2003-06-16Beverly Cultural Council
Minutes of Sune 16, 2003
7 p.m. Beverly Public Library
Members present: Lou Ann Faria, Doreen Ushakoff, Jan Plourde, Rachel Pohi
Special guest: Rinus Oosthoek of Beverly Main Streets
Mr. Oosthoek explained the origin and goals of the Beverly Main Streets program, which
is part ora national organization dedicated to rebuilding downtown areas. Beverly Main
Streets had organized its first Arts Fest the previous weekend, which Mr. Oosterhoek
reported was well received by the artists and reasonably well attended, given the overcast
and unseasonably cool weather. The LCC had granted $500 to Beverly Main Streets to
help make the event possible. Mr. Oosthoek also spoke to the council about fundraising
and approaching corporations for grants. His presentation was well received by the
council members present.
After Mr. Oosthoek left, the council discussed two issues: 1) increase its funding by
approaching corporations for grants and 2) setting priorities in funding for the coming
grant cycle.
1) While members agreed that corporate sponsorship and grants were interesting and
possibly necessary in the future, no one in attendance had any experience in grant
writing or corporate relations. All agreed that a new member, Gail Hersher,
should be approached about the idea, since she has experience in both areas.
2) Lou Ann reported that the MCC required the LCCs to post their priorities on the
website by July 1 (on further review she discovered the deadline to be Sept. 1)
Council members agreed to think about a focus for the coming grant cycle.
Again without a quorum, no binding decisions could be made. All agreed to keep
recruiting new members. Lou Ann asked that someone on the council volunteer to
become co-chair for the next grant cycle, since her term expires in January and she does
not intend to extend it.