Minutes 11-06-02MINUTES OF THE HeritageFest 2002 COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT
THE EZELL HESTER CENTER, 1901 N. SEACREST BOULEVARD,
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON NOVEMBER 6, 2002 AT 7:00 P.M.
Attendees Staff
Angela Girtman, Chairperson
LaClaire Bowdry
Chantelle Brown
Ellen J. Davis
Stephanie Mingo-McKoy
Eddie Mitchell
C. Diane Pereira
Sandra Watson
Mary DeGraffenreidt, Recreation
Manager
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairperson Girtman called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and circulated a
sign in sheet.
2. Approval of Minutes
Chairperson Girtman requested that approval of the minutes be tabled until more
members were present. Ms. Watson requested that the dates for the coronation
dance routine of January 11th, 18th, 25th and February 1st be deleted, since the
dance routine has been cancelled. There were no other changes or additions.
3. Committee Reports
Basketball Tournament
No one was present to report on the Basketball Tournament
Book Signing & Family Story Hour
Ms. Watson reported that Pyramid Books would not be providing an author free-
of-charge, which they provided last year. Members will have to determine how
much money they would want to pay to have an author for the book signing. Ms.
Watson reported that it would cost upwards of $4,000 for a known author.
Chairperson Girtman noted that Boynton Beach has its own author and
suggested featuring Frank Ireland at the book signing. Although Mr. Ireland's
book is an adult book, the story hour would be for children and would not require
Mr. Ireland to be present.
Meeting Minutes
HeritageFest Committee
Boynton Beach, FL
November 6, 2002
Coronation
Ms. Watson said that there has been discussion to include Middle School girls,
but due to the large age range this might create some problems. Ms. Watson
asked for member input. If both age groups were included, Ms. Watson felt that
some of the events would have to be changed to accommodate the younger
girls. She also inquired if a winner is chosen and was informed that all the girls
participate in the court and there is never a winner.
Chairperson Girtman pointed out that the only other event that the coronation
court attends is the student luncheon and she did not think that this would be a
problem. Each entrant is required to sell advertisements and any money over
the entry fee then becomes a fundraiser and goes to the entire event. Therefore,
the more girls that enter would result in more money being raised, which is why
Chairperson Girtman suggested including Middle School aged girls.
Ms. Watson reported that she has scheduled an additional event for the girls,
which was a trip to the Barbizon School of Modeling in Coral Springs. They have
offered to give a three-hour workshop on etiquette, conversation, dining, formal
wear, and dressing. Members felt that this would be suitable for all the girls,
regardless of their age. Chairperson Girtman inquired if a date has been set for
the trip, and Ms. Watson suggested that the Committee set the date, which would
have to be a Saturday.
Ms. Watson inquired if the City could provide the transportation and Ms.
DeGraffenreidt said that she would check into this. Ms. DeGraffenreidt noted
that the City vans could only accommodate 13 passengers. Members felt that
the number of participants should be limited. After discussion, it was determined
that there would be five girls from the Middle School range and five girls from the
High School, for a total of 10 participants.
Ms. Watson inquired how the Committee would select 10 participants if more
than 10 girls wanted to enter. Ms. Pereira did not think that this would be a
problem because there usually are not that many girls that want to participate.
Ms. Watson suggested if there were more than 10 entries, the participants could
be chosen by judging the essays.
Motion
Ms. Watson moved to limit the participation to 10 girls--5 High School and 5
Middle School. In the event there were more than 10 entries, the essays would
be used as the criteria for judging to determine which 10 girls would be chosen.
Ms. Pereira seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
Chairperson Girtman pointed out that at the last meeting the Committee did not
accept Ms. Watson's report and this needs to be done tonight. The report now
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Meeting Minutes
HeritageFest Committee
Boynton Beach, FL
November 6, 2002
includes the workshop to the Barbizon Modeling School, the informal tea and
participation in the Christmas Parade. Chairperson Girtman inquired if there
would be a float available and Ms. DeGraffenreidt thought that there might be
one, but the Committee would be responsible for the decorations. Ms. Pereira
offered to assist Ms. Watson.
Chairperson Girtman called for a motion to accept Ms. Watson's report.
Motion
Ms. Brown moved to accept the report of the Coronation Committee with the
necessary corrections. Motion seconded by Ms. Pereira and unanimously
carried.
Youth Luncheon
Ms. Pereira reported that the date the Committee wanted for the luncheon at the
Holiday Inn Catalina was not available. The only date that they had available
was Sunday, February 9th. Ms. Pereira suggested that if the Committee wanted
to hold the luncheon on Saturday, February 8th, they could look at other
locations. Ms. Pereira suggested inquiring if the Woman's Club would be
available for February 8th.
Ms. Pereira reported that she sent letters to all the Senior Guidance Counselors
at the area schools. She also is looking to invite a speaker from the Miami Heat
and will be contacting them as well.
Chairperson Girtman suggested if the Committee wanted to remain with
February 8th, they could look at holding the luncheon at St. John's Church that
has a cafeteria along with a stage and can accommodate a large crowd. Ms.
Watson announced that St. John's Church cafeteria could accommodate 150
people. Ms. Pereira would like to have three alternatives and members
suggested looking into the Woman's Club, St. John's Church, as well as the
Holiday Inn Express. Ms. Pereira will follow through on this. In the event none of
these places are available, members will consider holding the luncheon on
Sunday, February 9th, possibly at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Pereira requested that when the schedule of events is posted in the City's
FunFare Magazine that no price for the luncheon be listed. She noted that last
year, they were not provided an opportunity to set a price and $20.00 was listed.
Chairperson Girtman noted that the luncheon will be listed in the FunFare
Magazine, but there will be no price. She pointed out that if the event was not
held at the Holiday Inn, a caterer would be needed.
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Meeting Minutes
HeritageFest Committee
Boynton Beach, FL
November 6, 2002
Education Committee
Mr. Mitchell reported that he would be meeting with Mr. Waldman this weekend
to finalize their plans. Their budget should be available at the next meeting. Mr.
Mitchell noted that his budget would not include the costs of the oratorical contest
and spelling bee because those events are being sponsored by outside sources,
which Chairperson Girtman confirmed was correct.
Chairperson Girtman introduced Ms. LaClaire Bowdry who will be assisting with
the Education Committee and more particularly the Science Fair. Mr. Mitchell
indicated that Ms. Kathy Harris also offered to assist and he will be speaking with
her.
Chairperson Girtman inquired if there were books and posters available from last
year that could be utilized this year. Mr. Mitchell will follow through on this with
Mr. Waldman. She requested that Messrs. Mitchell and Waldman perform an
inventory to determine what is available from last year. Chairperson Girtman
reported that she has already ordered the trophies and there are some medals
remaining from last year. The budget for trophies and medals is $300 and an
additional $40 is being delegated for ribbons. Chairperson Girtman reported that
she spoke to the Science Teacher at Poinciana School so that entries in the
School's Inventors' Fair could be entered in the HeritageFest Science Contest as
well.
Vendors and Parade
There was no one present to give a report. Ms. Pereira commented that she and
Ms. DeGraffenreidt would be meeting with various City Department Heads at
3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18th. She will bring up the Parade route at that
time.
Health Fair
Ms. Ellen Davis was present representing PATCH. Ms. Davis, who works at
Bethesda Hospital, was informed that the Health Fair has been scheduled for
Saturday, February 22nd. Ms. Davis said that she spoke with a representative
that runs a cancer support group and it was suggested to offer colon/rectal
screening and prostrate testing. Ms. Davis thought that having a doctor present
would be possible, but questioned if this would be necessary. She pointed out
that in order to do these types of screenings, you need to have space, as well as
privacy.
Ms. Davis suggested that a booth be set up in order to disperse informational
material. Chairperson Girtman stated that she would be speaking with City staff
to determine where the booths would be set up and noted that most booths are
outside. She suggested having the booths outside and if a person needed to
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Meeting Minutes
HeritageFest Committee
Boynton Beach, FL
November 6, 2002
consult with a doctor or desired to have the screening this could be done inside
the meeting reom. Ms. Davis inquired about the hours and was informed they
were from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, it would not be necessary to have
the booth manned the entire time and suggested that someone be present
between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ms. Davis also pointed out that there is a liability
issue in the event the doctor discovers something abnormal while performing the
testing. She suggested that nurses could man the booths. It is anticipated that
there would be three booths.
Ms. Davis also suggested dispersing information on the kidney disease, focal
segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which Miami Heat basketball star Alonzo
Morning is afflicted with. She pointed out that this disease is increasing among
young African-Americans. Ms. Davis said that she would like to contact the
Miami Heat and request that Mr. Morning attend the event. Ms. Pereira was not
certain if the Miami Heat would accept two invitations to the same event, since
she was also asking for a representative. Ms. Davis also noted that another
basketball star, Shawn Elliot of the San Antonio Spurs, has the disease. Ms.
Davis will follow through by checking with the Kidney Foundation, as well as
contacting Shawn Elliot. She also presented a sample of a Hepatitis-C take-
home kit that could be handed out.
Chairperson Girtman reported that she did not have any success with the contact
person at the Diabetes Foundation recommended by Ms. Davis because they
have a prior commitment for that day. She was able to secure a representative
from the Sickle Cell Foundation.
Ms. Davis inquired if the Committee would like to have the Boca Raton
mammogram van available. Ms. Watson inquired if any insurance companies
would be represented. Members felt it would be inappropriate to have any
insurance companies present. Chairperson Girtman requested that Ms. Davis
contact the people at Boca Raton to offer the mammograms.
4. Old Business
Field Layout
Chairperson Girtman reported that she did not have the opportunity to discuss
this with Facilities and had no new information. She will report on this after she
meets with them. Mr. Mitchell suggested that the vendors be placed out front.
Chairperson Girtman also felt that it would be beneficial for the vendors to be
visible from the street. If this was not possible, she suggested that the vendors
be located in the backfield, since the field that was used last year is no longer
available.
Meeting Minutes
HeritageFest Committee
Boynton Beach, FL
November 6, 2002
Entertainment/Promotion
Ms. Brown suggested having a comedy show for Saturday evening that would
feature local comedians, as well as one well-known comedian. She contacted
Jay Anthony Brown. His normal fee is $7,000; however, he is starting a Diabetes
Foundation and would perform if the Committee submitted a letter stating that
they would make a donation to his Foundation. If he were agreeable to this, he
would offer a 15 to 30 minute standup routine, depending upon the amount of the
donation. The Committee would also have to pay for his airfare, hotel and
ground transportation.
Ms. Brown also tried to contact Marvin Dixon at 99 JAM, but has not had an
opportunity to speak with him. Ms. Pereira pointed out that the Committee
agreed not to use 99 JAM because of the problems that resulted last year.
Chairperson Girtman requested that Ms. Brown continue to look for additional
entertainers and bring back some ideas to the Committee for a decision, which
Ms. Brown agreed to do.
Chairperson Girtman reported that she spoke to radio station X102 and they
provided her with two promotional packets. The first packet would cost $2,000
and would include-
· 16 sixty-second commercials, Monday through Saturday, during the week
of the event,
· 20 promotional announcements prior to the appearance,
· a two-hour appearance with live call back during the appearance, and
· for an additional $400, a deejay would appear.
The $4,000 packet would include -
· 50 commercial announcements, beginning two weeks prior to the event,
· a minimum of at least 25 promotional announcements with giveaways,
· a remote broadcast for a minimum of 4 hours, plus
· two deejays; one from ×102 and another from V106,
· announcements would be made 10 times, Monday through Sunday,
between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.,
· announcements would be made 15 times, between the hours of 7:00 p.m.
and 12 p.m.,
· announcements would be made 7 times between the hours of 1:00 p.m.
and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
· there would be 15 additional announcements between 12:00 a.m. and
6:00 a.m., and
· 9 times from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
This packet also includes entertainment for four hours. Ms. Brown questioned if
there would be a need for additional entertainment if the deejays provided a live
Meeting Minutes
HeritageFest Committee
Boynton Beach, FL
November 6, 2002
broadcast. Members felt that there would still be a need for additional
entertainment.
Chairperson Girtman requested that the deejay broadcast from the stage instead
of the van. She suggested that the local talent could perform from 12:30 p.m. to
1:30 p.m. after the Parade and the deejay could start at 1:30 p.m. When the
deejay is done, there could be additional entertainment in the evening.
Chairperson Girtman felt that it would still be necessary to provide additional
entertainment and that the deejay should not be considered entertainment. Ms.
Pereira pointed out that last year at least six acts performed. Chairperson
Girtman asked members if they had any ideas for entertainment or knew of any
contacts to pass it on to Ms. Brown.
Ms. Pereira inquired how much money was currently in the budget and was
informed there was $15,000. Members agreed that they needed to put more
effort into fundraising. Chairperson Girtman responded that as soon as the
stationery is ready, letters for donations would go out. Ms. Watson inquired who
gave donations last year and was informed that a $5,000 grant was received for
the Science Fair; $5,000 from Attorney Willie Gary; $10,000 from Office Depot;
$15,000 from County Commissioner Addie Greene; and $25,000 from the City of
Boynton Beach.
Ms. Pereira did not think there was enough money in the budget tonight to make
a decision on the radio station promotional packets and suggested it be put off
until more funds are received. Chairperson Girtman pointed out that there was
no time limit on the quotes from the radio station. Members agreed to table
making a decision tonight.
Ms. Watson inquired about the cost for the luncheon last year and Ms. Pereira
informed her that the luncheon was attended by 75 people at a total cost of
$2,600. Last year's luncheon was a buffet that offered a variety of foods that
young people enjoyed, such as hamburgers, tacos, chicken fingers and was very
successful. Ms. Watson requested that she be contacted when inquiring about
St. John's for scheduling the luncheon.
5. New Business
Budget Approvals
Chairperson Girtman requested that the Committee members turn in their
budgets so that they could be included with the agenda for the next meeting.
Bowling Tournament
Steve Waldman has suggested holding a bowling tournament as an additional
fundraiser. He has a group of people who would be willing to assist him in this
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Meeting Minutes
HeritageFest Committee
Boynton Beach, FL
November 6, 2002
endeavor. Mr. Mitchell reported that Mr. Waldman needed some dates in order to
schedule the tournament and he suggested Friday night or Saturday. It was
noted that the bowling tournament would be a good means to raise money and
would not incur any expense on the part of the Committee.
Ms. Mingo-McKoy stressed that it was important for members to start raising
money in order to make the event a success.
After discussion, members suggested holding the bowling tournament on Friday,
February 7th.
~ Theme Selection
Members decided to remain with the theme that was selected last year, which is
"HeritageFest, a Unification of Cultures."
~ Flyer Approval
The flyer that was prepared by Ms. DeGraffenreidt was reviewed and Ms. Pereira
requested that it be approved with some colors added to it.
Motion
Ms. Pereira moved that the flyer be approved with colors added to it. Motion
seconded by Ms. Brown and unanimously carried.
Ms. Watson requested that the theme be added to the flyer. Ms. Pereira
amended her motion to have the theme included on the flyer.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(Two tapes)
(November 7, 2002)
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