WEST DEPTFORD BAND PARENTS

GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

 May 2, 2005

 Meeting opened by First Vice-President Estena McGhee.

April’s minutes read by Eileen Mannion. Motion to accept minutes was made by Joann Tunis and seconded by Geri Edwards.

Reports

• Concession Stand groundbreaking was a success despite the rain ~ Courier-Post was there, possible story/picture in Communities section of paper on Thursday, 5/5. Parents were asked if anyone who took photos at ceremony could please submit them to Mr. Kershaw for inclusion on web site. Excavation began on 5/1.

• West Deptford Relays ~ Total profit for the day  was reported. $*, with the possibility of an additional $* from the athletic department to cover cost of officials’ meals.

• Hollywood Nights ~ Total profit for the evening was reported $* for the evening ~ $* from gate/ticket sales; $150 from 50/50 sales plus $150 donated back by winner of 50/50.

• Candle fundraiser ~ Orders are due 5/10, delivery expected on 5/31. Info available in Band Room.

• Band Picnic at Lake Kandle ~ Sign up sheet passed around for side dishes/desserts/etc. Burgers, dogs, drinks provided by the band parents. June 11, noon to 7 pm, rain or shine! Tickets going out to 8^th graders ~ 1 student and 1 parent free; band members free; parents and alumni $6 each.

• Root Beer and Band night ~ July 16 at WDMS from 6 to 10 pm. Fun night out for the kids.

• Basket Bingo June 24 at WDMS.

• Audit Report ~ Anne Connor and Louise Marzin found no inconsistencies in March when they examined the books kept by Sandy DeVine, former treasurer of Band Parents’ group. Sandy readily answered any questions they had on the spot. They called her record-keeping meticulous. Estena thanked Sandy for a job well done.

• Informed members that board had approved a request for Ed Houghton to speak at township Emergency Services meeting.

• Concession Stand meeting report ~ Lonnie Allgood of Pros for Kids spoke on celebrity basketball game and the program is so comprehensive Ed Houghton is trying to work to incorporate it district-wide; discussed Hollywood Nights, Basket Bingo, Burger Burn, Beef and Beer on 8/20 at Deptford Elks’ Lodge; flower sales at WDHS graduation; and other possible fundraisers. No date has been set for next meeting.

• Ed Houghton reported on Concession Stand ~ All permits in hand, excavation complete and footings poured May 2. Ed expects block to be at grade level by May 6-7 depending on his schedule. Donations are slowly coming in, some as a result of the article in the Gloucester County Times on 4/29. Not many volunteer laborers needed yet due to nature of work.

• Mr. Atkinson was asked about information for senior plaques. Estena described the plaques for parents ~ the plaque (to be given to each graduating senior at the Spring Concert 5/24) lists all the band activities student was involved in throughout his/her high school career.

New Business

Barb Angelini said she spoke with Police Chief Mahaffey about running a coin drop. Chief said ABSOLUTELY NOT, despite a fire company (?) running one recently without prior township approval. Barb said police are looking into outlawing them due to dangerousness of activity.

Ed Houghton spoke on the Elks’ Parade in Wildwood on June 4. Stepoff time for WDHS is 2:30pm. He said the route is down Atlantic Ave., and also assured parents that Elks members ensure that all spectators behave themselves along the route. To thank the marching band for appearing, the Deptford Elks have already donated 2 mellophones to the marching band. Some parents were concerned because of  SATs testing that morning; they were assured that as much as possible would be done to work around students’ schedules that day.

Mr. Atkinson spoke on the Boston trip ~ information/itinerary packets with permission slips were distributed. TK and Mr. A. would review everything with students on 5/3.

Announcements.

Jackie Wyatt congratulated Ed Houghton on his successful bid for a seat on the West Deptford School Board; everyone applauded. Ed thanked everyone for their support, and cut a cake provided by the Band Parents.

Motion to adjourn made by Louise Marzin; seconded by Joann Tunis.

Respectfully submitted,
Eileen D. Mannion

* - Financial information can be obtained from any band parent's board member.