DATE

October 10, 2023

TIME

7p

 

ITEM	OWNER	TIME
Welcome	Amy	5
Update on Town Proposals	Rebecca	5
Discuss New Membership Structure	Amy	10
Plan for Parade of Trees Entry	Jocelyn	10
Plan for Light Up Danvers Fundraiser	Jocelyn	10
Plan for Tree Lighting Event	All	20
Plan for Winter Bonfire	All	25
Open	All	5

 

Meeting Attendees  

Board Members – Amy Ciancarelli, Rebecca Froncki, Jocelyn Marchand 

Community Members – Dave Pabicz, Bob DiPietro, Robert DeCristoforo, Ashley Bivens, Sarah Gagnon, Crystal Brennan, Lisa Cole 

 

Meeting Minutes – Respectfully Submitted by Amy Ciancarelli 

 

Welcome – Amy 

Welcome to Robert! Thank you for joining us at your first DFF meeting.  

Amy shared that Mike submitted his resignation. Amy explained that Mike needed to step away to handle personal issues but will likely be back as a volunteer/member this Spring as we work through important fireworks details and planning.  

Amy informed the group that secretary applications are in and interviews will be scheduled next week.  

Update on Town Proposals – Rebecca  

Rebecca said that the Select Board was very supportive and impressed with our detailed proposals for the winter bonfire and fireworks. Jen Breaker from the Town Manager’s Office was helpful in adding these event proposals to the agenda. We will continue to meet with Jen and public safety departments monthly.  

Next step for us is to send letters to neighbors in the bonfire and fireworks zones. We will also work to obtain additional insurance.  

 

Discuss New Membership Offerings – Amy / Jocelyn 

Amy reviewed the new DFF membership levels. She encouraged current volunteers to apply to be members and to send our information to any friends, family, neighbors who may be interested in joining DFF.   

Jocelyn discussed the importance of creating a more formal role for DFF volunteers and the need to celebrate and recognize members for their commitment to the Danvers community.  

 

Plan for 15th Annual Parade of Trees Entry – Jocelyn 

We will need a 4-5 foot tree. Group decided on a blue and white theme with ornaments, lights, a tree skirt and DFF swag. DFF Board will consider ordering hoodies and winter hats to be included in the gifts under the tree and for future winter events. Members and volunteers are welcome to take the lead and/or assist with decorating the tree.  

 

Plan for Light Up Danvers Fundraiser – Jocelyn 

We need to find houses that decorate and build the map. Perhaps Linda Turcotte can assist again this year? 

Some ideas for bag elements include: reindeer food, stickers. Jingle bell necklaces, hot cocoa packets, snack. 

Group felt it would be a good idea to reach out to businesses from last year for giveaways and coupons. Business list includes: Putnam Pantry, Rocco’s, Gio’s, The Natural Dog, Texas Roadhouse, McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Cherry Farm, gas stations, Daily Harvest, Cookie Monstah, YMCA day pass, Maison Esthetique, Moonstone Spa, El Moda, Isla Bonita, and a nail salon. 

Ashley will contact the restaurants to see if they are willing to donate a coupon. 

Group talked through locations for bags to be sold/picked up. These locations are the Town Tree Lighting, DECA Santa photo event, or maybe we could offer an upcharge for the Grinch drop off and photo.  

 

Plan for Tree Lighting – All 

Jen Breaker invited us to host the festivities downtown before the tree is lit on December 2. 

Downtown closed for a couple of hours before the tree lighting. Band to start the parade to downtown with Santa and fire truck behind them. The marching band will split on both sides of the street so that Santa will light the tree and then the marching band will follow behind and the crowd will parade to Plains Park for the candy cane hunt.  

Ashley wondered about adding 5-7 cars Frosty, Grinch, Elf on a Shelf, Elsa and Anna, and a dreidel. 

Other ideas to consider – Caroling by Girl Scouts at Maple Street Church, dj, letters to Santa mailbox, sell hot cocoa, craft station inside a business if cold (vacant business), sell blow up and light up toys, cookie decorating kit, partner with photographer on family photos.  

Joceyln and Ashley will lead the event. We will need a lot of member and volunteer support.  

 

Plan for Winter Bonfire – All 

Event to take place on January 13. 

We would love to have food trucks and a dj for entertainment. Some activities to consider: corn hole, flashlight scavenger hunt, make your own Styrofoam snowman, and s’mores on Solo stoves. 

DFF to sell cider and cocoa, handwarmers, DFF winter hats, light up stuff.  

We will need a member to lead the event and members and volunteers for set up, booths, break down, clean up, etc. 

 

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities 

Football game booths 10/20 and 11/23 (Thanksgiving) 

Bank grants outreach 10/27 

Parade of Trees set up 11/27  

Light Up Danvers bags 11/14 

Tree Lighting 12/2 

Bonfire 1/13/24 

 

Next Meeting – Tuesday, November 14 at 7p at the Danvers Fire Headquarters