Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the January 27, 2018 meeting of the Borough of Rockaway Historical Committee Present:
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Arnold Bernard, President
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Barbara Koch, Treasurer
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Beth Witanek, Co-Treasurer
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Joyce Kanigel, Corresponding and Recording Secretary
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Jim Allen, Curator
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Joan Miller
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Ken Lattig
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Jean Rueter
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Tony Gebbia
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Jim Hurley
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Bob Edwards
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Tom Slockbower
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Ted Hussa
President Arnold Bernard opened the meeting at 10:05 a.m. A salute to the fag and moment of silence were held. Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Barbara Koch reported an account balance of $7,411.39 as of the end of 2017. There was a total of $622 in proceeds from the Sts Peter & Paul Church Christmas bazaar (including a check from Father Matthew for for the church's purchase of ornaments). Jim gave Barbara an additional $45 from general sales of ornaments. Joan M brought in $60.85 that she collected from the donation jars at Smith's Tavern and Rockaway Liquors.
Barbara reimbursed Tom S for $47.04 for museum decorations; and wrote another check for $400 to pay Blast Masters for their work on the Washington School bell.
Jean R asked if an audit of our fnances had been planned. Jim H suggested having an audit done by a committee of our own members. JIm H, Tony G and Beth volunteered to do this.
Barbara has prepared some organizational information, e.g. about setting meeting agendas. She will send a copy to Joyce and Joyce will send it out as an attachment prior to our next meeting.
Corresponding Secretary's Report
Joyce had an update about the status of the Historic Trolley Trail project. A grant for $5000 has already been awarded by the Highlands Coalition to help pay for installation of a footbridge (where the trail crosses over Fox's Brook). We now have another opportunity for grant of up to $3000. This sponsored by the American Hiking Society and LL Bean. Joyce can send in a application at no charge, and there is no grant match; however the application requires that a 501(c)(3) organization be listed as a project partner for administrative purposes. Joyce asked permission to name the BRHC as a partner on the AHS application. Tony G made a motion to approve, and Tom S seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Arnie noted that the Committee has previously decided to donate $2500 toward the trolley trail project.
Joyce noted that Robert Nichols had sent his regrets that he could not attend today. Also later we heard from Kate Lynch that she too was ill and could not be present. We hope they will get well soon.
draft minutes of the Borough of Rockaway Historical Committee for January 27, 2018, continued Curator's Report
Jim gave one of our blue history books to the principal at Divine Mercy Academy. The principal has invited us to participate in the school's annual summer fair, where we could sell books, maps, ornaments and mugs. Jim will fnd out more details and the date for the fair.
New and old business -
Washington School bell - Tom S reported that the bell has now been cleaned, and a fnish has been applied. After the sandblasting was done, some interesting markings on the bell became visible. It was cast in 1883 and is a 30" diameter #7 bell, the kind that was made for signaling emergencies such as fres.
Tony G suggested that we look into publishing booklets about Borough history, for example a short history of the frehouse. Everyone likes this idea. Arnie said we could speak to ABC Printing about this potential project.
There was discussion of future designs for ornaments and coffee mugs, for example putting the same image on both mugs and ornaments, and selling them as a package.
Ted Hussa proposed a meeting of the Greater Rockaway Genealogy Society, to be held here in the Community Center on either Saturday August 25 or Saturday September 22 of this year. The topic would be the genealogy of some of our local patriots, such as John Jacob Faesch and Stephen Jackson. Joyce said this sounded good and noted that the Genealogy Society already has permission to hold meetings here on Saturdays following the conclusion of our BRHC meetings. Weather permitting we could also tour the Presbyterian Cemetery, where many patriots are buried.
Bob E told stories about Dr McElroy, who lived in the beautiful house on Main Street that is next door to the Dr John Darbee Jackson house. Bob noted that Dr McElroy made no charge for "baseball injuries." Dr McElroy was married to the former Marion Tuttle. He died from an illness caused by drinking unpasteurized milk.
A motion was made to adjourn, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:27 a.m.
Respectfully submitted, Joyce Kanigel, Recording Secretay
Present:
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Arnold Bernard, President
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Sam Saporite, Vice President
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Barbara Koch, Treasurer
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Beth Witanek, Co-Treasurer
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Joyce Kanigel, Corresponding and Recording Secretary
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Jim Allen, Curator
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Joan Miller
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Ken Lattig
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Jean Rueter
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Tony Gebbia
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Jim Hurley
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Bob Edwards
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Tom Slockbower
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Robert Nichols
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Kate Lynch
President Arnold Bernard opened the meeting at 10:07 a.m. A salute to the fag and moment of silence were held.
President's Report
Arnie said he could open the museum next Saturday and Sunday (4th weekend of the month), but he needs more help from members. Bob E and Ken L volunteered to help staff the museum during open hours.Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Barbara Koch reported an account balance of $10,546.74 as of January 31. She had suggestions for procedures to follow for a planned internal audit of the Committee's funds. Jim H suggested that following reconciliation of checks it should be suffcient for our audit committee to issue a short letter, using letterhead stationery, signing off on the results of the reconciliation process. The audit committee's letter could then be memorialized in the minutes.Curator's Report
Jim A reported that he and Barbara had cleaned out the museum's closet. Barbara sorted and wrapped t-shirts and began reviewing contents of fle cabinets.Corresponding Secretary's Report
Joyce had an update about the status of a grant application for the Historic Trolley Trail project, for which the Historical Committee is a partner. The application to the American Hiking Society's small grant program has now been submitted. The AHS program offers a maximum grant of $3000 for trail development or improvement. Small grant awards will be announced in May 2018.Old and New Business
There was discussion about what size and color of carriage-logo mugs we prefer. The Committee decided to order the 11 oz size, but were not unanimous as to choice of color (plain white, or white-with-black-interior). Tony G suggested we could order some of each. A motion was made to order a dozen of each, to start. The motion passed unanimously.
Jim H noted that the Saint Cecilia's craft fair, scheduled for March 10 from 9am - 2pm, might already be sold out. He provided a phone number to call regarding this event: (973) 886-8023. Jim A will call to fnd out if we can still reserve a table for selling books, ornaments, mugs etc. Barbara said she could help.
Jim A mentioned the local history books that have been published for many nearby towns, such as Denville, Dover and Wharton. He noted that no such book had been published about Rockaway Borough. The books are in a series titled 'Images of America' and are published by the Arcadia Publishing Company. Beth said she had an email address for the publisher, and would try to fnd out more details.
Jim A also noted the existence of certain historic photos of Rockaway Borough that have been offered to us. Sam made a motion for the Committee to purchase the photos. The motion passed. Joyce noted that some of the photos are already in our possession (in digitized format). She offered to check which ones we already own.
There was discussion of the future of the Stephen Jackson house. A local buyer is purchasing the Sacred Heart property, where the Jackson house is located. It is believed that the buyer may want to build apartments on the school part of the site, but this is uncertain because plans have not yet been submitted. If and when the buyer submits plans to the Land Use Board, we will have more information. We hope to be able to work with the buyer to preserve the house.
Sam thanked the Committee for our recent condolences to him and his family.
A motion was made to adjourn, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:47 a.m.
Present:
Arnold Bernard, President
Barbara Koch, Treasurer Jim Allen, Curator
Bob Edwards
Tony Gebbia
Lou Guarinello Pete Hopler
Jim Hurley
Joan Jackson Kate Lynch
Rob Nichols Jean Reuter
Sam Saporite Tom Slockbower Beth Witanek
President’s Report:
President Arnold Bernard called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. We stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence was held following that.
Arnie had with him three samples of our mug designs produced by Tony’s school. We have three dozen of each. The smallest ones (11 oz.) will likely be sold for $ 6.00; the ones with the black handle could possibly be priced at $ 6.50, and the largest ones could be sold for $ 7.00. Tom made a motion, which was seconded, that – largest to smallest size – the mugs be priced at $ 7, $ 6, $ 6, which was approved.
Arnie brought up the possibility of having a combination mug and ornament set for purchase. This year’s design is Sacred Heart. Sam raised the point of an objection to this theme, since Sacred Heart had denied to Jim Allen his request to be allowed entry to ‘tour’ the buildings that are up for sale. Barbara inquired about the lead time required for the ornaments. Sam asked if Sacred Heart was going to be responsive to/supportive of the ornaments, and further inquired if Jim A. could approach them about selling the ornaments (publicizing the availability in their church bulletin, etc.) The decision on Sacred Heart appearing as this year’s theme (and the subsequent ornament order) will be held up until next month, after Jim A. talks to Sacred Heart. A discussion ensued, with regard to the Diocese, and individuals to possibly be contacted. Barbara offered to send a personal note to the Sacred Heart Church contact person.
Jim A. announced that our museum would be open this afternoon between about 1:00 to 3:00, or 1:00 to 4:00. Barbara had produced a sign-up sheet for monthly commitments to ‘museum sit’; at least two people are needed at each time.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Barbara Koch reported that our bank statement totals $ 10,618.70. On March 18, an audit was completed at Barbara’s house (by Barbara Koch, Tony Gebbia, Jim Hurley, Beth Witanek); our finances
are in order. Barbara outlined and discussed some suggestions for an efficient process with regard to our sales and finances:
1. A cash-handling procedure for our cash box (at the museum and other special functions)
2. Request for reimbursement
3. Emergency request for petty cash (ex. small bills to have on hand for sales) which must be authorized 4. All transactions being recorded in the check register
Jim H. elaborated on the topics covered at the March audit session. We are a 501 3C; Tony found that the threshold law is $ 25,000. With regard to a possible sales tax liability, as long as an organization has a tax exemption number (which we do), there is no problem or issue. We are okay; we are exempt from New Jersey tax because we are self-selling (mugs, ornaments) and not through a vendor.
It was stated that we will remove the word ‘audit’ from the committee name, instead using the term ‘reconciliation.’
The expenditure for the September 1, 2017 order of new checks (amount of 100) cost $ 93.17.
Website updates:
Jim H. discussed with us the status and adjustments that were made with regard to our dormant website. Jim was able to get access to the website; the information that is there was from 2015. Jim updated the news there, added current dates and items for sale. The ‘contact us’ button goes to Jim, Ruben, and Joyce. The domain is licensed through ‘Go Daddy’ at present. Jim learned that Ruben has been covering the associated costs (as his donation to the group), but Ruben does need to inform us of the fee, which he can then state as a donation for his own tax purposes.
It was discussed that an active membership list is needed. It was suggested that this list be expanded to include active/past/in memorium members.
In discussing possible costs for web-hosting, Kate mentioned knowing that small site hosting can be done for about $ 375.00.
There was talk about including a PayPal button for possible donations, but we learned that having this would entail complications with regard to E-commerce, a secured server, and internal procedures with moving money and the subsequent record-keeping. Arnie advised that we should state the 1 East Main Street address for donations, which can be received via check or money order. (For now, we will accept donations, in person and through the mail, in cash, checks, money orders.)
Old and new business:
President Arnie Bernard informed us that the museum is doing well. Museum sitters must make sure to shut the lights, have the shades drawn, and lock the door.
Tom spoke about the 5-foot saw blade that was donated by the Donatoni Family’s nephew, from the former family saw mill. Tom will see to having the blade cleaned, and mentioned that we also have a Donatoni Mill uniform that can be displayed.
Further discussion included the issue of needing the phone at the museum to be working. We ourselves will first look at the issue (internally); the Borough of Rockaway owns the phone line. Arnie asked Tom about procuring a fire extinguisher for the museum.
With regard to the museum being open for the months of July and August, the decision is still up in the air (because of these months traditionally not receiving much attendance.)
Sam made a special announcement and a special presentation of the flag design created and donated to our group by the daughter of Sam’s neighbor, Pete Hopler. Arnie suggested that we display the flag at the museum under the American flag that we fly there. This flag design will also be present in this year’s Memorial Day Parade, included with Pete’s motorcycle and sidecar.
Barbara presented a list of invitees that she had put together for the upcoming Bell Dedication Ceremony. Tom stated that the bell is ready to be installed, and Arnie discussed having a date in May slated for the presentation and dedication. The date of May 19, 2018 will be discussed and decided upon at our next meeting.
It was announced that the upcoming Board of Education meeting is this Tuesday night (March 27, 2018.)
An inquiry was made about getting listings placed on the electronic signage in front of the fire house; Tom advised that Sheila Seifert be contacted for this.
The borough calendar will need to be checked for the upcoming events in the next few months. Tom announced that April 28th will be Environmental Awareness Day in Rockaway.
Further discussion ensued with regard to possible issues and logistics for the Bell Dedication. It was mentioned that parking at Donatoni Field is more readily available on Sundays. It appears that a Sunday (possibly May 20th at 1:00 p.m.) will be the best day for the event.
Barbara expressed the need to publicize information on the bell, and on its history with Washington School. It was agreed that Jean Reuter is our perfect contact person for this information.
The 2018 Museum Military Day will be on Sunday, May 27th, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Mention was made that the St. Cecelia’s Bazaar (earlier in the month) didn’t appear to be well-attended or populated by too many vendors; Jim A. will inquire about the date of the next one, in November.
Bob Edwards made the announcement that the V.F.W. in Denville (Ford Road) runs a breakfast the first Sunday of each month. The hours are between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m., at a cost of $ 8.00.
Sam conveyed the information that we have support and interest from the Fulton Bank on Route 46: There, they have a display of the ‘wooden houses’ (Rockaway landmark buildings), and their manager is
very receptive to our organization and the local history. Sam had a supply of the manager’s cards, which he handed out.
Mention was made of a thank-you note being sent to Pete Hopler, for the donation of the flag. The meeting was adjourned at 11:33 a.m.
Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Witanek
Minutes of the April 29, 2018 meeting of the Borough of Rockaway Historical Committee
Present:
• Arnold Bernard, President
• Sam Saporite, Vice President
• Barbara Koch, Treasurer
• Beth Witanek, Co-Treasurer
• Joyce Kanigel, Corresponding and Recording Secretary
• Jim Allen, Curator
• Joan Miller
• Joan Jackson
• Ken Lattig
• Jean Rueter
• Jim Hurley
• Bob Edwards
• Tom Slockbower
• Kate Lynch
President's Report
Due to scheduling conficts, the April 2018 meeting was held on the 4th Sunday of the month (instead of 4th
Saturday), following notice to current members by email or telephone. President Arnold Bernard opened the
meeting at 11:05 a.m. A salute to the fag and moment of silence were held.
Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Barbara Koch reported an account balance of $10,235.81 as of March 31. Barbara has also updated
the volunteer schedule, which Jim H will post on the website.
Curator's Report
Jim A reported that Ray & Judy's Bookstop has given us a check for the books they have sold there. They now
have no more copies of "Growing Up in Rockaway." There was discussion of whether to print more copies. Jean
said that if the book is to be reprinted, she requests that her name be removed from the chapter that is
designated as her contribution. A motion was passed to order 25 more copies from ABC Printing for $275.
There was discussion of an idea to publish a new book that would focus on Rockaway during the '50s, '60s and
'70s. Jim H noted a Facebook page on a similar topic called "You know you're from Rockaway when ..." He
suggested we reach out to the page's author (Wayne Fisch?) for stories.
Jim A also reported that we had a shortage of picture frames for the museum. A motion was passed to preapprove
him to spend up to $300 for frames.
This year's ornament will feature Sacred Heart Church. The wholesale price has gone up to $720 for 96
ornaments, plus $34 shipping. Barbara suggested raising our price from $9 to $10. The motion passed.
Corresponding Secretary's Report
Joyce reported correspondence from Emmons Cobb, who visited Rockaway last year. Mr. Cobb now lives in New
Hampshire, but his grandparents lived here in the house at the corner of Union and Stickle Streets. He had found a
newspaper article about the restoration of his grandparents' house.
Minutes of the May 26, 2018 meeting of the Borough of Rockaway Historical Committee
Present:
• Arnold Bernard, President
• Sam Saporite, Vice President
• Barbara Koch, Treasurer
• Beth Witanek, Co-Treasurer
• Joyce Kanigel, Corresponding and Recording Secretary
• Jim Allen, Curator
• Joan Miller
• Joan Jackson
• Ken Lattig
• Jean Rueter
• Jim Hurley
• Bob Edwards
• Tom Slockbower
• Tom Haynes
• Ted Hussa
President's Report
President Arnold Bernard opened the meeting at 10:05 a.m. A salute to the fag and moment of silence were held.
Members reviewed a list of guests who had rsvp-ed for our Washington School bell celebration scheduled for 1 pm
on Sunday, June 3. Availability of chairs was discussed.
Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Barbara Koch reported an account balance of $10,235.81. The museum volunteer schedule was also
discussed. Barbara is planning to update our member contact list.
Curator's Report
Jim A reported that 25 more copies of "Growing Up in Rockaway" had been published. Jim gave 10 copies to Ray
& Judy's BookStop, and took the remaining 15 copies to the museum. Our cost was $135.
Jim also received a check for $250 from Rob Grow, representing the Rockaway Borough Business Owners'
Association. This donation from the RBBOA is in appreciation for our efforts giving tours during Celebrate
Rockaway 2017. Jim H and Arnie took on most of this duty last year, and we thank them for their work.
This year's Celebrate Rockaway Day has been scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2018.
Corresponding Secretary's Report
Jim A had picked up a letter from our town hall mailbox. Joyce opened the letter and reported that it was a notice
from the State Attorney General's Offce, stating that all annual State Charities Registrations must now be fled
online. The State will no longer accept paper flings. Joyce said she had set up an online account to do this and
would fle our form by the end of June, when it will be due.
Joyce also noted that our local newspapers (The Citizen and The Neighbor News) had published notices about the
upcoming Memorial Day commemoration, and the Washington School Bell celebration, as we had requested.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
· 10:01am Call to Order; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer:
Museum Curator:
- Museum is open today and tomorrow. Need a volunteer to sign up for Sunday, but need volunteers going forward.
- Need Amanda to work on map restoration when museum is closed so no disturbances
- Jim H. suggested volunteer sign up rolling for 90 days out so members can check their plans.
- Jimmy talked about theft of can opener and pocket watch from small display case that did not have a lock.
NEW BUSINESS
· Museum: Security Updates; Museum Coverage Schedule:
- Jim H. suggested volunteers sign up for museum coverage on a rolling 90 day schedule. This will enable members to check their schedules and commit to a day bit easier.
- There was a discussion about the number of keys in circulation and who should have them per the By-Laws. Jimmy had extra keys that will be tested to make sure they work.
- There should be 8 keys in circulation.
· 2019 Committee Appointments:
- We have 16 active members.
- Need committee chairs. Jim handed out a list of the committees per our By-Laws and suggested we all look it over to pick a committee to chair or participate in.
- Jim H. said we can’t modify our By-Laws much because they would need to be re-approved by the IRS which is a big process.
· 2019 Memorial Day Parade -RBHC Participation:
- This year is the 150thanniversary of the Memorial Day Parade in Rockaway Borough.
- Tom S. introduced Debbie Tanzola, who is joining the RBHC and is also co-chairing the parade committee.
- To commemorate this momentous anniversary, Rockaway Township and Denville agreed to not have parades and will participate in the one in our town.
- Invitations to different organizations are being put together asking to participate in the parade.
- There was discussion about using Jimmy’s trailer to make into a float for the parade.
- There was talk of asking a RB resident who has a restored Rockaway carriage if we can use it in the parade.
- Arnie, Joan, Jimmy and Barbara offered to be on the committee.
- A question was posed whether we will still have our Memorial Day event with Veterans at the museum. Jim suggested we decide that later.
· Purchase of Museum Glass Display Cases:
- There was discussion about purchasing a new 6ft glass, locking display case. Tom S. has been looking into this. We missed the two opportunities to purchase a used one in great condition on Ebay and Craigslist.
- The committee approved a blanket authorization for Tom S. to spend up to $1,500.00 on a display case when he finds one.
· Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections:
- Welcome to our newest member, Debbie Tanzola
- There was discussion about creating a policy on accepting items “loaned” or “donated” as not all items may be important to RB history. We also have limited space to display and store memorabilia.
- There was discussion about whether we are covered by insurance if something “on loan” is stolen. Arnie said we are covered by the Borough’s insurance.
- There was discussion about taking a complete inventory of all items in the museum- pictures and description. Kate offered that it could be a Silver Award project for Brenna and would find out if that is an approved project.
- Jim mentioned possible meeting date changes for May, November and December.
- Jim is going to talk to Sheila Siefert about adding a meeting notification on the board in front of the municipal building for the week preceding each meeting.
- Joan Jackson has been collecting the money from the donation cans in town for many years and asked if anyone else would like to continue doing it. Kate offered. Barbara and Joan will put a list of where the donation cans are.
- Jim mentioned needing to find a place for the two canal stone markers.
- Jean R. wants a booklet put together for veterans who lived in RB at any time. The current memorial is only for veterans who lived in RB when they left to service. It was discussed that a different group is responsible for the memorial.
- Jean R. discussed the need for RB history education in schools.
· Close at 11:19am
Members in Attendance:
Jim Hurley Tom Slockbower Barbara Koch
Kate Lynch James Allen
Arnold Benard Bob Edwards Ken Lattig
Joan Mill Joan Jackson
Jean Reuter Beth Witanek Deb Tanzola
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Feburary 16,2019 10:00am
· Induction of New Officers by Sam Saporite
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer: Account Fund Balance as of January 30, 2019=$8,552.38
Barbara Koch was on vacation but had put together a worksheet of all deposits and deductions to bank account if anyone wanted to view
Museum Curator:
Jimmy Allen reported that museum would be open next weekend and one more volunteer was needed for Saturday. Kate Lynch volunteered.
Jimmy talked about options for our next Ornament, reminding us that it’s the 125thanniversary of Rockaway Boro’s incorporation. Options discussed were Trolley on Main St. at center of town, Pot Belly’s/ Aricos.
Jimmy mentioned our stock of ornaments left over each year and said that 96 ornaments seems to be the least amount we can purchase from any vendor.
Jimmy knows someone who has some historical pictures he’d like to make
copies of. Tom S. suggested a max of $70 to reprint photos. It was unanimously passed.
Barb found the special clips to hang pictures from the system in the museum.
Sheila Siefert agreed to post the museum opening day/time on the board outside of Boro Hall the week prior to our being open.
Jim H mentioned that he had two requests through the website for our collectible books.
Corresponding Secretary: N/A Barb was on vacation
NEW BUSINESS
Jim H nominated Kate L as recording secretary and it was approved.
· Museum: Museum Coverage Schedule; February, March, April
Jimmy A said February was covered but we need more volunteers for March and April
· 2019 Committee Appointments:
Jim H proposed three Committee and their appointments to start.
1 - Article VI- “C” Facilities– Jim H and Tom S.
2 - Article VI-“E” Museum Maintenance and Control- Jim A, Tom S, Barb K and Jim H
3 - Article VI- “J” By-Laws Committee – Joyce K, Kate L, Barb K and Sam S (as needed only)
All appointments unanimously approved
· 2019 Memorial Day Parade -RBHC Participation-Updates
The parade is 5/27/19
Deb T said letters/invitation to organizations asking their participation will be sent out shortly. If anyone has any specific organizations they want included, let her know.
A suggestion was made to send a letter to the couple who owns a Rockaway Carriage asking them to participate. There was discussion about the carriage being either first or last in the parade
A suggestion was made to send a letter to Peter Hoppler since he volunteers his side car motorcycle every year, letting a RBHC rep ride with him, holding our flag.
A suggestion was made to send a letter to Trend Motors who may supply cars for all vets who are not able to walk the parade route.
A suggestion was also made to send a letter to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
A float committee was proposed of Jim A, Tom S and Jim H.
Jim A offered the use of his trailer for our float
· Purchase of Museum Glass Display Cases-Update
Tom S found two display cases and will be going to pick them up tomorrow with Jim H and Scott H.
· Trolley Trail Project- Update
Joyce K said project is at Borough Council level now for Budget consideration. This is considered Phase 2.
Joyce K said project was discussed in Redevelopment planned to enhance historic value of Rockaway Borough
Joyce K said there are 3 phases to the project, phase one being complete
Phase 1 – Surveys - this was paid by donation from RBHC and grant from ??
Phase 2 – Need $24k in budget for engineers design and permitting. County wants to see our town have “skin in the game” to build the foot bridge or won’t accept grant proposal
Phase 3 – Construction of footbridge, approximately $50k
It was suggested that we have another wetlands engineer look at footbridge construction.
· 2019 Activities and Projects
It was suggested to bring up Boroughs anniversary at Budget meeting
Suggestions are needed for fundraising – possible placemats with RB restaurants on them?
Jean R mentioned that we need RB historical education in our schools.
· Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections
Jim H said all members should have t-shirts to wear at events
A suggestion was made to loan eating establishments in town pictures for their walls to showcase the towns history and the RBHC
Rockaway Day is Sunday, Sept 15, 12-5
Rockaway River Cleanup is Saturday, March 23rd
Sam S offered to contribute carvings made by Veterans to the museum
Deb T had a picture of the original MHHS rifle range to share.
Tom S mentioned that we had flags posted on Main St. for our 100thanniversary and was hoping we could do something like that again for our 125th. He suggested there are companies we can rent flags from.
Joyce K asked if any members were free next Saturday, Feb 23rdat 9am, if they could attend the Budget Meeting by the Borough Council. The Trolley Project will be discussed in hopes of securing funds to move forward.
· Meeting adjourned at 11:42am
Members in Attendance
Jim Hurley Kate Lynch Joyce Kanigel James Allen Arnold Benard Bob Edward Ken Lattig Joan Jackson Jean Reuter Sam Saporite Deb Tanzola Beth Witanek
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES March 23, 2019 10:00am
TOPICS
- Parade lineup begins at 10am for 11am stepoff.
- Carriage does not need to stay for ceremony at church so they would be done around noon.
- We need to confirm whether it’s legal for us to accept donations for the “historic preservation of Fox Pond” for bioswale.
- Barbara K suggested we create a receipt for the donations and since all disbursements are done by resolution (vote) it’s all in the minutes.
- Barb K and Beth W will co-ordinate a meeting time
- leadership term verbiage
- how do we refill a position for balance of term if someone can’t fulfill the term.
- Is this considered a big change or a small change (for IRS purposes). Will need general procedures for refill process
NEW BUSINESS
- Confirm who is supposed to file? By-laws say Treasurer, so Joyce K needs to show Barb K what needs to be done.
- Confirm when filing needs to be completed by – June ??
- Deb T gave update:
- Rockaway Twp has a military jeep decorated with banners
- we have bunting
- Rockaway Carriage replica is currently in MA. Owners are having an issue with transport to NJ. The carriage may not be here for the parade.
- We have a side car motorcycle to represent the RBHC. A volunteer is needed to ride the side car. Joan J volunteered.
- Jimmy A is donating his trailer for the parade. It will be decorated with a banner and the RBHC flag.
- Flags were purchased and donated to Rockaway Borough that - these will line the street for the parade.
- Barb K will co-ordinate making sure all members have t-shirts
-Tom S went to Nichols Printing for a quote on ornaments.
- Qty 100/$6.33ea, 150/$5.75ea, 250/$5.16ea
- Glass ornaments, one color ink, free shipping, $60 set up fee
- Ornaments are made in China
- Jimmy A’s quote from ABC Printing is Qty 96/$754 ($7.85ea)
- Ornaments are made in U.S.A.
- Three options for photo on ornament were discussed: Trolley in Town Center, Trolley coming up into town center from West, War Memorial (dated 1892). The land for the War Memorial was deeded to the towns’ people, not the town.
- Deb T suggested taking a picture of the monument and flag at the RBPL.
- There was discussion about this being the 125thanniversary of Rockaway Borough and the 150thanniversary of the parade – do we want to combine the two events on one ornament since they chronologically fall in the same year?
- Can we fit two pictures on one ornament?
- Sam S knows someone (JJ??) who has a picture that commemorates the military, the parade and the local people.
- It was suggested that anyone bring a photo to the next meeting that they may want considered to be on the ornament.
- Jim H talked about everyone needing to sell a quota of ornaments because we have such a large inventory
- Barb K mentioned doing a current inventory of ornaments, books, etc
- Kate L said she would ask TJ/Lincoln/Superintendent if they would include the list in any newsletters they send out
- Deb T asked if we are allowed to sell ornaments at Town Hall
- There are three issues we need resolved: 1. Image 2. What vendor to use and 3. Price point moving forward
- Jim H welcomed new member MaryBeth Auriemma
- Beth W mentioned the Rockaway Twp celebration at the Ford Faesch House on May 4th, asking if anyone was representing RBHC, but no one volunteered.
- Deb T said Salon Secrets asked her if their building was ever a brothel. Members mentioned it was a bar and then a meat market, but no one had heard of it ever being a brothel.
- Arnie B mentioned we may want to think about reproducing Edmund Halsey’s printed 1892 War Monument dedication speech to sell. Jim H suggested discussing at the next meeting.
- Current bank balance as of April 30, 2019: $ 7,168.38
- Barb K mentioned that we received a check and request for two memorial bricks last year. Person was told we usually only do a bulk order of 5 at a time so would hold check/request. Said we need to look into getting the two done so not holding check any longer.
- Barb K said Jimmy A usually gets a check from RBHC and pays in cash. Process should be changed to him getting an invoice and paying the invoice total.
- Motion made to pay $4 to Jimmy A to reprint pictures and make a key for
Barb K: Unanimously approved.
- Jimmy A said museum will be open today and tomorrow from 1-3. Both days have coverage.
- Reminder that RB Teacher Tour for grades K-8 will be late August, early September.
- Tom S said volunteers were cleaning up flower beds and painting the railing at the museum.
- Tom S said we still need to figure out what to do with the canal stone
- The second showcase cabinet move to it’s final location is still in process.
-Lynn M from The Garden Club is very interested in a co-op project to possibly place the canal stone in the flower bed between Ava’s Cupcakes and Lusardi’s Gym. It was discussed that we could put a plaque by the stone to explain its history.
- Arnie B asked if it was possible to get a grant for the stone plaques. Arnie B and Joyce K volunteered to look into it.
- Jim H will informally confirm that it’s OK to put the stone in that flower bed
- Jimmy A mentioned that there was a discussion with Tom D’Onofrio to put one stone in front of the museum. Jimmy A said we need to confirm with Tom D on where he found the stones.
- Jim H wants to move stone placement to a high priority. Said we need a committee for Stone movement/placement – Committee will be Tom S, Joyce K and Sam S.
- Tom S found a grinding stone in the river. He’s not sure where it came from – said we can possibly put that in the flowerbed at the museum.
- It was mentioned that Rob O’Conner has mentioned the possibility of putting security cameras on museum for parking lot coverage.
- May, June (Museum closed July-August)
- Barb K and Joyce K working on this. Jim H recognized them for their hard work
– Jimmy A previously gave Garden Club 20 flags. From our stock at the museum, he will keep 15 and give Garden Club remainder.
- Jim H approves all RB Council bills - said Cablevision bill for museum is about $220/month but not sure why we are paying this. It was discussed that internet, etc service was probably set up back when Carol Johnson had Recreation Committee office at museum. Jim H made a motion to cancel this service – Unanimously approved
- Deb T said RB is Division 1, #7 in lineup. We are behind Militia Color Guard and in front of jeep. We should be there by 10:15am. Mayor and Council are #3 in lineup.
- The float – Jimmy A’s trailer is being transformed. Tom S is adding 4 panels. A banner to honor the fallen will be added. Mannequins with uniforms will be standing in the trailer. Jimmy A to pull trailer with his truck.
- There will be 3 buglers at the cemetery playing Taps
- Jim H asked who will be marching
- Barb K and Deb T inventoried our stock. We have 496 ornaments, 7 mugs and 52 t-shirts. We have a large quantity of the firetruck ornaments.
- Kate L is putting together a flyer to TJ and Lincoln principals to add to their monthly newsletters.
- Barb K suggested Christmas in July at St. Peter and Paul Church
- Arnie B suggested a flat fee of $8 for any ornament
- Tony G suggested bundling similarornamentstogether for a discount
- Sam S suggested using the bundle at events in town
- Jim H suggested possibility of selling fridge magnets or coasters
- Arnie B suggested the possibility of donating $1 from sale of every ornament
- Sam S said Sacred Heart Church has Coffee Hour with parishioners. One of RBHC could attend and promote sale of ornaments.
- Jim H asked for leader(s) to head the sale of ornaments. Arnie B will chair and Tony G and Sam S will help. Jim H asked for this to be added to our regular meeting agendafor status updates.
- Arnie B suggested sending out a postcard mailer for outreach. Can have picture on front and meeting dates and time on back.
- Sam S has a possible picture for ornament – 1915 RB Fife & Drum band marching in uniform on Church St. Jim H wondered how it would look when shrunk down to an ornament
- Tom S made a motion to delay decision on next ornament until fundraiser subcommittee can address RBHC on how to handle stock at museum before ordering more: Unanimously approved.
- Jim H suggested possibly using the memorial by the RBPL for our ornament
- Jim H said we need to actively pursue ways to increase our income
- Tony G had his students make coasters with our logo when practicing for a large order they have. He had one for each member.
- Joyce K mentioned the Civil War commemoration on 5/25 at 1pm
- Barb K – someone asked her to identify a medal – it was suggested she reach out to Dover Masonic
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 22, 2019 10:01am
· Call to Order; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
· Approval of Minutes from May 18th Meeting, motion by Sam S, 2ndby Tony G
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer – Barb K
- Current Balance as of May 31, 2019 : $ 7,206.68
- Read current audit review results: 1/1/18-12/31/18 and 1/1/19-5/31/19
- Mentioned that Janet Graner sent in a donation in honor of Jean R’s 95thbirthday
- Museum Curator – Jimmy A
- Confirmed museum coverage for Saturday: Sam S and Joan J, for Sunday: MaryBeth A and Arnie B.
- Confirmed that the museum will only be open by appointment in July and August
- Coverage will be needed for September through December
-Corresponding Secretary – Barb K
- The two bricks that had been requested last year were completed. Barb took a picture of the bricks in relation to the monument and enclosed them with Thank You letters.
- There was one website request for a photo of Katherine D. Malone. Barb suggested they contact the RT Historical Society
-Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – Tom S
- Volunteers completed mulching flower beds and painting railings
- We will have a lot more open cabinet space when the 2ndnew cabinet is moved into place.
- Break-ins around town – make sure museum alarm is armed
- Maple Ave and Smith Field had security cameras installed, there is possibility of cameras being installed at museum/Donatoni Field
- There was discussion about placing the grinding wheel at the museum
- There was discussion about the missing Donation Box
-By-Laws Committee
- Barb K has draft of By-Laws with changes and will send to committee to discuss
- Joyce K said we need to start with the version approved by the IRS
NEW BUSINESS
· 2019 Federal and State Tax Filing – update
Discussion: Form 990 is done. Joyce K and Barb K are working on the State Charity Form
· 2018 Audit Review
Discussion:
Motion to Accept 2018 Financial Audit results: Motion by Sam S;
Second by_Jim__________. Accepted: Yes
- Sam S volulnteered for next audit committee
- Barb K read recommendations by the committee: Reduce paperwork, need a vendor invoice whenever possible, no reimbursement request is needed if have invoice.
· Telcom Services at Museum-update
Discussion: Resolution needed: (Y)/(N)
- Jim H cancelled internet/tv/video
- Alarm is linked directly to Police Station
- Since there is no phone service any longer, someone should always have a cell phone. Jim H explained where the panic button is on the alarm in case it’s needed.
· 2019 Memorial Day Parade -RBHC Review
Discussion: Resolution needed: (Y)/(N)
- THANK YOU to Tom S, Barb K, Jimmy A, Deb T
- Tom S is spearheading parade for next year for RB and RT to be together. It would be the first time this happened since the RB/RT split in 1894.
· Placement of Morris Canal Stones - collaboration with Garden Club
Discussion: Resolution needed: (Y)/(N)
-- Canal stones were placed in flower bed between Ava’s Cupcakes and Lusardi’s
- Garden Club very happy with collaboration in placing canal stones. Next step is some kind of plaque/interactive panel. Joyce K suggested the possibility of getting a grant for it because that is starting point of upper basin.
· Fundraiser plans; 2019-2020
Discussion: Resolution needed: (Y)/(N)
Committee is Arnie B, Sam S and Tony G:
- There was much discussion on how to price our stock of collectibles so they would sell. Sam S made motion to accept new pricing as of July 1: Vote passed as follows:
-Ornaments: when purchase bulk ornaments, first ornament is $10 and each additional in same transaction is $5.
- T-shirts: purchase any size $10.00. Purchase multiple shirts as one transaction pay $10.00 for the first $5.00 for each additional
- Pricing of mugs and books stays as is
- There was discussion of a possible giveaway fundraiser that the committee will look into.
- Motion made by Tony G and 2ndby Tom S to attend St. Peter & Paul Christmas in July on July 20th. Cost is $30 for the table. Arnie B, Kate L, Barb K and Joan J volunteered to work our table.
- There was discussion about partnering with the Recreation Committee which will be discussed further.
- There was discussion by Tony G about the students in his school making ornaments and or collectibles. He will get pricing and samples for next meeting.
- Jim H suggested the possibility of making a refrigerator magnet
- Sam S suggested having mini sales events by attending church events, Park Lakes Gazebo concerts and other events with our wares.
· 2019 Activities and Projects: National Night Out,Fall Town-wide GarageSale, Celebrate Rockaway Day, Holiday Arts and Crafts events
Discussion: Resolution needed: (Y)/(N)
National Night Out is August 6th6-9pm
- Kate L volunteered
- Jim H will RSVP
Town Wide Yard Sale will be Oct 5thwith Oct 12thrain date
- Kate L made motion, Sam S seconded – passed unanimously
- Need PR for event
Celebrate Rockaway Day is September 15th
· Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections
· Close Motion to close at 11:47am
Next Meeting Saturday July 27th, 2019
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Jim H , MaryBeth A , Arnie B, Joyce K,Tony G, Tom S, Jean R, Joan M, Ken L
Joan J, Jimmy A, Sam S, Beth W, Kate L, Barb K
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 27, 2019
• 10:05 a.m. Meeting called to Order by Vice President, Tom S.; Flag Salute and Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
• Approval of Minutes from June 22nd Meeting: Motion by Kate L, seconded by Jim A; all in favor.
• Committee Reports:
Treasurer –not present, nothing to report
- Current Balance as of June 30, 2019: $7,156.68
- Museum Curator – Jimmy A. – nothing new to report; reminder that July and August is by appointment.
-Corresponding Secretary –not present
-Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – Tom S advised that the alarm has been fixed.
-By-Laws Committee – nothing to report
NEW BUSINESS
• Museum: Museum Coverage Schedule: July-August by appointment
• 2019 Federal and State Tax Filing – no one present
• Telcom Services/Security Alarm issues at Museum: Tom S said town replaced unit in museum basement. This seems to have fixed the problem.
• Review of Christmas in July Fundraiser on 6/22 at St. Peter & Paul Church- there was a very low turnout of vendors and shoppers. We made $15 and will most likely not participate next year.
• Fundraising Plans for 2019-2020 – Tony G will bring samples and costs for ornaments or items we can sell to the August or September meeting.
- “To Go” box made and inventory of sale items completed
• Museum Display Cases: need to fill new display cases – Kate L and Debbie T volunteered to fill new display case and shift some items around.
• 2019 Activities and Projects:
-National Night Out: setup at 5 p.m. Program runs 6-9 p.m.
-Fall Town-wide Garage Sale: Saturday Oct. 5th, rain date of Oct. 12th. Kate L will help Tom S with advertising
Celebrate Rockaway Day – Sunday, Sep 15th.
• Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections:
-Jean R. suggested we need historical education in the schools
-It was suggested we create a Historical Education Committee. Discussion followed. Tony G, Kate L, Tom S and Jean R are interested in being part of the committee.
-It was suggested that we partner with Rockaway Twp. Historical Committee at their 2x/year presentation.
-It was suggested we have one topic each meeting to discuss or learn about
-It was suggested that the list of all members, and only active members be printed and available to anyone who needs it.
• Close Motion to close at : 10:50 a.m.
Next Meeting Saturday August 24, 2019
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Tom S., Ken L., Jean R., Jimmy A., Debbie T., Beth W., Kate L., Tony G.
· Approval of Minutes from July 27. Meeting, motion by : Sam S, seconded by Tom S., all if favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer –on Vacation, not present at meeting:
- Current Balance as of July 31, 2019: $7126.68
- Museum Curator – Jimmy A
§ Re-arranging of cabinets not complete
§ Discussion about museum hours
-Corresponding Secretary – On Vacation not present
-Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee –
Tom S – nothing new to report
-By-Laws Committee
No one in attendance
NEW BUSINESS
· Museum: Museum Coverage Schedule: September-October
- Sam S and Tony G volunteered for 9/28
- Bob E and Ken L volunteered for 9/29
- 10/26 open
- Joan M and Jean R volunteered for 10/27
· Need 2-3 Volunteers for New Teachers Museum Tour Tuesday, Aug 27
- discussion about timing (10:30-11:30)
- Barb K and Sam S volunteered
- Barb K will put together goody bags
· Plans for Celebrate Rockaway Day Event:
- Ad hoc vote approved at NNO to write check to pay for event
- Resolution approved for $25 fee, Sam S motion, Tom S seconded, all in favor
- Jimmy A to head event; volunteers Kate L, Tom S, Sam S, Arnie B, Joan J, Barb K, Joan M
- Meeting at museum at 11:30a.m. to load up
- discussion about receiving a flag upon purchase
· 2019 Federal and State Tax Filing –
-Joyce K and Barb K completed and filed state form in early August.
- Resolution appr to pay $60 fee state said owed for prior year. Joan J made motion, Sam S seconded, all in favor
· Fundraiser plans; 2019-2020
- Jim H suggested a need to get generate ideas
- Arnie B to follow up with Tony G regarding his students making collectible
-Suggestion about baseball hats with logo
-Suggestion about fridge magnet with Firehouse? Or logo?
· Museum Exhibit Display Cases-
- Deb T and Kate L suggested acquiring a male mannequin to display the Donatoni uniform
- Tom S suggested possibility of free mannequins from mall stores
· Museum Inventory-need a committee to catalogue artifacts in museum
- Kate L following up with Girl Scouts regarding doing inventory/cataloging
· 2019 Activities and Projects: Fall Town-wide GarageSale, Celebrate Rockaway Day, Holiday Arts and Crafts events
Celebrate Rockaway Day is September 15th– 1p.m. – 5 p.m
Town Wide Yard Sale will be Oct 5thwith Oct 12thrain date
- Tom S suggested it was time for new advertising lawn signs.
- Resolution approved for $55 limit, Motion by Sam S, Kate L seconded, allin favor
- Volunteers: Sam S, Jim H, Kate L to meet at museum by 7 a.m. to sell maps.
St Peter and Paul’s Holiday Craft Fair
- Saturday 12/7 from 9 a.m. – Noon
- Resolution to pay $20 to reserve table, Sam S motion, seconded and approved by all
· Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections
- Bob E told about how Donatoni mill had people from the South come up to work at mill for $1/hr
- 19630-1970’s Donatoni purchased a German mill, brought from someone on NY State.
· Close Motion to close at : 11:34 a.m.
Next Meeting Saturday September 28, 2019
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Jim H, Ken L, Jean R, Jimmy A, Tom S, Debbie T, Joan J, Bob E, Arnie B, Sam S, Beth W, Kate L
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES September 28, 2019
· 10:02a.m. – Meeting called to Order; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
· Approval of Minutes from August 24 Meeting
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer –- Current Balance as of August 31, 2019: $7,184.68
- Museum Curator – Jimmy A – September and October museum covered
-Corresponding Secretary –
-Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – No update
-By-Laws Committee – no update
NEW BUSINESS
· Town-Wide Garage Sale: Saturday October 5
-43 homes participating to date
-expecting a few more
-Tuesday (10/1) is hard cutoff to be listed on map
-discussion regarding taking last minute applications and listing homes on separate sheet
· Need 2-3 Volunteers for 4th Grade Students Museum Tour Oct 16,17,18
- Jim H to be there all three days, Barb K on 16th/17th, Kate L on 18th
· Review Celebrate Rockaway Day Event
-$347.00 profit
· Fundraiser plans; 2019-2020
-Tony G: has drafts of ornaments, is still looking into baseball hats
- discussion about tee shirt/hat combo
-discussion about Assembly of God Church ornament. Follow up with Pastor Rick to see if parishioners interest
-discussion about Tony’s kids making keychain and ceramic ornament
Resolution Needed: (Y), all in favor for 25 keychains and 25 ornaments
-Tony G to follow up on magnet
· Museum Exhibit Improvements; Current Improvements-Future Plans
-Debbie T discussed improvements, changes and updates that were completed
-Motion made for Tom S to spend up to $100 on a male mannequin. Motion made by Arnie B, seconded by Jimmy A, unanimously approved
· Duplicate “Cat’s Meow” Items – Offer to Active Members
- Resolution Needed: (Y)
-Jim H made resolution to offer duplicate Cat’s Meow items to active members for donation purchase. Barb K seconded, unanimously approved
· Museum Inventory-need a committee to catalogue artifacts in museum
No discussion
· 2019 Activities and Projects: Fall Town-wide Garage Sale, St Peter and Paul Holiday Craft Fair ,Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale at Museum in December
Resolution Needed: (Y)
-Received letter for St. Peter and Paul Holiday Craft Fair offering $20 fee for vendor table instead of $30 if purchased early. Arnie B made motion, Jimmy A seconded, unanimously approved.
· Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections
-discussion about possible public event by Reaction Motors historian
-Debbie T presented anonymous donation of 1950’s RBFD leather helmet
-Discussion regarding putting together a list of all companies in RB that contributed to economic development (ie. McKinnon, Reaction Motors, RCA, Stapling Machines)
-Jean R wants to create a RB trivia game – possible trivia night? “How Much Do You Really Know About the Borough Of Rockaway?”. Questions by Jean R, Bob E and Ken L
-Need to get high school kids involved in Borough History –to be discussed at later date
· Close 11:33 a.m.
· Resolution by: Second by:
· Next Meeting Saturday October 26, 2019
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim H, Ken L, Jean R, Jimmy A, Barb K, Kate L, Debbie T, Arnie B, Bob E, Beth W, Tony G
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: October 26th
· 10:00a.m. – Meeting called to Order; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members. Welcome to new member Harry Kanigel.
· Approval of Minutes from September 28th Meeting
· Committee Reports:
Ø Treasurer –- Current Balance as of September 30, 2019: $7,496.68
· Deposit from town wide yard sale and donation cans still needs to be made
Ø Museum Curator – J. Allen
· October museum days are covered, need November
· New photos need to be framed, J. Allen asked for approval to purchase approx. 2 dozen 8x10 frames; T. Slockbower made motion to approve up to $175 on new frames, K. Lynch seconded, all in favor
Ø -Corresponding Secretary – B. Koch
· M. Burnside needs letter of endorsement for Trolley Trail for Health Community Grant. Motion made, all in favor
Ø -Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – T. Slockbower
· No hot water at museum. New hot water heater ready for installation
Ø -By-Laws Committee –
· J. Hurley suggested shelving until 1Q 2020, motion made by D. Tanzola, seconded, and all in favor. Committee consists of J. Hurley,
T. Slockbower, B. Koch, S. Saporite and A. Bernard
NEW BUSINESS
Ø Town-Wide Garage Sale: Saturday October 5 –recap
· 45 homes participated, 51 maps sold. Total profit (less purchase of signs) $447. Last year’s profit was $464.
Ø 4th Grade Students Museum Tour Oct 16,17,18-recap
· J. Hurley displayed thank you notes from 2nd graders. There was a lot of positive feedback from teachers and students.
Ø Update -new fundraiser items; Key Chain, Porcelain Ornament
· T. Gebbia’s students made 25 keychains, 20 porcelain ornaments and 10 frosted ornaments.
Ø Fundraiser plans; 2019-2020
· No committee members in attendance.
· Ready for St. Peter and Paul Christmas Bazar
Ø Museum Exhibit Improvements; Future Plans
· B. Koch to make captions for new photos
· J. Hurley and T. Slockbower to work on installation of saw blade
· J. Hurley to work on setup of new table, raising and attaching display case to wall
· B. Koch to send letter to RBPL recapping their borrowing the miners lamp and asking for it’s return
· J. Hurley suggested we put 1950’s-ish Linconln School door and old tv/record console on freecycle. They are currently in basement of museum. All in favor.
Ø Museum Inventory-need a committee to catalogue artifacts in museum
· Girl Scouts a possibility
· H. Kanigel mentioned the possibility of using an inventory software to catalog items
· Discussion regarding donated and loaned items
Ø 2019 Activities and Projects: St Peter and Paul Holiday Craft Fair ,Holiday Arts and Crafts Sale at Museum in December
· Volunteers for St. Peter & Paul Holiday Craft Fair; J. Hurley, J. Allen, B. Koch, J. Jackson
Ø Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections
· B. Edwards talked about Liberty Bike Co. – no one knows details about company. Liberty Field was on Stickle Ave. across from Adams Beer Garden. They went bankrupt about 1919.
Ø Close 11:13a.m.- motion by J. Allen, Seconded by D. Tanzola, all in favor
Ø Next Meeting Saturday November 16, 2019
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES November 16, 2019
· 10:00a.m. – Meeting called to Order; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members.
· Approval of Minutes from October 26 Meeting
· Committee Reports:
Ø Treasurer –- Current Balance as of October 31, 2019: $7,451.68
Ø Museum Curator – J. Allen
- November is covered, need December coverage for museum hours
Ø Corresponding Secretary – B. Koch
- On 10/26 B. Koch and J. Hurley sent a letter to Councilwoman M. Burnside regarding our endorsement of the trolley trail. This was in support of the Healthy Community Grant. Discussion ensued on the status of the county grant as well.
Ø Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – T. Slockbower
- New hot water heater installed
Ø By-Laws Committee - on hold until 1Q 2020
Ø Fundraising Committee
NEW BUSINESS
Ø St Peter and Paul Holiday Craft Fair Saturday December 7, 9a-3p:
- Members to be at the event – J. Hurley, B. Koch, J. Allen, J. Jackson. T. Gebbia to help set up on Friday.
- B. Koch’s daughter to make more gift bags
- Motion made by A. Bernard to display/sell gift baskets made by T. Gebbia students. All in favor
Ø 2020 Meeting Schedule- 4th Saturday of Month
- Discussion to change November to 21st and December to 19th. All in favor.
Ø 2020 Strategic Plans: Education, Community Involvement, Activities
- J. Hurley talked about possibility of creating a Community Involvement Group with representatives from all groups in town. Other options were discussed, and will be discussed in greater detail in the new year.
Ø Museum Inventory-need a committee to catalogue artifacts in museum
- B. Lynch’s girl scout troop is meeting tomorrow and will discuss this task
Ø Close at 11:25a.m - all in favor
Ø Next Meeting Saturday December 28th, 2019
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
J. Hurley, K. Lattig, J. Reuter, J. Allen, K. Lynch, B. Edwards, B. Koch, B. Witanek
T. Slockbower, M. Auriemma, A. Bernard, D. Tanzola, T. Gebbia
Museum Curator:
Museum open and covered both days this weekend
Discussion ensued about number of frames needed and hooks for hanging
Corresponding Secretary:
A question was submitted about a brick by the RBPL, J. Allen will follow up
A question was submitted asking if we would accept the donation of a letter written by Abraham Kitchell – all in agreement
- T. Slockbower found the original contract between Borough of Rockaway and the telephone company. It will be displayed at the museum
- The carbide lamp was returned from the library and is displayed at the museum
- Discussion ensued about what to do with the items in the basement of the museum
- By-Laws Committee
- J. Hurley tabled discussion until 1Q 2020
- H. Kanigal asked to be added to this committee
- Discussion about possible new ornament for 2020 with minimum order of 50 pieces. Discussion tabled until 2020
- Discussion about having the blanket/throw for 2020
- J. Allen motioned, T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor
-There is a brick that was ordered before current and previous officers, that is incorrect. RBHC will cover the cost of correcting the brick.
-A thank you letter will be sent accepting the donation of the Kitchell letter.
-There is another brick order.
-Ring cabinet was sold. Donation money will be deposited into account.
- Consists of J. Hurley, H. Kanigel, B. Koch and K. Lynch. By-laws to be evaluated 1Q.
- B. Koch put schedule together for the year.
- Alternating each month we will be open on a Saturday or Sunday from 1-4
-Discussion ensued regarding events we will be participating in for the year, including Memorial Day, New Teacher Tour, 2nd Grade Tour, Rockaway Borough Day, Town Wide Yard Sale, St. Peter & Paul bazar, and possible Car Show.
-Resolution : Participate in Park Lake Halloween event – all in favor.
-A. Bernard only committee member in attendance:
He discussed the following: a new ornament for 2020, pens, notepad/post it. J. Hurley asked to table discussion to review and discuss at a later date.
-Waiting for Girl Scout Troop to commit to dates
-J. Reuter brought her Borough of Rockaway Quiz with her for members to take.
J. Allen seconded, all in favor
- Bank balance as of 1/31/2020 $ 8,273.16
- J. Hurley mentioned the need to file Federal and State form soon
- J. Allen discussed the need to keep detailed records for donations
- Discussion ensued regarding “Donation Committee” that was previously set up.
- Discussion ensued regarding having a display of early 1970’s memorabilia
- Discussion ensued regarding Cats Meow pieces
- T. Slockbower discussed the cleanup of the basement of the museum
- B. Koch completed schedule for March through December. Any changes will be made at March meeting.
- Discussion ensued regarding finding backup if necessary
- J. Hurley read list of events we will participate in or plan: Education, Community Involvement, Memorial Day Parade, National Night Out, Fall Town-wide Garage Sale, Celebrate Rockaway Day, ACC Car Show, New Teacher Museum Visitation, 2nd Grade Borough Elementary Students Museum Visit, Park lakes Halloween event, Holiday Arts and Crafts Events
- T. Gebbia discussed items his students will be able to make
- Discussion ensued regarding pens and scratch pads
-Motion made by T. Slockbower: H. Kanigal and B. Koch seconded the motion. All in favor for A. Bernard to purchase 200 pens up to $.50 each and T. Slockbower to purchase 300 notepads up to $.54 each.
- Ornaments: A. Bernard to request a sample with an image on it
- A. Bernard discussed RBHC Supporter buttons
- T. Slockbower suggested RBHC Supporter stickers
- Discussion ensued to keep exploring a quilt
- J. Hurley asked for the member list to be distributed and updated. Anyone who has not been to a meeting in 6 months will be considered a past member.
- B. Edwards brought in some old photos of himself
B. Edwards, all in favor
- Bank balance as of 3/31, 4/30 and 5/31: $ 8,239.13
- Received refund check of $150 from RBBOE for Washington D.C. trip that did not happen due to Pandemic.
- Audit Review took place on 6/2/2020. Members in attendance were
B. Witnek, J. Hurley, T. Slockbower and D. Tanzola. There were no variances found.
Museum Curator
- J. Allen wants to purchase frames for recently printed photos. D. Tanzola and K. Lynch need to evaluate photos for potential use before any frames purchased.
- J. Allen advised that we should expect a sample ornament for evaluation from company he contacted.
- Rug needs deep cleaning
- Museum needs overall cleaning
- J. Hurley advised that town is looking into fobs for all buildings instead of keys. This will track time and person who enters.
- B. Koch to bring inventory numbers to next meeting
- Suggestion made to have a Clearance Sale of merchandise. Details to be discussed at the next meeting.
- J. Hurley suggested gifting firetruck ornaments to RBFD so that all members have one. T. Slockbower made motion, K. Lynch seconded, all in favor.
- D. Tanzola suggested putting post it notes and pen together in a clear gift bag, tied with ribbon to sell as a Holiday gift.
-Yard sale: Will pick a date at July meeting (need to be aware of possible Rockaway Borough Community event – don’t want to pick same date)
- J. Allen to follow up at St. Peter & Paul Church to see if they will be having their Christmas Bazar
- Suggestion was made to advertise for memorial bricks. B. Koch will get copy of current request form to K. Lynch to post on social media.
- J. Hurley mentioned a program to sell plaques for old homes: “House built in 18xx” etc. Would have no legal tie to historical preservation of home. RBHC would research history of home as part of cost. This was done somewhere in Morris County.
- B. Koch discussed the Cat’s Meow collectibles; we would need to order a minimum of 6 pieces per item, paying half the cost. Shipping is free with a $75 order.
H. Kanigel offered that he may have a filing cabinet to donate.
T. Slockbower, all in favor
- Bank balance as of 8/31: $ 8,194.98
- J. Allen spoke to the Pastor at Seventh Day Adventist church. They are interested in an ornament, but their congregation is very small right now and they can not commit to purchase a specific number.
- K. Lynch had an offer for service hours posted in the weekly Morris Hills newsletter and received emails from (4) students interested. She advised students that we are hoping to begin in in next few months. K. Lynch will bring inventory database format to next meeting for discussion.
- B. Koch said notes were sent to people who purchased memorial bricks
- Thank you was sent to Phyllis Alpaugh, Superintendent of schools, for donation of $150.00 due to cancellation of 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip.
- Museum tours for new teachers and 2nd graders postponed due to COVID-19
- J. Hurley received correspondence regarding the name of a veteran on the memorial by the library. It should be Robert but is listed as Patrick. How can we correct?
- J. Hurley went through list of members for email and B. Koch checked them against most recent member list.
- B. Koch and J. Hurley are making room for the safe generously donated by H. Kanigel
- We need members to identify people/places/dates in any photos we find in the storage closet. A. Bernard suggested getting K. Lattig, B. Edwards and the Benjamin brothers together to help.
- Need to go through 100+ frames in storage closet. Frames we will not use will be donated to Re-Store
- Discussion ensued regarding what to do with plexiglass display with uniforms
- B. Koch advised that her ex-husband will make and install a dish rail to display the plates we have at the museum
By-Laws Committee – on hold for now.
- A. Bernard gave out pens that he ordered
- A. Bernard is waiting on information from T. Gebbia regarding mugs
- Discussion ensued regarding price of Cat’s Meow Firehouse piece. We paid $90/10 pieces. MOTION MADE by K. Lynch to sell each piece for $15. A. Bernard seconded, and all in favor.
- RESOLUTION MADE by A. Bernard to give a pen and notepad with every Cat’s Meow purchase
- T. Slockbower advised that notepads were waiting approval on artwork before being printed.
- T. Slockbower updated us on Town Wide Yard Sale – as of Friday, 17 homes participating. K. Lynch to push on Social Media. A. Bernard suggested and offered to set up table in museum parking lot on Friday, 9/25, with applications, for anyone wanting to sign up last minute.
- B. Edwards told stories
- Thank you received from Mickey Bahnatka for Rockaway Borough book
- Thank you from Rockaway Borough Fire Dept for donation we made for them letting us use Fireman’s Field for meetings.
- Email from Fr. Matt, St. Peter & Paul Church saying Christmas Bazar is cancelled due to COVID-19. They are looking forward to scheduling the next one in December 2021
- We received a letter from the County of Morris regarding the bridge replacement by Pot Belly’s. The study being done will be completed by 2022. The bridge was built around 1850, the dam behind Borough Hall in late 1700’s. If we want to be kept apprised of the project, we need to complete the application/questionnaire. B. Koch, M. Auriemma, K. Lynch completed application, and B. Koch to return.
- J. Allen advised the museum had a quite a few visitors when opened last.
- J. Allen has quote for new frames
- Museum open today and Sunday 1-3pm
- J. Hurley for T. Slockbower – bottom panels of side door are disintegrating and the door needs to be replaced. B. Koch offered to look at Re-Store Habitat for Humanity for a replacement if T. Slockbower can give her dimensions.
- A. Bernard said nothing to report. He is donating $10 from his yard sale to the museum
- B. Koch gave Town Wide Yard Sale recap: Total profit: $ 434.00
44 homes participated: $ 440.00
Donation box: $ 69.00
- Notepads shipped on 10/23 (qty 250)
- K. Lynch to post Cat’s Meow Firehouse in stock at Museum. Asking $15 donation
- K. Lynch to post Cat’s Meow Painted Ladies pieces on Facebook.
- B. Koch making check to herself for $90.00 for the Firehouse pieces that she put on her credit card.
- Discussion ensued about expanding inventory of Cat’s Meow pieces
- Discussion regarding Park Lakes Dam project
- B. Koch brought donuts for J. Allen’s 80th birthday
No Meetings Held in November, 2020 December 2020 or January 2021 Due to COVID Restrictions
REGULAR MEETING MINTUES February 27, 2021 at St. Peter & Paul Church, Beach St.
· 10:00am Call to Order; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
· J. Hurley welcomed new member Bill Nicolai
· J. Hurley advised there is no firm date for Community Center to open. J. Allen and B. Koch secured community room at St. Peter & Paul Church for February and March meetings. B. Koch will drop off a $50 donation to the pastor.
· J. Hurley updated the committee on the Park Lake Dam project: it should be filled in mid-April and completed in May.
· J. Hurley advised that he secured the pavilion at Fireman’s Field for meetings in April-October on the 4th Saturday of the month. We will send a donation to the RBFD.
· Approval of Minutes from October 24, 2020 – B. Koch motion, K. Lynch seconded, all in favor
· Before moving on to agenda items, J. Hurley updated the committee of the East Main St. Bridge Study:
-there was a meeting on February 3rd that B. Koch attended on our behalf and is our contact
-study is to decide whether to replace or repair the bridge
-there is an open to the public zoom meeting on Thursday, March 18 from 6-8pm
-trolley has been there in some form since 1800’s so we want to preserve the architecture of bridge
-residents can participate in survey online
· A. Bernard suggested using the words “take a walk through our small town’s big history” as our slogan.
· K. Lynch to work on creating a Facebook page (Nextdoor? Instagram?)
· Discussion ensued regarding the trolley bridge.
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer – B. Koch:
ü Bank balance as of 12/31/2020: $ 9,089.82
ü Bank balance as of 1/31/2021: $ 9,351.82
ü The bank corrected the October 2020 error in November- check 1042 posted as $500 not $50.
Museum Curator – J. Allen:
ü Museum open on December 12 and 13, 2020. There was a lot of visitors and many items purchased
ü No new business
Corresponding Secretary – B. Koch:
ü B. Koch to follow up with Mr. Reilly who offered to donate a section of the railway to the museum
ü We received an offer for donation of a handmade wedding dress. The committee voted, and due to our very limited space in the museum, opted to decline the offer as it was not made by a Rockaway Borough resident, but only worn by one.
Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee
ü B. Koch offered to check at Morris Habitat for Humanity for a replacement door for the side entrance. J. Hurley will install.
By-Laws Committee
ü On hold due to Covid-19
Fundraising Committee
ü Discussion ensued regarding 2021 Town Wide Yard Sale. Need someone to head the event if we are to have it this year
ü Sidewalk Sale on a day(s) when there are games all day long at Donatoni Field.
ü J. Hurley suggested a walking tour – an organized event to happen in warm weather. Have a few different versions, East side of town, West side of town, Churches.
ü B. Koch suggested a Christmas House Tour. The library had done this 20+ years ago.
ü Discussion ensued about a t-shirt sale. J. Hurley made motion to ask for $5 donation for any shirt. All in favor.
ü Discussion ensued about having new shirts made in the Rockaway Borough blue.
ü Rockaway Borough Day hasn’t been confirmed yet
ü National Night Out hasn’t been confirmed yet
NEW BUSINESS
· J. Hurley advised, that per our Charter, we need to nominate officers every two years as noted in the 2012 By-Laws:
Nominations are:
J. Hurley for President: motion by B. Koch, D. Tanzola seconded
B. Koch for Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary: motion by J. Hurley,
D. Tanzola seconded
K. Lynch for Vice President and Recording Secretary: motion by B. Koch,
D. Tanzola seconded
· Potential Project
- J. Hurley discussed need to memorialize canal places in town
-Need to designate as historically significant
-Identify in writing, not with plaque markers
-Possibly add list to museum collection as walking tour
· J. Hurley advised that he would put museum open dates on the website: it will be every 4th Sunday from 1-3, except we are closed Jul/Aug
· Meeting dates confirmed: 3/20, 4/24, 5/22, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23. November and December dates to be confirmed later in the year.
· J. Hurley mentioned that Bob and Tom Benjamin offered to be RBHC ambassadors
· B. Koch made offer to create a form letter for new residents telling them about RBHC. She will bring draft to next meeting.
· J. Hurley made motion to close meeting at 11:46 a.m. All in favor.
Next Meeting Saturday March 20, St Peter and Paul Church
Members in Attendance:
J. Hurley, J. Jackson, B. Witnek, J. Allen, K. Lynch, B. Koch, A. Bernard, T. Gebbia, B. Edwards, B. Nickoley
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 20, 2021 10:00am Location: St Peter and Paul Church- Beach St.
COVID 19 PRECAUTIONS ENFORED: USE OF FACE MASKS, 6 FEET OF SOCIAL DISTANCING and USE of HAND SANITIZER
J. Hurley called meeting to order at 10:00a.m.; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
Approval of Minutes from February 27, 2021 Meeting: K. Lynch made motion, B. Koch seconded, all in favor
J. Hurley welcomed new member Dave Conville
Committee Reports:
Treasurer- B. Koch
Bank balance as of 2/28/2021: $9,301.82
B. Koch and J. Hurley to complete financial reports for RBHC by June
B. Koch discussed annual Internal Audit that will be done when weather gets warmer permitting an outside meeting on her patio
Museum Curator – J. Allen
J. Allen advised there was a lot of foot traffic through the museum last month
K. Lynch donated 2 Cat’s Meow pieces that she purchased on a FB Swap site. (United Methodist Church and RBPL)
Discussion ensued about the alarm in the museum – it has been activated several times recently. Alarm company will come out.
Corresponding Secretary - B. Koch
B. Koch to follow up on the rail donation offer
Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – J. Hurley
Side door needs to be replaced ASAP-could be reason for alarm activating
Need a deep carpet clean on a warm day
B. Koch to install solar lights to illuminate the sign out front
Fundraising Committee – A. Bernard/T. Gebbia
Discussion ensued regarding possibility of T. Gebbia’s students printing t-shirts
A. Bernard made motion for T. Gebbia’s students to print more mugs
(6 large mugs w/black inside and 6 smaller mugs w/black or blue inside). J. Hurley seconded, all in favor
Discussion ensued regarding having “Pop-Up” sales in the museum parking lot on days when sporting events are happening at Donatoni Field
A. Bernard mentioned the idea of umbrellas with our logo and will look into cost
Discussion ensued regarding ordering more Cat’s Meow Firehouse pieces. B. Koch will purchase 12 pieces with her personal credit card and request reimbursement at next meeting.
New Business:
J. Hurley made motion to make a $100 donation to RBFD for letting us use the Pavilion at Fireman’s Field for our meeting from April-October. B. Koch seconded, all in favor
Election of officers 2021-2023 for: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary. J. Hurley opened the floor to any other nominations. Voting as follows:
President: J. Hurley-all in favor, no one opposed
V. President: K. Lynch- all in favor, no one opposed
Treasurer: B. Koch- all in favor, no one opposed
Corresponding Secretary: B. Koch- all in favor, no one opposed
Recording Secretary: K. Lynch- all in favor, no one opposed
Rockaway Carriage – K. Nicol came in to discuss the Rockaway Carriage that he purchased a few years back. A more permanent home is needed. It is currently in a storage container on T. D’Onofrio’s property. It is beginning to grow mildew from conditions inside the container. Possible options were discussed; parking/displaying at Space Farms because they have a carriage display there, store container at Fireman’s Field, rent a temperature controlled storge unit, displaying at RBPL or TJ/White House. Trying to keep carriage as part of Rockaway Borough.
E. Main St Bridge Project: 3/18 Public Meeting – B. Koch updated the members on points made during meeting;
Detour too long for police, fire, first aid
Concern over students walking to Lincoln and TJ
Businesses will suffer
The bridge committee has a sharp focus on the history of the bridge and keeping it
intact (wooden 1730-1740, current bridge since early 1800’s)Project not set to begin for 5-6 years
There will be another stakeholder meeting in early Summer
2021 Strategic Plans:
Pop Up Sidewalk sales
Annual Town Wide Yard Sale – will need 4-5 people to volunteer
Walking tour (similar to Presbyterian Church Cemetery Tour).
Museum Inventory
K. Lynch to begin process in next few months
Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections:
Discussion ensued regarding Stephen Jackson house (on Sacred Heart School property) being for sale
Stone Arch restoration on Main St. (across from Blue Skies Daycare) is ongoing
Park Lakes Dam project should be complete by mid-May
J. Jackson brought in a painting to share. It is an oil painting of the old Forge which was behind Arico’s building.
Close: J. Hurley made motion to close at 11:44a.m., J. Jackson seconded, all in favor
Next Meeting is April 24, 2021, 10:00am at Fireman’s Field
Members in Attendance:
J. Hurley, . Jackson, B. Witnek, B. Nickoley, K. Nickle,
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
COVID 19 PRECAUTIONS ENFORED: USE OF FACE MASKS, 6 FEET OF SOCIAL DISTANCING and USE of HAND SANITIZER
J. Hurley called meeting to order at 10:02a.m.; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
Approval of Minutes from March 20, 2021 Meeting: B. Koch made motion, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor
J. Hurley welcomed new member Trevor Riker
Committee Reports:
Treasurer- B. Koch
Bank balance as of 3/31/2021: $9,255.78
5013C IRS form to be completed in May
Museum Curator – J. Allen
J. Allen was absent, but J. Hurley advised of conversation with him – from this point forward, all donations need to go through J. Allen. Give him contact information an dhe will handle.
Museum volunteers for May 23: J. Jackson, B. Kock
Corresponding Secretary - B. Koch
B. Koch to send Thank You to Sandy Pattimea and Tommy Trepaso for donation of Rockaway Athletic Club patch.
Regarding rail donation, B. Koch sent second email but has not received a reply. J. Hurley mentioned that we do have a small piece of the rail at the museum so if we do not hear back, so reach out one more time.
B. Koch will send welcome letter to new Rockaway Borough homeowners introducing the historical committee.
Cat’s Meow order was 12 pieces, 50% discount, no sales tax, no shipping
Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – J. Hurley
Need committee for outside gardening maintenance before next museum open date on May 23
B. Koch daughter to redo bottom sign outside museum since letters are peeling
Alarm company replaced bad sensor on side door
Fundraising Committee
No one from committee in attendance, however discussion ensued regarding mug order from T. Gebbia’s students. J. Jackson made motion to amend order from 6-12 of each mug, T. Riker seconded, all in favor.
FROM 3/20 meeting: A. Bernard made motion for T. Gebbia’s students to print more mugs (6 large mugs w/black inside and 6 smaller mugs w/black or blue inside). J. Hurley seconded, all in favor
Discussion ensued regarding new t-shirts in Rockaway Borough blue. J. Hurley offered to take a t-shirt sample to K. Nicol/Nicol Artistic for a quote
Discussion ensued regarding having “Pop-Up” sales in the museum parking lot on days when sporting events are happening at Donatoni Field. D. Tanzola suggested waiting until we have the new mugs and t-shirts.
New Business:
J. Hurley advised there will be a Memorial Day Parade but it will be very limited in scope. No community service groups, no floats. Will take normal route.
J. Hurley advised no fireworks or festival at Fireman’s Field. No decision on National Night Out yet.
Museum Inventory
K. Lynch reached out to MHHS students who had expressed interest in helping.
Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections:
J. Hurley advised that Park Lakes will be filled by end of May. Construction to be completed by end of June. Project is 2 months behind.
J. Hurley advised of grant with Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Township for Park Lakes project to re-pave walk, make it ADA compliant, upgrade playground and lights.
Close: J. Hurley made motion to close at 10:56a.m., J. Jackson seconded, all in favor
Next Meeting is May 22, 2021, 10:00am at Fireman’s Field
Members in Attendance:
J. Hurley, J. Jackson, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, D. Conville, T. Riker, K. Lynch, B. Koch,
M. Auriemma, D. Tanzola
Regular Meeting Minutes May 22, 2021 10:04am Location: Fireman’s Field- Beach St.
COVID 19 PRECAUTIONS ENFORED: USE OF FACE MASKS, 6 FEET OF SOCIAL DISTANCING and USE of HAND SANITIZER
J. Hurley called meeting to order at 10:04a.m.; Flag Salute-Moment of Silence for Departed Past Members
Committee Reports:
Treasurer- B. Koch
Bank balance as of 4/30/2021: $9,255.78
Reporting Audit needs to be completed in June. Members that volunteered: T. Gebbia, D. Conville, J. Hurley, B. Koch, D. Tanzola, B. Witneck
B. Koch paid $30 filing fee with personal credit card. She will reimburse herself
Museum Curator – J. Allen
J. Allen has a mule strap, shoes, old phone and tack hook from old building next to police station
Volunteers needed for 6/27 – A. Bernard and M. Auriemma volunteered
Corresponding Secretary - B. Koch
R. O’Conner, the Recreation director, is applying for joint grant for major improvements to Park Lake with Rockaway Twp. It would include lighting with increased efficiency, path improvements, stopping mulch washing into lake and potentially new inflo filtration system Rockaway Township is researching). Submission due 5/21 so J. Hurley and B. Koch composed a letter of recommendation/support.
Resolution: RBHC sent letter to R. O’Conner: T. Gebbia made motion, all in favor to send letter to state in support of grant
Grant evaluation is July-August timeframe:
- Cut, mill, smote and repave whole path
- 50 LED light fixtures
- Resurface playground
- New playground equipment
- Matching funds in budget
T. Gebbia suggested the by-laws be modified to include Motion Vote by electronic/email if something is time sensitive.
Cats Meow – B. Koch will reimburse herself $109.00
New library director would like to meet to discuss artifacts she discovered in the attic of the library. She would like to collaborate/form subcommittee to go thru the attic
Jackson House – the marker has not been replaced. J. Hurley will follow-up.
B. Koch to send welcome letters to new residents
J. Hurley met with M. Donatoni who said he may have Lou’s hat. Lou is our Donatoni employee mannequin.
E. Main St. Bridge project – no new info
On 4/21, a donation was made to the RBFD of $100 for the use of Fireman’s Field pavilion
Facilities, Museum Maintenance and Control Committee – J. Hurley
J. Allen advised of clean up at the museum tomorrow during open hours. Members should bring gloves.
B. Koch daughter to redo bottom sign outside museum since letters are peeling
Alarm company replaced bad sensor on side door
Fundraising Committee
T. Gebbia’s students made mugs: 1 dozen 15oz. with black interior and 1 dozen 11oz. with blue interior.
A. Bernard discussed the possibility of cooler bags and/or koozies. J. Hurley advised we need a market strategy
A. Bernard will contact R. O’Conner for dates of games
A. Bernard donated a “real” cash box. Thank you Arnie.
Boro Activities:
J. Hurley advised:
- information about the parade start, route
- advised that Park Lake is currently scheduled to be filled the first week of June
- the Community Center will be re-opening in some form in early July
- JCP&L fixed the clock outside of Ray and Judy’s
- no new information regarding the Rockaway Carriage.
Close: D. Tanzola made motion to close at 11:27a.m., B. Witnek seconded, all in favor
Next Meeting is June 26, 2021, 10:00am at Fireman’s Field
Members in Attendance: J. Hurley, J. Jackson, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, D. Conville, C. Conville, J. Allen, A. Bernard T. Gebbia, K. Lynch, B. Koch, M. Auriemma, D. Tanzola, H. Kanigel
Regular Meeting Minutes June 26, 2021 10:00am Location: Fireman’s Field Beach St.
· 10:03am J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· J. Hurley made motion to approve minutes from May 22, 2021 Meeting; D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer:
B. Koch absent. J. Hurley advised bank balance at 5/31/2021 is $ 9,255.78
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance
J. Allen advised cleanup in May went well
J. Hurley advised that Councilman Grueter mentioned how nice the outside of the museum looks at their last meeting
Corresponding Secretary
B. Koch absent
Fundraising Committee
A. Bernard and T. Gebbia led discussion regarding fundraising ideas
NEW BUSINESS
· J. Hurley discussed approval of letter of intent for renewal of museum lease with the Borough of Rockaway.
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved by the Rockaway Borough Historical Committee to notify in writing our intent to renew the lease on the building at 199 W. Main Street, 1st Floor, to continue operating as the Rockaway Borough Historical Museum. The Rockaway Borough Historical Committee proposes to extend the lease for another 5 years commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2026 with the same terms.
Motion by James Allen, Seconded by William Nickoley
Members voting YES: J. Hurley, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, J. Allen, A. Bernard, T. Gebbia,
K. Lynch, M. Auriemma, D. Tanzola, W. Nickoley
Members voting No: None.
Motion passes unanimously
· Discussion regarding Partner/Support Rockaway Public Library Summer Reading Program with “Tales and Tails” -RBHC member involvement; M. Okerbloom attended to discuss program and RBHC participation.
· Discussion ensued regarding current Borough updates and activities
· Discussion ensued regarding National Night Out-August 3rd.
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved by the Rockaway Borough Historical Committee to participate in the National Night Out on August 3rd, 2021 at Fireman’s Field.
Motion by K. Lynch, Seconded J. Allen.
Members voting YES: J. Hurley, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, J. Allen, A. Bernard, T. Gebbia,
K. Lynch, M. Auriemma, D. Tanzola, W. Nickoley
Members voting No: None.
Motion passes unanimously
· Donation of artifacts: H Kanigel donated a number of historical papers, historical items and pictures to the RBHC Museum. J. Hurley thanked Mr. Kanigel for his generosity. The pictures will be displayed in the museum in memory of Joyce Kanigel.
· Town Wide Yard Sale – discussion ensued regarding planning
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved by the Rockaway Borough Historical Committee to hold the Rockaway Borough Historical Committee annual FALL YARD SALE on September 25 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Rain Date is October 2.
Motion by K. Lynch, Seconded by A. Bernard
Members voting YES: J. Hurley, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, J. Allen, A. Bernard, T. Gebbia,
K. Lynch, M. Auriemma, D. Tanzola, W. Nickoley
Members voting No: None.
Motion passes unanimously
· Open floor for member comments, and/or historical reflections
· J. Allen made motion to close meeting at 11:17am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
· Next Meeting July 24 , 2021. Time: 10:00am, Fireman’s Field
Members in attendance: J. Hurley, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, J. Allen, A. Bernard, T. Gebbia
K. Lynch, M. Auriemma, D. Tanzola, B. Nickoley
Regular Meeting Minutes July 24, 2021 10:00am Location: Fireman’s Field Beach St.
· 10:02am J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· D. Tanzola made motion to approve minutes from June 26, 2021 Meeting; B. Nickoley
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer:
B. Koch absent. J. Hurley advised bank balance at 6/30/2021 is $ 9,318.78
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance
J. Allen advised nothing new
J. Allen thanked the members that helped with museum cleanup in May
Discussion ensued regarding making the Memorial Walk Brick form available at Borough Hall and the library
Corresponding Secretary
B. Koch absent - J. Hurley advised update;
- There has been a request for a Memorial Walk Brick
- Community Center will be available in September
- National Night Out is Tuesday, August 3rd, 6-9
Fundraising Committee
Discussion ensued regarding our participation in the St. Peter & Paul Christmas Bazar in December.
NEW BUSINESS
· J. Hurley advised that resolution was approved at last Council meeting to renew the Historical Committee 5-year lease. Lease will be in stored in the RBHC file drawer.
· The dam project will be completed by mid to end of August.
· There will not be a Rockaway Borough Day
· Volunteers for NNO; J. Jackson, J. Allen, A. Bernard, J. Hurley. Discussion ensued regarding give-aways
· “Tales and Tails” Program at RBPL – M. Okerbloom, J. Hurley and B. Nickoley led discussion as tri-chairs. It was asked for all members to come up with a topic of Rockaway Borough history/interest to do a 3-5 minute video. Please bring topics to next meeting.
· Discussion ensued regarding Town Wide Yard Sale: Sept 25th 8-3, Rain date Oct 2
- Flyer: B. Nickoley, J. Jackson
- Map: B. Koch, Bill Nickoley, J. Hurley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- Morning of: J. Hurley, K. Lynch, B. Koch
- Advertising: K. Lynch
- Collection of forms/donation at Town Hall: D. Tanzola
· J. Hurley to set up meeting with new Superintendent to plan 4th grade and new teacher tour of the museum
· J. Jackson made motion to close meeting at 11:12am, K. Lynch seconded, all in favor.
· Next Meeting August 28 , 2021. Time: 10:00am, Fireman’s Field
J. Hurley, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, J. Allen, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, J. Jackson, D. Tanzola, B. Nickoley, D. Conville, C. Conville
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES August 28, 2021 Location: Fireman’s Field Beach St.
**( Note change to next meeting date at end of minutes)**
· 10:04am J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· K. Lynch made motion to approve minutes from July 24, 2021 Meeting; D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 7/31/2021 is $ 9,356.52
- Financial review on August 13 completed by B. Witnek, J. Hurley, D. Conville,
C. Conville, B. Koch and D. Tanzola. All in order
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Museum will reopen on September 25 from 1-3. Volunteers are K. Lynch, B. Koch and J. Allen
- Little spruce up needed inside and outside since museum was closed for 2 month.
- Replacement of side door to be put into Borough budget for 2022
- Lease approved and signed – 1/1/2022-12/31-2026
Corresponding Secretary (B. Koch):
- Advised there was 1 request for a Memorial Walk Brick
- RBPD sent Thank you for our participation in National Night Out
Fundraising Committee
- St. .Peter & Paul Christmas Bazar is December 4th.
- Town Wide Yard Sale update:
- 14 applications to date
- B. Koch will compile list of address by street and house #
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· J. Hurley and B. Nickoley produced 2 videos for the Rockaway Borough Public Library program, “Tales and Tails”. They will be uploaded to the RBPL website. Members are encouraged to make videos.
· Rockaway Borough re-usable bags to be put at Borough Hall for residents to take one
· 50 West Main Street was purchased, and a complete renovation will be done to the early 1900’s look.
· Fox Pond Dam completed. Parking lot on Lakeside Drive to be finished. Beach will be fixed. Rockaway Twp has no plans to dredge or fill their side of Park Lake.
· Dark Lake Spooktacular is back at Park Lake. It will be held on October 30th.
RESOLUTION: Be it resolved by the Rockaway Borough Historical Committee intends to participate in the Dark Lake Spooktacular on October 30th.
Motion made by B. Koch to participate, T. Gebbia seconded, all in favor.
· No reply from new school Superintendent regarding meeting to set up new teacher tour of museum.
· Lincoln School new addition ribbon cutting to be delayed
· D. Conville made motion to close meeting at 10:59am, B. Edwards seconded, all in favor.
CHANGE --Next Meeting September 18 , 2021. Time: 10:00am, Fireman’s Field
(Town Wide Yard Sale in on our regular meeting date)
J. Hurley, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, J. Allen, T. Hiler, K. Lynch, D. Tanzola, B. Koch
D. Conville, M. Auriemma, H. Kanigel, T. Gebbia
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 18, 2021 Location: Fireman’s Field Beach St.
· 10:04am J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from August 28, 2021 Meeting; T. Riker seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 8/31/2021 is $ 9,351.52
- RESOLUTION: Be it resolved to reimburse B. Koch up to $90.00 for Cat’s Meow firehouse. MOTION: Made by D. Tanzola, A. Bernard seconded, all in favor
- MOTION: Made by M. Auriemma, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor to reimburse J. Hurley $52.59 for purchase of lumber for yard sale signs.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance:
- Mailbox out front is corroded and needs to be removed. Discussion ensued regarding replacement or other ideas. All members present in agreement that mailbox is not needed since RBHC uses Borough Hall address.
- B. Koch and K. Lynch will cover museum hours on Saturday, 9/25
- T. Riker, A. Bernard and M. Auriemma will cover museum hours on Sunday, 10/24
Correspondence:
- There was an email submitted requesting information about Hungerford Plastics. Discussion ensued around this topic.
Fundraising Committee
- T. Gebbia looking into his students making potholders with the Rockaway Carriage on it. Discussion ensued regarding cost.
- St. Peter and Paul Christmas Bazar is December 4th
- Town Wide Yard Sale:
- As of 9/17 there are about 50 homes participating
- B. Nickoley, B. Koch and J. Hurley to finalize map after 2pm on Friday
- Go/No Go weather call to be made Friday morning by J. Hurley
- J. Hurley, K. Lynch, B. Koch will hand out maps Saturday morning
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· J. Hurley and B. Nickoley produced 2 videos for the Rockaway Borough Public Library program, “Tales and Tails”. M. Okerbloom will upload to the RBPL website. Members are strongly encouraged to record an episode using the blue book as a guide.
· D. Tanzola and K. Lynch will meet with M. Okerbloom to view uniforms currently housed in the library.
· Dark Lake Spooktacular will be held on October 30th. T. Riker, J. Hurley and K. Lynch will hand out candy.
· Possibility of Tractor Supply at old World Gym building
· J. Hurley would like to have a presentation about Reaction Motors for the community
· B. Koch made motion to close meeting at 11:16am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting October 23, 2021. Time: 10:00am, Fireman’s Field
WEATHER PERMITTING, otherwise, we will meet at Community Center
J. Hurley, B. Witnek, B. Edwards, A. Bernard, T. Riker , K. Lynch, D. Tanzola, B. Koch
M. Auriemma, H. Kanigel
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 23, 2021 Location: Fireman’s Field Beach St.
** next meeting at Community Center ***
· 10:02am J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from September 18, 2021 Meeting; D. Conville seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer:(B.Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 9/30/2021 is $ 9,351.52
- Yard Sale Summary: 58 homes participated. Profit of $ 477.25
- 2 new memorial brick orders. J. Allen to bring them to engravers
- RESOLUTION: Be is resolved for B. Koch to purchase a roll of stamps which will be kept in cash box. J. Jackson made MOTION, D. Conville seconded, all in favor
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance:
- No new business
- B Koch, J. Jackson and J. Allen will cover museum hours on Sunday, 11/28
Correspondence:
- Email received regarding Rockaway Pattern Axe – discussion ensued
- B. Koch to reply to email regarding Hungerford Plastic Co
Fundraising Committee
- No new business
- Discussion ensued about reducing current inventory before purchasing more
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· November meeting will be at Community Center on 11/27
· St. Peter and Paul Christmas Bazar is December 4th: Setup on Friday 5pm- J. Hurley and A. Bernard. Volunteers staffing table throughout the day; J. Hurley, K. Lynch, B. Koch, A. Bernard, J. Allen and J. Jackson
· Dark Lake Spooktacular will be held on October 30th. T. Riker, J. Hurley and K. Lynch will hand out candy. Setup will be at 4:15pm. Event is from 5-8pm
· RESOLUTION: Be is resolved for B. Koch to purchase 4 x-large bags of candy for Dark Lake Spooktacular. MOTION made by K. Lynch, J. Allen seconded, all in favor
· “Tales and Tails” program; J. Hurley asked for feedback and thoughts on videos for next meeting. He suggested using blue book as source. Need a schedule of volunteers to make videos.
· Discussion ensued regarding a seminar for the public about Reaction Motors
· Rockaway Twp. Is looking into renovating their side of Park Lakes and the gazebo
· B. Koch suggested we sponsor a community event
· Suggestion was made to put a plaque on the first municipal building in town.
· J. Hurley made motion to close meeting at 11:13am, A. Bernard seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: November 27th 10:00am at COMMUNITY CENTER
J. Hurley, B. Witanek, B. Edwards, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, J. Jackson, B. Koch, M. Auriemma, J. Allen, D. Conville,, T. Hiler, B. Nickoley
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 27, 2021 Location: Community Center, Union St.
· 10:01am J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from October 23, 2021 meeting; B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor
· K. Lynch provided recap of Dark Lake Spooktacular.
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 9/30/2021 is $ 9,964.52
- Pelloggi Monument (brick engraver) never cashed last check so we are assuming it is a donation.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance:
- No new business
- B Koch, J. Jackson and J. Allen will cover museum hours on Sunday, 11/28
- K. Lynch, J. Jackson, J. Allen and B. Koch will cover museum on Sunday 12/19 (***note date)
Correspondence:
- In response to email received from Joseph Goldman, T. Slockbower brought in Hungerford Plastic dolls to show. His mother worked there and he shared some information that he had. B. Koch took photos of dolls and will respond to Joseph Goldman’s email asking for any information about them.
- B. Koch shared article in paper from Ken Burns asking for 1-2 minute video entries in his HonorYourHometown.com project.
Fundraising Committee: No new business
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· December meeting will be on DECEMBER 18th 10-12 at Community Center
· T. Slockbower donated meat hook from Schwind’s Pork Store
· St. Peter and Paul Christmas Bazar is from 9am-2pm on December 4th: Setup on Friday 5pm- J. Hurley, Jimmy Allen and A. Bernard. Volunteers staffing table throughout the day; J. Hurley, B. Koch, A. Bernard, and J. Jackson. A. Bernard to put boxes together at museum on 11/28 that will go to the Bazar.
· M. Okerblom will be selling Christmas books at the tree lighting on 12/8 at 6pm. She offered to display our ornaments for sale at that time. Arnie came to the museum on Sunday 11/28 & put together a box of 30 ornaments for the Library sale. Barb made a sign price is $6 for one, two for $10. Barb will touch base with Melissa about when to drop them off at the library and to confirm Melissa doesn't need a member of the RBHC there to sell them at the tree lighting.
· B. Koch showed 2-sided letter from Kitchell - written by Abraham Kitchel dated 2/13/1885 addressed...Dear brother & sister, discussing family matters including disposition of property on the recent death of Hannah Kitchel. It's on a 15x12 paper...folded...writing in 4 segments. ( Barb to send a photo to Kate)
Barb will purchase a 2-sided glass frame to display it at the museum.
· M. Okerblom received a memo from the Morris County Library regarding a Morris County Street Name Project. It lists names and origins of streets throughout Morris County towns. J. Hurley suggested we participate.
· “Tales and Tails” program; B. Nickoley handed out sign up sheets with suggested topics from blue book. He showed one of the videos as an example. Please come to the December meeting ready to sign up for a video.
· A. Bernard found a daguerreotype under a floor board of his attic. There is no identifying information. Photo will be posted on Facebook to help identification. Will show to older members not in attendance in hopes of identification.
· Water main should be completed in a few weeks.
· J. Hurley made motion to close meeting at 11:25am, J. Jackson seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: December 18th 10:00am at COMMUNITY CENTER
J. Hurley, B. Edwards, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, C. Conville, J. Jackson, B. Koch, M. Auriemma J. Allen,
D. Conville, T. Hiler, B. Nickoley, D. Tanzola, T. Slockbower
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 18, 2021 Location: Community Cener, Union St.
Next Meeting CANCELLED: January 22nd
Museum Open House CANCELLED: January 23rd
Note: The list of meeting dates and museum open dates will be at the end of the minutes
· 10:01am J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· J. Jackson made motion to approve minutes from November 27, 2021 meeting; M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 10/31/2021 is $ 9,904.91
- We made $147 at St. Peter & Paul Bazar, less $30 table fee: Net $117.
- M. Okerbloom advised she sold $37 worth of RBHC collectibles at the tree lighting. B. Koch made motion to round to $40 and make a donation to Friends of the Library. A. Bernard seconded, all in favor.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Advised that exhibits need to be rotated soon.
- K. Lynch, J. Jackson, J. Allen and B. Koch will cover museum on Sunday 12/19
Correspondence:
- Thank you sent to P. Hestevold for jail cell window bars from original municipal building/police HQ
- Daguerreotype found in A. Bernard’s attic has gotten feedback on Facebook
groups. Still no definite identification.
Fundraising Committee
- No new business
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· J. Hurley discussed plans/ideas for fundraisers/events for 2022:
- St. Peter & Paul Bazar
- Dark Lake Spooktacular
- Town wide Yard Sale
- National Night Out
· Tales and Tails Program: B. Nickoley has video sign-up sheet
· Discussion regarding Jackson House at 60 E. Main St. – owner wants to sell for minor subdivision
· J. Hurley suggested “Honor Your Hometown” sounded too commercial for us. In addition, it would have to be the mayor who recorded the video.
· J. Hurley discussed the Morris County Street Name Project: If anyone can come up with original names of streets in town, and why they were named such, they can be added to the project. You will need to take photo of the current street sign and give a few sentences on how it was originally named. Submit it to jwilliams@co.morris.nj.us
1. Driveway behind Ava’s cupcakes was Barge St.
2. Wall St. was Bridge St.
3. Maple Ave. was Foundry. St
4. W. Lincoln Ave was Rail Road Ave.
· Morris County will finish the sidewalks and water main next week. The road will be milled and paved in Spring.
· Park Lakes is complete
· Nichols Dr. and Mannino Dr. will be milled and paved in Spring
· T. Slockbower offered to look into the possibility of getting Morris County Grants for markers to be placed in town.
· J. Jackson made motion to close meeting at 11:24am, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting CANCELLED: January 22nd
Museum Open House CANCELLED: January 23rd
J. Hurley, B. Edwards, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, C. Conville, J. Jackson, B. Koch, M. Auriemma
J. Allen, D. Conville, M. Okerbloom, B. Nickoley, T. Slockbower, B. Witanek
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 26, 2022 Location: St. Peter and Paul Church, Beach St.
Note: J. Hurley absent due to budget meeting for Rockaway Borough Council. B. Koch acted on his behalf.
· 10:02am meet called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· J. Allen made motion to approve minutes from December 18, 2021 meeting; B. Witanek seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 12/31/2021 is $ 9,835.85
- Advised bank balance at 1/31/2022 is $ 9,795.85
- B. Koch received a 1099K for transactions from an unknown vendor. It seems to be fraud. She will file a police report and has sent a letter to the vendor: Stripe Inc, 354 Oyster Place Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94080
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- J. Allen advised that he received a check from Ray & Judy’s Bookstop for RBHC products they sold. Discussion ensued to keep all products in house for sale rather than on consignment to 3rd parties.
- Museum volunteers for 2/27 – J. Allen to open, B. Koch to close. T. Hiler, B. Edwards and K. Lynch to cover
- Museum volunteers for 3/27 - B. Koch and A. Bernard
Correspondence:
- No new correspondence
Fundraising Committee
- Discussion ensued regarding setting up a “Dine to Donate” event with one of the eating establishments in town. A. Bernard to reach out about setting it up.
- T. Slockbower discussed the RBFD’s 125th anniversary this year. Discussion ensued regarding ordering more Cat’s Meow Firehouse pieces.
D. Tanzola made motion to order 12 pieces (the minimum for free shipping)
T. Hiler seconded, all in favor.
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· Discussion ensued regarding updating our website and the possibility of piggybacking onto the Borough’s project updated their website.
· Discussion ensued regarding trying to get access to the FaceBook page that J. Kanigel set.
· Tales and Tails Program: B. Nickoley shared a new video he made. He discussed the need for move volunteers to make videos.
· T. Slockbower discussed historical education:
- Rockaway Twp. Historical Society hosts an artifact night – possibly hold one at our Community Center
- Hold some kind of event once per quarter
- Bob Gray is an expert on the Makinnon Ax. B. Koch will reach out to him about possibility of scheduling a presentation
· D. Tanzola discussed the Memorial Day Parade to be held on 5/30/2022. It will be a combined parade with Rockaway Twp and held in Rockaway Borough. The Rockaway, Marcella, Denville Memorial Association will be planning and coordinating the parade. Anyone wanting to join the Memorial Association or help in any way is welcome to attend any meeting. Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm at the VFW on Ford Road, Denville. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
· T. Slockbower updated us on the status of the Morris County marker for the Stephen Jackson House. The county took the sign back but it’s damaged so a new one will be manufactured and installed.
· T. Slockbower discussed the grants available from Morris County for historical markers
· T. Slockbower discussed the RBPL historical marker that was removed by the Rockaway Borough Rotary when the new library sign was installed. A grant needs to be submitted to replace the sign.
· Discussion ensued regarding the RBBOA – it is officially defunct
· We had a visitor tour meeting, Janet Schuring. She has an ancestor who perished in the Cumberland Ferry Fire and shared information that she recently uncovered.
· K. Lynch made motion to close meeting at 11:14am, D.Conville seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: March 26th, 10am at Community Center
J. Allen D. Conville M. Okerbloom B. Nickoley T. Slockbower B. Witanek
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
9:59am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· D. Conville made motion to approve minutes from February 26th meeting; T. Hiler seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 2/28/2022 is $ 9,770.85
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- J. Allen will have pictures from Arico’s
- Rockaway Twp. Historical Society donated a box of jars/mugs from Ciros drugstore
- K. Lattig donated a copy of the 1954 Rockaway Record
- Museum volunteers for 3/27 – A. Bernard to cover
- Museum volunteers for 4/24 - B. Koch and J. Allen to cover
- RESOLUTION: that collectible items will only be offered only through RBHC and any municipal location in Rockaway Borough: B. Koch made motion, D. Conville seconded, all in favor
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- Received thank you note from Rockaway Borough Public Library for our donation
- Cats Meow pieces ordered on 3/15 (12 Firehouse)
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerbloom)
- M. Okerbloom made a video about the library
- B. Koch to do interview with B. Edwards on 3/28
Fundraising Committee
- RESOLUTION: To host Town Wide Yard Sale from 7am-3pm on 9/24/2022. B. Koch made motion, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor
Website
- New website will be housed under the Rockaway Borough home page
- The IT group handling this will move our current website to the new space for a cost of between $200-$500
- Going forward, all posts, updates, changes, and photos will be sent to the administrator to upload
- New email will be rockawayboroughhistoricalcommittee@gmail.com
- Emails will go to President, Vice President and Corresponding Secretary
- RESOLUTION: For approval of up to $500 to be paid to IT group for transfer of current website to new page under Rockaway Borough’s home page. K. Lynch made motion, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor.
- B. Koch’s daughter to update our sign hanging outside the museum
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· Memorial Day Parade:
- Rockaway Carriage will be towed on a trailer
- RBHC will march with a float
- Friends of the Library are marching
- Memorial Association meets the 1st Tuesday of each month if anyone would like to help
- RBRTmemparade@gmail.com if anyone has questions or needs to get in touch with the association
- B. Koch offered the use of her garage from 5/15-5/30 to decorate our float
· National Night Out is from 6pm-8pm on Tuesday 8/2/2022. Setup is at 5pm.
· There will be an FX production movie to be filmed over Spring Break on E. Main between Franklin and Maple
· East Main Street Bridge project
- Recommendation is for a total reconstruction
- Single span arch (not the 3 that are currently there) but will maintain historical look
- Possible options for traffic flow, detours still being looked into
- Possible lighting in bridge for aesthetics
- Deadline for public input is 4/22/2022 and must be in writing and submitted through website
· Trolley Trail
- New Borough engineer said there are access/easement issues, swamp/DEP lands where bridge would be, water/ice issue by Donatoni Field would need to be mitigated
- County has a grant available for engineering costs
- Bottom line – RB council doesn’t want to entertain moving forward on this and did not put money in the budget for it
· There is a $75k grant for the Park Lakes beach/playground – for lights and to make ADA compliant
· Tractor Supply to be going in front of Land Use Board for fence height and outside sales approvals
· Canal ditch by Quick Mart to be dredged and graded
· Starbucks possibly going into old TD Bank by Aldi
· T. Slockbower discussed having presentations to get community involved; Bob Gray can do a presentation on the McKinnon Axe, presentation on 9/11 and have an artifact night for residents to share their findings.
· T. Slockbower brought up the RBFD’s 125th anniversary and how we can get involved. He made a motion to explore options for purchasing a box of ornaments to showcase the firehouse and the anniversary. M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor. J. Allen to look for original artwork from previous ornament.
· T. Hiler made motion to close meeting at 11:42am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: April 23rd, 10am at Community Center
Members present: D. Tanzola, B. Edwards, C. Conville, K. Lynch, B. Koch, T. Hiler, J. Hurley,
M. Auriemma, J. Allen, D. Conville, M. Okerbloom, B. Nickoley, T. Slockbower, K. Lattig
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 23, 2022 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:02am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from March 26th meeting; M. Auremmia seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 3/31/2022 is $ 9,770.85
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- J. Allen discussed a program that Riverside Shoppe will be starting in the near future: Coffee and Conversation. It will be from 4-7pm on the designated dates
- Discussion ensued regarding the RBFD donating a 1948 bronze firetruck nozzle. Concerns are possible theft, piece is large and heavy
- Museum volunteers for 4/24 - B. Koch and J. Allen to cover
- Museum volunteers for 5/22 - B. Koch, M. Auriemma, B. Edwards
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- There were two new requests asking for home/land historical details
- Cats Meow pieces not yet received. B. Koch to follow up with vendor
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerbloom)
- B. Nickoley discussed slow progress on videos
- Volunteers are needed to make videos
- Discussion ensued regarding advertising this program on our website
- A suggestion was made for T. Hiler to make video regarding Civil Wa
Fundraising Committee
- Everyone from committee was absent
- D. Tanzola will touch base with T. Slockbower regarding ornament to commemorate RBFD’s 125th anniversary
- B. Koch will discuss possibility of modifying 2014 RBFD ornament for anniversary
- K. Lynch to get information about ordering new t-shirts in Rockaway Borough blue
Website
- Work in progress
- A list of veterans (living and deceased) from Rockaway Borough is needed for the website page
- B. Edwards knows of two friends/veterans who are not listed anywhere
- Our new email will be launched when the website is close to being done
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· Memorial Day Parade:
- May 30th 10am lineup. 11:15am stepoff
- D. Conville graciously offered to handle the float
- Lineup in at Beach and Main
- Marchers include B. Koch, K. Lynch, B. Edwards (in Dave’s truck)
· National Night Out is from 6pm-8pm on Tuesday 8/2/2022. Setup is at 5pm.
· Town Wide Yard Sale is 9/24/2022
· St. Peter & Paul Bazaar in December
· DPW to flush contaminants from fire hydrants in upcoming weeks
· Lusardi’s/Mexican restaurant to be sold??
· Tractor Supply approved by LUB for garden center and propane fill area. Aiming for October opening
· Fireworks on July 9th
· J. Schuring discussed memorial service for Cumberland River Disaster. Memorial service
will be in lot of Presbyterian Church Civil War Monument on Saturday, 5/28 from 1-2pm.
J. Schuring confirmed with Captain John Covert that attendance by public is ok.
· K. Lynch made motion to close meeting at 11:27am, D. Conville seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: May 21st, 10am at Community Center
D. Tanzola B. Edwards K. Lynch B. Koch T. Hiler
J. Hurley M. Auriemma J. Allen D. Conville B. Witanek
B. Nickoley J. Schuring
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 21, 2022 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:00am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from April 23rd meeting; M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor
· REMINDER: Audit will be conducted at B. Koch’s house on Wednesday, June 8th. Please be there by 6:30pm. Members who offered to help with audit: D. Tanzola, A. Bernard,
M. Auriemma, B. Koch, J. Hurley
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 3/31/2022 is $ 9,770.85
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- A big thank you to B. Koch who did some yard work at the museum in the flower beds.
- Museum volunteers for 5/22 - B. Koch, M. Auriemma, B. Edwards
- Museum volunteers for 6/26 – K. Lynch, J. Jackson
- RBFD has original 1948 firetruck nozzle they want to donate to the museum. They will build a pad and bring it to the museum. Discussion ensued regarding placement (parking lot side of museum) and fact that this specific item can be returned if RBFD asks for it.
- A. Bernard made MOTION to display the RBFD nozzle at the museum. B. Edwards seconded, all in favor.
- Discussion ensued regarding the need for a plaque to display with the nozzle as well as a plaque for the Washington School bell and the Donatoni grinding wheel in the Rockaway Garden Club display.
- A card or plaque is needed for the jail bars that P. Hestevold donated as well.
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- B. Koch received the Cat’s Meow Firehouse pieces. This brings our inventory total to 16. The final cost to us is $10 per piece.
- M. Okerblom has been corresponding with a Jackson descendant from CT who would like to see the museum when they are in New Jersey.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerbloom)
- 4 videos made to date
- B. Nickoley will send out list to show what has been done so far
- B. Koch to follow up with Pastor Ryan of Presbyterian church re: cemetery walk video
- Volunteers are needed to make videos
Fundraising Committee
- T. Slockbower received estimate for RBFD ornament. Minimum order is for 100
- Discussion ensued having B. Koch daughter (Brooke) use Cricut to create ribbon for RBFD 125th anniversary to attach to current ornament. Red ribbon with white lettering to say “RBFD 125th Anniversary 2022”
- Discussion ensued regarding price and when to offer
Website
- Discussion ensued regarding loading pictures to a separate site with the link on the website
- Both old and new sites will run through 12/31 when old site shut down
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· Memorial Day Parade:
- May 30th 10am lineup. 11:15am stepoff
- D. Conville and C. Conville have been working on the float.
- Marchers include B. Koch, M. Auriemma, B. Edwards, J. Jackson
· National Night Out is from 6pm-8pm on Tuesday 8/2/2022. Setup is at 5pm.
· B. Koch suggested doing something for the town. Discussion ensued regarding a “Show & Tell Night” once a quarter to get grown town interest and involvement.
· Starbucks possibly going into TD Bank location on Rt. 46
· Summary report for redesign of RB center should be out with
· B. Koch to mail J. Schuring and husband RBHC t-shirts.
· LUB meeting on 6/6
· J. Hurley made MOTION to close meeting at 11:29am, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: June 25th, 10am at Community Center
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 25, 2022 Location: Community Center, Union St.
9:59am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from May 21st meeting; D. Conville seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 3/31/2022 is $ 9,770.85
- Audit letter to be signed by those involved. No discrepancies and all in order.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Museum open Sunday from 1-3. K. Lynch and J. Jackson to staff museum
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- No new correspondence
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- Discussion on more video ideas
- B. Koch to follow up with Pastor Ryan of Presbyterian church re: cemetery walk video
- Volunteers are needed to make videos
Fundraising Committee
- B. Koch daughter completed one ornament which was shared with the group.
- K. Lynch got one estimate for t-shirts. J. Allen suggested trying ABC Printing or Nicol Printing.
- St. Peter and Paul Christmas Bazar to be held on Saturday, 12/3 from 9:00 -3:00 . K. Lynch made motion to participate and send in $30 for the cost of the table. D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor.
- Discussion ensued regarding when and where to display ornament for sale: Fireman’s Carnival and Fireman’s Drive By on Sunday 8/21. Proceeds to be split 50/50 with their fundraising association.
- B. Koch made motion to approve sale of firetruck ornament for $10, with half proceeds going to fireman’s fundraising association. J. Allen seconded, all in favor.
- B. Koch to follow up with Cat’s Meow to see if molds available for other Borough pieces, and what the cost would be to reproduce.
Website
- J. Hurley discussed the need for a list of Rockaway Borough veterans to add to our website.
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· Memorial Day Parade recap: D. Tanzola asked for feedback.
- It was mentioned that the Rockaway Carriage did not show up.
- Many thanks and kudos to D. Conville and C. Conville for building a fantastic float!.
· Jackon House: owner trying to subdivide to make it a single family home. Knockdown? Improvements? Land Use Board meeting on 7/27 at 7pm at Community Center for more information
· Project to begin to smooth out curve on Lakeside Drive (just before parking lot.)
· Lake playground and some facilities to be upgraded in the Fall
· Tractor Supply aiming for October opening
· Riverside Shoppe to host “Coffee and Conversation” on 8/4 from 4:30-6pm. Kitchen won’t be open but coffee and muffins will be available for purchase.
· M. Auriemma made MOTION to close meeting at 11:07am, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: July 23rd , 10am at Community Center
D. Tanzola, B. Edwards, K. Lynch, B. Koch, J. Hurley, A. Bernard, M. Auriemma, J. Allen,
B. Nickoley, D. Conville
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 23, 2022 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:00am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from June 25th meeting; J. Jackson seconded, all
in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 3/31/2022 is $ 9,770.85
- Audit paperwork complete and signed by all who were present.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Weeding in the front needs to be done. Will schedule for week of 8/3
- Correspondence (B. Koch)
- “Our Town” newspaper requested any updates we want added to our listing. J. Hurley will respond back, adding the museum open days (4th Sunday of the month from 1-3pm)
- J. Jackson received a phone message from a professor in Michigan. He states that all photos of the Forge (72 Union St.) are actually photos of a forge in Denville. He stated he has proof and when he visits NJ over the summer, he would bring the proof.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- Volunteers are needed to make videos that should be about 5 minutes.
- Fundraising Committee
- B. Koch daughter sold (2) ornaments at the fireworks.
- K. Lynch got an estimate for t-shirts from Nicol Printing. Denise Nicol graciously offered to donate the screening. K. Lynch to request sizes from members for polo shirts and will order both those and t-shirts for purchase donation. We will order Carolina blue, which is very close to Borough of Rockaway blue.
- B. Koch dropped off check for $40 to St. Peter and Paul Church for the bazar on 12/3
Website
- Nothing new
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· J. Hurley told a story about a tunnel that runs from the river, under the firehouse to the old grist mill. It was used for water power for the mill.
· National Night Out is Tuesday, 8/2. Set up is 5:30pm. Members who will help out, J. Hurley, B. Koch, J. Jackson, D. Conville, C. Conville, K. Lynch
· J. Hurley discussed the idea of possible Walking Tours in the Borough; historical homes? Historical markers?
· Jackon House: owner trying to subdivide to make it a single-family home. Knockdown? Improvements? Land Use Board meeting on 7/27 at 7pm at Community Center for more information
· D. Tanzola granddaughter and K. Lynch’s daughters will work do the museum inventory.
· Town Wide Yard Sale is September 24th. Next meeting will need to start process.
· New playground at Park Lakes at end of summer. The Borough received a grant for $75k for improvements.
· Re-development of downtown passed
· The Borough received a grant of $349k for water improvements
· he Fall
· Riverside Shoppe to host “Coffee and Conversation” on 8/4 from 4:30-6pm. Kitchen won’t be open but coffee and muffins will be available for purchase.
· J. Allen made MOTION to close meeting at 11:15am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: August 27th, 10am at Community Center
D. Tanzola, B. Edwards, K. Lynch, B. Koch, J. Hurley, J. Schuring, M. Auriemma, J. Allen , B. Nickoley, D. Conville, J. Jackson, C. Conville
NOTE: No Meeting was held in September 2022
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 27, 2022 Location: Community Center, Union St.
9:58am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Nickoley made motion to approve minutes from July 23rd meeting; B. Koch seconded, all
in favor
· J. Reuter graciously donated $50 to the RBHC in memory of Jackie Kourey
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at 7/31/2022 is $ 9,730.85
- J. Allen sold 1 blue book
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- J. Hurley cancelled September meeting due to Yard sale
- Museum be open 9/25 – volunteers are J. Jackson and K. Lynch
- Correspondence (B. Koch)
- B. Koch sent letter to Lusardi’s asking if they have anything they would like to donate to the museum since having sold their building.
- “Our Town” confirmed the revision to our ad with updated museum open dates
- J. Hurley was asked if the home at 247 Franklin Ave. had any historical significance. It is proposed to be demolished in order to upgrade the cement plant.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- Volunteers are needed to make videos that should be about 5 minutes.
- B. Nickoley offered his help to the members
- B. Koch offered to interview Jack Phillips
- B. Koch offered to interview Pastor Ryan of Presbyterian Church
- J. Hurley offered to talk to Father Zig and Father Matt at St. Cecilia Church
- B. Koch offered to talk to Father Stagon at St. Peter and Paul Church
- B. Nickoley suggested doing videos on locations around town, items from the museum, or short videos about a Rockaway Borough story (Bob Edwards has many).
Fundraising Committee
- A. Bernard had nothing new to report
- B. Koch and D. Tanzola sold (12) ornaments at the fireman’s anniversary celebration. B. Koch to cut check to the RBFD fundraising committee for their portion.
- K. Lynch to place order for t-shirts (10 each, M, L, and XL) and golf shirts (enough for members plus 2 extra M, L, and XL) from Nickel Printing. Denise Nickel graciously offered to donate the screening charge.
- B. Koch made MOTION for RBHC to pay for members polo shirts. A. Bernard seconded, all in favor.
- J. Reuter asked to purchase (5) ornaments
Town Wide Yard Sale is 9/24 with rain date of 10/1:
- B. Koch to collect money and compile address list
- J. Hurley to make and distribute Yard Sale signs to participating homes
- B. Nickoley will update map
- J. Jackson and K. Lynch to distribute maps at museum from 7am-1pm
- B. Koch made 125 copies at staples for the 2021 Town Wide Yard Sale. (It cost $83.17). We had 58 paid homes @$10each + the Library which participated but did not have to pay. Jim H. bought wood to make the yard sale signs for each home. The wood cost him $52.59
Website
- Discussion ensued regarding military honor roll page on our website. It was decided that we would have a picture of the monument on the page and invite people to go visit it and include a link to the Morris County military honor role site.
- J. Perlee suggested having an Instagram account and including a link on our website.
Museum Inventory
- H. Tanzola and C. Lynch started the inventory process.
- B. Koch suggested a diminutive value gift as a thank you when inventory is completed
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· J. Hurley advised that all giveaways gone at National Night Out
· B. Koch suggested getting one of the RBFD 125th Anniversary celebration street flags to display at the museum. J. Hurley to follow up.
· Street Names project: should we include in Street Names Project with copy of T.S. docs??
Per T. Slockbower: Elm Road is a paper road never finished between Chestnut Terr and Lakeside Dr.
Per T. Slockbower: Willow Point Road is still used today as it exists as the walkway from Lakeside Dr to Academy St. This was the Park Lakes housing development plan from 1927
· Jackson House will be sub-divided from the apartments to a single family house. There will be a deed restriction that the outside of the house has to keep it’s appearance from 1984 – chimney can’t be knocked down, historical marker will go back up, and the house itself can not be razed. Next LUB meeting is 9/6 at Community Center
· Washington School is now the American Christian School
· D. Conville made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:15am, B. Edwards seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: October 22nd, 10am at Community Center
D. Tanzola, B. Edwards, K. Lynch, B. Koch, J. Hurley, J. Reuter (and daughter)
T. Hiler, M. Auriemma, B. Nickoley, A. Bernard, J. Jackson, T. Slockbower, D. Conville
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 22, 2022 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:09am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· B. Koch brough in donuts, cookies and water for J. Jackson and J. Allen’s recent birthdays
· B. Koch made motion to approve minutes from August 27th meeting, D. Conville seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance at September 30, 2022 is $ 9,730.85.
- This is before yard sale proceeds deposit and other misc. deposits made this past week
- Checks written but not presented:
- For yard sale expenses: B.Koch (map copies), J. Hurley (wood for signs)
- To RBFD for ornaments – 11 sold
- Nickel Printing for t-shirts
-Yard Sale Summary (9/29/2022): Profit $ 496.46
- 48 homes participating
- $125 in map donations
- ($79.76) map copies
- ($26.78) wood for signs
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- J. Hurley advised that all locks at museum have been replaced. Keys were signed out to officers and master list is kept at Borough Hall.
- J. Hurley advised that B. Hoppler donated 2 RBFD 125th Anniversary flags that hung from lights in town.
- J. Hurley advised that the firetruck nozzle being donated by RBFD is being prepped to be placed at the museum.
- Museum Yard Cleanup – set for 10/28 4pm. Volunteers: B. Koch, J. Hurley, D. Conville,
M. Auriemma
- Museum will be open 10/23 with volunteers: B. Koch, B. Edwards, M. Auriemma
- Museum will be open 11/27 with volunteers: B. Koch, M. Auriemma, J. Hurley
- J. Hurley discussed 2nd graders at Lincoln School will be visiting with Mrs. Medore, etc. on Friday, 11/4 from 9-12:15pm. B. Koch to make teacher goody bags. J. Hurley and C. Conville to host at museum.
- B. Koch suggested having a tablecloth or banner to fit our table made so that we don’t’ need to bring the large hanging banner to events. Needs to be washable NOT dry clean.
- B. Koch advised museum mailbox is stuck open. J. Hurley suggested MOTION to have mail forwarded to 1 East Main St/Borough Hall and remove broken mailbox. B. Koch approved motion, seconded, all in favor.
- Correspondence (B. Koch)
- B. Koch to send Thank You to Nickel Printing for donating screen printing on the t-shirts
- B. Koch sent Thank You to J. Reuter for her donation in memory of J. Koury
- B. Koch sent letter and check to RBFD for ornaments sold
- B. Koch sent EM to active members for approval to purchase candy for Dark Lake Spooktacular. All approved the purchase.
- Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- J. Hurley discussed videos – He attends Senior Meetings and members are very interested in doing a video like B. Koch did with B. Edwards
- C. Olivo is first senior who signed up.
- Fundraising Committee
- K. Lynch picked up t-shirts. We have 30 shirts for donation sale @ $15/each.
- J. Hurley suggested RBHC and Fireman Association Car show at Donatoni Field for cars older than 25 years. P. Reiche will look into Borough’s umbrella coverage for event.
- D. Conville then suggested a “Cars & Coffee” event in Donatoni parking lot as it normally a smaller event. RB Recreation could sell coffee, etc. at concession.
Website
- Nothing new to report
Museum Inventory
- K. Lynch advised there is not much left to inventory. Inventory should be complete by year end.
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· P. Reiche, Borough CFO, joined meeting to discuss a plaque to honor J. Kanigel. Plaque would be placed on stone arch because J. Kanigel spent an enormous amount of time and effort on grants for the project.
- P. Reiche asked for our input on verbiage for plaque and ceremony to be held in J. Kanigel’s honor.
- J. Hurley made MOTION for RBHC to support J. Kanigel plaque on arch as needed. T. Hiler approved, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
- J. Hurley made MOTION for RBHC to spend up to $500 on dedication plaque if need arises. T. Hiler approved, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
· J. Hurley confirmed status for “active members” is attending 5 meetings per year plus 2 approved events
· Dark Lake Spooktacular is on! Setup is 5pm, J. Jackson, J. Hurley and K. Lynch to represent RBHC
· December 7th – RBPL Christmas Tree Lighting. M. Okerblom advised they will have our ornaments for donation sale.
· Tractor Supply looking like February opening
· D. Conville made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:50am, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: November 26th, 10am at Community Center
D. Tanzola, B. Edwards, K. Lynch, B. Koch, J. Hurley, T. Hiler, M. Auriemma, D. Conville, C. Conville
- Advised bank balance at October 31, 2022 is $ 10,126.22
1 East Main Street as of 12/1. The broken mailbox in front can be removed after that
- B. Koch to send Thank You to Nickel Printing for donating screen printing on the t-shirts
- B. Koch to send Thank You to B. Hoppler for donation of (2) RBFD 125th Anniversary street sign banners
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- Marker will be on an 11 x 16 plaque on a post next to the stone arch
- Ceremony will be in Spring 2023
- Plaque will cost about $595.00
- B. Koch made MOTION to cover ½ of the cost of the plaque on behalf of the RBHC.
A. Bernard seconded, all in favor
- J. Jackson, A. Bernard, B. Koch and J. Hurley to be at event table
- Military Honor Roll: T. Hiler suggested a photo of the Wall of Honor on our website with text to “go see” in person
- Need committee to publicize Wall of Honor and request for any names missing
- Yard Sale: decide on date and need committee for event
- Cars & Coffee: decide on Springtime date to coincide when museum will be open.
Need committee
- Slideshow: T. Slockbower suggested we create a slideshow of photos to be running during museum open dates. Need committee
D. Conville, T. Slockbower, B. Nickoley, J. Jackson
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 17, 2022 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:01am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· D. Conville made MOTION to approve minutes from November 26th meeting,
T. Hiler seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance as of November 30, 2022 is $ 10,126.22
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- RTHC donated Ciro’s Apothecary bottles – which ones do we want to keep/display? Do we want to offer some for donation purchase?
- J. Schuring mentioned that her church is collecting RX bottles for 3rd world countries if anyone can donate.
- 2023 Committee for renovation of displays in museum
- Volunteers for 12/18 – J. Hurley and K. Lynch
- Volunteers for 1/29 – M. Auriemma, B. Edwards and possibly T. Slockbower
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- Effective 12/1/2022, all mail will be forwarded to our official address at Borough Hall. We will remove the mailbox out front and put something else there. Suggestions are needed on what should be put there.
- B. Koch to sent Thank You to Nickel Printing for donating screen printing on the t-shirts
- B. Koch to sent Thank You to B. Hoppler for donation of (2) RBFD 125th Anniversary street
sign banner
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- B. Nickoley interviewed C. Olivo and it is on the RBPL website and FB page.
- C. Olivo has a newspaper from WWII to donate regarding her 4 brothers in the war.
- B. Nickoley has script for 2 more video interviews to be done. He would like someone to review the questions.
Fundraising Committee
- St. Peter & Paul Bazar was a success. We grossed $177.00
Website
- Our new website is up and running. It is hosted (and can only be accessed) on the Rockaway Borough main site
- New EM: rockborohistorical@gmail.com
- Need a picture of the new shirts for the website
- J. Perlee wants to honor veterans and complete the page
Museum Inventory
- Nothing new to report
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· Regarding Officer Elections:
- Per the By Laws, officers should be nominated and voted on at the December meeting.
B. Koch made MOTION to move election to January meeting. K. Lynch seconded, all officers in favor
- B. Koch suggested need new 2nd Treasurer
- Nominations and voting to be held at January meeting
- Do we currently have a 2nd VP?
· Discussion ensued regarding tablecloths for use at events. B. Koch advised her daughter is willing to create/add our logo to any tablecloths we purchase. Tablecloth colors were discussed, and it was suggested to go with a Carolina blue, similar to our new shirts. A. Bernard offered to research and purchase 2 tablecloths, 52”w x 90”l and 52”w x 12”l. J. Hurley made a MOTION to amend 11/26/2022 resolution to purchase tablecloths from up to $60 to up to $100. M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
· B. Koch to check with Pastor Rob regarding picture/sketch of General William Winds
· Street Names Project: J. Hurley has a few to add and will take pictures of street signs and send to project founder.
· Senior apartment building that is supposed to be built across from Donatoni is delayed. There is a large financial gap in funds needed to begin
· M. Okerblom discussed the January program at the RBPL is about the Revolutionary War by Joel Farkus. It will be held on Monday 1/9 at 6:30pm, and attendees need to register for zoom or in person attendance.
· January Meeting topics/Strategic Plans/Committees Needed:
- Military Honor Roll: T. Hiler suggested a photo of the Wall of Honor on our website with
text to “go see” in person. He mentioned the 1776 Petition o the Patriots of Pequannock.
- Need committee to publicize Wall of Honor and request for any names missing. B. Edwards advised of two men who need to be on Wall; Eddie Everman (died at sea) and Nicky Needer (died in tanker).
- Yard Sale: decide on date and need committee for event
- Cars & Coffee: D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
- Decide on Springtime date to coincide when museum will be open
- RBPD said OK to host if we keep to 40ish cars since have 65 spaces in lot
- Timing: 9-12:30ish?
- RB Recreation to sell coffee and donuts?
- Slideshow: T. Slockbower suggested we create a slideshow of photos to be running during museum open dates. Need committee
- Show & Tell: T. Slockbower discussed partnering with RTHC on a History Night type of event where residents bring historical items to share
- T. Slockbower suggested trying to plan one event each month to get residents involved
- Museum Refresh: move displays/artifacts around to give museum a fresh look
-
· B. Koch made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:15am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: January 28th , 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, B. Koch, J. Hurley, J. Schuring, M. Okerblom, T. Hiler, M. Auriemma, D. Conville, T. Slockbower, B. Nickoley
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 28, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:01am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
The first order of business is Officer Elections:
President:
B. Koch asked for nominations for President:
J. Hurley nominated B. Koch for President; B. Koch declined
J. Allen nominated J. Hurley for President; J. Hurley accepted. Voting unanimous, no one opposed
Vice President:
J. Hurley asked for nominations for Vice President:
B. Koch nominated K. Lynch for Vice President; K. Lynch accepted. Voting unanimous, no one opposed.
Recording Secretary:
J. Hurley asked for nominations for Recording Secretary:
J. Allen nominated K. Lynch; K. Lynch accepted. Voting unanimous, no one opposed
Treasurer:
J. Hurley asked for nominations for Treasurer:
K. Lynch nominated B. Koch; D. Tanzola seconded, voting unanimous, no one opposed
Assistant Treasurer:
J. Hurley asked for nominations for Assistant Treasurer:
B. Koch nominated M. Auriemma, K. Lynch seconded, voting unanimous, no one opposed
Museum Curator:
J. Hurley asked for nominations for Museum Curator;
B. Koch nominated J. Allen. A. Bernard seconded, voting unanimous, no one opposed
J. Hurley asked for motion to approve minutes from 12/27/2022 meeting; B. Koch made MOTION,
M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
** K. Lynch will be absent on 2/25, B. Koch offered to record minutes.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance as of December 31, 2022 is $ 10,002.50
- B. Koch advised of $250.00 invoice from J. Perlee to migrate our website to municipal site.
- A. Bernard made MOTION to pay invoice, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Museum volunteers 1/29 – T. Slockbower, M. Auriemma
- Museum volunteers 2/26 – M. Auriemma, K. Lynch
- J. Allen was gifted books from Rockaway HS from the 1940’s. Books were an anonymous donation.
- D. Conville offered to remove mailbox in front of museum
- T. Slockbower offered to make a wall shelf for the back area in the museum. B. Koch made MOTION to approve spending up to $100 on shelving and material for this purpose. D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor.
- T. Slockbower discussed the video montage. He can get discount pricing through his son’s job. J. Hurley discussed adding the montage to the RBHC website.
- J. Hurley discussed where/how to display new artifact donations of an antique scythe and skis.
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- B. Koch advised that C. Reuter (J. Reuter’s daughter), sent a check for the ornaments that were dropped off even though they were a donation. Letter must have gotten lost so B. Koch to return check with a copy of original letter stating that ornaments are donated by RBHC.
-B. Kock advised of email asked for information about Hammen Motor Facility which was
around in the 1920’s. Discussion ensued regarding any memories of the business.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- B. Nickoley advised that Senior Center folks interested in being interviewed.
- D. Tanzola advised that two ladies she knows are interested as well. They were in the first graduating class at MHHS and were part of the voting process for to pick the school colors
Fundraising Committee
- A. Bernard purchased tablecloths as discussed in last meeting. Discussion ensued regarding what to screen on them. All in favor to use Rockaway Carriage logo in white. . B. Koch to ask her daughter to screen.
- K. Lynch advised of quote from Nickel Printing for sweatshirt quote. Discussion ensued regarding the cost effectiveness having them for purchase donation.
Website
- Legacy website to be decommissioned
Museum Inventory
- Nothing new to report
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
· Rockaway Borough (R. O’Conner) to publish a monthly newsletter. J. Hurley suggested we need a point person to liaise with R. O’Conner each month with a few sentences on what’s going on in the RBHC. B Koch volunteered. She suggested starting with our mission statement and meeting dates.
· No news on stone arch for J. Kanigel
· J. Schuring advised she is giving a presentation on the Cumberland River Disaster at the Senior Building on Mt. Hope Rd on March 6th at 7pm. All are invited to attend.
· Committee:
- Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
- Yard Sale:
- Date needs to be set by next meeting.
- K. Lynch reach out to Roxbury to find out date for their townwide sale at Horseshoe Lake
so that we do not do our Yard Sale on same day.
- Maps: B. Nickoley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- House List: B. Koch
National Night Out
- August 1, 2023
- Volunteers: J. Jackson, J. Hurley, B. Koch, A. Bernard, K. Lynch(possibly)
- Cars & Coffee:
- D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
- No COI needed
- Event to be no charge, donation only
- No alcohol or raffles
- Free coffee with donation bin close by
- Will discuss possibility of R. O’Conner opening/staffing snack stand
- Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
- Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
- Museum Refresh:
- Committee is D. Tanzola and K. Lynch
· J. Allen made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:50am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: February 25th, 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards, A. Bernard, K. Lynch , B. Koch, J. Hurley, J. Schuring, M. Auriemma, D. Conville, T. Slockbower, B. Nickoley, J. Allen, D. Tanzola
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 25, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:01am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· Joan Jackson made MOTION to approve minutes from January meeting,
T. Hiler seconded, all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance as of January 31, 2023 is $ 9,947.50
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Rob Nichols, groundskeeper at the Presbyterian Church and former RBHC member, found a dog license from Rockaway Borough dated 1910 in the cemetery. He gave it to Barb Koch as a donation for the museum. Barb will send a thank you note to Rob. The license was passed around for all members to check-out.
- J. Schuring mentioned that her church is collecting RX bottles for 3rd world countries if anyone can donate.
- 2023 Committee for renovation of displays in museum
- T. Slockbower was reimbursed $49.76 for shelving material purchased for the museum.
- Volunteers for February – Mary Beth, Kate and Bob Edwards
- Volunteers for March – Barb, Jimmy Allen, Joan Jackson
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- Effective 12/1/2022, all mail has been be forwarded to our official address at Borough Hall. We will remove the mailbox out front as weather permits. Dave Conville volunteered to take it down.
-Two folks reached out via the RBHC website who are interested in joining the Committee. Judith DeMouthe of Denville and Katie Clark of Rockaway Borough. Barb will draft replies to each of them.
- Cat’s Meow sent us correspondence regarding ordering more Rockaway items form them. Currently available are RB Firehouse, RB Library, Thomas Jefferson School, Morris Hills High School, Mill Lane Tavern, Parks Lake Gazebo, and Hibernia-Rockaway exit 37 sign.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- B. Nickoley and Melissa Okerblom were absent, no updates
Fundraising Committee
- Town wide yard sale set for Saturday, September 30, rain date October 07.
Website
- Our new website is up and running. It is hosted (and can only be accessed) on the Rockaway Borough main site
- New Email address: rockborohistorical@gmail.com
- Need a picture of the new shirts for the website
Museum Inventory
- Nothing new to report
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
REMINDER --J. Schuring will be presenting a program at the Rockaway Township Senior Citizen’s building on March at 7pm about her relative lost in the Cumberland River Disaster during the Civil War.
· Regarding Officer Elections:
- Jim Hurley was re-elected President, Kate Lynch VP and recording secretary, Barb Koch Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. Mary Beth Auriemma was elected co-treasurer. Barb will make arrangements with Santandler bank to remove Beth Witanek as co-treasurer and add Mary Beth.
· Arnie Bernard purchased 2 blue tablecloths for us to use at events. He has been reimbursed for them. Total cost $ 42.60. B. Koch advised her daughter is willing to create/add our logo to the tablecloths we purchase. But she needs a mock-up of the logo. Tablecloth color are Carolina blue, similar to our new shirts. The tablecloths are, 52”w x 90”l and 52”w x 120”
· National Night Out is August 01.
· Street Names Project: J. Hurley has a few to add and will take pictures of street signs and send to project founder.
- February topics/Strategic Plans/Committees Needed:
- Town wide yard sale set for Saturday, September 30, rain date October 07.
- Marker for J. Kanigle at Stone Arch has been delivered. RBHC agreed to chip-in for it. Barb needs to know how to make the check out.
· - Cars & Coffee: D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
- Springtime date to coincide when museum will be open, tentative for April 30, 2023. Need to confirm there is nothing going on at the field that day.
- RBPD said OK to host if we keep to 40ish cars since have 65 spaces in lot
- Timing: 7am-noon. Barb and Dave will draft a letter to Mayor/Council requesting use of Donatoni Field parking lot.
· - Slideshow: T. Slockbower suggested we create a slideshow of photos to be running during museum open dates. Need committee. A vote to spend up to $300 on a monitor and mounting bracket for the museum was approved. T. Slockbower’s son works at Best Buy and will be able to get us a good price.
- Show & Tell: T. Slockbower discussed partnering with RTHC on a History Night type of event where residents bring historical items to share
- T. Slockbower suggested trying to plan one event each month to get residents involved
- Museum Refresh: move displays/artifacts around to give museum a fresh look
· Pastor Ryon Heron from the Presbyterian Church discussed a Ghost Hoax book, published by a local author in 1860 that we may consider purchasing for the RB Library. The Pastor also expressed interest in partnering with us to host a walking tour of the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, date TBD
-
· B. Koch made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:25am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: March 25th , 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards, A. Bernard, B. Koch, J. Hurley, T. Hiler, J. Jackson, M. Auriemma, D. Conville, Colleen Conville T. Slockbower, J. Allen, D. Tanzola
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 25, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:00am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· Dave Conville made MOTION to approve minutes from the February meeting, Mary Beth A. all in favor
· Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance as of February 28, 2023 is $ 9,605.11
Including 3 checks which were presented for payment, Jean Perlee $250.00 for converting the RBHC website to the new platform, $ 49.76 to Tom Slockbower for shelving materials for the museum, and $42.63 to Arnie Bernard for two blue fabric tablecloths.
Corresponding Secretary ( Barb Koch) : An e-mail about fishing at a pond on Beech Street came into the website. Bob Edwards advised fishing was permitted many years ago in the Liondale Dye works pond, which was used for Fire Protection. The land is now private property and no fishing is allowed. ( 114 Beech Street)
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen): Absent, no updates
Museum coverage April 23, Joan Jackson, Barb Koch, Tom Slockbower, and Dave Conville ( prep for Cars & Coffee) Museum needs quick clean up before the Cars & Coffee event – mulch needed for flowerbeds
Fund Raising Committee: (Arnie Bernard) : absent, no updates
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom) no updates
Website
- Our new website is up and running. It is hosted (and can only be accessed) on the Rockaway Borough main site
- $250.00 check for website conversion was issued. No charge for updates in 2023
- New Email address: rockborohistorical@gmail.com
- Need a picture of the new shirts for the website
Museum Inventory
- Nothing new to report, almost done
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
REMINDER --J. Schuring presented a program at the Rockaway Township Senior Citizen’s building on March 6 which was well attended and enjoyed. It included information about her relative lost in the Cumberland River Disaster during the Civil War. She may do another at the Library later this year
· National Night Out is August 01.
· A new logo will be prepared for use on RBHC event signs and tablecloths to be used at various fundraising and other events. ( Barb’s nephew Ryan is creating it for us)
· Street Names Project: J. Hurley has a few to add and will take pictures of street signs and send to project founder. He may be able to access Joyce Kanigal’s records.
- March topics/Strategic Plans/Committees Needed:
- Town wide yard sale set for Saturday, September 30, rain date October 07.
· Cars & Coffee: D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
- April 30, 2023. Confirmed there is nothing going on at the field that day.
- RBPD said OK to host if we keep to 40ish cars since have 65 spaces in lot
- Timing: 8am-noon. Barb and Dave appeared at the last Boro Council to answer questions, there were none and the use of Donatoni Field parking lot was approved after the reading of Barb’s letter.
· At the April meeting we will need to figure out what coffee/donut and supplies, ie cups, napkins, coffee, milk, and sugar will be purchased and by who. Jim will request traffic cones for the event and will ask Rob O’Connor to unlock restrooms.
· Memorial Day Parade: May 29. Rockaway Boro only. Starts at 11:30, line up 10:45 on Beech Street. Need to finalize our float, if any, perhaps using the Rockaway Carriage.
· - Slideshow: T. Slockbower suggested we create a slideshow of photos to be running during museum open dates. Need committee. A new monitor was mounted, now we need a slide show.
- Show & Tell: T. Slockbower discussed partnering with RTHC on a History Night type of event where residents bring historical items to share.
- Museum Refresh: move displays/artifacts around to give museum a fresh look. Mannequins were removed, 2 are in Barb’s basement for future use, one broken discarded. Kate and Deb will be asked to pick out non-Rockaway items currently in the museum. They will be offered for sale. We need to publish our donation policy on the website. Need to determine appropriate wording. Any volunteers? A new shelf along the ceiling was installed by Tom & Dave. It will be used to display. While the museum is closed, except by appointment, in July and August a large scale refresh will be planned and implemented.
· Joyce Kanigal plaque dedication at Stone Arch date TBD. Jim showed the plaque. Mayor, Council & Kanigal family will be invited. Awaiting information on writing a check (who is the payee?)for RBHC donation to the plaque ( half the cost, about $250.00.
· Pastor Ryon Heron from the Presbyterian Church advised the Church members will partner with us for a cemetery tour in the fall, date tentative for October 07, in the afternoon, time TBD. Ken Blair will be our contact at the church.
· Jim will make a copy of a Rockaway Hardware photo from the 1960’s. Fred and Chris Sommerkorn are in the photo.
· Joe Lusardi spoke with Barb about donating something from Lusardi’s gym to the museum.
· Morris County Park Commission is offering free passes to Boro residents. Passes and details at the Library.
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· B. Koch made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:45 am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
B. Edwards, Melissa Okerblom, B. Koch, J. Hurley, J. Jackson, M. Auriemma, D. Conville, T. Slockbower, D. Tanzola, Janet Schuring , Ryon Heron, Katie (new) Judy (new) Barb will obtain contact Information for the 2 new members and update the membership list in May.
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 22, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:02am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
Thank you to B. Koch for recording minutes in my absence during the last two meetings.
· K. Lynch made MOTION to approve minutes from March meeting, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance as of March 31st is $ 9,365.36
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Museum volunteers 4/23 – B. Koch, J. Jackson, B. Edwards
- Museum volunteers 5/28 – J. Jackson, M. Auriemma, J. Hurley (possibly)
- When the museum closes during July and August, the members will use this time to spruce up and make any changes to museum displays
- B. Koch is storing 2 RBHC mannequins in her basement
- J. Jackson made MOTION for J. Hurley to spend up to $50 on mulch for museum.
T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor
- T. Slockbower discussed the need for new display cases
- B. Koch to reach out to B. Nickoley regarding draft of slideshow
- Discussion ensued regarding donation criteria. We will no longer take loans.
1. Must have Borough significance
2. Must be a gift, not a donation
3. No monetary value will be associated with item
4. Age of item?
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- B. Koch advised an updated Membership List will be going out on 5/1. Please send any updates directly to her.
- Discussion of membership list brought up the fact that longtime member Ken Lattig passed away on April 16th at the age of 94.
- A. Bernard made MOTION to send a memorial contribution of $25 to one of the organizations listed in Ken’s obituary, J. Schuring seconded, all in favor
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- M. Okerblom advised she has one new video from someone at Senior Center.
- K. Lynch will post on social media looking for anyone close to a Centurian age that would like to make a video for the program
Fundraising Committee
- A. Bernard advised nothing new to report
Museum Inventory
- Inventory is complete. D. Tanzola and K. Lynch need T. Slockbower to go over items needing clarification before thumb drive and list handed to J. Hurley
Memorial Day Parade Update
- Parade is Monday, May 29th. Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Twp are hosting separate parades
- 10:30 line up, 11:30 step off
- Marchers: B. Koch, J. Schuring, J. Jackson, B. Edwards (in D. Conville truck)
- Go to Memorial Association Facebook page for more information
- D. Conville to create float
- B. Koch made MOTION for D. Conville to spend up to $100 on items needed for float, K. Lynch seconded, all in favor
- Rockaway Rotary will have Rockaway Carriage in parade
Cars & Coffee Event
- April 30th, 8-12pm. Need to be gone by 1pm due to Challenger League games being rescheduled. Members start at 7am for setup
- 55 spaces for cars, will have cones directing traffic flow and “lot full” sign
- Go/no go to be called at 3pm Saturday, 4/29
- D. Conville discussed traffic flow, right turn only upon exit, members directing cars in lot
- Volunteers; T. Slockbower, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, C. Conville, J. Hurley
- Museum will be open if we someone to staff it
- R. O’Conner to open bathroom
- B. Hoppler to make sure trash cans ready/area cleaned up
- A. Bernard made MOTION for B. Koch to spend up to $200 on 200 coffee cups, donuts, 1 case small waters, etc. T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor.
- RBHC has a pop-up tent, A. Bernard has 6’ table, J. Hurley has extension cords, J. Hurley/B. Koch have coffee urns, S. Hurley (RBFD) loaning large carafe
- RBHC donation bin available, and our good will be available for donation purchase
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
- J. Kanigel marker unveiling date TBD
- Cemetery Tour hosted by Presbyterian Church tentatively set for 10/7. Ken Blair is point person. They are in need of costumed and non-costumed volunteers.
- Street Names Project – photos of street signs need to be taken and then all will be sent to project co-ordinator
Committees:
Cars & Coffee:
- April 30th, 8-12
- Go/no go is 3pm Saturday, 4/29
- D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
Yard Sale:
- September 30th, Rain date of October 7th
- Maps: B. Nickoley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- House List: B. Koch
National Night Out
- August 1, 2023
- Volunteers: J. Jackson, J. Hurley, B. Koch, A. Bernard, K. Lynch(possibly)
Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
Museum Refresh:
- Committee is D. Tanzola and K. Lynch
· M. Auriemma made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:28am, K. Lynch seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: May 27th , 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, B. Koch, J. Hurley, J. Schuring, M. Auriemma, D. Conville (via FT) C. Conville (via FT), T. Slockbower, J. Allen, D. Tanzola, M. Okerblom, J. Jackson
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 27, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:03am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· M. Auriemma made MOTION to approve minutes from April 22nd meeting, B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B Koch):
- Advised bank balance as of April 30th is $ 9,883.36
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen):
- Discussion ensued regarding painting of museum sign
- B. Koch’s neighbor has extra river stone that he will donate to the museum. We have a couple weeks to pick up. D. Conville offered the use of his dump truck. We will give the neighbor a letter for his donation for tax purposes.
- RESOLUTION made for D. Conville to purchase up to $50 of edging for flowers beds: all in favor.
- Volunteers for May 28th museum hours: M. Auriemma, J. Hurley, B. Edwards, J. Allen
- Volunteers for June 25th museum hours: J. Jackson and T. Slockbower
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- B. Koch advised received a letter from Ms. Sparone asking why her father’s name is not included in the Memorial. T. Slockbower said he wasn’t sure her father was born and raised in the Borough.
- We received a letter from the RBPD regarding National Night Out.
- B. Koch sent letter to Kim Lattig regarding her father and RBHC member’s passing. A donation was made in Ken Lattig’s name to Eleventh Hour Rescue.
-B. Koch prepared Thank You letters stating volunteer hours for the MHHS students who catalogued the museum artifacts: H. Peters, M. Cantos, C. Lynch and B. Lynch
- RESOLUTION made to purchase $50 gift cards for the girls who catalogued museum artifacts. All in Favor.
- We received two requests for engraved bricks from Kim Higgins
- We received an email for Edward Miller to be added to the Memorial Section of member list
- B. Koch updated the member list as of 5/20/2023
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- We have one new video by Carole Snyder
- T. Slockbower suggested we ask Tony Lusardi and Tom Donofrio to do videos
Fundraising Committee
- A. Bernard not in attendance
Museum Inventory
- K. Lynch handed to J. Hurley a thumb drive of museum inventory list and photos of artifacts. J. Hurley also given a hard copy list.
Museum Refresh
- From 7/1-9/24
- B. Koch suggested the possibility of putting a silhouette of Rockaway Carriage on post where mailbox was.
- J. Hurley will see if Service Metal Fabrication can cut the carriage out
- Runner inside front door needs to be removed/replaced
- T. Slockbower looking for used cabinets for main room
- B. Nickoley and T. Slockbower will hang the TV for the video loop
- K. Lynch and D. Tanzola discuss what needs to be moved, replaced
- D. Conville to refinish front door after B. Koch power washes
- J. Hurley discussed the possibility of adding an outlet near where TV will be. He will follow up with an electrician.
Memorial Day Parade Update
- D. Conville building float again this year
- Parade is Monday, May 29th. Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Twp are hosting separate parades
- 10:30 line up, 11:30 step off
- Marchers: B. Koch, J. Schuring, J. Jackson, B. Edwards (in D. Conville truck)
- M. Auriemma to pick up B. Edwards.
Cars & Coffee Event
- Discussion ensued regarding possible new dates: 7/16, 7/23 or 7/30. (B. Koch not available on 7/23)
- Discussed possibility of moving event to Fireman’s Field or Friendship Field.
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
- B. Koch and K. Lynch to send out agenda and minutes for approval prior to meeting.
- B. Koch to do financial reporting today
- Financial Review: to be completed at B. Koch house, 7pm. To attend: D. Conville, C. Conville, K. Lynch (if able). Need two more volunteers.
- J. Kanigel Stone Arch ceremony to be 6/17, about 11am. A. Bernard will speak a few words
- Cemetery Walk scheduled for October 7th
- J. Hurley to schedule 2nd Grader’s tour of museum
- J. Jackson brought in a milk jar and pickled egg jar that was her grandmother’s from the early 1900’s
- J. Hurley asked for feedback on new logo. B. Koch to print Thank You letters to her nephew and daughter for coming up with the logo design and screen printing onto tablecloths. J. Hurley to sign.
Committees:
Cars & Coffee:
- New date/place
- D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
Yard Sale:
- September 30th, Rain date of October 7th
- Applications will be accepted beginning 8/1
- Maps: B. Nickoley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- House List: B. Koch
National Night Out
- August 1, 2023
- Volunteers: J. Jackson, J. Hurley, B. Koch, A. Bernard, K. Lynch(possibly)
Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
- Fall timeframe
Museum Refresh:
- Committee is D. Tanzola and K. Lynch
· D. Conville made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:18am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: June 24th , 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards J. Allen K. Lynch B. Koch J. Hurley T. HIler
M. Auriemma D. Conville T. Slockbower D. Tanzola J. Jackson B. Nickoley
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 24, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:00am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· M. Auriemma made MOTION to approve minutes from May 27th meeting, T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (M. Auriemma)
- Advised bank balance as of May 31st is $ 9,651.40
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen)
- J. Allen not in attendance
- Volunteers for June 25th museum hours: J. Jackson and T. Slockbower
- Museum next open on September 24th
Correspondence (M. Auriemma)
- B. Koch sent the following Thank You letters:
- Vivid Landscaping (Dave Nigro) for donation of river rocks for front of museum
- Brooke Ortiz for time and materials for printing of ornament ribbon, car show signs and
tablecloths
- Ryan Calabro for design of new logo
- Rob Nickels (Presbyterian Church) for donation of 1910 Rockaway Borough dog license
that was found in the cemetery
- Letter received from RBPD regarding confirmation of our participation in National Night Out
- Letter from St. Peter & Paul Church regarding Christmas Bazar on December 2nd D. Conville made MOTION to send in $40 check to reserve a table. T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor
- Letter received from Peter Christiano, Terry Christiano, helped write the blue book. He is in possession of three documents dating back to the 1700’s that pertain to Rockaway Borough that he would like to donate. T. Slockbower made MOTION to accept documents and offer to pay shipping. D. Conville seconded, all in favor.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- D. Schrader advised that B. Schuman, from Presbyterian Church is interested in doing an interview.
- J. Hurley suggested Jack Phillips for an interview
Fundraising Committee
- A. Bernard not in attendance
Museum Refresh
- First meeting set for Thursday, June 29th 6pm; attendees: D. Conville, T. Slockbower, K. Lynch, D. Tanzola and D. Schrader
- J. Hurley invited George Schuster, a retired CNC engineer, from Service Metal Fabricators. G. Schuster suggested the possibility of donating a small test cut from the 9/11 Memorial to the museum (because it was built here).
- J. Hurley discussed the possibility of creating/cutting a Rockaway Carriage for the mailbox
Cars & Coffee Event
- To be held on July 30th, from 8-noon at Fireman’s Field
- Volunteers: D. Conville, C. Conville, T. Slockbower, J. Hurley. Need more volunteers.
- Flyers will be placed all around town and there will be a social media blast
- D. Conville suggested asking, and will reach out to, K. Nickel if he would like to bring the Rockaway Carriage to the event
- A few members of the Fireman’s Association would like to participate
- D. Conville and T. Slockbower to map out parking spaces the night before
- Will have coffee and donuts
- Discussion ensued regarding having a DJ versus streaming music
- Will have a donation box by coffee table with a some kind of display saying something like “proceeds to help in museum beautification”
- Discussion regarding handing out an index card survey for each car – what would you like to see or have next time
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
- Financial Review: to be completed at B. Koch’s house, 7pm on July 11th. To attend: D. Conville, C. Conville, K. Lynch (if able). Need two more volunteers.
- Museum tour for 2nd graders will be within the 1st 3 weeks of school. J. Hurley to work with Mrs. Medore on a date.
- Cemetery Walk re-scheduled for Saturday, October 21st, 11am-4pm. Rain date is Sunday, October 22nd, 12-5pm. Pastor Ryan advised that volunteers are needed. D. Schrader is working on scripts and will try to develop a map of the cemetery. Need social media blast
Committees:
Cars & Coffee:
- Fireman’s Field, July 30th 8-noon
- D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
Yard Sale:
- September 30th, Rain date of October 7th
- Applications will be accepted beginning 8/1
- Maps: B. Nickoley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- House List: B. Koch
National Night Out:
- August 1, 2023
- Volunteers: J. Jackson, J. Hurley, B. Koch, A. Bernard, K. Lynch(possibly)
Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
- Fall timeframe
Museum Refresh:
- Committee is D. Tanzola and K. Lynch
· T. Slockbower made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:19am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: July 22nd, 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards J. Schuring K. Lynch M. Okerbloom J. Hurley
M. Auriemma D. Conville T. Slockbower D. Tanzola
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 22, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:09am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· D. Conville made MOTION to approve minutes from June 24th meeting, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (M. Auriemma)
- Advised bank balance as of June 30th is $ 9,542.81
- $42 from donation box to be deposited this week
- M. Auriemma made MOTION to approve expenditure of $100.89 for paint for the museum, D. Conville seconded, all in favor
- K. Lynch made MOTION to approve Financial Review Findings from July 11th, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen)
- J. Allen not in attendance
Correspondence (M. Auriemma)
- Nothing to report
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- Nothing new
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
- Nothing new
Museum Refresh
- Phase A: paint office area, wall cabinet, high hat lights, install TV and photo loop, flooring
- Discussion ensued regarding what has been done to date for Phase A:
- The focus is to start is on the office area: Police and Fire Departments.
- T. Slockbower received verbal quotes for custom made cabinet for wall, and 12 high hat lights and outlet including installation
- J. Hurley advised that 2 hard copy quotes for the lights are needed
- Discussion ensued regarding new flooring/carpet
- Discussion regarding new upright cabinet(s)
- D. Tanzola made MOTION to approve expenditures for Phase A, for renovations not to exceed $4,000, A. Bernard seconded, all in favor
- J. Hurley led discussion regarding removal of items from the museum. Need to ask, 1. Is there historic relevance, 2. Do we know who donated, 3. How do we dispose
- D. Conville RESOLUTION: to dispose of, sell or donate, items identified through photos displayed at meetings, that committee deemed not relevant to Rockaway Borough or in a state of non-repair, C. Conville seconded, all in favor
- M. Okerblom/Rockaway Borough Public Library to take back wooden table that is currently in the office area. T. Slockbower to return wooden board list of members to Rockaway Township American Legion.
T. Slockbower to return Rockaway Borough flag to B. Hoppler. Forge picture from J. Kanigel to be displayed, the rest will be disposed of as they are photocopies – originals are at RBPL.
Cars & Coffee Event
- To be held on July 30th, from 8-noon at Fireman’s Field
- Volunteers to be at field for 7-7:15: D. Conville, C. Conville, T. Slockbower, J. Hurley, B. Koch, A. Bernard, B. Edwards, K. Lynch, D. Tanzola
- A. Bernard and T. Slockbower have handheld radios
- D. Tanzola made MOTION to use ornaments to develop goody bags for donations, and have gray t-shirts available for donation purchase, C. Conville seconded, all in favor
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
- Nothing new
Committees:
Cars & Coffee:
- Fireman’s Field, July 30th 8-noon
- D. Conville and T. Slockbower to lead event.
Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
Yard Sale:
- September 30th, Rain date of October 7th
- Applications will be accepted beginning 8/1
- Maps: B. Nickoley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- House List: B. Koch
National Night Out:
- August 1, 2023
- Volunteers: J. Jackson, J. Hurley, B. Koch, A. Bernard, D. Conville, C. Conville, T. Slockbower,
K. Lynch(possibly)
Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
- Fall timeframe
Museum Refresh:
- Committee is D. Tanzola, K. Lynch, D. Conville and T. Slockbower
· D. Conville made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 12:03pm, M. Okerblom seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: August 26th, 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, M. Okerbloom, J. Hurley, M. Auriemma, D. Conville, C. Conville T. Slockbower, D. Tanzola
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 26, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:04am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· J. Jackson made MOTION to approve minutes from July 22nd meeting, T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B. Koch)
- Advised bank balance as of July 31st is $ 9,478.96
- $635.00 from Cars & Coffee event to be deposited this week
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen)
- J. Allen not in attendance
- Museum volunteers for 9/24: B. Koch, K. Lynch (possibly)
- Discussion ensued regarding remove of bush/tree at corner of building by flag stand. Remove tree and leave flag out 24/7 and aim one of the outside lights on it.
- B. Nickoley has scanned about 600 photos for the video loop. Discussion ensued regarding how to identify/what the photos are for visitors. PowerPoint was suggested.
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- Emma Kanapaux reached out to B. Koch saying she found some old framed photos in the funeral home while cleaning and asked if we wanted them. B. Koch picked up a box of framed photos
- Email from Amy Karydes – she wants to make a donation purchase of museum items. J. Hurley replied that the museum was currently closed and in the middle of some renovations, but she could come in by appointment. He is waiting for a reply.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- Nothing new
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
- A. Bernard absent, but he was looking into the cost of pens and notepads
- B. Koch looked up cost and quantity that was ordered last time – 250 pens ordered from Crestline Specialties on 8/19/2000 for a cost of $ 154.78
Museum Refresh
- Official invoice/bill needed for any costs to be paid from the previously approved budget. Needs to be singed by J. Hurley or B. Koch in order to be paid.
- RESOLUTION to approve $850.00 to American Floors for installation of vinyl floor in back room at museum. Cost not to exceed $850.00. American Floors donating all material, we are paying for labor.
- D. Conville made MOTION to approve up to $850.00 to American Floors for installation of vinyl floor in back room at museum. B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor.
- REMINDER: Update museum inventory as needed
- D. Schraeder to drop off 8th grade Washington D.C. trip class photos and Lincoln School anniversary poster to Administration building.
- Rockaway Twp. Deeds to be returned to RTHS
- Anna Beam letters to be discarded, art to A. Bernard for sale at Yard Sale.
- T. Slockbower made MOTION to dispose of letters with no historical reference to Borough, art to A. Bernard for sale, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
Town Wide Yard Sale
- MOTION by J. Jackson to approve J. Hurley to spend up to $30.00 for wood for signs. B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor
- Volunteers needed to hand out maps beginning at 7:45am: J. Jackson, D.Schrader, J. Hurley, B. Koch (later morning)
Dark Lake Spooktacular
- MOTION by T. Slockbower to spend no more than $55.00 to support participation in event held on October 28th at Park Lakes. T. Hiler seconded, all in favor
Cars & Coffee Event
- Cars & Coffee Review:
- 6/30 at Fireman’s Field
- Approximately 40 cars
- Donation box had $647.96;- Less supplies, Net profit is $ 543.02
- Discussion ensued regarding locking in dates for 2024. The committee decided on July 21st and the 28th as a rain date. J. Hurley to lock in with the RBFD.
- It was suggested to change the time from 9am-1pm
- Riverside Shoppe is interested in participating
- Discussion ensued regarding have some kind of participant voting
- Need ideas for goody bags
- Have 2 tents and donation boxes on either side of the entrance for cars and walkers
National Night Out:
- August 1, 2023
- Recap: about 50-60 people stopped at our table.
- Display items were good
- Gave away a half box of fruit snacks
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
- A committee or group is needed to move the stones from the parking lot and lay them in the area between the sidewalk and stone wall.
- A committee or group is needed to sand and paint the railing
- K. Lynch to post on social media regarding the possibility of a Scout group for community service
- Discuss front door with D. Conville
- B. Koch suggested the chairperson of a committee should write up a summary of the event to share at the next meeting and also to be included in the minutes.
- J. Hurley to follow up with RBFD regarding old firetruck nozzle being moved to the museum
- Cemetery Walk date change: October 21st 11am-4pm, rain date: October 22nd 1pm-5pm
- Happy 93rd birthday to Bob Edwards!!
-
Committees:
Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
Yard Sale:
- September 30th, Rain date of October 7th
- Applications will be accepted beginning 8/1
- Maps: B. Nickoley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- House List: B. Koch
Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
- Fall timeframe
Museum Refresh:
- Committee is D. Tanzola, K. Lynch, D. Conville and T. Slockbower
· T. Slockbower made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:35am, B. Kock seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: September 23rd, 10am at Community Center
B. Edwards, B. Nickoley, K. Lynch T. Hiler, J. Hurley, J. Schuring, B. Koch, J. Jackson, D. Schrader
T. Slockbower, D. Tanzola
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 23, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
10:00am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· D. Conville made MOTION to approve minutes from August 26th meeting, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B. Koch)
- Advised bank balance as of August 31st is $ 10,013.07
- RESOLUTION to approve $800.00 expenditure to All American Floors for vinyl flooring in back room, D. Tanzola approved, T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor
- Discussion ensued regarding gratitude to Erin Doris for beautiful job and hard work installing vinyl floor. D. Conville made MOTION to approve a $100.00 Visa gift card to Erin Doris for appreciation in installation of vinyl floor in back room. B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor.
- RESOLUTION to approve $2,103.45 expenditure to Fine Line Cabinets for custom cabinet for back room. D. Conville approved, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor.
- A. Bernard made MOTION to approve expenditure of $50.00 to Clyde’s Dry Cleaners for cleaning of the hand stitched quilt. J. Jackson seconded, all in favor
- A. Bernard made MOTION to approve expenditure of $103.00 to D. Shrader for purchase of frames/shadow boxes. T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor.
- Discussion ensued regarding candy for the Dark Lake Spooktacular event. Jeri Hurley advised that the Food Closet may have extra candy to donate
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance (J. Allen)
- B. Koch and J. Hurley to meet on Tuesday, 10/10 to move the river rocks from the parking lot to the space between the sidewalk and the rock wall.
- Discussion ensued regarding re-staining front door
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- One person who had signed up can not participate in Town Wide Yard Sale on 9/30, but can if we need to reschedule to the rain date. B. Koch will hold check if rain date is needed.
- Regarding donation of 3 original deeds dating back to 1700’s from Peter Christiano – he will be traveling through Rockaway Borough during the weekend of 9/29 and will bring the framed deeds to the museum during the timeframe when maps are being handed out.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- B.Nickoley and M. Okerblom are hoping to scheduling a new interview.
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
- A. Bernard discussed cost for ordering new pens and post it notes: Vista Print was $110.00 for 300 pens plus shipping and a 3 week delivery. Discussion ensued regarding pen having “Rockaway Borough Historical Committee” text.
- D. Conville made MOTION to approve up to $160.00 for 300 pens. B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
- A. Bernard still looking into prices for post it notes.
- Discussion ensued regarding text to put on post it notes. A. Bernard will factor in cost and text before ordering. Xxxxx made MOTIONfor A. Bernard to spend up to $175.00 for 500 post it notes. Xxx seconded, all in favor.
Cars & Coffee Event for 2024
- J. Hurley spoke to RBFD and locked in 7/21/2024 and 7/28/2024 as a rain date
Museum Refresh
- Official invoice/bill needed for any costs to be paid from the previously approved budget. Needs to be singed by J. Hurley or B. Koch in order to be paid.
- REMINDER: Update museum inventory as needed
- K. Lynch gave update on costs to date:
Costs to Date total 3,107.34:
$ 103.00 D. Shrader frames, shadow boxes
$ 800.00 All American Floors
$ 2,103.45 Fine Line Cabinets
$ 100.89 Rockaway Hardware/Paint
Town Wide Yard Sale
- D. Shrader, J. Jackson, J. Hurley to hand out maps. B. Koch to arrive late morning.
- 30 residents as o f9/20
- Hard cutoff for applications is 9/27 4pm
- J. Hurley to distribute lawn signs
- MOTION by J. Jackson to approve J. Hurley to spend up to $30.00 for wood for signs. B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor
- Volunteers needed to hand out maps beginning at 7:45am: J. Jackson, D.Schrader, J. Hurley, B. Koch (later morning)
Dark Lake Spooktacular
- October 28th at Park Lake
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
- T Slockbower shared donation from Carol Rossi. She donated Fred Rossi’s volunteer Fire Department items and his Police Department items. D. Conville made MOTION to accept the donation, B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor
- D. Shrader would like to put a note on the flyer for the Cemetery Walk that the RBHC will be attending. Cemetery Walk: October 21st11am-4pm, rain date: October 22nd 1pm-5pm
- J. Hurley to confirm with M. Medore on a date for 2nd graders tour of museum. Will offer 10/24-10/26. There will be 3 classes of 18/19 students each. Tours will begin at 9am
- Grand re-opening of museum is set for 10/29 from 1-3pm. K. Lynch to post on social media.
- Discussion ensued regarding what logo and text to use going forward. We will use Rockaway Borough Historical Committee and the new carriage logo. B. Koch made MOTION to use RBHC and new carriage logo on all correspondence and social media posts. T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor.
- RBFD installed the 1948 deck gun nozzle at the museum. B. Koch to send thank you note.
- Ruth Height donated Cat’s Meow pieces depicting Rockaway Borough. B. Koch to send thank you note.
- D. Tanzola asked if approximately 40 ornaments could be donated to the Senior Club for their Holiday Party as give away. T. Slockbower made MOTION to donate 40 ornaments to the Sen
- B. Koch shared that B. Edwards is recovering nicely from his surgery
Committees:
Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
Yard Sale:
- September 30th, Rain date of October 7th
- Applications will be accepted beginning 8/1
- Maps: B. Nickoley
- Signs: J. Hurley
- House List: B. Koch
Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
- Fall timeframe
Museum Refresh:
- Committee is D. Tanzola, K. Lynch, D. Conville, T. Slockbower, A. Bernard and D. Shrader. K. Lynch is committee lead.
· M. Auriemma made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:32am, B. Nickoley seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: October 28th, 10am at Community Center
M. Auriemma, B. Nickoley, K. Lynch, A. Bernard, J. Hurley, J. Allen, B. Koch, J. Jackson, D. Schrader, T. Slockbower, D. Tanzola, D. Conville, C. Conville
EMERGENCY MEETING MINUTES
October 7th, 2023 Location: Community Center, Union St.
9:30am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
This meeting is being called for the sole purpose of discussing the cost and approval of the custom cabinet and glass.
- B. Koch advised bank balance after deposit for Town Wide Yard Sale is $ 10,551.57
- J. Hurley asked why the cost was higher than originally thought/advised: discussion ensued
- Discussion ensued regarding process of managing a committee
- B. Koch to prepare a template to follow for any committee lead
Discussion ensued regarding any other costs associated with Phase 1 of the Museum Refresh.
Current costs total $ 3,107.34 leaving $892.66 left in budget:
$ 103.00 D. Shrader frames, shadow boxes
$ 800.00 All American Floors
$ 2,103.45 Fine Line Cabinets
$ 100.89 Rockaway Hardware/Paint
Costs remaining total $ 1,435
$ 1,035.00 for tempered glass for cabinet
$ 150.00 for delivery of tempered glass for cabinet
$ 250.00 for surge protector/extension cord for temporary power to TV/video loop
RESOLUTION: move to approve increase an additional $400.00 in project budget for Renovation. This will bring the total renovation budge for Phase 1 to $4,400.00.
Final Statement: This includes no additional funds to be approved for Phase 1 of renovation.
J. Hurley opened floor for discussion. No discussion. J. Hurley closed floor.
A. Bernard made MOTION to approve, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor. MOTION carries unanimously.
D. Tanzola made MOTION to amend the MOTION from 7/22 meeting regarding budget total.
A. Bernard seconded, all in favor
A Bernard made MOTION to amend the MOTION for approval of $4,000.00 budget for Phase 1 of renovation budget. J. Hurley opened floor for discussion. No discussion, floor closed. All in favor. MOTION carries unanimously
· K. Lynch made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 10:13am, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: October 28th, 10am at Community Center
M. Auriemma K. Lynch A. Bernard J. Hurley J. Allen
B. Koch D. Schrader T. Slockbower D. Tanzola
D. Conville T. Hiler
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES October 28, 2023
10:02am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· D. Conville made MOTION to approve minutes from September 23rd and October 7th meetings, T. Slockbower seconded, all in favor.
NOTE: the last election was on 3/2/2021. New election of officers will be coming up in March of 2024
Committee Reports:
Treasurer (B. Koch)
- Advised bank balance as of September 30th is $ 10,013.07; this does not include the following checks, All American Floors ($800.00), Fine Line Cabinets ($2,103.45), D. Schrader for frames/shadow boxes ($110.79),
J. Hurley for yard sale signs ($15.97) and Cutting Edge Glass ($1,185.00)
- Check sent to Pellagio for 2 bricks. Vendor was charging us $25 and now wants $80/brick. Agreed to $70/brick this time. We need to find a new vendor. We will pull the form from the website and from the museum until we find a new vendor. M. Okerbloom to research new vendors.
- B. Koch to follow up on a new bank. Santander has begun charging fees if balance falls below certain threshold.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance
- Discussion ensued regarding the need for a checklist to complete when closing museum. T. Slockbower offered to create one.
- T. Slockbower mentioned the need for 2 new trashcans with lids, one for the bathroom and one for next to the sale cabinet.
- D. Tanzola is donating a photo of the Morris Hills Rifle Range with 3 towns’ police chiefs being first to shoot there
- T. Slockbower showed items donated by Jimmy Lattig (Kenny’s nephew): blue RBFD car light, newspaper, advertising brochure and sewer assessment. MOTION to accept the items made by B. Nickoley, B. Koch seconded, all in favor.
- George Schuster was a guest today. He was an engineer at Service Metal Fabricating.
- He advised that the test cuts for the 9/11 Museum are no longer available.
- SMF may make a plaque stating that they 9/11 memorial was manufactured in Rockaway Borough
- Dave Lewin at SMF agreed that SMF would make the Rockaway Carriage piece for the museum.
(SMF building originally housed Reaction Motors – they created the nozzle that helped us to land our rocket ship on the moon in 1969)
- Museum coverage for 11/26 – M. Auriemma and J. Schuring
- Note changes for December: Museum open 12/17, not 12/24. Meeting is 12/16
Correspondence (B. Koch)
- Thank you being sent to P. Christiano for donation of 3 original deeds dating back to 1700’s
- Thank you being sent to E. Doris for donation of time for installation of new floor in back room of museum
- Thank you being sent to K. Euresco for newspaper article about her siblings all being in WWII at the same time
- Thank you being sent to E. Bullock at Kanapaux funeral home for the 19 pictures she donated
- Thank you being sent to Chris at Fine Line Cabinets for his donation of time and extra-ordinary craftsmanship to create the cabinet in the back room
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
- To date, there are 4 resident videos and one more that will be done soon.
- Any resident can participate and share stories, age does not matter as long as subject matter is relevant to Rockaway Borough
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
- Nothing new to report
Cars & Coffee Event for 2024
- Locked in for 7/21/2024 and 7/28/2024 as a rain date
Museum Refresh
- Need some kind of light by new cabinet
- Discussion of possible strip lights from Home Deopt
- J. Hurley discussed needing a “now” photo of Rockaway Hardware
Grand Re-Opening
- Need as many members as possible to attend
- K. Lynch to purchase helium balloons for the railings.
- B. Koch made MOTION for K. Lynch to spend no more than $30.00 on balloons for the grand re-opening, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor.
Dark Lake Spooktacular
- October 28th at Parks Lake – J. Hurley, J. Hurley and K. Lynch to hand out candy
NEW BUSINESS / AROUND TOWN
- Second Graders will tour museum on October 25th in 3 groups.
- T. Slockbower gave quick recap on Cemetery Walk. They had approximately 80 people attending. Tom play Mayor Strait.
- J. Hurley discussed trying to have one event every month: possibilities include, Garden Walk, House Tour, Picture night, Artifact night
- J. Hurley mentioned trying to make meetings more educational rather than about business
Committees:
Military Honor Roll:
- Hold off discussion until T. Hiler in attendance at meeting
Slideshow:
- Committee is T. Slockbower and B. Nickoley
Artifact Night:
- Committee is T. Slockbower, B. Koch and K. Lynch
- Fall timeframe
· J. Jackson made MOTION to adjourn meeting at 11:27am, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
Next Meeting: November 25th , 10am at Community Center
M. Auriemma, B. Nickoley, K. Lynch, J. Hurley, M. Okerblom, B. Koch, J. Jackson, T. Hiler
T. Slockbower, D. Tanzola, D. Conville, B. Edwards J. Schuring
Meeting Minutes
November 25, 2003 10:0am Location: Rockaway Borough Community Center- Union Street
10:00am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· MOTION to approve minutes from the October meeting, all in favor
Treasurer (B Koch):
Advised bank balance as of October 31, 2023 is $ 6,455.65
· Cash deposit $426.00, Checks deposited $70.00 all proceeds from Town Wide Yard Sale held in September.
· Including 5 checks which were presented for payment, James Hurley $15.97 yard sale sign supplies, All American Floors $800.00 museum flooring installation, Pelaggi Monuments $80.00 for 2 engraved bricks, Fine Line Cabnets $2103.45 walnut display cabinet for museum, Cutting Edge Glass $1185.00 glass for walnut cabinet.
· Barb explored moving our checking account to TD Bank or Picatinny Credit union to avoid fees Santander has imposed on Small Business Checking account with balances under $5,000. Both have options which will work for us. Barb will find out what documentation is required by each to open a new account for us as a 501(c) 3 entity. She will also appeal to Santander to see if we can avoid fees going forward. If we need to change banks the objective would be to wrap up all activity on the existing account by 12/31/2023.
Corresponding Secretary ( Barb Koch) :
· Letter from Morris Hills High School asking for the Committee to donate a basket for their funded raiser /Trick-Tray in March. We will consider it at the February meeting as the fundraiser will be held on March 22, 2024.
· Letter from Father Matt at St Peter & Paul’s church reminding us we have reserved a table for their Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 02. We have the option to set up the night before form noon to 8 pm or the day of the event from 7-9 am as the event begins at 9AM. Arnie and Jim will gather items from the museum on Saturday morning at 7 am and go over to set-up at the church.
· Correspondence via e mail requesting the ownership history of a home on Franklin Ave rumored to be haunted. Barb asked for guidance. Members suggested we refer the homeowner to the county clerk for property records. Barb will draft a letter.
New Business
· Museum renovations look great. A thank you note to Fine Line Cabinets was sent. Barb was having computer issues at home so a copy wasn’t available to be read for the meeting minutes. A celestial timer to control outside lighting at the museum was donated by Phil Calabro ( $59.69 Home Depot) and was installed by Jim Hurley. The outside lighting will give the museum a pleasing look at night and will promote building security.
· Bill worked on the museum slide show to ensure all photos are oriented correctly. Some additional fine tuning may be required.
· Museum Coverage for November 26 confirmed, Mary Beth and Janet. Jim will open, Barb will close.
· The new cabinet will need interior lighting, options are being explored and we hope to make a decision in 1Q 2024.
· $20 was donated for a cabinet we can no longer use at the Museum. (Arnie) Barb will put it in the donation box at the Museum.
· Also due to computer issues Barb was not able to printing and distribute the agenda for this meeting or the minutes from the October meeting to Jimmy Allen, Joan Jackson, Jean Reuter, and Bob Edwards in advance of the meeting.
· It was confirmed using the By-Laws that officers may not serve more than 3 consecutive 2 year terms for the same office without approval from the membership. Current President, VP, Treasurer, Recording & Corresponding secretary have been unchanged for 6 years. Jim is willing to put his name in nomination again for President, Jim will check with Kate to see if she is interested in continuing to serve as VP and Recording Secretary. Barb is willing to continue as Treasurer but not as Corresponding Secretary. Melissa O indicated she would consider managing the Correspondence. Formal nominations for officers will take place at the December meeting. All members were encouraged to step-up and run for an office.
· Deb T will coordinate ornament donations to the RB Senior Citizens to be provided to their members as party favors for their year-end luncheon.
· 2023 RBHC Christmas ornaments will be offered for sale starting November 26 for a donation of $5. Older ornaments will be reduced to 2 for $3 to free up closet space at the museum and raised funds. Any ornaments stored in the RB Library may be sold by the library, and those proceeds will go to the library.
· Artifact night will be considered for February 2024 (Tom S)
· Tails and Trails – Lucy Chipko will be interviewed next.
· The museum upstairs in the RB Library will be open on December 11 & 12. Members are encouraged to check it out.
· Morris County Street Names project – list has been updated but wasn’t available for this meeting. More to come.
· 2024 activities Memorial Day Parade 5/27/24, Car Show at Foreman’s Field 7/21/24 rain date TBD. National Night out 8/xx/24, Town Wide Yard Sale 9/28/24 rain or shine (no rain date)Dark Lake Spooktacular 10/xx/24. Historic Cemetery Walk TBD.
· Jim asked everyone to check calendars and make note of 2024 meeting dates so that he can reserve the Community Center for our meetings.
Meeting adjourned 11:30pm
Next meeting December 16 at 10am
Museum Open December 17 – Barb, Dave and Tom
In attendance: M. Okerblom, B. Koch, J. Hurley, M. Auriemma, D. Conville, T. Slockbower, D. Tanzola, Janet Schuring , B Nickoley, A. Bernard, and D. Schrader.
Meeting Minutes
December 16, 2023 10:00am Location: Rockaway Borough Community Center- Union Street
· 10:03am meeting called to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· Conville made motion to approve minutes from the November meeting, C. Conville seconded, all in favor
Treasurer (B. Koch):
· Advised bank balance as of November 30, 2023 is $ 6,311.51
· Not included in balance are the following; $110.79 check to D. Shrader for museum refresh items, $260 deposit from St. Peter & Paul Christmas Bazar, $79.49 deposit from donation cans in town.
· Need to get receipts from A. Bernard for surge protector for TV and post-it notes and pens
· Per a previous discussion of moving our account from Santander because they are now charging fees on accounts with balances under $5,000, even for a 501(c)3, Barb suggested the idea of using $100 from the cash box/donation box to open a new bank account at TD Bank and to deposit the rest in the Santander account until after the new year when the TD account would be active.
· A. Bernard made MOTION to transfer our account from Santander to TD Bank. D. Conville seconded, all in favor.
Corresponding Secretary ( B. Koch) :
· Thank you letter sent to Fine Line Cabinets
· Email received from Virginia Slosky regarding the house at 42 Franklin Ave. She asked if it was haunted. B. Koch suggested she search land records at the Morris County Clerk office since we do not have any specific information about it.
· B. Koch ran into Tony Lusardi in town and followed up with a note to him regarding any old photos or small items he may want to donate to the museum.
· We received a Thank You from Sacred Heart Church for the donation of 36 ornaments that showed their church.
· We received a thank you from the Borough Seniors for the donation of various ornaments for their holiday party.
· We received a Thank you/letter from Cat’s Meow for previous purchases. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of creating a new piece from scratch or resurrecting one previously created. K. Lynch suggested the possibility, if it’s cost effective, to create a new piece, to have some kind of contest/vote for building with most interest
· Email from Andy Kelem asking if the school in a photo he shared was our Washington School. Turns out it is from Far Rockaway, NY
· B. Koch updated the membership list
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance
· J. Schuring made motion to accept 2 donation listed below. D. Conville seconded, all in favor:
1. Cat’s Meow holiday pieces donated by Ruth Heicth
2. RBFD mugs; 80th anniversary and 75th anniversary
· B. Nickoley made scans PowerPoint slideshow.
· K. Lynch made MOTION to approve purchase of approximately $12.00 for an HDMI cord for slideshow at museum. D. Conville seconded, all in favor.
· D. Conville secured a tarp over the nozzle at museum to keep cleared snow and salt off of it
· At next meeting, discussion regarding painting of railing outside museum
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
· Recap of St. Peter & Paul Bazar by B. Koch:
Items sold: $ 260.00
Less registration: ($40.00)
Net: : $220.00
· B. Koch suggested A. Bernard assign time slots for events so coverage is spread out evenly
· 2023 ornaments were donated to B. Koch neighbor who helped assemble, B. Koch daughter and nephew for creating ornament, and also J. Reuter
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
· Nothing new
New Business
· J. Hurley suggested we do a historical event regularly, not as a fundraiser, but to enhance community involvement.
· ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2024-2026 --Terms to begin Jan 2024- Dec 2026
-Officers to be installed on January 27th meeting
Per By Laws, a motion can be made by the executive committee to approve an exception of the 3 term provision for any officer exceeding the 3 2-year term, if it is approved by a quorum. This is per Article VIII of the By Laws: MOTION made by A. Bernard to approve exception, C. Conville seconded, all in favor; 8-0
Nomination for President:
B. Koch nominated J. Hurley, C. Conville seconded. No other nominations were offered. Floor closed. All in favor, none opposed; 7-0.
Nominations for Treasurer:
K. Lynch nominated B. Koch, D. Conville seconded. No other nominations were offered. Floor closed. All in favor, none opposed; 7-0
Nominations for Vice President:
B. Koch nominated K. Lynch. D. Conville seconded. No other nominations were offered. Floor closed. All in favor, none opposed; 7-0
Nominations for Corresponding Secretary:
B. Koch nominated M. Okerblom. J. Schuring seconded. No other nominations were offered. Floor closed. All in favor, none opposed; 7-0
Nominations for Secretary:
B. Koch nominated K. Lynch. A. Bernard seconded. No other nominations were offered. Floor closed. All in favor, none opposed; 7-0
Vote Results:
President: Jim Hurley
Vice President: Kate Lynch
Treasurer: Barb Kock
Corresponding Secretary: Melissa Okerblom
Recording Secretary: Kate Lynch
· 11:24am, J Hurley made motion to adjourn, K. Lynch seconded, all in favor
Next meeting: January 27, 2024, 10:00am at Community Center
In attendance:
J. Hurley B. Koch B Nickoley, D. Conville, C. Conville, A. Bernard, K. Lynch, J. Schuring
Meeting Minutes
· 10:00am - D. Conville called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· He turned the meeting over to Mayor Mulligan, assisted by Councilman Haynes, to swear in the new officers
President: Jim Hurley
Vice President: Kate Lynch
Treasurer: Barb Koch
Corresponding Secretary: Melissa Okerblom
· J. Hurley opened the meeting up for anyone who wanted to ask Mayor Mulligan and Councilman Haynes any questions. Topics asked about were:
- Main St. Bridge project
- Vanderhoof Avenue area that Denville sold to warehouse developer
- Redevelopment of town center
- Senior housing building on Main Street
- Stacking issue in town
· T. Slockbower made motion to approve minutes from the December meeting, B. Koch seconded, all in favor
Treasurer (B. Koch):
· Advised bank balance as of December 31, 2023 is $ 6,129.34
· All checks written in 2023, were cleared in 2023
· All documentation requested by TD Bank to open an account there has been submitted. B. Koch awaiting a response. As previously discussed, there is no minimum balance for a 501©3
· Pellagio cashed the check for the two brick requests but have not responded or done the engraving.
Corresponding Secretary ( B. Koch) :
· Nothing to report
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance
· T. Slockbower created a checklist for opening and closing the museum
· T. Slockbower created a Donation Form; record donation and complete form before bringing artifact to committee to vote on whether to accept artifact into inventory.
· D. Conville made MOTION to accept checklist for museum open/close and donation form. D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor.
· J. Hurley advised he was at the museum checking on the heat and noticed a leak in the bathroom again.
· Museum volunteers: 1/28 - B. Nickoley, T. Slockbower (J. Hurley open/B. Koch close)
· Museum volunteers: 2/25 - K. Lynch, J. Schuring, B. Koch
· K. Lynch will update museum inventory and photos onto USB drive.
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
· A. Bernard not in attendance.
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
· B. Nickoley advised Lucy Chipko did an interview that is on the RBPL website
· B. Koch advised that Jack Phillips would like to do an interview
New Business
· J. Hurley advised that it will be Smith’s Tavern 85th Anniversary. They opened in 1939 continually operated post prohibition.
· B. Koch purchased 30 wood slice pieces with the thought of using them for some kind of museum sale piece
· J. Hurley wants us to brainstorm next meeting with community events; possible walking tour, plan artifact night, etc
· Discussion ensued regarding making a tarp to hang at Fireman’s Field for the car show
· J. Hurley discussed Morris County Heritage Review – funds are/were available for projects and we need to establish projects/budgets to apply. Brainstorm ideas for this grant for next meeting.
· B. Koch to bring copy of lease to next meeting
· M. Okerblom showed photocopy of the book titled “Rockaway and the McKinnon Axe”. There are only 14 copies in existence
· 11:25am, T. Slockbower made motion to adjourn, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor
***** NOTE TIME CHANGE ****
Next meeting: February 24, 2024, 1:00pm at Community Center
In attendance:
J. Hurley B. Koch D. Conville C. Conville D. Tanzola J. Schuring B. Nickoley
T. Slockbower T. Hiler B. Edwards M. Okerblom K. Lynch M. Auriemma
Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2024 1:00pm Location: Rockaway Borough Community Center- Union Street
· 1:02pm – J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
Treasurer (B. Koch):
· Advised bank balance as of January 31, 2024 is $ 6,129.34
· No checks or deposits in January
· TD Bank - No news on new account being opened. B. Koch waiting on response to paperwork submitted
· If no word from TD Bank, B. Koch will go to Picatinny Credit Union (where RB Senior have their account)
· Pellagio had previously cashed the check for the two brick requests, and completed the engraving in the last few weeks.
Corresponding Secretary ( B. Koch) :
· B. Koch handed off the correspondence folder to M. Okerblom. Folder contained stamps, envelopes, letterhead and copies of templates.
· B. Koch advised that mailbox in front of museum has been removed and mail is no longer forwarded to Borough Hall. It will be returned to sender.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance
· March 24th volunteers: M. Auriemma and B. Nickoley. B. Koch and J. Hurley to open and close
· T. Slockbower advised that Open and Close Checklist is with donation box. Donation Intake form is on sale cabinet.
· J. Hurley asked if Refresh Committee could clean out and organize the storage closet. Discussion ensued regarding boxes or containers to store items in.
MOTION by B. Nickoley to approve storage boxes/shelve accessories, not to exceed $150.00 for storage closet. Funds to be reimbursed after new bank account is opened. D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
· M. Okerblom contacted John Sperry who offered to give us a quote for the engraving. Bricks are standard 4x6, maximum 3 lines of text. We previously offered this for $60/brick with our cost being $25/brick.
· A. Bernard to ask Red Hut Diner if they would participate in a Dine to Donate for the RBHC
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
· M. Okerblom discussed a possible interview with a descendant of Alan Jenkins, who was the caretaker of the home at one time.
· B. Koch and M. Okerblom offered to interview Jack Phillips. B. Koch to reach out to set it up.
Car Show D. Conville/T. Slockbower)
· D. Conville shared draft of flyer for event and asked for input
· Riverside Shoppe would like to provide coffee and snacks.
· Discussion ensued regarding having food (breakfast sandwiches) available. Event would need to be catered (by Riverside Shoppe?), food truck ordinance prohibits since food trucks
· D. Conville showed draft of t-shirt, probably in white. He will look into a light gray since most of the committee preferred some kind of color.
· A. Bernard suggesting using (6) Styrofoam coolers as a door prize. Coolers hold a 6 pack.
· Discussion ensued regarding hiring a DJ. D. Conville will look into the cost
· D. Conville discussed the possibility of asking auto parts stores to donate products
· T. Slockbower discussed having a Swap Meet at the event, Oil and Gas related only. There would be 10-15 tables/spaces with a donation price of $20 each.
· B. Koch to make draft of Swap Meet application
· B. Koch offered that Brooke could make a sign on a tarp to hang on the fence at Fireman’s Field
New Business
· Discussion ensued regarding the purchase of a new laptop for the museum. T. Slockbower offered that his son, who is an employee at Best Buy, could purchase with his discount.
B. Nickoley to come up with specs needed.
· Discussion ensued regarding a float for the Memorial Day Parade. J. Hurley suggested the possibility of the Rockaway Carriage being towed with an RBHC “actor” on it.
· J. Hurley brought up Morris County celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation. Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers has requested thoughts/ideas on rotating town involvement. They want to bring together community, business and history.
· 2:32pm, J. Jackson made motion to adjourn, M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor
Next meeting: March 23, 2024, 10:00am at Community Center
In attendance:
J. Hurley B. Koch D. Conville J. Jackson D. Tanzola J. Schuring B. Nickoley
T. Slockbower A. Bernard B. Edwards M. Okerblom K. Lynch M. Auriemma
D. Schrader
Rockaway Borough Historical Committee
Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2024 1:00pm Location: Rockaway Borough Community Center- Union Street
· 10:00am – J. Hurley called meeting to order with flag salute and a moment of silence for departed past members
· J. Jackson made motion to approve minutes from 2/24 meeting, B. Koch seconded, all in favor
Treasurer (B. Koch):
· Advised bank balance as of February 29, 2024 is $ 6,129.34
· Effective March 21st, TD bank account is open with $226.00 from the cash box (amount represents 4/23/2023-3/7/2024)
· Checks to arrive at Borough Hall by 3/24. Once B. Koch has them, she will close Santander account
Corresponding Secretary ( M. Okerblom) :
· Thank you received from Bonnie Hrich, RB Seniors President, for the ornaments donated for their Holiday Party.
Museum Curator/Museum Facilities and Maintenance
· April 28th volunteers: D. Tanzola and K. Quigley
· B. Koch saw J. Allen and he has mule collars from Peter Barbato
· K. Quigley and committee to meet to discuss organizing back storage closet
· The old stereo/tv/radio unit in the basement was picked up
· J. Hurley spoke to the Board of Education president about their wooden sign in the basement. If they do not want it, we will put out for pickup
· B. Koch presented DONATION: 1940 RBHS yearbook – T. Slockbower made MOTION to accept, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor
· M. Okerblom suggested that the RBPL would love to have any extra copies of yearbooks for members to look through. B. Koch made MOTION that extra yearbook copies be donated to the RBPL. M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor
· Discussion ensued regarding the need to go through the photos on the thumb drive and delete any that don’t directly pertain to Rockaway Borough history.
· J. Hurley discussed bring the thumb drive to the Senior Meeting to see if any people in the photos can be identified.
· Discussion ensued regarding what to put in the safe donated by H. Kanigal: B. Koch suggested all financial documents for ease of access.
· Discussion ensued regarding moving the safe to the back room and placing a small table cloth over it and then putting the jail cell bars on top of it. This will make it easier for visitors to see and touch the bars and make more space in the closet.
Fundraising Committee (A. Bernard)
· M. Okerblom had a discussion with John Sperry, of G. Sperry & Sons in Dover; he offered to charge $45/brick. This would let us keep the price at $60. J. Hurley to advise J. Perlee to put form back on website for community to use.
MOTION by A. Bernard to begin using Sperry as Memorial Brick Engraver, D. Tanzola seconded, all in favor.
· J. Jackson spoke to Red Hut Diner for a Dine to Donate event for the RBHC. They will happily participate. Arnie Bernard, Fundraising Chairperson, will coordinate with scheduling logistics and communication
Tails & Tales Program (B. Nickoley / M. Okerblom)
· B. Koch and M. Okerblom to set up interview with Jack Phillips
Car Show D. Conville/T. Slockbower)
· 7/21 from 8-noon. Rain date 7/28
· D. Conville started discussion regarding hiring a DJ for the event. Michael Scalisi is very interested at $150/HR. J. Schuring has another name as a possible DJ.
· D. Conville suggested we book only the primary date as we would need to pay for the rain date even if we don’t need it.
· B. Koch made MOTION to hire a DJ from 10-noon and possibly negotiate longer if needed. J. Jackson seconded, all in favor
· D. Conville discussed conversation with Annie of Riverside Shoppe; they would provide breakfast sandwiches and grab & go items.
· RESOLUTION: MOTION to have Riverside Shoppe handle the food aspect (RBHC to have free coffee). D. Conville made MOTION; M. Auriemma seconded, all in favor.
· Discussion ensued regarding Vendor registration/payment for the Swap Meet. A MOTION was made and seconded for pre-registration with form and payment at the door. Forms can be send to RBHC Swap Meet, 47 Woodside Ave., Rockaway
· Discussion ensued regarding t-shirts for the event. D. Conville is still pricing vendors and refining the design.
· B. Koch offered that her daughter, Brooke, will donate her time/supplies to make a tarp (to be purchased by RBHC) to advertise the event and hang on the fence at the field. J. Hurley to confirm we are allowed to hang sign on the fence.
Memorial Day Parade, ETC (T. Slockbower on Parade Committee)
· J. Hurley ran into Ken Nichol walking at Park Lakes and they discussed the possibility of using the Rockaway Carriage in the parade. Discussion ensued at the meeting of how to safely show the carriage.
· T. Slockbower discussed having the proper size American Flag on floats for the parade.
· Flags will be hung from poles in town center displaying photos of past or present Veterans. They can be purchased through the Rockaway, Marcella and Denville Memorial Association.
Artifact Night
· T. Slockbower would like to keep this on hold until after the Memorial Day Parade since he is very busy in the planning part of that event.
Walking Tour
· Possible event for the Fall
Town Wide Yard Sale
· Set for September 28 with no rain date
National Night Out
· August 6th
Historical Contest
Need to develop the event- chair person?
New Business
· Discussion ensued regarding the purchase of a new laptop for the museum. B. Nickoley advised that we need Excel, Word and Powerpoint with enough memory and storage. There is currently a sale at Best Buy for $350, which is $280 savings over non-sale price. We need to confirm cost of MS Office, annual fee, Geek Squad install and yearly McAfee security. Please be prepared to make final decision at 4/27 meeting.
· T. Slockbower to discuss with his son how much it would cost for us to purchase complete laptop with software and antivirus protection. He offered that his son, who is an employee at Best Buy, could purchase with his discount. B. Nickoley to come up with specs needed
· Our Rockaway Bear Scout troop will visit the museum to earn their Town History Badge on Friday, 4/12 at 4pm. J. Hurley, B. Koch, and Bill Nickoley will host.
· No new information regarding the Morris County 250th anniversary celebration of our nation.
· 11:37am, M. Auriemma made motion to adjourn, J. Jackson seconded, all in favor.
Next meeting: April 27, 2024, 10:00am at Community Center
In attendance:
J. Hurley, B. Koch, D. Conville, J. Jackson, D. Tanzola, J. Schuring, B. Nickoley, T. Slockbower
A. Bernard, B. Edwards, M. Okerblom, K. Quigley, M. Auriemma, C. Conville