KENNEDY - During their first meeting of the new year, members of Kennedy Pride discussed the outcome of recent events, and began making plans for the year ahead.
The Christmas party was considered a success. Many residents came to see Santa and enjoy the festivities. The hayrides given by Tom Ormond were a hit, as usual. Eunice Speta reported that the lighting contest had been well accepted for its first year. Entries from a widespread area of the town were received. Mrs. Speta felt this boded well for the community's response to the contest, and group members agreed, feeling it would be worth trying again. Christmas remembrance ornament sales did well, and the reading of the names of those being remembered had been a very moving moment.
In new business, the group decided that the 100 Club Dinner would not be held this year. Several ideas for a different fundraiser were discussed. Various types of dinner fundraisers were considered. Whether to bring back one of the former community fundraisers, or to choose a new type of fundraiser was also brought up. The time of year to hold fundraisers came up as well.
Clarence Robbins reported that the contractor was ready to build a pavilion in Hallquist Park when plans are finalized. Group members thought it might be nice to have a picnic for the community as a dedication when the project is completed.
The Victorian tea has been very popular. Group members thought it might be a good idea to push the event back to the Saturday after Mother's Day this year. More plans will be made in the future.
Larry Mee said the tree in Hallquist Park should be able to be removed in one day. When building season will start is the biggest factor in when a pavilion could be built. A local resident could make tables and benches for the pavilion when it is completed.
Music in the park for the summer was considered. Group members agreed that the Common Ground concert had been hugely popular, and they would enjoy having them back again. Linda Bish, co-president, stated that no groups had made contact yet. She said she was open to suggestions.
Shirley Leyman, co-president, asked if the group had seen the recent article about youth from the Frewsburg area helping an area family clean up their property. She wondered if this was an idea with which area residents would like to be involved.
Leyman asked that if anyone heard of someone who would like some help with their property or of some youth who would be interested in helping out to bring it to the next meeting.
Nominations of officers will be due next month, with elections in March. Clarence Robbins noted that the next meeting would be held on the 11th anniversary of the founding of Kennedy Pride. That meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Free Library. Everyone is invited to attend and to offer any ideas for community projects.