MEETING MINUTES
March 31, 2003
Comprehensive Plan Cultural Committee
Attendance: Chip Harding, Lee Shipley, Joanne Osgood, Jack Shipley, Carin Lee, Sammie Haynes, Jane Cowen -Fletcher, Michelle Kareckas, Jack Kareckas, and a letter submitted by Cynthia Gagnon.
Introduction: We introduced ourselves. Jack Shipley and Jack Kareckas, Comprehensive Steering Committee members, gave a brief history of the Comprehensive Plan, its purpose and what our committee’s task is. We have a tentative finish deadline date of May 1. We must hold public meetings that are appropriately posted and minutes are to be submitted. Our format is informal. We are to inventory the town’s cultural assets as well as its needs. We will present a written recommendation to the Steering Committee of short term and long term goals that will enhance cultural opportunities for South Berwick residents.
Our future meeting dates are April 14, 21, and 28 to be held at 6:30 pm on the third floor in the Town Hall.
Our first assigned task for all Cultural Committee members is to individually identify cultural assets and needs with South Berwick.
Discussion: Cynthia Gagnon’s letter was submitted. (Included in minutes) We began by giving examples of the town’s current cultural assets; Hot Summer Nights, Hamilton House Concert Series, Reading Groups at the Town Library and at SOBO, Strawberry Festival, our wealth of local musicians, artists, writers and crafters, ect. We identified some needs to be; lack of awareness/advertisement, lack of space to highlight art, music, and theater. We looked at the building of a new town library as a beginning solution to solving some of these needs.
References: We all received a copy of the Agamenticus Arts & Heritage Directory.
We look to this process with enthusiasm.
mgk
Letter from Cynthia Gagnon:
Culture Committee,
Sorry I can’t be there tonight, but I have some thoughts on what/how this committee might function.
I think a standing committee on cultural activities needs to be put in place. Just like any other committee in town it would be volunteer, but be made-up of people who have enthusiasm. Because of my 4 year affiliation with the library. I tend to see programs/activities through/with the new library. (when it gets built)
Visual Arts: The plan for the new library already includes some space for “displaying of artwork.” This space was thought of, when the building plan was developed, as a kids’ schoolwork area. However, there is no reason why, if it correctly planned, that local craftsperson’s wares, OR visiting craftspersons couldn’t display things.
I don’t see, however, our librarians having to oversee or plan this. I know that they’d welcome the idea, but with only 1, 1/2 persons on the staff actually taking charge would be a stretch.
Performing Arts: Additionally, the town is obligated to build a gazebo somewhere in town. (This being part of the agreement with the people who renovated the shoe factory) It doesn’t have to be AT the shoe factory. Perhaps this could be located adjacent to the ski hill/library and could be used for outside performances. (This is supposed to be a BIG gazebo that would allow for chair storage under the floor etc) Should be considered.
Trips Something that is sorely missing in South Berwick, I think, is the availability of easy travel to attend cultural activities. Once again, perhaps using the library’ as a base, day trips might be offered to such things as the MFA, stage shows in both Portland at the Merrill Center, and any number of stage shows in Boston. There are to be 1 -2 rooms at the new library that could allow for indoor speakers, as well. This could start small and grow. Note: (The Recreation Committee USED to offer ballgame tix. with bus transportation to Red Sox games and they were always very well received and lots of fun. Something of this nature with a cultural bent would be terrific.)
Just some thoughts as I sit here watching it SNOW Keep me informed.
Glad to help out.
Cynthia Gagnon
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