The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. 

Old Business

Avon Park Christmas Parade –Olivia Minshew reported that there was interest in helping with a float but no one offered to chair it.  No float will be put in the Avon Park Christmas Parade.  

Christmas Party – The date for the Christmas Party will be Friday, December 19^th at 7:00 p.m. at Chad & Kari Pritchett’s house.  There will be a gift exchange, much like last year, with a $10 limit on the gift.  Bring one gift for anyone wanting to participate in the exchange. 

Salvation Army – Family Sponsorship – A decision needs to be made regarding the sponsorship of families for the Salvation Army.  This item is tabled until the December 9^th meeting, when an up to date treasurer’s report will be available. 

New Business

Avon Park High Weightlifting Team – Travis Turner announced that Coach Hickman is looking for donations to purchase uniforms for the Avon Park High Weightlifting Team.  The cost is expected to run between $400 and $500.  Until a treasurer’s report is compiled with the budget balances for community donations for the year it is hard to determine if we have enough money left to participate in this.  Item is tabled for a vote at the December meeting. 

Cancel November 25^th meeting – The next meeting in November will be canceled. 

Treasurer’s Report – A treasurer’s report, including balances of all budgeted items, is requested for the December 9^th meeting. 

Election of Officers – Election of new officers for the 2009 year will take place at the December 9^th meeting.  Discussions for nominations took place.  The following names were suggested:

            President:                    Justin Albritton, Ian Belanger and Summer Laye

            Vice President:            Chad Pritchett

            Treasurer:                    Dara Johnson

            Secretary:                    Olivia Minshew

            Member-at-large:         Charles Lanfier

If anyone is interested in running for an office, please let Travis know so your name can be added to the nominations. 

The December 9^th meeting will also be the last meeting for 2008 and so food and drinks will be provided.  The December 23^rd meeting will be canceled as this is shortly before Christmas and many will be unable to attend. 

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. 

Old Business

Avon Park Fireworks Display –Wally Randall came before the group to discuss passing on the fireworks display to the Jaycees.  He was able to go into further detail on all of the information Charles Lanfier had discussed at the previous meeting.  The Bingo Hall only allows organizations with 501(c)3 status for 3 years to work there.  Therefore we would have to work under Wally’s space until we reach 3 years.  There is a waiting list to work there but the Bingo Hall is willing to let us have his spot since we would be raising funds for the same purpose.  We would still have to do the steak dinner sale as well.  Through out the process, Wally agreed to still help as an advisor.  Permits have to be obtained from the City prior to the show.  Regarding the barge to shoot fireworks from, seventy foot of clearance is required for each 1” diameter of shell. The lake is 1500’ across per David Cloud.  It won’t require larger shells because people would be able to be closer to the show.   The show would also be electronically wired.  The street would still need to be closed on Main from the Texaco west to Hendrick’s for parking.  Wally mentioned that he usually starts the paperwork with David Cloud around February.  The liability insurance is provided through the pyrotechnic company in the amount of $10 million.  Wally has hired Alfred Hodge, a City of Avon Park employee, to help with the show.  He has paid him $200 to $300 in the past.  It would be possible to bring in live music or concessions and have them set up at Donaldson Park.  The City of Avon Park has also informed Wally that there will be municipal costs to cover the additional fire and police staff on duty in the amount of $750.  Wally also pays the room and board of the pyrotechnic company.  A quick sum of the numbers is as follows:

$15,000 Pyrotechnic show

$     200 hotel rooms

$       50 meals

$      200 Alfred Hodge

$      750 Municipal costs

            $16,200

Also an initial investment of approximately $1,000 to build the barge would be required.  On this matter, Wally is also building a stage for the Boys & Girls Club Jazz Fest at Henscratch Farms on November 22^nd.  He will be buying plywood that we could then purchase from him to reuse on our barge.  Wally suggested that over the next six months we also start compiling a mailing list to solicit donations from that can be added to his list.  The Bingo hall sessions are every Sunday 8 pm to 10 pm and every Monday 6 pm to 8 pm.  However, Wally typically only shows up once a month and they are still satisfied with that.  Charles Lanfier and Travis Turner will be the first to work the Bingo Hall.  Charles Lanfier made the motion, seconded by Kari Pritchett for the Avon Park Jaycees to take over the City of Avon Park 4th of July fireworks display.  All were in favor, motion carried.

New Business

Avon Park Christmas Parade – Discussion took place whether or not to enter a float into the Avon Park Christmas Parade.  It was decided that Olivia Minshew would send out an e-mail to get feedback on the issue and see if anyone would volunteer to chair the float. 

Summer Laye submitted a thank you letter from AgVenture for our donation of $500.  Dara Johnson thanked the Jaycees for donating money to the Woodlawn Fall Fun Fest.

Travis Turner needs a letter to send to Jonathan Gibbons with Patron to thank them for working with us in the past.  The letter needs to list all of the other organizations that we have helped through out the year.  Ian Belanger is going to work on the letter for Travis to send.

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, October 14, 2008. 

Old Business

Community Service – Dara Johnson reported that the Woodlawn Fall Fun Fest would like a financial donation to purchase prizes for the games at the festival.  Motion was made and seconded to make a $200 donation to the Woodlawn Fall Fun Fest.  All were in favor, motion approved. 

New Business

Avon Park Fireworks Display – Charles Lanfier reported that Wally Randall, who has been in charge of the fireworks display for Avon Park for years, is ready to pass the torch.  Wally is willing to give us his slot at the Bingo hall in Avon Park to raise funds for the event.  It requires one person every month for two hours.  There is a Sunday, 6 to 8 shift and one on Monday, 8 to 10.  This typically brings in $8,000 a year.  Wally also has a mailing list that he solicits donations from that typical brings in $2,000 to $2,500 a year.  In the past Wally has worked with a company called Pyrotechnica.  It was suggested that if we do take over the event that we shop around for another pyrotechnics company.  The idea of a barge was discussed, as this will enable larger shells and an electronically controlled show.  The barge would need to be 8’ to 10’ wide by 30’ long made out of 7/8” plywood.  The barge would have to get approval from the Fire Marshall, David Cloud.  Item was tabled for further discussion.

Holiday Community Service – The Jaycees have sponsored a family or two at both Thanksgiving and Christmas for the Salvation Army.  It is generally $50 a person to sponsor a family.  A vote will need to be taken to determine if we are going to do this again and how much we will spend.  Many of the schools also have angel trees with children that will not have a nice Christmas without assistance from local charities and organizations.  That is also a possibility and will need to be voted on. 

Annual Christmas Party – Plans need to be made regarding the annual Christmas Party.  Travis suggested having it catered to make it easier on everyone. 

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. 

Secretary’s Report – Olivia gave the secretary’s report.  Minutes were approved for August 26^th. 

Treasurer’s Report – Kari gave the treasurer’s report.  The balance of the account is $24,619.93.  Kari announced the members that need to pay their club dues. 

Old Business

Entertainment – Travis has purchased 30 tickets.  We will leave from the Publix parking lot in Avon Park at 4:00 p.m.  If you bring chairs, they can only be a certain height from the ground.  Normal lawn chairs are not permitted.  Travis is arranging beverages for the bus ride there.  We will have some sodas, water, beer and “punch” for everyone.  It was discussed that you should eat before leaving or buy something at Publix to take with you.  We could stop on the way back, but do not plan to stop on the way there. 

Community Service – Dara Johnson will keep the club informed of needs at the Woodlawn Fall Fun Fest.  The date of the Fall Fun Fest has been changed to October 23^rd. 

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, August 26, 2008. 

Secretary’s Report – Olivia gave the secretary’s report.  Minutes were approved for July 22^nd and August 12^th. 

Old Business

Entertainment – Travis briefed everyone on the Brad Paisley concert.  Travis let everyone know that the bus had been reserved and that the club was paying for it.  There was discussion whether or not the club should pay for the tickets as well.  Some members commented that they thought the club was paying for the tickets.  Motion was made and seconded for the club to pay for the concert tickets.  All were in favor, motion approved.  Club dues have to be paid in order for the club to pay for your concert ticket.  Bus will leave from the Avon Park Publix parking lot on Friday, September 19^th at 4:00 p.m.  Travis will purchase the tickets and therefore needs a list of anyone planning on going.  Contact Travis to have your name added to the list.  Contact Kari Pritchett to verify that your dues are paid.

Community Service – Dara Johnson will keep the club informed of needs at the Woodlawn Fall Fun Fest, which will be held on October 30^th.

Operating Expenses – At the July 8^th meeting the club voted to provide Jordan Shannon $500 to do some sprucing up of the building interior.  Check needs to be written to Jordan so that she can start on that project.

New Business

Sebring Races – Travis reported that Patron has already contacted the racetrack about setting up at the races in 2009.  A chairperson is needed for this event.  It is the club’s largest fundraiser.  It typically takes 70 people between members and other volunteers to work all of the shifts.

Ag Venture – Summer Laye reported on AgVenture, which is coming up on October 28^th – 30^th.  Many of the members participate either as a teacher bringing their class to the event, as a volunteer or as an exhibitor.  Motion was made and seconded to donate $500 to AgVenture.  All were in favor, motion approved.

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. 

Old Business

The canoe trip was a blast.  Stories were shared about the trip.  Prospective members Krista and Valerie, who came on the canoe trip, were at the meeting as well.

Entertainment – The group discussed the previous suggestion of a party bus to a concert at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa.  The concert mentioned was the Brad Paisley show on Friday, September 19th.  Everyone is still interested and Olivia stated that she would contact Travis to start making reservations. 

New Business

Receipts were submitted for repairs made to the toilet at the club building.  The total was around $8.60 and Brad Lowery repaired the toilet.

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. 

The treasurer's report was given showing a current balance of $27,983.42.  There is one outstanding check in the amount of $3,000 for the fireworks, leaving an available balance of $24,983.42.  Kari mentioned that there are quite a few members with dues still owing.  If you are unsure when your dues are up for renewal, please contact Kari. 

The minutes from June 10, 2008 and July 8, 2008 were approved.

Old Business

Kari clarified that the cheerleaders were not expecting any kind of compensation for working at the Steak dinner sale.

Entertainment - Travis reported that he checked into concerts at Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa.  Tickets to sit in the lawn area are $35 per person.  Brad Paisley is performing on Friday, September 19th.  The show starts at 7:30 p.m.  An Annett bus can be rented for 12 hours for $700 with a $200 security deposit.   

City Walk was also discussed.  It's $20.00 for dinner and access to all the clubs.  However, it is likely that the group would split up and not spend the time together. 

The football and/or baseball game idea was discussed too.  It was determined that $58 a person plus renting the bus would be a lot of money. 

The consensus was to go to a concert.  Travis will need a head count for the number of tickets to purchase.  Please contact Travis if you are interested.  This concert, as with all events, are for current Jaycee members.  Contact Kari if you are unsure about your dues.   

It is also time for the club's 2nd Annual Canoe Trip down the Peace River.  Plans have been made to meet at Big T Tire on Sunday, August 3rd at 9:00 a.m.  Everyone will then head over to Arcadia.  The club will be paying for the canoe rentals again.  Remember to bring a cooler with any drinks or food you want.  A change of dry clothes and towel is a great idea too; it makes for a much more comfortable ride home.  Last year it took us until early afternoon to finish the canoe trip, around 3:00 p.m.  If you are interested please contact Joe or Olivia Minshew ASAP so that they can give a headcount to the canoe rental location.  We need to reserve the canoes. 

Community Service - During discussion of possible community service projects, the idea of a scholarship came up.  Many felt that the club would get more recognition for awarding a $500 scholarship to an Avon Park High senior rather than spending that on backpacks for students.  Kari is going to check with the guidance counselor at Avon Park High to see what we would need to do in order to offer a scholarship. 

Another suggestion to get our name out was to buy the small footballs that cheerleaders throw out at football games with our name imprinted on them.  A cost would need to be researched. 

Woodlawn Elementary holds an annual Fall Fun Fest.  Dara is going to check into the Jaycees sponsoring something at that event. 

New Business

 August 2nd Yard Sale - Olivia announced that the club building will be open on Saturday, August 2nd for any member that would like to use it for a yard sale. Olivia will place an ad in the Highlands Today.  Ian will have signs made. 

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, July 8, 2008. 

The treasurer's report was given showing a current balance of $24,700.

Old Business

Fireworks Steak Dinner - Chris Shannon was the winner of the ticket sales contest.  He will be given a $100 gift certificate for Bass Pro Shops.  Travis asked if any arrangements were made to pay the cheerleaders for assisting at the steak dinner sale.  Kari had contacted the cheerleaders; she would know what arrangements, if any, were made.  Travis mentioned that Wally Randall told him that next year he would like to build a barge to shoot fireworks off of.  The Jaycees could possibly donate to the fireworks by helping to build it.  Wally was checking into the specifics that were required by the State pyrotechnics inspector. 

New Business

Budget - A budget was adopted for the upcoming year.  A budget of $24,000 was voted on and approved with the following breakdown:

            $10,000 left in retained earnings

            $ 5,000 for club entertainment

            $ 5,000 for community projects

            $ 4,000 for operating expenses

Operating Expenses include electric, insurance, club dues, accountant fees and miscellaneous supplies and/or repairs.

Entertainment - All members are asked to bring ideas for club entertainment.  Events that were discussed included renting a bus and going to "Howl at the Moon" (a piano bar in Orlando), going to a Bucs game, going to a Rays game, going on a fishing charter, going canoeing or going to a concert.  The club will look at the costs and dates available for different events at the next meeting.  Any member is encouraged to bring information relating to costs, dates, etc for anything they would like to do as a club.

Community Events  - Possible community events were discussed.  Tennille suggested a Pumpkin Patch with a photo opportunity for kids.  Travis Turner suggested a Christmas tree lot with the majority of trees being pre-sold.  Both projects will need to be researched for the costs involved to assure that we can sell the products at a reasonable price. 

Operating Expenses  - Jordan requested $500 and access to the building to do some remodeling.  She would like to put some metal panels up across the front of the bar, put some plastic bins on the bookcases to store children's toys, do some painting and organizing.  Request was approved. 

Miscellaneous - Olivia asked what the club's thoughts were on members having a garage/yard sale at the building.  This would be for the members to make their own money on their own items.  It was discussed and decided that if a member would like to use the building for a yard sale that it would be okay but that they could notify all of the other members as well.

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.

The Avon Park Jaycees met on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. 

Old Business

Fireworks Steak Dinner - Ticket sales after Saturday's steak dinner totaled just over $3,700.  Bill Jarrett donated $1000 as well.  The event cost the club approximately $2000.  That equates to a profit of $2700.  It was decided that the club would put in an additional $300 to make it an even $3000 to donate to the fireworks display.  Chad Pritchett was nominated to contact Wally Randall and set up the donation.  The newspaper should be contacted to take a photo of Chad handing the check to Wally.  Jordan said she would be sending out thank you letters to the sponsors. 

New Business

Miscellaneous - Travis Turner suggested that the club take a break from meetings and do something fun to thank all the members for their hard work and dedication.  It was decided to cancel the next regular meeting, which would have been Tuesday, June 24th.  Instead the club will host a bowling party at Kegel Bowling Center in Sebring on Saturday, June 28th.  The club will pay for lanes, shoe rentals and drinks for all Jaycees that attend.  We will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the bowling alley.  Olivia Minshew will notify all members of the canceled meeting and of the bowling party.  Kara Watkins will contact the bowling alley to see about reserving some lanes for us. 

Other events were discussed as a reward for the members.  Some of those included renting a bus and going to "Howl at the Moon" (a piano bar in Orlando), going to a Bucs game, going on a fishing charter or going to a concert.  Kara Watkins will do some checking into various things and bring some ideas back to the club for discussion at a later time.

Being no further business, meeting adjourned.