Friends of Laurel Park Board Meeting

The board will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

 

Minutes of the August 12, 2025 Board Meeting

​

​

The meeting was called to order by Mike Erwin at 7pm at the Fleetwood Clubhouse.  Other board members in attendance were Susan Hileman, Jim Wilson and Ann McFadden.  Deb Bridges, Town Council liaison to FLP also attended and Myra Watkins called in. Board member Ed Mattern was not present.  

 

GUESTS

Curt and Monte Kruger along with Knox Crowell:  Curt reported that Hurricane Helene damage is still evident at Crystal Springs.  He and some other neighbors have started trying to clear it up.  Today, what remains to be done is beyond their abilities as some of the stone is damaged and a tree trunk still sits on top.  He reiterated that he is not soliciting funds, but he wants FLP assistance with ideas for raising $6,000 - Al Avaredo gave him a quote of $5,000 for the stonework and he is estimating another $1,000 for tree removal.  He also wants to channel donations and expenses through FLP so that funds donated will be tax deductible.  A short discussion followed about alternate sources of funding including Parks & Greenway and grants from state agencies like the state historic preservation office.

 

Phil Wiehe: Phil reported that he is producing a version of Godspell with the theme of healing, recovery and reconciliation; Deb Bridges is his musical director.  Note: Godspell has been a Broadway show three separate times as well as a movie.  He envisions a semi-pro production that will draw in more than just LP residents.  He reiterated that he wants to involve the community and he’s not asking for money.  What he does want is help with promos and an encumbered fund to help with fundraising.    He volunteered to provide an accountant to write checks, provide 1099’s, etc.  He hopes for a total of 8 performances, with 5 of them at Laurel Green to be held May of next year, around Memorial Day.  Phil also reported he has conversed wit Mayor O’Cain who sees no problem with the use of Laurel Green.  

 

The guests were thanked for their time and sharing their requests and then they all departed.

 

Before the rest of the meeting got underway, Deb gave the board a quick update on Hurricane Helene repairs.  Small steps have been taken including submitting a plan to FEMA. 

 

 

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT, TREASURER’S REPORT, 2025 OPERATING BUDGET 

All were approved.

 

 

DONORS, DONOR THANK YOUS

Jim reported 2 new donors this month and Ann reported that Thank yous have been sent.

 

 

 SPONSORS SPONSOR THANK YOURS

Jim reported 1 new sponsor this month and Myra confirmed she will send a thank you later this week.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE CARDS

Ann has the postcard just about ready to go but she did have a few questions.  Mike confirmed that there are no rain dates for the Autumnwud concert or for the Furry Friends event in November.  And, because no one has details of a Christmas tree lighting, that event will be left off the postcard.  

The board approved the card, so Ann will proceed.

 

 

AUGUST HISTORY TOURS

Mike reported that the 3 tours from the last week went well.  Some folks commented about the inability of people in the back of the bus not being able to hear and this has been a recurring theme.  It was suggested that the host move folks around based on their ability to hear and this may be tried next weekend.  Echo Mountain Inn opened their doors for a bathroom break and it was much appreciated.

 

NEXT CONCERT – SEPT 6TH 

Mike and Myra reported that the band is all set.   Ed is still working on getting a food truck.

 

HALLOWEEN EVENT

This year, the police department will ask folks to set up decorated tables rather than trunks of cars for their Halloween event on October 25.  Donations of candy will start as early as the 2nd t of September. Myra has lots of decorations and wants to help.  Susan has leftover decorations from past years too.

 

BEAR AUCTION

Jim reported that nonprofit beneficiaries are allowed to set up a table to tell their story on the day of the live auction.  However, this falls on the same day as the Halloween event.  So Jim and Mike volunteered to staff the table and Myra and Susan will participate in the Halloween event.

 

FURRY FRIENDS EVENT – NOV 1ST 

The board agreed to set up a FLP information table at the event.

 

 

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE – JIM

Jim reported that the Centennial Committee is wrapping up with their last meeting probably in September.  

There is still the possibility of a rain date big band gala, but no decision has been made yet and most of the funds have been spent.  

 Gary Anderson is working on revising the Scavenger Hunt booklet so that only the historical content remains.  It could become a part of the Welcome packet.

Knox Crowell is considering a 2nd edition of his book.  

The Centennial Committee will pay Knox $1,000 and Ilene $250 for their time and contributions.

 

KNOX CROWELL GIFT

The board tabled the discussion to the next meeting.

 

TROLLEY COMPANY DRIVER

Last year, the board approved a gift of $100.  As there are more tours this year, the suggestion was made to increase the gift to $150.  The board agreed and Jim will be on the last tour and can bring cash.  

 

LOU LACHUSA

Lou is the bear carver.  Mike suggested placing a plaque on the stump in front of the large bear face.  Ann will look into the cost, she’s used Sports Cellar before and they are usually very reasonable.  She suggested we might have a contest for naming the carved bear.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Ann reported that the last police class was quite informative and she gathered information about the Ecusta Trail. 

 

Mike complimented the closet clean-up crew.  He updated the Welcome packet.  Oh, by the way, the magnet needs to be updated for Maybin’s info.

 

CIRCLE BACK TO THE GUESTS’ REQUESTS

 Crystal Springs:  First, all agreed it is not a good idea to use FLP as a conduit. Mike suggested they try other sources of funding but will draft an email to Curt for the board to approve.

Godspell:  Again, the board agreed it is not a good idea to use FLP as a conduit for accounting.  However, FLP may help with advertising.  Mike will again draft a response and send the board a copy  It is a possibility that this production could take the place of our regular concert in May.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING

The meeting was adjourned at 8:53pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at the Fleetwood Clubhouse.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Susan Hileman, Secretary