fair volunteers Howard Schwartz, Diane Christie, Sandra Mintz, Marion Ormsten, Marion Hart, Marty Epstein, and Karen Tusa were thanked for their participation.

Old Business: The Chipotle fundraiser successfully brought in revenue.  Sandra Mintz, Marion Ormsten, and Karen Tusa were thanked for volunteering

Progress was made on the business membership drive.  Marilyn Ziser folded 160 brochures and Howard Schwartz addressed envelopes using the Merrick Chamber of Commerce list.  Karen Tusa will finalize the draft  of a letter which will accompany the brochure.  It was decided that recognition given to businesses for their contributions through membership or donations  would be listed on the Friend’s bookmarks.

New Business:  The “spare change jar” maintained on the circulation desk counter of the library is missing.  A replacement will be made.

A holiday gift of cookies will be provided to the library staff by the Friends.

Marian Ormsten will send a get well card from Friends to David Stayer.

At the request of the library, Karen Tusa will purchase 20 earbuds as a service to library patrons.  They will sell for $3.00.

A discussion was held about a Mother’s Day craft & vendor fair.  No suitable dates could be identified for a spring fair. It was decided that only 1 fair would be held in 2016 in the Fall.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:14 PM. 

Next Meeting Dates:   Tuesdays at 4:30 PM on January 12, February 9, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14 and July 12.

Respectfully submitted by Joan Sculli

November 2015 Minutes

Friends of the Merrick Library

Minutes of Meeting November 10, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 4:33 PM by Karen Tusa.

Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice-President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), Joan Sculli (Publicity Chairperson), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chairperson), Angela Capone (Library Program Director), Marty Epstein (potential member).

Minutes:  The previously emailed minutes were reviewed and accepted.

Treasurer’s Report:  Savings $4,731.56, Checking $93.63.  Income:  Craft Fair $560.00, Membership $155.00, Better World Books $146.63, Spare Change $24.09.  Total income $885.72.  Expenditures:  Envelopes and craft fair sign $102.77, Bookmarks $25.00.  Total expenditures:  $127.77. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report passed.

Membership Report: 60 membership renewals/invitations were mailed November 1st.  15 renewals have been received with 3 renewals eligible for complimentary tote bags. Updated bookmarks have been printed.  Angela will post the new brochure on the Friends’ website.  A short discussion was held on ideas for outreach of new members.

Holiday Craft Fair Report: 26 vendor tables are sold out with a waiting list of 10 vendors. 5 or 6 vendors are renewals from the last fair. LI.com was a very successful site for soliciting vendors.  There will be fewer jewelry vendors and more variety including more vendors with handmade items.  There are 190 vendors on the current invitation list.  Publicity on websites and weekly publications has been sent.  Flyers have been posted at local businesses.  Name badges and number cards for the tables have been printed.  Refreshments have been donated by Bagel Plaza and Bagel Boss. Water and fruit will also be donated by Shop Rite. The sandwich board will be ready.  Marion will bring balloons.  There will be a staffed Friends’ raffle and membership table.  A few more volunteers would be desirable.

Old Business:  Joan and Marion have staffed Friends’ membership/raffle tables in the library before events  on Sundays and during the week.  Diane volunteered to do an occasional hour as convenient.

New Business:  A fundraiser will be held at the new Chipotle restaurant on Merrick Road in Merrick on Sunday November 15th from 2-6 pm. The Friends will share in 50% of the profits made during that period. Volunteers will meet at 2pm and distribute bookmarks.  A Business Membership Drive targeting local businesses will begin January 2016. Howard volunteered to prepare envelopes for a mailing from a list provided by Karen from the Merrick Chamber of Commerce.  It is planned that business supporters will be acknowledged with the purchase of the Library’s Long Island Children’s Museum passes.

Next Meeting Dates:  Tuesday, December 8^th at 4:30pm and Tuesday, January 12^th at 4:30pm

The meeting was adjourned at 5:18 PM. 

Respectfully submitted by Joan Sculli

FOML Fundraiser

October Minutes

FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2015

Karen Tusa opened the meeting at 4:40 PM.

Present:  Karen Tusa (President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), Marion Ormsten, (Correspondence Chair), and Sandra Mintz.

The previously emailed minutes were reviewed.  Diane moved and Marion seconded their acceptance as submitted.  The motion passed.

Diane presented the treasurer’s report:  Savings $3,845.84, Checking $141.40.  Income:  Book Sale $66, Raffle $42, Totes $15, Craft Fair $480, Interest $ .80.  Total Income: $603.80.  Expenses:  Brochures & Bookmarks printing $37.50, Envelopes $10.49, Stamps $29.40, Membership Brochures Printing $15, Craft Fair & Chipotle flyers printing $28, Membership Drive Letter Printing $15.  Total Expenses $135.39.  Diane moved acceptance of the treasurer’s report.  Sandra seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Karen reported that the 2016 membership drive envelope requests are fully prepared for November 1st mailing date.   The 60 mailings include 58 renewal requests plus 2 new membership invitations.   Thank you to Marilyn Ziser for assisting in the preparation.

Karen reported that the Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair, scheduled for November 14^th, Saturday 10AM-4PM, is successfully filling up with vendors.  Approximately 5 vendor tables are remaining to be filled.

Discussion of completed items for the fair ensued:  publicity on websites (by Karen), publicity in newspapers (by Liz Kranz), flyers (by Art Sacharoff), and name badges (by Karen).   Thank you to Maureen Garvey for posting on the Friends blog site.

Incomplete items were discussed for the fair and some were resolved:    A total of 8 balloons will be purchased by Marion.  Diane will approach Bagel Plaza for refreshment donation.  Diane will also prepare 2 raffles for the fair.  Volunteers for the fair include but are not limited to:  Sandra, Marion, Karen, and Diane (tentative).  Other volunteers will be contacted.  A sign for a sandwich board remains needed.  We are hoping the Library can assist with the sign.

The Chipotle fundraiser is scheduled for November 15^th, Sunday 2-6 PM.  Flyers have been created.  Karen will also email all Friends about the event.  It was agreed that Karen, Diane, Sandra, and Marion will meet at 2 PM at Chipotle to greet others as well as eat at the restaurant.  Karen will bring name badges.

Karen mentioned that the December 6^th 10 year Anniversary Library celebration is cancelled and will be rescheduled as per Ellen Firer (Library Director).

A Business Membership Drive was favorably discussed by the group.  Karen will discuss further with Library Director, Ellen Firer.

The next two meeting dates are Tuesday, Nov. 10^th at 4:30 PM and Tuesday, Dec. 8^th @ 4:30 PM at the Library.  All Friends are invited to attend. 

Since no further business came before the Friends, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Tusa, MBA

Friends Crafts Fair

Join us for our Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair!

When: Saturday, November 14th 10 AM - 4 PM

Where: The Merrick Library 2279 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566

 Sponsored by Friends of the Merrick Library

Minutes of the Sept. 8, 2015 Meeting of the Friends of the Merrick Library

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 Karen Tusa opened the meeting at 4:35 PM. Present: Karen A. Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), David R. Stayer (Secretary), Joan Sculli (Public Relations Chair), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chair), Ellen Firer (Merrick Library Director) and Sandra Mintz. David moved and Howard seconded acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting as distributed prior to the meeting. The motion passed. Report of the Treasurer: Diane gave the report. Total in savings account $3,322.04. Checking account $196.79. Income: book sale $152.50, raffle $52.00, totes $24.00, Panera bread $35.98, membership $20.00, better world books $160.74, flash drives $28.00, staple rewards $5.00, interest $.71. Total monthly income $478.93. No expenditures. Diane moved and David seconded the motion for acceptance of the report of the treasurer. Motion passed. Karen reported that we have a new member bringing the total to 58 current members. We are having our holiday Craft and Vendor Fair at the Merrick Library on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10::00 am to 4:00 pm. We are still looking to add to the list of vendors. We will search out local food establishments for donations.Meeting members were asked if you attend a craft event pick up business cards from vendors. We will request to have a fund raiser on Sunday, November 15, 2015 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Chipotle in Merrick. We will receive 50% of the sales for that time period. We will consider selling earbuds at the library. Howard will look into a author sponsored event. Our next two meetings will be Tuesday, October 13, 2015 and Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 4:30 pm at the Merrick Library. All Friends are invited to attend. A motion to adjourn was made and approved. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, David R. Stayer, LCSW-R

July 2015 Minutes

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2015 Karen Tusa opened the meeting at 4:35 pm. Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), David Stayer (Secretary), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chair), Sandra Mintz and Ellen Firer (Merrick Library Director). David moved that the minutes be accepted as distributed prior to the meeting. Howard seconded the motion. Motion passed. Diane gave the report of the treasurer. Savings account $2,843.11 and the checking account has $196.79. Income from book sale $117.00, raffle $76.00 tote bags $9.00, lemonade $27.50, donation $50.00 Total income $279.50. Expenditures total $190.04. Diane moved acceptance of the report of the treasurer. David seconded the motion. Motion passed. Karen reported that our membership is remaining at 57. Joan and Karen will work on an updated Friends brochure for 2016. The holiday Craft and Vendor Fair is Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the errick Library. Panera Bread fundraiser check is pending. Howard reminded us to acquire the names of vendors when visiting craft events. Ellen mentioned the Friends should have a presence on Sunday, December 6, 2015 when the 10th anniversary of the Merrrick Library in the present building is celebrated. A volulnteer schedule for selling raffles was organized. The Friends will have a presence at the Sunday programs in the fall. We will consider sponsoring programs in the future. We will not meet in August. Our next two meetings will be Tuesday, September 8, 2015 and Tuesday, October 13, 2015. Meetings begin at 4:30 pm and all Friends are invited to attend. Since no further business came before the Friends the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, David R. Stayer, LCSW-R

June 2015 Minutes

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY TUeSDAY, JUNE 9, 2015 Karen Tusa opened the meeting at 4:35 pm. Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), David Stayer (Secretary), Ellen Firer (Library Director), Joan Sculli (Publicity chair) and Sandra Mintz. David moved and Diane seconded acceptance of the minutes as distributed prior to the meeting. Motion passed. Report of the treasurer: Diane gave the report savings account $2,750.11 and checking account $200.33. Income since the last meeting was book sale $163.15, raffle $19.00, membership $20.00 and spare change $5.00. Total income $207.15. Expenses were postage for tax return $7.40, ink $34.75. Total expenses $42.15. Diane moved and David seconded acceptance of the report of the treasurer. Motion passed. Karen reported that we have 57 members. Comprised of 48 renewals and 9 new members. We will give a free tote bag for members who contribute $35.00 or more starting next year. Diane moved and Howard seconded a motion that we pay $160.00 to Tusa & Associates CPA for tax filing fees. Motion passed. On December 6, 2015 the Merrick Library will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the present building. The Friends will have a presence at the celebration. We are planning a holiday craft fair around Thanksgiving 2015. Diane reported on the Summer Reading kickoff which occured on Sunday, June 7, at the Merrick Library. The Friends sold lemonade, raffles and tote bags. Raffles $11.00 tote bags $9.00 and lemonade $$27.50. less $20.00 for returned lemonade and ice. We thank Diane Christie, Sandra Mintz, Joan Sculli and Marian Hart for volunteering. Our next meeting is Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 4:30 pm at the Merrick Library. All Friends are invited to attend. Whether we meet in August will be decided at our July meeting. Since there was no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, David R. Stayer, LCSW-R

May 2015 Minutes

FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY MINUTES OF MEETING May 12th, 2015 Karen Tusa opened the meeting at 4:35 PM. Present: Karen Tusa (President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), David Stayer, (Secretary), Marion Ornsten, (Correspondence Chair), Ellen Firer (Library Director), and Sandra Mintz. The previously emailed minutes were reviewed. David moved and Karen seconded their acceptance as submitted. The motion passed. Diane gave the treasurer’s report: savings $2542.96, checking $242.48. Income: membership $100, raffle $78, tote bags $3, craft fair $20, book sale $70.45, spare change $29.79. Better World Books $116.35. Income total was $417.59. Expense: museum pass $2565, Art Sacharoff gift $26, Bookmarks $18.75, membership brochures $6.25. Expense total: $2616. A separate analysis of the craft & vendor fair was as follows: income: vendor tables $520, raffles $57, membership $50, spare change $3. Total income came to $630 with no expenses. The fair numbers were extracted from the general treasurer’s report. Diane moved acceptance of the report and Sandra seconded. The motion passed. Karen gave the membership report. There are 56 current membership comprised of 48 renewals and 8 new memberships. This is an increase of 5 memberships from last month. Preparation of 2016 brochures is underway and will include 2 new categories: $35 supporter and $50 benefactor. Also, a free tote with $35 or more membership will be available. Quotes on the back of brochure will be updated as well. Karen gave the craft & vendor fair held on May 3. Results were discussed. . Overall feedback was positive from the vendors. A few vendors left early. It was suggested that for the next fair we display lawn signs at both entrances to the library and have balloons outside. A winter fair for a full day 10-4 on a Saturday for either December 5 or November 21 was discussed. Ellen will check the Library calendar for appropriate dates. Karen discussed the Panera Bread fundraiser held on Monday, April 13 results. Panera reported that 23 flyers were submitted which qualified for a 10% return of net sales. The total donation came to $35.98. The check will be received in June. Ellen suggested that the next time to pick a different day of the week—not a Monday. The Friends interim tax return has been processed and mailed for the period of 9/1/14 – 12/31/14. The next return will be due May 15, 2016 for the calendar year of 2015 (1/1-12/31). Karen reported that one Friend member offered to volunteer and will be available in June sometime. Karen will contact member at that time. Family Day, Summer Reading Kickoff Day is scheduled for June 7th 1-4 PM at the Library. The Friends will have a table and sell lemonade for 25 cents as well as memberships, totes, raffles. Diane and Sandra are available to support this effort. Karen will contact Joan Sculli and Howard Schwartz about their availability as well. Ellen will have 100 bookmarks printed at 10 cents per copy for the event. The next two meeting dates are Tuesday, June 9th @ 4:30 PM and Tuesday, July 14th @ 4:30 PM. All Friends are invited to attend. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Karen Tusa, MBA

April 2015 Meeting

FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY MINUTES OF MEETING April 14, 2015 Karen Tusa opened the meeting at 4:30 PM. Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chair), Art Sacharoff (Library Trustee), Ellen Firer (Library Director), and Sandra Mintz. The previously emailed minutes were reviewed. Howard moved and Sandra seconded their acceptance as submitted. The motion passed. Diane gave the treasurer’s report: savings $4,690.37, checking $293.48. Income: membership $90.00, raffle, $65.00, tote bags $12.00, craft fair $40.00, book sale $246.65, interest $.97. Income total was $454.62. Expense total was $10.00 for printing Panera flyers. Diane moved acceptance of the report and Howard seconded. The motion passed. Karen gave the membership report. There are 51 current membership comprised of 47 renewals and 4 new memberships. There are 2 pending renewals. Ideas to increase membership were discussed. A free annual Friend’s individual membership will be included with the raffle beginning June. Howard gave the craft & vendor fair report. All pertinent files are in place for the fair. Art will create a flyer for display & distribution at the Library and name badges for Friends volunteers to wear on the day of the fair. Diane and Howard will pursue obtaining food donations. Karen itemized the publicity notices she sent out on 4/6; newsday, long island herald, your newsmag, news 12, merrick patch, merrick moms and long island.com. She will continue to send out weekly email ads until the fair date. Panera Bread fundraiser held on Monday, April 13 was discussed. Karen reported that Panera Bread stated any donation contributions would be received within 45 days after the event. This would be approximately the first week of June. At a future fundraising event of similar kind, Ellen suggested to increase Friends presence at the establishment and to increase publicity by posting on our Library blog. Volunteers are needed to sell raffles and membership at the Library for a couple of hours. Karen is maintaining a schedule for those who would like to volunteer. Current members are welcome to sign up. Ellen passed around the Friends newly created bookmarks for approval. One change was made. These bookmarks will be for distribution at the library circulation desk. The Friends Interim tax return will be submitted by May 15 by Tusa & Associates, CPA. Ellen submitted the invoice for the Long Island Children’s Museum in the amount of $2,565. This invoice was approved for payment at last month’s meeting. The next two meeting dates are Tuesday, May 12th @ 4:30 PM, and Tuesday, June 9th @ 4:30 PM. All Friends are invited to attend. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40PM. Respectfully submitted, Karen Tusa, MBA

Minutes of Meeting March 10, 2015

Friends of the Merrick Library The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM by Chairperson, Karen Tusa. Present: Karen Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice President), Diane Christie, (Treasurer), Art Sacharoff (Library Trustee), Joan Sculli (Publicity Chair), Ellen Firer (Library Director), Sandra Mintz. Treasurers Report: Savings 4,236.72 Checking 303.48 March income: Membership 55.00 Raffle 36.00 Tote bags 28.00 Craft fair tables 80.00 Book sales 30.75 Better World Books 77.47 Employee giving 50.00 Spare coins 1.00 Total income 358.22 Expenditures 0 Membership – There are a total of 46 paid memberships to-date for the 2015 year. Ideas were presented for increasing member participation; these included outreach to groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and PTA. The possibility of providing speakers was addressed. Friends participation in in-house activities, such as Kids First, was discussed. Director Firer extended an invitation to come to all library events. Bookmarks – A prototype of a bookmark to be distributed with borrowed books will be developed by the library staff. The front will include the Friends logo and information and the back will contain a membership form. The bookmark will be printed on card stock by April 13th. Brochures – The library has requested more Friends brochures for general distribution and to be included in the folders for new patrons. The library will print 100 and bill the Friends. Craft and Vendor Fair – The fair on May 3rd is sold out. Twenty-five tables are for vendors and two tables will be available for Friends use, i.e., selling bags, raffles, membership, donated refreshments, etc. Public announcements will be sent to the appropriate web based and print outlets 6 weeks and three weeks prior to the fair. We now have a data base of 150-200 vendors to use for outreach should we have more fairs. It was suggested that we consider having two fairs in the 2016 year. It was recommended that craft persons be given priority in the future. Karen thanked the Library for the generous announcements for the fair and membership provided on the back page of the current library newsletter. Advocacy Day in Albany – Karen described the interesting and informative program provided by the Nassau County Library System in preparation for Library Advocacy Day. It was attended by Karen Tusa, David Stayer and Joan Sculli. Joan commented on the issues and the experiences she and David had in Albany. Panera Bread Fundraising Night Monday, April 13th 4-8 PM – The event date was approved by Panera Bread at the 2375 Merrick Road, Bellmore location. Flyers were distributed at the meeting. Flyers will be available at the Library as well for those wishing to participate. Starting with the 20th flyer submitted Panera will donate a percentage of its net sales during the event to Friends of the Merrick Library. National Library Week, Monday, April 13th- Friends may have a presence during this time at the Library. Library Budget Vote, Wednesday, April 15th, 10-8 PM- It was decided not to have a Friends table at this event. The next two meeting dates are Tuesday, April 14th and Tuesday May 12th. The meetings begin at 4:30 PM at the Merrick Library. The meeting was adjourned at 5:29 PM. Respectfully submitted, Joan Sculli, Acting Secretary

February, 2015 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY FEBRUARY 10, 2015 Karen A. Tusa opened the meeting at 4:30 PM. Present: Karen A. Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), David R. Stayer (Secretary), Marion Ormsten (Correspondence Chair), Art Sacharoff (Library Trustee), Angela Capone (Library Representative) and Sandra Mintz. The previously e-mailed minutes were reviewed. David moved and Howard moved their acceptance as submitted. The motion passed. Diane Christie gave the report of the treasurer. Savings account has $3,878.50 and checking account $303.48. Received income during the past month membership $160,.00, raffle $37.00, tote bags $13.00 craft and vendorfair $380.00. Total received income $590.00. No expenses since our last meeting. Diane moved acceptance of the report and Howard seconded. The motion passed. Karen and Diane have completed our tax forms. Paul Tusa will submit them for us by May 15. Committee reports: Howard indicated that 23 vendors have signed up for our Craft and Vendor Fair. Advertising will begin in March. Karen reported that we currently have 45members. Diane reported that Blossom can no longer sell raffles at the Library. Marion has agreed to assume that responsibility. Joan will submit an article regarding membership and the craft and vendor fair for the Merrick Library Newsletter. The library has sold some of the thumb drives purchased by the Friends. Additionally we will receive income from books sold by the library. If we can sponsor some activities for children we may be able to attract new members for the Friends. Howard suggested we consider looking through the Merrick telephone book. Ellen Firer suggested that we try the Panera Bread fundraiser. If approved by Panera Bread the Friends have selected Monday, April 13, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. After the twentieth person who proves they have the flyer we will get a per centage of the sales. Advocacy Day Info and prep session initially scheduled for February 9 , will be rescheduled. Library advocacy day in Albany day on Wednesday, February 25, will be attended by David and Joan. The next two Meeting dates are Tuesday, March 10 and Tuesday, April 14. The meetings begin at 4:30 pm and are held at the Merrick Library. All Friends are invited to attend. Since no further business was presented, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 pm. Respectfully submitted, David R. Stayer, LCSW-R

Minutes of the January 2015 Meeting

MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF THE MERRICK LIBRARY TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2015 Karen A. Tusa opened the meeting at 4:35 PM. Present: Karen A. Tusa (President), Howard Schwartz (Vice President), Diane Christie (Treasurer), David R. Stayer (Secretary), Joan Sculli (Publicity Chair), Sandy Mintz, Ellen Firer (Library Director) and Art Sacharoff (Library Trustee.) Howard moved and Joan seconded that the December minutes be approved as distributed. The motion passed. Diane gave the report of the treasurer. Savings account $3,448.50 and checking account $143.48. Income since last meeting $494.03, comprised of Membership $305.00, raffle $86.00. better world books $102.18, interest $0.85. Expenditures mostly printing $607.58. Transfer of $300.00 from savings to checking account. Diane moved and David seconded the motion to approve the report of the treasurer. The motion passed. We will need to do an interim tax return and file our usual one for the fiscal year now beginning January 1 and ending December 31 on May 15th. The tax for the current fiscal year has been completed by Paul Tusa of Tusa and Associates CPA, PC. Committee reports: On December 16, 2014, fifty two letters for membership renewals were mailed Total membership 75. 38 have been received and 37 are outstanding. We will have a Friends table at various Library events. Starting on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Maker Day. Several members have signed up as volunteers. A discussion of ideas to publicize the Friends was initiated and is ongoing. One was the purchase of childrens museum passes. We are considering sponsoring programs at the Library. We are seeking pressentors for programs including a possible lecture series. The West Babylon Library has a program of swapping books and other items. Howard reported that thus far 63 invitations have been sent out for our Craft Fair in May. We will be charging $20.00 per table paid by the participating vendors. We will seek food donations from local businesses to sell at the Fair. We will change the name to a Craft and Vendors Fair. The amendment of the Friends By-laws was moved by Howard and seconded by Sandy. The motion was approved. Sign for Maker Day is being displayed and the Library has been helpful in publicizing the Friends on its web site. The Friends will participate in the info & prep sessions on February 5, 9, or 10, 2015,at the Nassau Library headquarters. We will participate in the Library Advocacy Day trip on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 in Albany. Our next two meettings are Tuesday, February 10 and Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Merrick Library. The meetings begin at 4:30 PM. All Friends are invited to attend. The motion to adjourn was accepted. The meeting adjourned at 5:39 PM. Respectfully submitted David R. Stayer, LCSW-R