BRECKSVILLE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
TRUSTEE MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 5, 2013
Trustees Present
Ann Rittman
Judy McCrodden
Robin Wilson
Kelly Beiswenger
Rob Erick
Gretchen Mates
Leah Prebles
Pam Spencer
Denise Schier, Advisory Board
Dave Ping, Advisory Board
John Klassen, Director
Trustees Absent
Lydia Puening
Pat Keltner
Jan Towsley
Greg Gawlik
Cheri Homaee
Maureen Price
Call to Order
Ann Rittman
The meeting was called to order by President Ann Rittman at 7 p.m. Ann welcomed outgoing
and incoming trustees to the annual meeting.
Presentation by Business Volunteers United
Ann Kent
John introduced Ann Kent, Vice President, Services to Nonprofits, with BVU/The Center for
Nonprofit Excellence. Ann gave a very informative presentation on trends in the nonprofit
sector, lifecycle of nonprofit organizations and the role of the board of directors of nonprofits.
She has met with John and Robin and is available to help BCA.
Approval of Minutes
Judy McCrodden
A motion was made by Kelly Beiswenger and seconded by Gretchen Mates to approve the
minutes from the December 4, 2012 BCA meeting. Motion was approved.
There was no correspondence to read. Everyone was reminded to to keep track of their
volunteer hours during the year.
Rosters for Board of Trustees and Advisory Board were passed out.
Treasurers Report
Ann Rittman
The treasurer’s report was given by Ann. A motion was made by Judy McCrodden and
seconded by Robin Wilson to accept the treasurer’s report. Motion was approved with the
understanding that there are questions regarding the Masquerade 2012 and grant numbers.
Treasurer’s report is attached (attachment #1).
Director’s Report
John’s report is attached (attachment #2).
John Klassen
Past Events
Ann Rittman
A motion was made by Gretchen Mates and seconded by Rob Erick to approve Pam Spencer as
a new trustee. Motion was approved.
Ann reported that the Christmas concert was very successful. Jane Petrie provided a very nice
reception.
Money that has been donated in Donna Box’s memory will be earmarked for the BCA chorus’s
use.
Committee Reports
Masquerade 2012
Kelly Beiswenger
Kelly, Lydia and Liz will chair this event for 2013. Masquerade 2013 will be on November 2,
2013. Location to be decided.
Grant Committee
Pam Spencer
The committee has been working on needed documentation for the city grant. Committee has
met with Cleveland Foundation to get details for their grant applications. An audit is required.
They frequently give $5000 operating grants that need no application. An organization’s name
is put on a list for 3 years. This grant is awarded quarterly. BCA has been added to their list.
Long Range
Robin Wilson
Committee will need some added members as Maureen and Greg will be leaving the
committee. Have made some calls to organizations to facilitate our community gatherings.
Survey and questionnaire being worked on.
Education
Dave Ping
Dave is trying to set up another social event at The Blonde.
Membership
John Klassen
A new membership brochure is being developed. Campaign will be in the spring.
Reception Committee
Ann Rittman
Robin volunteered to bring food for the reception on Saturday. Dave will help set up.
President’s Report
Ann Rittman
Ann’s report is attached (attachment #3). Judy presented Ann with flowers and gift card as a
thank you for all of her work as President. Ann presented Judy with a thank you gift. Ann then
turned the meeting over to Robin Wilson, the new BCA president.
New President’s Report
Robin Wilson
Robin said that a committee has been working on changes to the current by-laws. Changes will
be sent out for everyone’s review. Two additional meetings will be added to the calendar.
A motion was made by Kelly Beiswenger and seconded by Judy McCrodden to approve Ann
Rittman as temporary treasurer. Motion was approved.
A date for Art from the Heart was discussed. Robin will look into dates. A tentative date of
May 5th was discussed.
Committees will be reforming. What committees do you think are important?
New trustees are needed. Let Robin know if you have any suggestions.
Meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m.
Next meeting will be April 2, 2013, at 7 p.m. at BCA.
Judy McCrodden, Secretary
Brecksville Center for the Arts
ATTACHMENT #1
ATTACHMENT #2
ATTACHMENT #3
Honorable Jerry Hruby
Mayor, City of Brecksville
9069 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH 44141
February 4, 2013
Dear Mayor Hruby,
With the City of Brecksville’s and your support, Brecksville Center for the Arts was able to carry on our mission
of promoting the arts in Brecksville and the surrounding communities. This annual letter is to keep you
informed, and review our accomplishments and challenges of 2012.
John Klassen, Executive Director, is in his second year with BCA and continues to guide us in a very positive
manner. He is friendly and open, and very capable of managing an art center. Heather Pignatiello joined BCA in
March as the Administrative Assistant. Heather is well organized and is “computer talented”. We have a great
BCA web site and can now register for classes and use pay pal on line! This has helped to cut back on printing
costs. Heather works part time but our goal is to be able to have more hours of office help to free John from
those details.
Mike Gorman, Western Reserve Bank (now Westfield bank), again allowed BCA to have the spring fundraiser,
Art from the Heart, at the bank. It was a lovely April evening and a financial success for us. We served
lemonade on the lawn following the Memorial Day Parade and took part in Home Days. John Poti, a well known
local artist and Brecksville resident, gifted BCA with approximately 40 of his paintings. We had a wonderful
exhibit of his works at the Center and also did an on line auction. This gift was greatly appreciated. BCA was
awarded a grant from the Cuyahoga Arts Council to help in promoting future exhibits for 2013.
Heartfelt Holidays was part of BCA for 20 years. Unfortunately with changing times BCA made the hard decision
to go in a different direction for our major fundraiser. This year, “Masquerade Party” took place at The Hermit
Club. It was a wonderful evening and financially successful! Fundraising continues to be a challenge for us.
We continue to offer new classes and workshops at the Center. The numbers of participants seems to go in
cycles….some very successful and some we have to cancel. Our membership numbers have declined but we
plan to be more aggressive in this area. Our biggest challenge is to attract new trustee members. We are losing
several long time trustees this year. They have made valuable contributions to BCA. We will have to make a
concentrated effort to attract more dedicated board members.
We are optimistic about 2013! We will be re-examining our Mission Statement and working on a new Long Rang
Plan. We will face the challenges with new leadership, organization and ideas! We continue to believe that the
arts promote a better living environment for our communities. Again, we sincerely appreciate the help and
assistance from you and the City of Brecksville.
Sincerely yours,
Ann J. Rittman
Board of Trustees, President