Community Cultural Celebration
Gathering meeting minutes
June 27, 2007

Janet Jones called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Attendees: Janet Jones, Virginia "Jinx" Staples, Joanne Morse, Nancylou Stiles, Joan Emerson, Woody Woodward, and Reverend Chong Choi

Janet had addresses to give to Jinx. Nancylou led the gathering in prayer.

In the absence of Secretary Karen Hawkins, Janet read the minutes for May 23. Points of correction: Woody's thank you's were to be attached; Don was to be asked about donating banners. The minutes were accepted as corrected.

Jinx asked about shoring up the Troubadors for us; the request was approved. Janet volunteered to ask Food City about signage donation. Janet will get something together regarding food vendors. Woody does not yet know about licensing regulations or the drafting of contracts.

Joanne asked if there were specifics we could give to the Swingin' Bears or the International Folk Dancers. It is expected that they will have an hour's time: so far, at their own choosing, which would probably be later than earlier. The planned time of the CCC is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nancylou suggested that we should have the program and time slots solidified by August 15, so we should have individual programs committed by August 1. The Stammtisch should also pick its time: most likely, betwee 4-6 p.m. We need to check with them. Joanne should continue to check with the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston about possible participation. As the schools don't open until the end of August, we won't be able to know about their (including the French Club, the band, etc.) participation until quite late.

Joan Emerson has contacted the local Finnish-American Heritage Society of Maine (Tel. 743-5677). Barbara Payne, the President, said that the former President and husband were marvelous Finnish dancers and could make a fully costumed presentation. This has not yet been solidified.

Janet said she would create an activity block schedule. Jinx mentioned that the Tai Chi group which practices every Saturday at the Farmers' Market is interested in participating.

Woody gave the treasurer's report: the CCC has $446.74 on account. A check of approximately $2000 still needed to be signed by Jinx as secretary, Woody as lay leader. Woody had the letter of authorization with him, which he and Jinx signed today.

Nancylou asked what the cost of our hall would be; Woody said no cost. For food presentations we would need to use the cafeteria, not the gym. If kitchen work is required, we would be charged: Woody guessed between $40-$50. A motion was made and seconded to have the gathering pay if a cost was incurred: this was passed 5-1. Janet asked about licensing: Woody responded that as a church, there is a hawkers' and peddlers' license which covers events outside the church. Licensing questions regarding the Stammtisch are negligible.

Joan asked if there would be a dance after supper on September 14. Woody said there would be one. Reverend Choi was asked to speak to other pastors in the area so that we might have an ecumenical prayer at supper. He agreed to do that. A brief, cursory discussion of room layout ensued.

Regarding room access: On September 14, our area is available from 5-11 p.m. On September 15, the school is available all day, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. We will be told how to get the key; a custodian may possibly be on hand. There should be no need for parking assistance. The room can easily accomodate 500 children, so capacity should be no problem. Deadline for a map is August 15.

Our next meeting was set for July 25, 4:00 p.m., at the Methodist Church. Woody mentioned that groups with specific tasks could certainly meet earlier on their own.

Janet adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.

Joanne Morse
Acting Secretary