20220825 - Ridgewood Access Committee Meeting Minutes

Ridgewood’s Community ACCESS Committee

Meeting Minutes August 25, 2022

The ZOOM meeting opened at 2:09 p.m.

Present: Ines Bunza, Robin Ritter, Mayor Susan Knudsen, Lisa Gardner, Deanna Schablik,  Joanne Stolfo,

Item 1: Welcome

Ines welcomed everyone to the meeting. Minutes from the July meeting motion by Joanne Stolfo, seconded by Deanna. approved.

Ines proposed some ground rules in the interest of time.

Meetings are very succinct but often the same issues are discussed and unnecessarily prolong the meetings.

All of available minutes are listed on VOR. There is no reason to continue to discuss the minutes.

With regard to members of the committee, a concern has been expressed that some of the members aren’t aware that they’re on the Access Committee. Ines reached out to Joanne       Van Sant, Karen Sheehy and Jack Dean. They are aware that they are on the Access Committee and would like to continue to serve on the committee.

Next year – if we want to change our meetings date/time, we will discuss that in the future as a committee.

Item 2: Employment

Susan reported that she had no new information. Susan will once again reach out to contacts to see if anyone can find a location for the bakery.

Item 3: Access Weekend.

Deanna has some fun/interactive activities planned for seniors. Ideas as of now: A ring toss, basketball game, a ping pong game, memory game. Activities to help with hand/eye coordination.

Erica was not able to attend but Ines reported that Erica is making great progress with the food.

Deanna reminded the group that she has blue Access cups.

Ines thanked Susan for preparing the letter (in various forms) for donors.

Joanne Stolfo will get in touch with Ridgewood Water. Robin will send Joanne the letter so that she can forward it.

Lisa is working with Freedom Bank. Thank you to Susan for updating the letter.

Susan suggested Valley National Bank. Susan will send Lisa the Valley National contact info.

TD Bank is still an unknown option. Deanna suggested reaching out to Blue Foundry. Deborah Woods is the contact. Lisa will follow through.

Ines reported that she hadn’t heard from Caroline regarding how many models and who she selected as MC for the fashion show.

Robin mentioned that the banners are a little worn. She will get in touch with Ridgewood Press for a price for two new banners. Joanne asked if there is a way to create an insert so that sponsors can be changed year to year. Robin will ask Ridgewood Press.

Ines will contact Danielle and see what type of information the Health Department would like to provide during the Community Fair.  

Susan contacted Susan Marlett at School of Rock for outdoor entertainment. School of Rock confirmed that they will have musicians for the outdoor portion of the day.

Susan will get in touch with guests and will let us know who will be in person and who will greet the audience via video.

Item 4: New Business

Robin mentioned that LSHSA is hosting an Activity Fair on Sept 22^nd at the Ed Center. Robin is out of town that day. Ashley Loria will be there to represent the library. Katie Frey or Deanna will attend for Parks and Rec. We need a volunteer to host the Access table. The event is 9:30 and ends at 11:30.

Item 5: Old Business

Ines thanked Joanne for contacting a speaker regarding the marriage bill info. It was decided that we will wait until after Access weekend to have a guest speaker. Joanne provided a synopsis of the various bills that are before the House and Senate. 

Ines will send a copy of the various bills to the group.

Public Comment

There was no public comment

The meeting ended at 2:42 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, September 29th at 2:00 via ZOOM.