11-06-961'
"FIRST NIGHT" STEERING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEMBER 6, 1996
The "First Night" Steering Committee met in the Commission
Chambers on Wednesday, November 6. Present were: Dezmond
Waters, Barbara Benisch, Nancy DeCandis, Rosemary Fletcher,
Pam Bushnell, Donna Zimmerman, Thelma Fugere, Elaine Kenney,
Suzanne Judas, Peggy Neville, and Henny Schoonover.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM. It was reported
that Karen Summers, Fundraising Chair, collected additional
contributions totaling $1,375, including a $1,000 donation
from "LaCruise". During the meeting, another $100 was do-
nated from Committee members present. The AT & T grant is
still pending and Karen expects to know the decision within
the next two weeks. If awarded, that money can be used for
next season's event.
Rosemary Fletcher, for Programming, advised of several new
additions to the program. These will round out a multi-
cultural, multi -generational theme and should ensure the suc-
cess of the event. ABET may not participate because of a
conflict over space with the teen events. A decision will be
made at the next ABET Board meeting.
Suzanne Judas, Finance Chair, reported that the City added
the school and the church to their liability insurance policy
so that all event sites are covered. She asks that the sub-
committees furnish an updated or revised budget.
Pam Bushnell reported on Marketing and P.R. activities. Press
releases went to all print media in mid-October and resulted
in a feature article in "Beaches Leader". Other media are
waiting until closer to the event for coverage. Pam is pre-
paring press kit to be distributed in December to local print
and radio media, as well as TV. Jacksonville magazine will
be giving the event some coverage in their December issue.
Pam further reported that she is working on a special center-
fold for the upcoming "Tideviews" issue to be distributed to
about 6,000 households in Atlantic Beach the first week in
December. PSA's from "1st Night International" have been or-
dered and efforts are being coordinated for Beaches Cablevi-
sion for production. Additional press releases are planned
on the volunteer recruitment parties and teen and children's
events.
Button production is still on schedule, according to Pam, al-
though there was some problem in getting the entire logo and
verbiage on the disc. Nancy Weilgus is coordinating with the
vendor and buttons will be ready by December 2 for selling at
City Hall, Aqua East, Zimmiz Hair Designs, and the Petunia
Patch Boutique. Tim is coordinating the sales. The posters
are ready for the printer and will be ready for distribution
by November 16, although this date has not been confirmed;
a "fact sheet" newsletter is also being developed to have
available at City Hall to respond to inquires.
Considerable discussion took place regarding the printed pro-
gram. It was decided that an event schedule would be ready
for distribution with the button purchases and the final pro-
gram available at the event.
Donna Zimmerman reported on Volunteer recruitment activity.
She is contacted individuals who previously expressed inter-
est. Barbara Benisch is working with the volunteer committee
based on her experiences with Arts Mania.
Nancy DeCandis, reporting for Logistics, advised that the
bonfire must be held at Russell Park due to high tides at the
beach. Wood has been donated and Timmy Johnson, City Recre-
ation Director, is assisting with preparations. The teen com-
mittee has asked for exclusive use of the Community Center;
Aqua East is covering the costs of refreshments, decorations,
and a DJ will provide surfing movies. There was discussion
on the route identification between sites. It was also agreed
that the procession will not take place this year and an in-
formal movement of participants to the bonfire will suffice.
Thelma Fugere has obtained trash receptacles and outdoor
toilet facilities for the park. She is working with Timmy on
extra police support.
Henny accepted responsibility for coordinating the hat/mask
making for adults; Barbara volunteered to coordinate with
the food vendor.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 20.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Carl Walker
Staff Coordinator