20210917 - Ridgewood Access Committee Meeting Minutes

Ridgewood's Community ACCESS Committee 

Meeting Minutes September 17, 2021 

 

The ZOOM meeting opened at 2:03 p.m. 

Present: Ines Bunza, Robin Ritter, Ashley Loria, Mayor Susan Knudsen, Jan Philips, Jesse Schwartzmann, Joanne Van Sant, Deanna Schablik, Lisa Trent, Caroline Meier, Danielle Pagani, Erica Dunckley 

Item 1: Welcome 

Ines welcomed everyone and introduced our new member, Danielle Pagani, a COVID 19 Generalist recently hired by the NJ Dept. of Health to give guidelines on COVID. We introduced ourselves to Danielle. She is figuring out how to get involved in the community. 

Minutes from the August meeting were approved. Motion by Robin, seconded by Deanna, motion carried. 

Item 2: Housing 

Susan relayed that the ribbon cutting ceremony is coming up. It will be a small event. She will get clarification on that. Jan asked that Joanne V.S. be included in that too. 

Item 3: Treasurer's Report 

Lisa G. was not able to attend the meeting. However, Ines said the finances are all steady and the balance is the same. 

Item 4: ACCESS Weekend 

1) There is a group in the elementary schools, the Unified Group, where one of the teachers wanted to have some of her students in the fashion show. Ines gave her Caroline's contact info.

2) Deanna: her seniors will meet Friday, indoors. She was hesitant, due to COVID, but is requesting masks. The registration is open on Community Pass. She has been in touch with all the town depts. The Health Dept. will hand out Emergency Readiness kits. And hopefully the booklet on the topic will be ready. Refreshments will be served.

3) Robin: 1 :00 Friday - in-person viewing of "25 Prospect St." This is a movie theater in CT that employs special needs people.

4:00 Seeing Eye Dog - in-person education program

7:00 Open ZOOM discussion with a producer of "25 Prospect St."

Ashley is all set on the website. She sent it to Dylan. It is not on the Village website yet but Susan said it will be today. The video will be as well.

Susan discussed employment opportunities with some downtown landlords - maybe a Goodwill-type store. Robin said that we will support those endeavors too with the landlords. Employment is our "next big thing." Joanne V.S. mentioned the roundtable that

she was involved with before COVID. It was very successful. 

4) Sat. a.m. Marlene Pillow will be on FB Live with her music for the young children.

5) Intro videos before the entertainment and fashion show. A few are completed.

6) Fashion Show: Caroline has been working with Rachel on the videos. We have some new and old ones. The numbers are going up. Oct. 3 is the deadline for videos. They should be sent to Caroline on a Google drive. She'll send them to Rachel.

7) Sunday: Joanne Van Sant - live broadcast from the sanctuary. The registration process is through the library. Joanne invited everyone to join her!

5, Old Business 

Joanne Stolfo: pursued the entertainment at Van Neste Square for Sat/Sun afternoons. But it is not continuing after Labor Day. The Pedestrian Plaza is only for 8 weeks. Susan mentioned that on Oct. 3 the Arts Council is having a "Come Together" program from 12-4. There will be a small street closure. She can put Joanne S. in touch with the Arts Council. 

6. New Business

Ines expressed concern about the COVID numbers. Two days ago they were at 2%, and now are at 5%. She asked Danielle if we should have a backup plan for the in-person programs, like the senior event, if they continue to rise. Danielle will check with Dawn. She said that in mid-Oct. the CDC is mandating testing in the schools.

Robin said we'll have to wait and see about a Plan B. We'll have to postpone the activity. Ines said that we are doing everything to keep people safe. Danielle said that last week she attended a clinic to discuss the 3rd booster. She thinks it's going to happen. 

Deanna said we shouldn't be surprised if her a.m. event is held outside. 

Jess Vasquez (schools - Ines) 

Jan expressed concern that the ACCESS Committee is still not on the Village online calendar. E-notices are important. Especially for meeting cancellations of committees and the council. The website would be so helpful. 

The meeting ended at 2:53 p.m. 

The next meeting will be after ACCESS Weekend; date TBD