Attendees:

Tom Kashatus Francis Zaleski Paul Jarecki Carol Marcincavage Karen Rejician
Palmira Miller Linda Conner Joe Maloney Mary Margaret Kashatus Lucy Wazowicz
Bill Hourigan Heidi Selecky John Jarecki Steve Masakowski

 

President, Tom Kashatus called the meeting to order on the above date and time, led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance and proceeded with the order of business.

 

Secretary, Linda Conner read the minutes from the previous meeting of August 24th 2010.  Bill Hourigan made a motion that the minutes be accepted as read and placed on file; seconded by Carol Marcincavage, with all voting in favor.

 

Treasurer, Francis Zaleski read and presented the treasurers report. Heidi Selecky made a motion that the treasurers’ report be accepted as read and placed on file; seconded by Bill Hourigan, with all voting in favor.

 

Reading of Bills and Communications

1.   An invoice in the amount of $132.50 from Davis Trophies for NTCO Life Membership cards was presented for payment. Tom provided an explanation of the concept and suggested a price of $35.00 to purchase.  Attorney Chris Kule will be the first recipient of lifetime membership in appreciation of his work for the organization. Palmira Miller made a motion to pay the invoice as presented; seconded by Linda Conner, with all voting in favor.

2.   An announcement of the annual “Tire Drop-Off & Recycling” was presented.  The Luzerne County event will be held on Saturday, October 9th 2010.  Anyone with tires to be discarded should contact Tom.

3.   A letter from the Greater Shickshinny Area Business Association was presented announcing their Eight Annual Community Mixer Banquet to be held Saturday, October 2nd 2010 at the Shickshinny Fire Hall.  Tickets are $23.00 per person.  All NTCO members are invited to attend.

4.   An announcement for the 20th Annual History of Northeastern Pennsylvania conference at Luzerne County Community College was presented.  The event will be held Friday, October 1st 2010 and will feature a “Celebration of Ethnic Music”.  The public is welcome to attend.

5.   A card of appreciation was presented from the family of Kevin Brown thanking the organization for the donation of bottled water.

6.   A brochure from Luzerne County Community College was presented for the “Walk of Honor” brick project.  The walkway, which is similar to the one at the Wanamie Recreation Park, will be built from engraved bricks that can be purchased at a price of $100.00 each.  After a brief discussion, Mary Margaret Kashatus made a motion that the organization purchase a brick; seconded by Heidi Selecky, with all voting in favor.

7.   A communication from the Nanticoke Softball Booster Club was read looking for a donation to defray the cost of the State Championship rings for the Girls’ Softball team.  It has been suggested that a booth be made available at our Fall Festival where the girls can sell autographed baseballs.

8.   An invitation to the annual dinner of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance for economic development was presented.  The dinner will be held Thursday, September 23rd 2010 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort.  Anyone interested in attending should see Palmira.

9.   An invitation to the 20th Annual “Evening for Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment” was presented. The dinner will be held Thursday, October 14th 2010 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort.  Anyone interested in attending should see Palmira.

 

Committee Reports

1.   Membership – Tom reports that there are currently 162 paid members. At this time, Tom will sponsor Gerald Mullery as a new member.  Heidi Selecky made a motion to accept; seconded by Linda Conner, with all voting in favor.  Tom will sponsor Michelle Mullery as a new member.  Carol Marcincavage made a motion to accept; seconded by Joe Maloney, with all voting in favor.  Tom will sponsor Cody Forgach as a new member.  Mary Margaret Kashatus made a motion to accept; seconded by Karen Rejician, with all voting in favor.

2.   Fundraising – Heidi Selecky gave a brief update on the production of the miniatures and calendars. Both items will be ready by the Fall Festival and available for sale.

3.   Recycling – Tom asked for assistance loading some heavy items for metal recycling. Anyone interested in lending a hand should contact Tom.

4.   Fall Festival – Palmira gave a brief update on the progress being made since the last meeting of the Fall Festival committee members.  Stanky from Stanky & the Coal Miners will perform, as well as a magician who will also make balloon animals for the kids.

5.   Editorial – The editorial board will convene directly after the meeting of NTCO.  Concern remains on the printing costs of the newsletter versus the revenue made on advertisements.  It was made known by Steve Masakowski that both Alden Manor and Mil & Jim’s Parkway are interested in reoccurring advertisements.  It was also suggested that Eastern Fuel Oil be contacted about an ad.

6.   Publicity – John Jarecki announced that he would take a photograph of the officers and a photograph for the Chili Contest directly after the NTCO meeting, before the meeting of the editorial board. He also let it be known that he could have 12” x 18” posters printed to advertise the upcoming Fall Festival at a cost of $1.75 each poster.

7.   Great American Clean Up – Palmira announced that plans for the 2011 event must be submitted by October 15th.

8.   Junior Membership – Heidi Selecky presented a draft proposal for youth membership.  A few small changes would need to be made before the article is formally presented and voted on.

 

Unfinished Business

  1. The Board of Directors still needs to appoint three trustees and a budget policy for the organization.
  2. Tom reports that after much research and thought, NTCO would purchase the picnic table and park bench from PLAYWORLD INC. at a cost $1,274.00 plus shipping.  Tom volunteered to pick up the items in Lewisburg, PA rather than pay shipping.  These items for Coal Street Park in Glen Lyon have been long approved.  Palmira Miller made a motion to purchase the items as presented; seconded by Heidi Selecky, with all voting in favor.  Palmira made a further motion that funds be made available to Tom from petty cash for meal and fuel expense; seconded by Karen Rejician, with all voting in favor.

 

New Business

  1. Tom reports that both James Haggerty and Vito Deluca are interested in debating Home Rule Charter should NTCO decide to hold a public forum.  Tom suggested partnering the event with South Valley Chamber of Commerce and will approach their board at the next meeting.
  2. Tom appointed Paul Jarecki and Heidi Selecky to serve on the Nominating Committee for upcoming officers and members to the Board of Directors.

 

Good of the Organization

  1. Palmira Miller gave a brief report on the recent meeting she attended regarding the revitalization of Nanticoke.
  2. Steve Masakowski suggested that the board consider its’ patronage of the First National Community Bank in light of the recent allegations of questionable business practices.
  3. It was reported that after a brief hiatus for personal reasons, Rob Olsen would continue writing of the news and events for Hanover Township, Nanticoke and Newport Township.  Rob’s column is featured in the Citizen’s Voice newspaper.
  4. Palmira would like to schedule a date for the clean up of West Kirmar Parkway.
  5. Tom has made a commitment to always ask for a complete report and cost analysis whenever a new project involves income and expense.
  6. As always, remember to support the businesses that advertise in our newsletter.

 

Adjournment

Francis Zaleski made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Karen Rejician, with all voting in favor.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:10

Submitted by: Linda Conner