February 11, 2008 meeting minutes

Friends of Kennedy Playground
February 11, 20008


Members / Attendees

Phyllis Eaddy*
Peter Easley*
Harold Valentine*
Alex Padro*
Eloise Wahab
Carla Renee and her daughter
Mary Sutherland
Freddie Brown, DPR
Mark Thomas
Mrs. Borden
Cheryl Baily

* Voting Member of the Board

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm

Treasurer’s Report - As of 12/31/07, FOKP has $49,764.97 in our checking account and $202,316.30 in a Certificate of Deposit account.

Finance Committee Report: Peter Easley reported that the Committee met on 1/31/08 with Mary Sutherland, Lillian Gordon, Eloise Wahab, Phyllis Eaddy and himself in attendance. Items discussed:

A new senior citizen program will be started at KP on Saturdays and may approach FOKP to help with fundraising.
One fundraising idea is a spring car wash. More details to follow.
The committee suggests that FOKP have a reception honoring Councilmember Jack Evans for all his support of KP. Donations can be requested, but the primary purpose of the event would be to honor the Councilmember.
Outreach to the community – the Committee will prepare a monthly flier for distribution by Board Members to local businesses (e.g. Giant) and apartment buildings.
A recommendation that Alex Padro be asked to chair a sub-committee to seek community support for a water play area at Kennedy Playground.

Freddie Brown gave the report on behalf of the staff at Kennedy. He indicated that they are still understaffed with the following staff members:
Oscar Taylor
Freddie Brown
Ms. Bradshaw
Mark Thomas
1. He indicated that he is working on a job readiness program to help youth to find jobs. Many of the current job programs have not succeeded in helping young people find jobs. One possibility is a three week program at FOKP.
2. A Board member asked about after school programs at KP. Freddie Brown indicated that they have an after school homework program at KP. Due to staffing, there are no other after school programs.
3. A teen night will be held this Friday until mid-night.
4. There will be a Black History swim meet this weekend at the Takoma Recreation Center and kids from KP will be participating.
5. A senior event will be held on 2/29 from 10-12 pm.
6. Little League will start in April and hopefully the fields will be prepared.
7. The annual awards banquet will be held in April – the exact date.

5. Cheryl Baily gave a brief presentation on Gianni’s, a youth fund raising program that FOKP families may want to consider. Gianni’s products includes food items (cakes, Auntie Anne’s pretzels, pizza’s, cookies, buffalo wings, etc.). A portion of the items sold would go to FOKP or programs supported by FOKP. Orders are placed and food is paid for at the time of delivery. Minimum orders are 110 items. This type of fundraising will be discussed at the next FOKP meeting.

The next FOKP meeting will be the second Monday in March (March 10, 2008). Please come dressed for a group picture to put on the new website (http://friendsofkennedyplayground.blogspot.com)

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm by Alex Padro a motion of and seconded by Peter Easley.