Board members in attendance: Allen Frank, Bill Lennox, Jacqui Fortsch, Cory Dailey, Jeanette Dennis, and Joyce James
Cory called the meeting to order in Tina’s absence. She asked for approval of the minutes from last month. A motion to approve was made by Annalisa Kelly-Covatta, second by Todd Snyder
Cory gave the update that Bingo was a huge success. Right now there are no immediate needs for parent volunteers.
There were two cemetery lots remaining from the flower sale if anyone is interested in purchasing them.
Jacqui gave an update about fundraisers. Current fundraisers are on the website like Gertrude Hawk and Wawa. We took a break for Dec and Jan. Upcoming fundraisers will be
Pizza
Soup
Pierogies
Krispy Kreme
Pampered Chef
Mr. Sticky’s sticky buns
It was asked if there could be a fundraiser done that specifically favors the students’ accounts rather than the general fund. Jacqui said that is something that can be taken into consideration going forward. Fundraising has been low this year.
Jeanette presented the Treasurer’s report. The Bingo portion of the Treasurer’s report was discussed at great length within the meeting. All of the Bingo proceeds/expenses are accounted for except the deposit from Give Butter. That was made later and will be reflected in December’s report. It seems that the breakdown for Bingo was a bit confusing. A request was made to have it displayed in a spreadsheet form and itemized more to allow for future planning (ie less basket quantity but more basket quality if raffle tickets didn’t sell). Another point to encourage itemizing was the general terms used, such as one time fundraiser doesn’t give much information. On a positive note, the proceeds from Bingo bought us instruments such as our new suspended cymbal as well as miscellaneous orchestra needs.
A question was asked about how we are doing financially versus what was budgeted. Jeanette mentioned she was planning a budget comparison for mid year. The by-laws say it should be presented monthly. Jeanette will work on setting up the Treasurer’s report in spreadsheet form going forward. Motion to approve Treasurer’s report Annalisa Kelly-Covatta, second by Eleanor Mayer
The question was asked about what donation can be made by the organization to make the band and orchestra needs met. Once a budget vs actual comparison is done, this topic will be revisited.
The budget discussion segued nicely into the by-laws discussion. Sue is organizing the by-laws committee and it will be meeting in January. The by-laws are designed to keep the LHSGBOPC moving in the right direction. Any changes to the by-laws gets voted on in March at the general meeting. Elections are held in April. Please let Sue know if you would like to be part of the committee. It’s open to anyone.
Allen mentioned that there is a winter concert evening rehearsal Thursday from 5-8:30 for the orchestra and choir. Tickets to the concert are $10 general admission, $5 students and seniors and free for under 12. Tickets can be purchased in advance which cuts down on the line out the door in the cold. There is a basketball game on Friday so parking is likely to be limited. Report time for Friday is 6:00 and 1:00 for Sunday.
LHS along with FHS is hosting the District 10 orchestra concert Feb 8-10 at Northeast Middle School. Auditions were just held for district band and orchestra. We’re proud to say we have 9 band members and 5 orchestra members who qualified. Jazz auditions are due Friday.
There are wheels in motion to start planning a trip for next year. No announcement yet as nothing has been finalized.
Caroling will be happening around Bethlehem next week.
Red Hot Chili Pipers tickets go on sale in January. We have already been invited to participate in 2025.
Bill mentioned purchasing mouthpieces and reeds as stocking stuffers. Don’t buy instruments on Amazon. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Motion to adjourn Sue Testa, second Tracy Lussier