Minutes of the June 8, 2009 Staying Put Board Meeting
Tom Ferguson called the meeting to order and announced that due to her family's relocation to Massachusetts, Cathy Irwin had to submit her resignation to the Board. The Board expressed gratitude to Cathy for her generous and very competent service to Staying Put and wished her well in her new home.
Director Jane Nyce delivered her monthly report. Our May memberships were 256 individuals, representing a total of 190 Households, the same as last month. We have a total of 17 Special Members or 9% of our total. Altogether in 2009 we have enrolled 20 new members. There are 12 renewals still outstanding which accounts for a renewal rate of 85%.
In 2009 the office has received 358 requests to date for service, 62 of which were in the last month. 60% of these requests have been fulfilled by our staff and/or volunteers.
Our major May events - the Memorial Day Parade and the Annual meeting were well attended and much enjoyed. Thanks to Arthur Congdon and Teri Wagner for their spirited leadership at the Parade and to Program Chair, Judy Bentley for all aspects of a wonderful Annual meeting. Special gratitude was extended to the DePaties, the StayPut Players, and the Fred Stark program.
Last Friday evening the" 55 under 55" inaugural event arranged by David Moran and John Engel drew 30 interested respondents in spite of wet and stormy weather. The group was enthusiastic and plans to organize further and schedule some additional wine and cheese parties after the summer.
The Board is most grateful to the Sewing Group, the Rotary and the Exchange Club, each of whom has recently given generous grants to support Special Memberships in Staying Put. Total fundraising since the SP October drive began has raised $131.9 K.
It was noted that a new Washington DC Aging in Place group had compared our Newsletter with that of a number of other Village groups and unanimously declared Staying in Touch was "head and shoulders above the rest - in design, layout and lively content". The summer (Volunteer) edition of Staying in Touch has just been mailed to all of our members and friends.
Pat Stoddard reported for the Development Committee. Board members are urged to submit names now to add to the fundraising letter recipients list. The Fund drive will officially open on October 1st. The Development Committee will also be planning a low key fund raiser for the spring of 2010. Your suggestions and help will be welcomed.
Ellie O'Neill reported disappointment in the slow pace of Membership additions. The" I don't need it now" group has to be convinced that we need their support in order to be operating when they do need SP. A number of creative suggestions were outlined included using empty storefronts to publicize our programs, adding a true mini story illustrating the need for SP to the next brochure printing and a publicity table at the Farmers Market. We have already requested that our brochure go with the Norwalk Hospital Discharge packets but that innovation has been slow to materialize. David Brown told us of how direct assistance from the Staying Put staff made a major difference in the lives of 2 SP members. A focus on stories like these demonstrates the needs encountered in the current seniors' longer lifespan.
Tanis Erdmann reported on Publicity. The number of Website hits was much larger in May. Summer will be a slow period for news in the papers but a letter to the editor will be submitted. Since Cathy Irwin is no longer on the Board the Publicity Committee needs additional members. Please send Tanis any names of possible helpers.
Judy Bentley reported on plans for Programs and Events. Audience participation will be a part of the large event plans. Judy will seek inspiration from Barbara Jeffries who does wonderful work at the New Canaan Inn. Ideas for Singalongs, skits and original art will be most welcome.
Board members are reminded that the Nominating Committee is seeking names of candidates for 2 open Board positions. Please send your suggestions to Jim Hollyday, Nominating Committee chairman.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13th at 4:30PM at the New Canaan Library.
Respectfully submitted,
Eleanor O'Neill
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203-966-7762