9-11-2011 MABA minutes

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September 11, 2011
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Malvern Area Betterment Association
President Stacy Means called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM at the
MABA Welcome Center. Members present were Deb Breeding, MinDee
Sommerla, Bev Dashner, Linda & John Downey, Cheryl Jones, Spencer
Terry, Becky Bell, Jacque & Ed Mulholland, Patty Beres, Chance Beres
and guest Michelle Pardew. The August minutes were read; Bonnie P.
made a motion to approve and Patty B. seconded. All approved
unanimously.

Patty Beres gave the treasurer’s repot. The special event (GOC)
account now contains $5,059.63. The general fund contains $4,692.47.
Bev D. made a motion to approve, Cheryl J. seconded, all approved.

Stacy M. noted that a Magic Jack has been purchased for MABA at a cost
of $126 which will give the Welcome Center phone access through the
computer for the next five years. A wireless modem for the computer
will need to be purchased so that WiFi access is available for staff
use on the computer donated by Spencer T. Bonnie P. will donate a flat
screen monitor for the computer.

During the En Plein Air Festival discussion Means encouraged everyone
to try to generate more excitement and marketing about the events to
be presented. There will be new events this year including school
children displaying their best artwork at Community Building during
the EPA art competition judging. Bob Chalak will allow the Make & Take
children to display their work in the corner building on 4th & Main.
Face painting, storytelling, balloon animals and the concession
trailer are new features as well. Linda Downey asked that any MABA
member who attends the Dine with the Artists event at their home will
bring either a salad or dessert that would go with the tacos for the
meal. There will be a money box available for anyone who wants to make
a freewill donation. Name badges for the artists will be purchased. Ed
M. will donate the use of his tractor for the tram rides. Cost for a
tram ride will be $1.00.

Guest Michelle Pardew displayed concept drawings for the skate park
for which she is raising funds and writing grants. She would like to
change the original location of the park to the Boehner Park area so
it is nearer to the downtown vicinity. MABA members will attend a city
council meeting in support of this change when she is ready to present
her request. Cost for the entire project could be up to $50,000.
Pardew is working on a Tony Hawke grant at this time. She asked if
MABA would be interested in co-sponsoring a dance in the community.
She has made arrangements for the Omaha band Monkey Scuttle to perform
free as a fund raising event for the skate park. In the spring there
will likely be a skate board competition in Malvern as another fund
raising event to raise awareness of the need for a recreational site
in Malvern. The group discussed a donation from MABA. Bev Dashner made
a motion to donate $300 to the skate park. Deb seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.

Patty Beres, chairman of 2011 Festival of Trees this year noted that
all vendors will be located at the Community Building this year. Santa
will make his appearance at the library in the afternoon. MABA will
serve the lunch. The committee chairs for the event are: Vendors,
Patty B.; lunch, Stacy M.; advertising, Bev D. Children’s activities,
decorating, and food sales at the Friday evening decorating are TBA.

MinDee S. reported on the progress of membership committee. Donor
Perfect Online is now available and she has begun to input the data.
There will be a table at the Gateway of Chaos for the purpose of
educating the public about MABA and to encourage people to join the
organization. The membership drive will be underway late in the fall.

Deb B. reported that the Welcome Center is now open on Thurs., Fri.,
and Saturday. The hours of operation are from 11 AM to 4 PM. We will
need more volunteers to staff the center going forward. We will not be
able to have a senior aid through West Central Community Action until
next spring due to state budget shortfalls. Deb also discussed
developing a business directory which would be available in the
welcome center and throughout the community. It was decided to have a
ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the Welcome Center during
the En Plein Air Art Festival at 10:30 AM. The community will be
invited. Deb will bring a cake and coffee will be served.

Spencer T. gave a report on Gateway of Chaos progress. The following
new things are planned: a membership table and food available for
haunt enthusiasts. It was decided to give the EMAYS group the
opportunity of running a concession stand for a 30% portion of the net
profits from the food they provide. Four porta potties will be donated
by a local company this year. T-shirts with the new GOC logo will be
ordered and sold before and during the Haunt activities. Only 3 of
each size will be ordered and will be sold for $20 ea. or $250 total.
The shirts will be purchased from My Girls Ink. Cheryl J made a motion
to have the t-shirts made. Deb B. seconded the motion and all
approved.

GOC budget is on track. To date donors have pledged $2,200 with
$700-900 more to come in. Spencer requested a motion to purchase a
membership to the Red Oak Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of
marketing MABA events. Cheryl J. made the motion, Mindee S. seconded
the motion, all approved.

Cheryl J. discussed the upcoming community tree lighting ceremony and
lantern launch. This year the tree will be donated. Deb B. volunteered
to decorate Heritage Park and the Christmas tree when it is set up.
MinDee S. will find a group to provide music. Stacy M. will be in
charge of serving the hot chocolate.

With no further business before the board, the meeting adjourned at
6:30 PM.