Sending a brief recap of this past Thursday’s meeting (3/5/15) held at St. John’s Persell Hall (Thank you!)

Attendees: Donna Lou Sonnett, Sandy Vance, Tom Stransky, Sarah White, Jay White, Katie Shepard, Stephanie Beneng, Emily Phillips

CEVE & Essex Initiatives Consolidating

Discussion of CEVE/ Commerce Committee of Essex Initiatives (EI) consolidating. Future of Essex Initiatives forming a legal non-profit entity 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 or continue as is. Pro’s and Con’s discussed.  Identified three major components of EI, Commerce Committee, Event Committee and Beautification Committee. Jay White will research the legal structures and options to be discussed at next meeting. Emily will contact neighboring chambers to invite to next meeting and reach out to Adk Foundation for guidance on structure of EI. Donna will dig through EI archives for mission statement and other pertinent material.

Beautification Committee:  Accepted resignation of three members, Colleen Van Hoven, Meredith Hanna and Maureen Ecclesine. Thanked them for all their hard work and efforts to make Essex beautiful and welcoming! They will continue to work on completing projects that were funded by an Essex Community Grant.

If anyone would like to volunteer on this committee, please let us know! Everyone at the meeting expressed interest in helping with this committee.

Kiosk Update

Jay and Sarah White have volunteered to construct kiosk for CEVE/CATS. WOW! Thank you and Don Hollingsworth for the workspace!!  Working on material list. Deadline of Memorial Day. Anyone willing to help, volunteer, supply materials, let us know! Thinking a work party might be in order?

4th of July

Discussed what type of events could be going on in Essex for 4th weekend. Sandy will look into schedule for Willsboro and Westport. Would be good to have Main St. businesses weigh in on plans. Block Party? BBQ? Beggs Games?

Community Bowling

Friday, April 10th, 7-10pm. Community Bowling Night! Willsborough Lanes. $80 per lane, $15 individual.RSVP ASAP! Strike your neighbor out! Thank you Tom for organizing! Learn more here.

Sidewalk Evaluation

Town of Essex has asked our group to assist in a sidewalk evaluation program for both Essex and Whallonsburg. Informational meeting at Town Hall. Wednesday March, 11th at 9:30am with Meg Parker. Helpers so far: Donna Lou, Emily Phillips, Stephanie Beneng. Should be a fun time noting all the cracks and heaves in our sidewalks! Seriously, this is much needed to improve accessibility around the towns. Please come!

Other Upcoming Meetings

CVHN (Champlain Valley Heritage Network) meeting scheduled for March 18th, 9:30 a.m. at the Westport Heritage House. Anyone interested in attending contact Anna Reynolds: AReynolds@co.essex.ny.us

Our Next Scheduled Meeting: April 2nd. time and location TDB.

Related articles

• Essex Theatre Company Holds Capital Campaign for Masonic Lodge Air Conditioning (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Champlain Valley Senior Community Hosts Willsboro Basketball Dedication Celebration (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)