So the progress so the meeting is starting at 4:03 p.m. And the members who are here today are myself, Barbara Bicolo, um Sam Spissiac, Carol Christine Robinson, I'm seeing the carob on there
and I started calling you Carol, Christine Marglin, Annne Bighgam, and a guest Diane Adams. So, uh why don't we start with approval of the minutes? Um is there any discussion about the minutes from last
time? Nope. Okay. Are there >> one thing to say? Didn't you have to change the date of the next meeting from the Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. We found out what the problem was. It the it didn't get So, I had information in actually about
December 25th, but Christine gets the automatic messages saying here's when the next meeting is going to be and it didn't send it. >> Okay. >> We'll just have to keep an eye on that. Okay. So um given that there's no discussion. Um all those I move that we
um vote to approve the minutes. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor please of of approving the minutes please raise your hand. And all those opposed and let the minutes show that it was unanimous. Um let's see. I'm going to go a little
bit out of order because I'm going to I want to wait for Annie to get here before we do anything with the with our membership. Um, and um, the thing I wanted to do out of order is although Christine really, really, really, really
wanted to stay in the position of secretary, especially once she learned that I was going to pay her a million times what she's currently getting, which would be zero. For that matter, I'm going to pay you a hundred million times what you're currently getting. I think it's comes out to the same thing. Um, but thank you. Thank you, Christine.
For how many years have you been doing this? >> Years of service? No, I don't remember. But we could look at the first one. I that I don't know. >> Yeah. A long long time. Yeah. And I will repeat part of what I'm going to say once um Jessica gets here. But I asked
for some volunteers to do the minutes and we had two volunteers, which was two more than I expected. It was really wonderful. You know, it's it's uh um so uh Jessica volunteered to do it. And
when I asked her about it, she said that the her primary reason was because she's a new member and she wanted to be a good citizen. And then Elaine said she would like to do it because she really really wants to do it. So I talked to Jessica. She was fine with not doing it because
it wasn't out of a burning desire to be the secretary. And for um for Elaine, she just really wants to stay on the committee and this is a way to stay active and engaged and involved in the committee. So I was really thrilled that
she was was willing to do that. So now, oh, and here comes Annie. So now we can start the main event. Sam, is the PE teacher coming? >> I haven't heard from him, so I'm guessing no. >> Okay, fine. at this point. Well,
so hi Annie. I know you're you're you're also um muted at this point. So what I what we'll do is first introduce Diane Adams who I'm so happy to see you here uh to say the least. Um I will say a little
bit about about you. Um and then um ask if people any members Hey Annie uh have any questions for you and um and Annie, we're just we're literally just starting. We voted to approve the minutes and I announced that Elaine is
going to be our new secretary starting at our next meeting and that's just about as far as we got. >> Sorry I'm late. Thank you. >> Oh yeah, we heard about the moose. It's always about the moose, right? I mean, so, um, I just wondered whether or not
if the current members could just introduce yourself briefly, saying, you know, how long you've been on the committee, what you like about the committee, anything you would like to say that is relevant to the task at hand. Ann, do you want to start? Sure. Annie, I saw you last time. Hi,
Diane. I think I saw you on the geology walk. Um, God, Barbara, I don't know how long I've been on the committee. couple years. Not as long as the >> longer than that. Okay. >> Yeah, definitely. >> Um I like I mean I like being on this committee because I love the kinds of
programming we do. As Barbara always says, we're the fun committee, but um it's really nice to keep thinking. It's very uh innovative committee and people have great ideas and I love that we often can take our ideas and put them into action.
>> Great. Thank you. Um, Christine Marglin. >> Um, yeah, this is the elite committee in town. I mean, I may as well say it. This is the best. That's why we're here. I just checked. Uh, the earliest minutes
that I have are October 2018. >> Wow. Okay. >> Kind of horrifying. So, I've been on the committee probably a few months longer than that. and not as long as Christine, but a long time. And yeah, it's just so
great. The people are so great. I've, you know, it's just always such a pleasure to to meet and uh we do fun things and we're about trying to have more fun in town. So, >> and build town feeling, town community type feeling.
>> So, that's me. >> And yeah, it is true. I like everybody so much. In case any of you didn't know, um, those poison pen letters were not from me. Honest. Christine Robinson.
Hi Diane and hi Ann. Um, so I guess I've been the longest, which I don't believe, but whatever. Um, yeah. So this started through fitness classes and then we b we branched out into different places like
nature um different types of walks and building community I think is like our main goal and uh having common threads and getting to know more people in the community. Welcome.
>> Thank you. and Sam. I know you know Annie, but I don't know if you know Diane or not. >> I don't think we've met before. I'm Sam. I think this is probably the end of my second year of being on the committee going into the third. Um I got roped
into it by Barbara. You don't ever say no to her. That's a really good advice. Um, and um, I have little kids, eight to four. So, I've been having fun doing um, family events with this committee. So,
like we have we got soccer started, which is really great cuz then I um got my kids in an activity I didn't have to drive down the hill for. So, that's my motivation. It's personal. No, no, but it is really fun to do a lot of community events and um, include the
families. Great. Thanks. And uh Sam is um the co-chair of the committee. Um I roped her into that. Although on that one, you can't really claim that you couldn't say no to me because when I mentioned it to you, you said, "Oh, I was thinking the same thing." So, we both have that
brilliant idea at the same time. And that's worked out really well because um we have different strengths and I get nerved up having anything to do with um technology that I don't know how to do. I just without even looking at it
closely, I assume I can't. So, it's been really nice to have Sam pick up some things and to reassure me once in a while that I I actually do know how to do things. For example, we are all here at this moment. So, I did manage to get the uh Zoom meeting week after or month after month after month, I managed to
get it set up. So, um Annie, I think Annie was here last I guess Christine, you're the only one who didn't meet Annie. you you were not here last week. Am I remembering that right? Or last month. Yeah. Um so Annie, I don't know
whether So Annie came to the meeting last time and you got to see what we're about and how we do things and I was so delighted when you said, "Oh, I'm really interested in being in the committee." Um so that was that was really great to know. Uh so before we take a vote, I
don't know whether you had any other questions or things that you wanted to ask us or say to us and whether any members had any questions for Annie. >> I I don't think I had any questions. I think I mean I think I have a lot of questions kind of generally about how
things work that will probably get answered along the way, but >> nothing that would stop me from joining you guys. So >> great. Anyone have any questions, things they want to say to Annie? >> Annie, I'd just love to hear why you
what what it was that happened at the last meeting that made you decide you wanted to join or just why you want to join the committee really. >> Oh, yeah. I don't I don't know that it was anything that happened at the last meeting that I I just kind of wanted to see see a little bit what it was like before saying I wanted to join. Um and
um I guess that you know I'm just interested in joining because um I also have kids four and eight and um I we do a lot of the activities in town and I feel like we um I don't know just a way to kind of be part of the bigger community. I just want to contribute to
that. So >> great. Thank you. >> Okay. So um I'm going to be making a big big assumption right here and suggesting that we just do the vote. Is that okay?
Okay. Um, so, uh, I guess I move that we that that Annie Gagliardi become a member of the recreation committee. Um, second and all those in favor, just raise your hand. And as expected,
unanimous. Welcome, Annie. I'm really, really glad that you decided you wanted to be a part of this. And then Diane um has not had an opportunity to be here, but she and I met in one of the walks a while, I don't remember which of the
walks it was, and we and we struck Oh, it would have been at Brightwater Bog because you offered to help us carpool over to Brightwater Bog. And then um I then the next time I saw you was um when I was handing out the trash bags. I highly recommend I've said this before,
handing out trash bags, great way to meet people. Um, and we talked and I learned that you had just recently retired and were interested in getting more involved in the town. So, of course, I'm thinking, oh, recreation committee, recreation committee, but I didn't want to stand have you, you know, stand in the line and have me be
heranging you. So, I didn't. And then you came to the both of the events, the um the geology one and the meetup. And so, it was really nice and we got a chance to talk some more. and Diane was asking some questions about the
committee and and all of a sudden I thought I think she might be interested in the committee so you know this isn't just like oh so what did they do how did they do this or whatever it was like oh so I asked and you said yes you were so um here you are and so I'll put out the
same thing first why don't you say a little bit first about yourself and about your interest in the committee and then the other committee members can ask questions questions or comments. >> Great. Hi everybody. Um I my husband and
I have been in Shootsberry for 40 years. We built our house and raised our son and absolutely love Shootsberry. We hike right out our backyard and um we have a dog have had several dogs but one at a
time throughout the years and just love being able to hike all day if we want to. And um we have kayaks, so we just go down the hill to Lake Viola and and paddle around and explore the marsh and pick blueberries at the blueberry island
where there aren't any houses and we can fill up on blueberries in the morning. Um I I love shoots. I love being active. I love being outdoors. If it's nice out,
it's very hard to keep me inside. Um, I volunteered, I guess early on, I volunteered at the um, library for preschool reading time. It was actually, Hi, Jess. um
for three and under because all the other kids were at school and so getting to meet moms with young kids and reading to them as they're running around or sitting and um so that was fun. I also
um volunteered at the school and with Bezy Riley in the art room and um in the kindergarten and then they asked me if I wanted to work as a parah with um some children with special needs
and that was wonderful. I did that and then through that I learned of a grant to um for pair of professionals or assistant teachers to um to go to school
to get their bachelor's degree for um educator lensure and I went through that at um through UMass and that was fantastic and I got a job in New Salem teaching
classroom teacher fifth grade and third grade was my dream. I ever since I had the best third grade teacher in the world. I wanted to be a third grade teacher and I I was able to do that. Um
and then I was I got my master's degree in special education and ended my career as a special educator in um I think it was eight years of that at the end. And
um but I am happily retired and happily in my um next chapter of living happily ever after. And so anything that um we just really enjoy ourselves and enjoy having time to enjoy the things around
us. Um for hobbies, I'll just say one more thing. Hobbies like hiking and kaying, horseback riding. I started riding again after 20 years of not having a horse. Well, 10 years of not having a horse and
20 years of not riding. So, I'm thrilled to be riding again. I started playing a little pickle ball with a pickle ball group in in town and um have been trying to learn more about it. So I can you
know be part of the group and um it just yoga and fitness sound great. I love that you mentioned that because I I do yoga videos here at home and I know there's um a group at the library. I see
that um either I don't know if it's Zoom or if it's in person at this point. So that's always >> Zoom. Yeah. Is it Zoom? >> Is it Zoom? Oh, that's that's good. >> It's Zoom. It's Tuesday
9:00 strength training with Cath Dr. Kathy Sward. Wednesday 9:00 with Janette. And then Thursday is Dr. Kathy Swart again for therapeutic yoga. Wonderful.
>> Great. >> For an hour. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. I will definitely check into that because that's about the time I'm playing my video. to do the my stretching for the day. Nice. Thank you.
>> Great. Thanks so much, Diane. Um, for the purposes of the recording, um, I just want to say, uh, so another member who has arrived is Jessica Carlson Banger. Um, also our two guests, Diane Adams and Annie Gagliardi. Um, so we can
now continue on. Um, so does anyone have any questions or things they want to say to ask of Diane before we vote? Did you just Diane did you do you two already know each other? I >> was going to say I would like to second
all that Diane said and um she's great and I've known her for years and would love love love to have her on the committee. That also goes for Annie. I don't know if you've already talked to Annie, but Oh, my tea is being delivered. >> Um, >> could I have a cup, too, please?
It's not that long a drive. >> Oh, well. >> Um, but both of both Annie and Diane, I think knowing them outside of this committee, just from being in town for a while, um, they would both make great
members. And I I don't know what I missed or what I but I approve this I approve these these votes going through for these two. So >> thank you. >> Yeah, we have already voted on Annie and
we and it was unanimous. Um Elaine was not able to be here today and she also knows Diane and what she wrote is that um she said I've known Diane since 1993. Uh Diane has wonderful energy and is an
amazing person. She is fun, engaged, smart, and active. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Any questions anyone has for Diane? Okay. So, I move that we um vote to um add Diane Adams as a member of the
recreation committee. Is there a second to that motion? And um all those in favor, please raise your hand and unanimous. >> I'm so thrilled. I'm so thrilled that you're both going to be part of this
committee. I just makes me really happy. Um I look around and this is we're going to do really interesting things for sure. um I will write an email to the um select board letting them know and they
will ask you to come but you actually don't have to go um if it's convenient you can go but what I did with um with Jess Jessica was I went to the committee and just kind of they it's pretty much proforma they're not going to decide not
to accept somebody um so if you really if you want to go to the select board on the date that they're going to just be officially saying you're a member of the committee that's fine but if you don't want to can't it's nothing to worry about and if I'm able to I will go but
apparently a lot of chairs also don't go because it pretty much is just pro okay now there was something that I said Jessica before you came that I wanted to um just repeat which is that um how grateful I was that you had volunteered
to um be the secretary for the group and that um you know, but it had sounded like your interest was in it's something that needs to be done. You're willing to do it. And then Elaine was like, "Oh, but I want to do it." But thank you so much for volunteering to do that. I
really appreciated it a lot. Okay. So, I'm going to turn things over to Ann now um for the trivia night. Okay. Thanks, Barbara. So, I think when we last month, so Diane, we're thinking
we're going to do a trivia night. We're we were trying this came out of trying to think about activities we can do in the wintertime when we may not be able to do as much outside. Um, so we had talked about doing it in January,
February. Barbara, I do have a question for you because on the agenda you had put that we wanted to coordinate with Maryanne. So >> yeah, we just have to ask her because if she has planned if she has programming planned on the same night that we want to do the trivia night, that won't work
out so well. So we just have to check our date with her. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um so I think we were thinking of January, February. So I So a couple of things I think that would be helpful for us to do today. I know last time Barbara
and Jessica I think you Yeah. Okay. and Christine um Margolyn said that they were interested in working on this event. So we had talked about maybe getting together as a subcommittee to plan out some of the details. Um it was very
interesting. I was last time I was very concerned about like including the kids and I really appreciated Jessica saying you know like when we did this a long time ago with the school the parents were really happy to go out without their children. So, Barbara, I don't
know how how many decisions we want to make today, but I know that we had talked about either doing it at the library or seeing if we could do it at the SACE. Um, that might be a little more fun if we're just thinking about uh having it as adults. And then I don't know if we want to try to talk about a
date today. And then I then if we can maybe date is what we really want to do, Barbara. And then maybe we can see for folks who are interested. I don't know if December is just off the table, but if we want to see if we can get that subcommittee together in December to kind of drill down a little bit more
into the the nuts and bolts. Oh, I'm really mixing my metaphors, but uh work a little bit more on the on the event itself. >> Are you willing to um take the lead on this? >> Absolutely. Yeah, >> good. I just wanted to confirm that. Y >> because we could just we could have a
Zoom meeting at some point in um in December. And I I agree with you. If we could find a date or a couple of dates that we could pass by um Maryanne, if we can do that today, the location seems to me to be something that's a bigger potentially bigger issue.
>> Okay. Yeah, that sounds great. And also just for just for the um for the committee in general, can is it possible if people are willing that we have a subcommittee meeting in person? >> I think yeah, I think we can do that. I yeah I I'm trying to think whether now
see where's Elaine when you need her. Um >> I don't need >> she would know the answer to this because I don't know whether subcommittees have to >> open meeting law >> have to have open have an open meeting that I don't know but we can we can find out. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. Um I haven't been on a Has anyone been on a subcommittee and any other committee in town? I never have been. Okay. I'll I'll I'll find that out. >> Okay. And it might be that folks would prefer to meet up by Zoom. So, you know,
I just thought I would ask. >> Okay, great. >> Um, what date have in mind? >> In terms of dates, I I I um we talked about January or February. So, I think we want to think about night night of the week. Um, you know, day and then
date. Sometimes I think like the first two weeks of January are kind of off the table because people are just getting back into their routines. But I'm curious to hear what other people say about possibly doing something at the end of um January or in February before
the school vacation comes. So do people have ideas about what seems good or Jessica, you seem like you might you're on the mic. I was just going to say I would rather later in January or the beginning
of February. And um I was thinking that it would be on a weekend as far as nights go. Um but I know they have um Friday night uh dinners and stuff at the AC. So that might not work, but probably maybe a Saturday that if if we're
thinking of going the AC route. I was going to say um the Febru Friday, February 6th, the um PTO is doing a school dance, so that might be um a conflict. >> Thanks, Sam. Christine, you were gonna say something?
>> Well, just how about maybe the last weekend in January, like the 31st, which is a Saturday. How would that be? >> It seems like such a dead time that maybe it would be nice. you know, it's not a three-day weekend like the Martin
Luther King weekend. Um, it's not this school thing. And the library really I mean, if we're trying to do it at the AC, the library doesn't really do adult Saturday night. >> No, they don't. Yeah. It's more about I
mean we kind of ran a foul last year with the knitting times because um they Maryanne had lined up a bunch of um where they Saturday Christine um or I know you went to some of these but she had lined up some event events or
workshops learning how to do different kinds of sewing things and we had the so the the knitting in the morning and even though it wasn't at the same time it was potentially going to draw people away from these activities. So, it's just just kind of making sure that we're not
Chances are you're right. Absolutely. On a Saturday night, I doubt that there's going to be any conflict, but suppose that day something was being planned. Um would want to know about that. >> And my other question is just do we want to have a u like a snow let's call it a
weather >> date? >> Yes. Sam, do you know what the Is there a snow date for the PTO dance? >> I like that. I like that. >> No, not yet. >> We're gonna feel really good about the
weather gods. >> No, we haven't gotten that far. >> But that's on Friday the 6th, Sam. February. >> Yeah, but I was thinking, Christine, if they were going to do Saturday the 7th as their snow date. >> I don't think we will. I think we'd have to do another Friday.
>> Okay. Okay. I like the end of I like that last week of January, too, because it gives us enough time to plan it. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> So, try for January 31st and then the backup the snow date would be February 7th.
>> And would you ask the AC? Would they allow us to do something? I don't know how it works because I'm not a member. >> Yeah, Jessica um has some some history with the Sorry. Every time I point to you, you're eating. I'm so sorry. Okay.
>> It was a long day of running and like being out. So, I'm like I need something before I fall asleep. But, um, yeah, the AC is happy to have events hosted there. Um, I can get in touch with them to see
if that date is available. Um, and usually it is. And we would just probably need to set up the tables in the back room. >> Yep. and um make sure that the stove is lit back there um because that would be chilly. And yeah, I think they would be
happy to to do that. And I think our membership includes a use of the back room. So even if they don't just give it to us for free, we can just use our um free usage for that. So >> great. Thanks, Jessica.
>> Okay. And so then, um, I don't know if that's something you'd like us to. I actually went online and looked up how to do a a trivia night because I of course had no idea. I've never been I I stumbled upon one once, but I've never participated in
one. And so there were a lot of good suggestions, but it seems like something like that might help us just figure out what are the things that we have to get lined up. So I'll send that around to whoever's on the committee. >> Yeah, thanks Barbara. I did that, too. And so, um, maybe what we can do is just
confirm who wants to be on the subcommittee and then I I, uh, depending on open meeting laws, I would love to follow up with those folks with an email. I think I can do that. >> You can do that. You can do that. Yeah. Because you're not making any you're making a decision date. Yeah. You're not
really making a substantive decision. >> And I'll check with Elaine because she she knows all that. >> Okay. Okay. So, um, we already have a robust crew, so that's great. And remember, um, you know, anyone can join
the subcommittee, but we also need people to be on those trivia teams. Um, so, uh, no pressure to join the subcommittee because then you can have pressure to be a be on the trivia team. And I know that's why Barbara wants to be on the subcommittee because you said you didn't know any trivia. >> I don't know anything.
So, I know Barbara, Christine, and Jessica, and me. Is there anyone else who wants to be on the subcommittee? >> I have a question about doing that. Um, I would love to help plan it, but could
I also be on the on the team or is it one or the other? >> I think it's one or the other because then you'll know the answers. >> Yeah. >> Oh, then I would like to be on the team, too. Yeah. Right. because I wouldn't know I wouldn't get a single one of these. That's why I'm volunteering for this.
>> Oh, I I mean I have a history in my family of doing the a trivia quiz. Um so I've written a lot of trivia quizzes. I always do multiple choice for my family though because it's >> Can we use ones you've already written? >> Yeah, I have some wacky holiday ones. Um
but anyway, uh I love writing questions. It's just um anyway, but Diane, I do think because it's the first one and maybe we haven't talked about this, but it might maybe it would turn into a series that we really would need people who might be able to get a team together
and, you know, put some some, you know, feelers out and get get people to come. So, if you want to be on a team and kind of that would be really helpful. Um >> I would we have it only for shoots
residents or could it be anyone from New Salem? >> I know teachers who would come >> from New Salem. >> I have no I have I have no interest in limiting it to Shootsbury residents, but
if other people do, please. We've often had non Shootsbury people come to our events. >> So I don't think that that's uh it's I mean that's we don't have huge numbers of people. I mean I think if all of a sudden 50 people from New Salem although
that's the population of New Salem so we don't worry about that. Um yeah I I would have no problem with that either. >> Great question Diane. >> Thank you. Okay. So, I guess I I won't be on the
subcommittee this year. >> There will be more committees. >> Okay. >> Um I had a question too. I was wondering would we be doing this as a fundraiser or would we be just having people enter
with no monetary? Um >> we've never done any of our activities as fundraisers. I'm not sure what the logistics of that would be for our town committee to do a fundraiser. >> True. True. Okay. >> Again, where's >> Okay. So, just open trivia. Sometimes
they have like prizes, you know, like it's like a 5050 kind of thing, but we can talk about >> Oh, yeah. We I I Jessica, thank you. I think last time I mentioned I think it would be great if we had prizes. I mean they can be shoot specific or what
whatever but um thinking about the budget for for um that's something we want to think about in our talk about in the subcommittee >> yes to the prizes but I hadn't thought about fundraiser so like free free to come >> and then
um if you're lucky >> yeah we could talk about don getting donations for prizes too like we might have Um, we'll we can talk about that when we meet as a subcommittee. >> Yeah. And I'll I'll ask around and find out
what if any restrictions exist around um I'm guessing we wouldn't be able to do a fundraiser. Um and because the way the library does its fundraiser is through the friends, not through the town. >> Yeah. >> And so I think that's kind of a hint
right there that that's something that's not really done. Um, >> but I'll I'll find out what I can. >> Yeah. And I I think if we think about this as something that might happen again, you know, I I would love to just
have it be a trivia night and not not necessarily a fundraiser because then every time would it be a fundraiser and, you know, it would just more of a, you know, enter entertaining entertainment. >> Yeah. Diane, you were gonna say something. Um, one other idea to just
throw out there is could it be a um like for a charity like a animal shelter, everyone brings a can of dog food or or a towel or something. I don't know if that I mean that again opens it up or
you do it every year. >> Yeah. Again, I can find out what if any restrictions exist around stuff like that. Um because I I don't know whether if anything is perceived as paying in order
to be able to participate in it. My guess is that we can't have a activity that people have to pay to use. >> So >> yeah, >> anyway, we can we can figure all of that out.
Great. Are we all set? Ann, is there anything else? Yes, we are. Thanks, Barbara. >> Great. Absolutely. So, our next Oh, yeah. So, most of the work is going to we won't be having another meeting of
this committee before we'll have one meeting before um like the week or so before. Um we're always uh Diane and Annie, we're always on the fourth Tuesday of the month. So that's just unless there isn't a
meeting and there is not a meeting in December. Um okay. Well, thank you very much Ann for taking the lead on this. It sounds like it's going to be fun. So our next two items are just updates on things that we've done. Um the uh Shootesberry
geology was really well attended. Um we had 20 people. There were still uh there was a waiting list. I got a hold of um both Al and Stevie and um just to say that you know we might be interested in doing it again and um uh Stevie said
that he would love to do it again um and so in next fall so not immediately but that might turn out to be a good um annual kind of thing and there's different places to go and different things to see when it comes to the geology but I it I don't know Jess you
were there Diane you were there do you have any like who else was there from here and Ann know if any of you had any comments or anything about it like it >> it was really great it was very informative um and it was I was reading
through my packets they gave handouts it was really um great it did feel it felt like a condensed like college course but specific to Shootsbury geology which was really cool yeah and it was a great crew too the presenter centers were lovely
and the people who went were very friendly and you could see people trying to make connections and um it was really great. >> Nobody knows. >> Yeah. Yeah. So I I would say that will be a
doover. Um if uh come next next fall. Um let's see. And then um Jessica, you you led the first hike meetup and I was there. Dan was there. It was really fun.
>> It was really great. Yeah. I think we had 10 people, so it was smaller, but we also didn't advertise a lot before that first one. Um, and um, it was great. It was people from all different parts of Shootsbury and we got to see a
trail that I don't normally hike on. I had never been there before. Beth kind of um, led the way on that one. And um, it was also great. It was about an hour, about two miles. And so we're looking forward to the next one, December 14th.
Um, I had a question for you though. I have had some people email me and ask about being put on a mailing list for the hikes and I just keep telling them if they're signed up for the rec committee. Um, >> yeah, there really isn't a signing up for the rec. We talked about this.
>> Yeah. I mean, if they I that would be fine. If they wanted some if you if you could get a list of people then um like a week before a hike, we can send out both the townwide and then because I think we want to send out a townwide before each hike, not just >> Yes.
>> Yeah. Um and we can also send something out to those specific people. That's not a problem. >> Okay. I'll um yeah, I'll try to do that as I think as long as the they're on the townwide Oh, I'll recommend that they keep signing up for the townwide emails
though, just so that they're getting all the information. >> Yeah, I think once you're signed up, you stay signed up, but you but people aren't automatically signed up, >> right? >> So, if they don't have it, they should check. I don't know. I don't even remember doing that, so I don't know if
anybody knows what the process is. Yeah, I think you have to sign up through the town website, but I feel like it was easy. >> Yeah, it was pretty easy. >> The other thing is that I got a message from um the Kestrel Trust asking that we just
ask them before we plan events on their properties. Um and they only own that one property in Shootsbury, which is Brightwater Bog, where we had planned January a January 1 hike. and they said it wasn't being used by any other groups that day, so we're welcome to use it and
they're very happy we're using it, but they just asked that we check in in the future. So, um, just so you all know, if we're doing anything at Kestrel properties, we need to just message them and ask about it before we plan it.
>> Yeah, it was great to hear that because they had not said anything about that on the previous ones and I knew they knew about them because somebody in town is on the townwide email. first one there was some issue because there the construction was still going on but we assured them we weren't going anywhere
near the construction so um it was a winter one led by Graham but uh it's good to know that that they need us to do that and that's easy to do okay so Sam do you want to the update on snowshoes
oh let me just say about the the hike meetups if you can go it's really nice to go it's just they're lowkey It's very pleasant. Um, you know, Diane and I got to talk for quite a while on it. It was just really nice to, you know, see you two days in a row. Um, so
anyway, they're really they're really nice, Sam. >> Okay. I think Did I get it to work? I couldn't unmute myself. Can you hear me? >> Oh, you're you're Yeah, we can. You're good. >> Okay, great. Um, the snowshoes. Last
time we had voted to um spend $500 and I let Marian know that and she said it would be easiest if um she just purchases them and then we reimburse her. So then that way she kind of knows what the library needs and we don't have to really worry about finding finding
which ones and making a decision about how many. Does that make sense? >> I think so. And let's hear any comments, concerns about that. No, I think >> Sam Oh, sorry. Sam, did you have did you
share with Maryanne about like Sierra Trading Post is some place that >> Yeah, I let her know. >> Okay. >> I I can't remember though where she ended up finding a good deal. >> Okay, great. So, >> remember, but I did tell her about that. Yes. >> Great. and she might be able to get a
better deal than we could get calling from a library. >> Yeah, sometimes she can tell them and they'll give them give her a discount, too. Yeah. >> Okay. Um I don't know whether we need a vote on this or not. So, it doesn't hurt
to have a vote. So the motion is to um ask I guess we are we are asking it's our to ask um Maryanne to make decisions about the snowshoes and to purchase them and that we will reimburse them. That is the movement. Do I have a second to that
movement? Okay. And all those in favor please raise your hand. >> Sorry, could I just ask a question? Is is she going to go along with what we decided last time about adult and child or is this just all now up to her? Oh, that's I would What are you nodding yes
to, Sam? >> Yeah, it's up to her. It It would be up to her. >> So whether there were children's and how many, whether there were adults and how many, it would just be >> Yeah. >> Uhhuh. So it's more like we're making a donation to the library of $500.
>> I think that we're purchasing the snowshoes, but I think that we are giving her the decision power of what the library needs because she has the information. That's how I would um that's how I kind of see it. >> What do you mean what the library needs?
>> Well, like she has like um a pretty good handle of the patronage and like I do know that she wants to get children and adult um snowshoes. >> Yeah. So, Christine is what I hear you saying is you would like to and stop me
if I'm putting words in your mouth. you would like to ask her to make sure that there are both snowshoes for children and adults. >> Well, it was just we had decided last time I would have to look at the minutes to see exactly what we decided in terms
of how many you know I think we decided two adult pairs and >> however many children's pairs I guess would come up to $500 >> and had had that great um site which I was not aware of and is is a really good
site and Sierra. Um, but if she's doing it for adults and children, then I I don't have objection to >> her going ahead. >> Yeah. Jessica, >> could our um vote be like changed a
little bit to say that we'll pass on our recommendations for what sizes and what types of snowshoes and offer um the research that we found on pricing. like just to make sure that we're passing all of that on to Maryanne because she'll
probably take that into account if she um even if she's making the final decision like she'll it might be helpful for her to have all of that. So, in passing on the information that we talked about last time, but then letting her make the final decision not to exceed $500 or
>> Yeah. And and to purchase a mix of children's and adult snowshoes. Yes. No. Yeah. Okay. So yeah, I think following just up on what Christine said, I think last time we did the committee did feel strongly that there
should be both adult and children. So as far as I'm concerned, as long as she has that mix, and it sounds like she does, Sam, then that works for me. >> Okay. I'm just I'm trying to think what what the that we will um
that m we will charge Maryanne with purchase of snowshoes for adults and children with that amount not to exceed $500. Does that sound good? Okay. So, second to that motion and all those in favor.
Okay, great. Thanks. All right, so the snowshoes were all set with the snowshoes, which is great. Um, I was just kind of the only other things that I had down on, and I don't think any of these are really decisions at this point, are just beginning a list of
events for spring and early summer. We're going to have the bike repair tuneup again. Um, the bird watching co-sponsored with the library with Cliff Reed sometime during um, peak bird migration. Um, obviously more hike
meetups. uh possibly a guided walk with Graham and H and Helen at uh Brightwater Bog. And uh perhaps at our next meeting we can begin um uh thinking about some other activities
as well that that um we might sponsor that there would be interest for. Um I want to bring something up that um at the last uh Oh, Christine, were you just asking a question? I just wanted to remind you, Barbara, that you had asked me if I would co-lead
a um an improv event with you this winter. So, we should talk about that. >> Yes. So, Christine uh has more experience than I have. I have some experience in leading and doing improv. It's a huge amount of fun. We hired somebody last year to do it and it was a
nice kind of cold day activity. Um I've actually in an improv group. We never meet, but we do have a group. Um, we met twice and it was just it's just a lot of fun. And so, um, I was asking Christine how she would feel about possibly co-
co-f facilitating an improv, um, some cold February weekend day and uh, she said yes. So, is that something that sounds of interest to people to put on? Great. it you because Ann, you were there, you
know. It's it's just it's a lot of fun. It's just >> it's >> it was a lot of fun and it was a different um different people who came to that event than I've seen at other events. So, that's something we've also talked about on the committee is trying to have events that might attract
different folks in town. So, I liked that about it. >> Yeah. Yeah, it definitely did. Okay. because that that'll be an easy one to do because I have a whole and I whole pile of activities that can be done because there's the and I imagine Christine you do as well and we can
easily put together a nice little program that would be fun for everybody. So, okay, great. Um and then we'll we'll talk more about some of the I was thinking there was something else here. Oh. Um, Ann, you had mentioned um on our
way to the when to the um Chesberry Geology about that you knew somebody who could help us with doing looking for mushrooms and that it looks like mushroom hunting out in this neck of the
woods is in um fall, late summer, early fall. So, that's something we'd have to wait on. But, I think that would be a lot of fun. Yeah, Diane, she was in your car and I can't remember her name, but she was
sitting next to me, but she does these mushroom walks and she said that her schedule fills up so that we would want to But I swear she said she was going to get in touch with the committee. >> Oh, >> do you have a list, Barbara, of people who went to the Yeah.
>> Okay. I would I think I would recognize her name. Is it Jessica Benson Evans? >> Yeah, that's who I was. What? Sam, >> is it Jessica Benson Evans? >> She's kind of She works at Morris Hill.
>> She works on what? >> She works at Morris Hill. Her name's Jessica. >> Yes. Yes. Yes, that is her. And she lives on Wendell Road across from Al. >> Yeah. Thanks, Sam. >> Yep. >> All right. Okay. Well, that will be for knowing nothing about mushrooms. So, I
was thinking, oh, well, we could do that in the spring. Well, we can't do it in the spring. The peak time for doing that is um in the fall, so late summer and fall. So, we'll hold that for FY26. And I that is I think everything that I
had. Does anybody have any other business? Okay. Well, welcome again, Annie and and not Jessica. you you've now have a whole day, a whole meeting, two meetings. And Diane, it's I'm really really really
glad to have you both on here. And and you know, and think about things that you might want to do. And Jessica raised an idea um at the knitting, the stitchin, which is uh she just asked, "Has the committee ever done any kind of survey to find out what kind of
programming people want in town?" And and it's something that I think would be worthwhile our talking about. um and whether what that would mean in terms of our ability to respond. And anyway, I just think but it's I like I think
that's a good idea because um I think we come up with some really great ideas. The response we always have waiting lists. So the response to the things that we're doing clearly shows that we're hitting a a nerve there, but are there other things that we could do um
as well? Um, and just so that you all know, I will I always keep or try to keep an eye on the recognizing that we are a volunteer organization and or or committee and this is not anybody's full-time job despite the hefty salary
that we're all getting. Barbara, have you shared with um Diane and Annie our um uh I was going to say I guess it is a rule but how we approach like events and the commitment and that because that might be
>> right. No, I haven't. We some we will often brainstorm ideas but then the next question is is there anybody who's actually willing to take responsibility for it and if there isn't we don't do it. So there needs to be at least one person
who says yes, this is something that I'm really interested in and I'll, you know, take the lead on on organizing it. If there is nobody, we don't do it. And part of it is that when I first started is it came out of some self-preservation
for myself because when I first started, I I was kind of taking on more things than I really could reasonably do. and um and I realized being being chaired doesn't mean leading every organ every idea um it means holding a space where
we can be looking at ideas and thinking about whether we can do them or not. So um so that is thank you thank you Ann because that was a a major that was an important thing that we did when we when we talked about that. >> Okay. So
>> oh can I ask one question? >> Oh yeah please. Uh just in terms of thinking about ideas to to bring for next time, I'm I was just curious kind of what roughly the budget is for things and and how I guess how many things you try to plan
or how often you kind of shoot for having things going on. Um we I don't know that we ever really consciously think about how many things we shoot for going on. They just sort of somehow or other it all kind of works out that things are spread across the
year. Um, oh, I'm sorry. What was the other part of the question? My mind's not >> budget. >> The budget we have, we got $3,000 and we uh usually don't spend it all because many of the people who do who lead things don't want to take the money. Um,
so what we do end up doing with that money is asking them if how they feel about donating it to the library. Um, and we did that because the first two or three people who said they didn't want the money, the honorarium asked us to give it to the library. So, it goes
towards the um fitness classes and um supporting things like that. So, we we we typically offer a person who's leading something $250. Um, and I would say at least half the time they're turning us down for the for
the for the $250. Um, and then we have a budget like for the bicycles, we had the budget to purchase the types of materials and things that would be needed for spring tuneups. Um, so it doesn't sound like a lot of money, but we always have extra
money at the end of the year. Yeah, we're good with our money. And I pride ourselves on ending on time and it's 4:58 and I don't want anyone to feel like oh god she never finishes the meeting. I
always finish the meeting right on time. So the meeting is Oh first we have to have a movement to adjourn. Is anyone want to move that we >> I have a question? >> Yeah. >> Next meeting January 27th. >> Yes. >> Thanks.
>> Yeah. No meeting in in December. Um so do Okay. Okay. So, do we have a move move to adjourn? Yes. And all those in favor? And so the meeting has adjourned at 4:58 p.m.