Monday, September 15, 2008

Quad Committee Minutes - September 10th 2008

The location of the meeting was at the Hudson Opera House. The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. promptly by Ms. Piwonka. Minutes were approved and Ms. Piwonka briefly discussed the nature of the celebration in these times and how things are significantly different from 1909 and even 1959. While we all wish it could be a more substantial celebration, things have changed and we need to respect the realities of the time. And we need to be constantly aware of opportunities to communicate the history and look for avenues to do so.

Ms. Cooper noted that that the “American Bus Association” has announced that of their “100 Best Events of 2009”, the Albany HFC 400 Celebration was selected as “Number one”. A press conference would be held that day at 1 p.m. to make the announcement. INFORMATION ON THE BLOG.

Columbia County’s location within the Hudson Valley, and the proximity to Albany would play well into this announcement. Due to Ms. Coopers close relationship to the officials in Albany, we have all the information needed to be included on the Albany website - www.hudson400.com/

Ms. Cooper will make sure all “official events” are listed on that site.

There was a substantial discussion about "funding" and the need to make sure the public is aware when we have the funds secured. Ms. Piwonka would head up a committee to review applications once procedures have been determined.

Park Ranger McKay reviewed some of the festivities coming up on September 20th. The event will take place between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m and will represent the “kick off” to the HFC Celebration.

Ranger McKay also requested that if we have any brochures or information on the HFC Celebration, that he will have a table to communicate the information.

Ms. Thursdon offered to send Henry to visit the event. They have a Henry Hudson costume and an actor that circulates around – something like a Disney character.

Ms. Audry Reifler from “Friends of Clermont” discussed some events that they hope to include in the celebration.

Clermont has a 1.1 mile long trail that is slated for improvements. Aside from dressing up the trail, informational signage is planned as well.

Actor Garret Grat has volunteered to be a part of skits reenacting historical events. This event will be in September 2009, and keyed with the “Hudson River Rambles” program.

Ms. Reifler also brought to our attention that the dock restoration is a real possibility. An application for funding has been accepted and will be reviewed for consideration. The main point is that the engineers have stated that it can be done and they are free to move forward.

There was also an brief discussion about the desire to support a “river run” or “regatta”. Ms. Cooper had received unconfirmed information about a possible date of June 6th. Should this work out, there is the feeling that the community could come together for “Picnic on the Hudson” to encourage all to come out to the river to view the spectacle. Again, we will need to wait for further information.

Ms. Ann-Eliza Lewis (Director of Columbia County Historical Society) reviewed again some of the deadlines for being included in the Historical Society magazine.

Each event will have a full page to communicate information. The hope is that it will be the largest publication and will have full color. The retail price is expected to be $7.50 each. Deadlines for event submissions is December 1st of 2008.

Ms. Lewis also mentioned that the Historical Society is trying to work with the schools for an essay contest. This will be an ongoing effort.

October 8th 10:30 a.m. in new Germantown Library. Location tentative, more info forthcoming.
Meeting adjourned: Promptly ended by 11:45 a.m.

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