The Waterville Community Connections Steering Committee met at 10 a.m. on Oct. 12, 2012, at Singing Hills Coffee Shop in Waterville.
The meeting was opened by Cindy Kennedy, chairperson.
I.Updates/Projects:
“Holidays in Hooterville”
The Waterville Chamber is again sponsoring “Holidays in Hooterville”, this year on Wed. evening, Dec. 5. Highlights include, Santa at Bergs, story hour at library, caroling at Traditions and Good Sam, caroling and tree lighting at the Community Patio, plus a business decorating competition, and a possible drive-by house decorating competition.
Kerekes Project, Art classes
Kathy Kerekes is working with the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council to sponsor art project classes at the coffee shop. She has lined up 5 artists/crafters, to teach kids on Saturday mornings, starting on Nov. 23, and each Sat. after that until Dec. 21. Kathy asked for funds to be matched in a grant by the PLRAC. The Lions will be sponsoring Bingo for kids in the afternoons.
DeMars Project, youth center
Dave and Lori DeMars, local residents and parents of 5, visited the meeting and explained their involvement with “Faith Steps for Families” ministry. They are in the research and development phase of bringing a youth center to town, to include activities, web design, graphics studio, hopefully to help students and home based businesses. They are looking for a location in town, and wanted WCC’s insight. WCC has proposed such a project in the past, but haven’t as yet developed anything. The DeMars connected with Lynne Coleman at the meeting and plan to meet and talk about the idea.
Kaleidoscope Institute Intercultural Training
Jane, Lynne and Cindy have been involved with this project and are developing an action plan, and would like to have a culture fest to involve the community.
Bike Shop Project
Lynne and Jane have been discussing this idea.
II. Committee Reports:
Beautification:
The plants have all been taken in, benches and planters will be picked up by the city. 8 of the ivies were sold for $5.00 ea. before they were taken away. This year the committee partnered with Potential Unlimited with watering, and it was a good partnership with benefits for all parties. The committee will meet for a year end review.
Treasurer’s Report:
The report was reviewed by Jane.
III. Fundraising
Sakatah Foundation:
Jane is still talking to Jim Hanson about this. Need signatures for the money to transfer to WCC into SMIF.
Luminaries on the Bay
Jane is looking into this project for New Year’s Eve.
Christmas Home Business/Craft Sale.
There was discussion about this item, to take place in December. Lynne is working on location and details.
IV. Reports from Projects:
Waterville Friends of the Library
The WFOL has 2 projects planned. The second annual chili cook-off will be held at Main St. Lounge on Oct. 25, includes chili competition, raffle, silent auction, door prizes. Chili will be judged by eaters, starting at 5 p.m., and at 7:20 the Vikings play the Tampa Bay Bucaneers, large screen tv provided by Main St.
On Nov. 18 the FOL will sponsor a book fair at the Mankato Barnes and Noble store, during store hours. Buyers can use a voucher number obtained from FOL or the library, and a portion of their purchase will be given to the library when the number is presented at checkout at the store, or online for 5 days after the event. There will be a puppet/ventriloquist show at 2:00, story time by members, and free gift wrapping.
V. Miscellaneous Business:
Karen is developing a story about the work WCC has done this year, to be sent to the LRL paper.
WLCO plans: Pat Kelm reported that the Waterville Local Cooperative Outlet had a fairly successful year, with $2,214.00 in gross sales for the artists and crafters from middle of June to middle of Oct. More vendors will be sought over the winter season. Kathy will allow sales on the 5 Saturdays during art projects, and on Dec. 5, holiday open house down town. Jane will report WLCO’s results to the Lions, as they were a contributor for rent of the space. The co-op has money left in the bank for start up for the 2013 season.
Next meeting will be at the Cummiskey Law Office, on Fri. Nov. 9, 10:00 a.m., with FOL meeting at 12:30 at Main St. Lounge.
Karen Bauer, note taker and blogger.
