BoD Minutes – Jan 15, 2021

CTSS BOD ZOOM Meeting Minutes – 1-15-2021

Attendees: Louise DesJardins (host), Phil DesJardins, Norm Ward, George McCleary, Bob Smith, Bill Dexter, Jacqui Kuzmik

Call to Order: 7:33 PM

Officer Reports:

Chairman – Charlie Allen & Bill Dexter

Bill discussed the three (3) CTSS food drives he did prior to Christmas. The first food drive he got a sleigh full of food, the second food drive garnered $533.00 in cash donations that went to the Redding Food Bank for fresh produce and the third food drive garnered $1400.00 in donations that was divided among seven (7) food banks in the name of CTSS:

• $200.00 – No Vet Left Behind, Ansonia, CT

• $200.00 – Food Vine Food Pantry, New Britain, CT

• $200.00 – South End Community Center in Stratford, CT

• $200.00 – 1st Congregational Church in Andover, CT (a food bank that serves 3 communities)

• $200.00 – New London area Food Pantry

• $200.00 – Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, CT

• $200.00 – Plymouth Community Food Pantry in Terryville, CT

We (CTSS) also gave food donations to the Malta House Homeless Shelter in Norwalk, CT. that All checks went out this week.

CTSS members Ed & Judy Dorsett of Morris also did a food drive. It was a very different concept; their daughter owns a deli in Morris & everyone who donated to the food bank got a virtual visit from Santa. The donations amounted to over $500.00 that went to the Morris food bank.

CTSS members Don & Karen Lamy of Thomaston also did a food drive in Thomaston. They got permission to use the town gazebo as a photo op for people who donated food items to the Thomaston food bank. Food was placed in grocery carriages & wheeled over to the pantry after the event. They set up their chairs in the gazebo & blocked off the stairs for social distancing picture taking.

George McCleary also donated plants from his “Santa’s Garden” in the name of CTSS to the food bank for those who could not afford vegetables for their gardens. He also personally donated vegetables to the Thomaston, Plymouth & Waterbury food banks.

There was also a discussion about the CTSS Food Drive kits being made. When we get a prototype, we will look into getting bags to carry the kits in. 

President – George McCleary

Discussed the possibilities of making a CTSS pamphlet to accompany the food drive kits. It could be a tri-fold piece of paper with some photos, our mission statement, information about making a donation etc. Members were asked to come up with ideas as to what should be printed.

Vice-President – Phil DesJardins

Nothing to report

Treasurer – Bob Smith

Balance in checking account is $8,104.79. 

Renewal notice for $225.00 from the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.  Motion was made by Jacqui to pay the Northwest Chamber of Commerce renewal. Bill seconded the motion & all were in favor. 

We received a Thank You card for the CTSS donation from the Salvation Army in Winsted & a Thank You letter dated 11-23-20 from the Connecticut National Guard Foundation for our $250.00 donation during their annual appeal. 

Norm dropped off the CTSS $200.00 donation check to The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness in Portland, CT. He used our Santa Cares banner during the photo op.

Secretary – Jacqui Kuzmik

11-20-20 minutes need approval. Motion moved by George, seconded by Norm. Approval unanimous.

Committee Reports:

Events (Workshop Weekend) – George McCleary (chair) & Phil Desjardins

George is still waiting to hear from Lake Compounce; it’s their 175anniversary & would like us to be part of the celebration depending on the Covid-10 virus.

Website – Duck Unitas (chair), Norm Ward & George McCleary

As per discussion in previous meeting, if website is to shut down, there is no need to do any work on it. Bob stated that his motion was to put a deadline for action on the website. Paying $300.00 a year for a website we can’t use is a waste of money. Duck will look into cheaper options/or suggestions for this website for next meeting.

Elections & Membership – Jane OGrady (chair) & Louise DesJardins

Emails were sent to all past & present members informing them of the 2021 membership fee being waived this year. Have already gotten a few responses & once the membership applications are returned to her, she will send out the “welcome” letter. 

Picnic – Louise & Phil DesJardins & Jane OGrady

Nothing to report

Facebook – Louise DesJardins & George McCleary

Louise reminded us of the next Claus Chat on Tuesday, January 19th at 7:30PM.  This is a good way to get together informally and talk about what we did this past difficult season.  We will discuss the Santa Cares Food Drive & how some of our members did their drives.

Next Meeting: Feb.19, 2021 

Place of Meeting: ZOOM (Louise invites)

Time of Meeting: 7:30 PM 

Adjournment: 9:03 PM Jacqui made the motion to adjourn, Norm seconded the motion, All were in favor.