Hopkinton Recreation Committee
Meeting Minutes
June 24, 2008
Meeting called to order at 6:05 PM at the Slusser Senior Center.
Members in attendance: Louise Carr, Valerie Carr, Mark Newton, Jessica Shimen and Recreation Director Justin La Vigne. Guests were Merle Dustin and Patrice La Vigne. ~
Approval of 5/27/08 Recreation Committee minutes:
The minutes from 5/27/08 were approved with one change. In regard to changes to camp registration next year, would not charge a late fee, but an early discount.
Business:
Justin showed off the new volunteer shirts and gave one to each committee member. He said to wear them for the 4th of July Family Fun Day.
Justin updated the committee about the status hiring some kind of assistant for the department. Although he discussed the possibility with Bob Blanchette and found that he can hire someone out of the revolving fund, he instead was able to hire someone through the community service employment program. The intention of the program is to help seniors re-enter the workforce. Justin already had a senior in a “volunteer coordinator” position for the senior center. Now he hired another lady that will work 20 hours per week and help with an assortment of duties. Louise noted that this is a great situation and it will prove the need and benefit to the community.
Programs Update:
Walk NH – First-time event (state initiative) that occurred during the first week in June. Thirteen people participated and the total mileage walked was 22 miles. Justin said he will definite get involved again next year.
Babysitting First-Aid Course – Took place in June and had 12 people participate. It’s always very popular. Thinking about scheduling a “safe at home” program.
Movie in the Park – June 21 on Memorial Field. Had about 75 people and it was a great event with the free band and showing of E.T. Since it was a success, Justin said he is thinking about doing it again in late August/September, maybe the first week of school. He intends to make this a regular event and will look for corporate sponsors in the future. Mark mentioned that it was good that it was free and the concessions were at minimal costs. Justin said he heard good feedback.
Upcoming Events:
Gear Sale – Scheduled for Saturday, June 28 at the Slusser Senior Center coordinated with the Book Sale. But Justin said so far only 3 people signed up to sell gear. So he is thinking about canceling it and rescheduling it for the fall. Will look into maybe coordinating it with the registration of a sport.
Pond opens – Saturday, June 28. Lifeguards will be on duty 7 days per week from 10am to 6pm. The orientation for lifeguards will be this week
Swim Lessons – Have more than 50 kids signed up with an added instructor
Summer Camp – So far, there are 150 kids during the entire 7-week session. There’s a range of 20-32 kids per weekly session, but Justin expects it will grow. The age range is 6 to 12 years old, but there are 3 kids who are only 5 years old. Justin is paying one counselor out of his revolving fund.
British Soccer Camp – August. Have 82 kids signed up, which has already exceeded last year’s enrollment.
Crawford Notch Camping Trip – Scheduled for July 6-7, but will be cancelled because no one signed up. Justin said maybe it was bad timing with the holiday weekend.
Fourth of July: Louise talked a bit about the July 4th celebration details.
The Methodist Church will sell burgers and hot dogs at 2 separate locations, as well as snowcones and cotton candy. They will also run a few games.
Countryside Church will run the pie-eating contest and some other games.
Back in the Saddle will do the horse rides again.
The River Band will play again.
Team Biloxi will sell strawberry shortcakes.
The Library will do a book walk.
The Lions Club will organize the 5K.
Priscilla will organize the canoe race.
4H Easy Riders will sell novelty ice creams, do a history game and run the sack races.
The Red Hawks will sell sausages and do the dunking booth.
Byron Carr and Laura Miller will be the photographers for the day.
The Girl Scouts will do suitcase relay races.
Joelle will do the kiddie parade.
The Women’s Club will be advertising for their Milton catepillar touch-a-truck.
Emily and Tessa Gallo will sing the National Anthem.
People will bring their classic cars to Houston Fields to be on display during the day.
Louise said the raffle baskets are coming together. Jessica is going to help make phone calls for potential chili cook-off participants. The proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will go for summer camp scholarships.
The Rec Committee will be responsible for set up (July 3 and morning of the 4th), clean up, concession stands, senior bake sale, chili cook off
Louise will generate final schedule of events and send them to the newspapers.
The last 4th of July planning meeting is July 2 at 6:30pm at Houston Fields. Setup will take place July 3.
Other Business:
Our next meeting is scheduled for July 29 @ 6:00 PM at the Slusser Senior Center
We are adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Justin La Vigne
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