Long Branch Community Association

Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, January 8, 2020; 7:00pm

MINUTES
Directors Present, constituting a quorum were:

Jim Sherwood, President/Grounds and Maintenance

Rachid Benjelloun, Social Events
Martha Bernardi, Membership
Roger Hartman, Neighborhood Watch
Stephanie Murphy, Treasurer/Secretary

1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

2. Approval of Last Meeting’s Minutes

The minutes for the November 2019 meeting were approved.

3. Events
The Turkey Trot was a big success. Mr. Hartman has a future task in August for a permit for this
year’s event.

The luminary went well. Mr. Hartman has some left over supplies (20 sets) that were kept as
extras in case a house was missed. The prep party was done at Mr. Sherwood’s house inside the
garage and the kitchen. It went well and less worry about the weather.

Lessons learned:
 More hot chocolate, less coffee
 Attempt sponsors for this year
 Other lessons learned can be emailed to Rachid for future reference

There was a discussion trying to do a “fellowship” or “internship” again. It was decided to stay
within Long Branch first before trying NOVA or GMU. Mr. Benjelloun will draft an email for
consideration. Ms. Murphy will provide a copy of the one done a few years ago. It was agreed
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LBCA Board of Directors
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
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that advertising it in the newsletter isn’t enough. A separate email will be done to be more
prominent.

The Board discussed a survey about events, but also questions regarding the print directory. A
number of suggestions and changes were made during the meeting. An updated draft will be
done by Mr. Benjelloun.

Chinese New Year is at the end of January and lasts a few weeks. A possible event could be held
on February 8th at the St. Stephen’s Fellowship Hall. Mr. Sherwood will check on the availability
of the hall. Mr. Benjelloun will draft an email to determine interest in the event. This will be a
pot luck event. LBCA will provide decoration, drinks, music and possibly a Lion dance.

The next event currently planned is the Egg Hunt in April. Lynn Hawkins has all of the supplies
from last year.

Calendar of possible events for 2020

o Chinese New Year and Tet – January 25 – event possibly on February 8

o Egg Hunt – April – currently active
o Community Yard Sale – Third Saturday in May – currently active
o 4th of July – Pool event currently, could participate
o July – Crime prevention night, consider adding cyber security information
o National Night Out (Roger) – August 4 – restarted in 2019
o International Night – September – under consideration (or could be in May)
o Oktoberfest – Pool event currently, could participate
o Thanksgiving - flag football, turkey trot
o Luminary and gathering at the pool - active

A calendar of events should be sent to Steve Alvo when firmed up.

4. Officer Reports
a. Financial Report – Ms. Murphy discussed the financial status as of December 31. We
are a little over budget on grounds and maintenance for Daniel’s Mowing, but under
budget in other areas. Ms. Murphy will be working on the budget this summer for the
next two year cycle. It was noted that we should have a higher budget for the curb
painting to possibly consider sand blasting and/or a more high quality paint job to last
longer.

b. Neighborhood Watch – No updates.

c. Membership Report – Ms. Bernardi noted that she does not want to continue with the
directory work in 2020. She might consider keeping the membership position. While
we advertised for a directory/membership person in the newsletter, there were no
responses. There was discussion about reaching out to Nancy Harrington as a possible
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LBCA Board of Directors
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Page 3

successor to Ms. Bernardi. It was also noted that we might want to think about a more
significant change to an electronic directory. This is part of the survey noted above.
Software ideas will be researched.

d. Grounds and Maintenance – Mr. Sherwood noted that the lights at the Guinea Road
entrance were stolen, so he will be replacing those. He will also look into new lights for
the Braddock entrance for more flexibility and better positioning.

5. Upcoming Meeting
The next meeting date is Thursday, March 19.

6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Murphy
Secretary