I:  General Update

• Tai was not at the meeting, but did send the following notes in advance (highlighted in yellow):

Alumni Event Planning:

Participants: Tai Polanco, Corinthia Steele (staff member and HVM alum), McKenna Jennings (Capital Campaign Specialist at YMCA of the North Shore and HVM alum)

• Alumni Networking Social: Casual evening mixer at a trendy bar, rooftop venue, or lounge. 
• Event Purpose: Build a sense of community, create supportive alumni network, career and network connections
• Details:
• Offer appetizers in ticket pricing
• Encourage mingling with icebreakers and/or networking games
  • Collect small gift cards as prizes
• Discuss collaboration opportunities
• Date: Originally planned for a December date before the school break. However, given the holidays & busy undergrad/graduate schedules, mid-January is a better option. 
• Time: Evening
• Location: 
  • Tai, Corinthia & McKenna all agree that Wicked Axe, in Haverhill will be a perfect venue as it is centrally located, has a variety of activities, good food and ample space. 
• Send invites early December
• Costs (in negotiation stage)
  • $900.00 – food
  • $250.00 – lounge reservation
  • $1,050.00 - $1,440.00 (axe throwing – negotiating)
  • Gratuity is included
  • Zero taxes
    • Determine cost per attendee
    • Determine fundraising for balance 

Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce (MVCC) calendar: https://web.merrimackvalleychamber.com/events

• Tai and Phil will be attending the MVCC Holiday Party on Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6-10p, $55.00: More Information
• Holiday Networking Mixer, Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 5-7:00p, $10.00 (Tai scheduled to attend)

Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) calendar: https://haverhillma.chambermaster.com/events

• Haverhill YMCA Educator of the Year celebration, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 5-8p at Renaissance Golf Club, $55.00: 
  • More Information – Online tickets are sold out. Tickets may be purchased at the door at the same price of $55.00. They will have a QR code that links to the event landing page to purchase a ticket at the door. The website accepts all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Discover, Mastercard, American Express, along with Apple Pay. They will also be accepting cash.
  • Becca Paul has been nominated.

HVM’s 20th Year Anniversary:

• Tai proposes that we invite/involve:
  • Mayor
  • City & State Representatives
  • City Councilors
  • Alumni
  • Current Families
  • Founders
  • Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce

Tai’s Development Efforts:

• Grant Applications (If you come across any grant opportunities and/or resources, please send them my way, and I’ll review and apply!). 
  • Ongoing efforts to identify, apply for, and secure additional funding opportunities. For example:
    • Invited to apply for the Cummings Grant (currently in progress)
    • NMEF Grant (awaiting response)
    • Highland Street Grant (denied)
• Attend Networking Events at least once a month
  • The goal is to establish strong connections with representatives from local businesses to:
    • Build relationships with potential donors and sponsors
    • Strengthen school-community ties
    • Identify collaboration opportunities
    • Gain insight into community trends and needs
    • Create fundraising opportunities
• Community Service
  • On 10/31/24, Tai began volunteering at Somebody Cares New England
    • This effort aligns with the goals of attending networking events
    • Nomsa Ncube, the Food Pantry Director & Community Liaison, is a key community leader and is excited to collaborate with HVM, bringing many valuable connections
• Meet with State Representative, Andy Vargas (December 13, 2024). The goal is to:
  • Advocate for funding and resources
  • Build community partnerships
  • Access grants and special initiatives

• Anniversary Event Update
  • Waiting on Haverhill to confirm availability of date and next steps
  • Date:   May 17th first choice
  • Timing - mid afternoon was discussed
  • Will email group as soon as date is confirmed

• Any interest on behalf of Founders -
  •  Ryan will reach out once we have a more concrete plan of when the event is and how we plan to recognize founders 
  • Andrea pointed out the sooner we can reach out to Founders the better.  Sarah will email confirmation on date as soon as possible so we can plan.
  • Janet will be a good advocate to help lead other Founders if we can have her attend.
    • Preliminary ideas for recognition discussed last month
      • Dale Rogers sculpture with plaque
      • Tree planting 
      • Art gift from students
      • Student perform a song
    • Discussed Dale Rogers contribution to Rock and Roll Bingo (2 statues - usually $100 auction amount) and whether a big ask would be worth it to give up those items
      • Still open to discussion, would like to discuss with Ryan and Tai present
         
• Still planning for bring your own picnic, HVM to provide treat (popsicles, ice cream, etc)
  • Rosemary Smith - Alumni - owner of Green Goddess Facepaint
    • Check availability
    • Cost invovled?
  • Do we want to involved lawn games/entertainment or is playground enough?
• Other - Do we want to invite mayor, state reps, city councilors? 
  • Tai provided a great list of invitees, also discussed adding:  
    • Mass Charter School Association
    • Pentucket Bank
      • Jean McMann (formerly of Pentucket Bank)
    • Cedars (probably won't come, but an invite might be a neighborly gesture)
    • Former Board Members - ACTION ITEM for Andrea
• Rock and Roll Bingo
  • Planning meeting Thursday 11/14
  • Location for Event:  Renaissance Country Club
  • Continued increase in cost may result in increase in ticket prices