Kiwanis meeting April 10, Asbury Park Library

Attendees: Cori Lewin, Jo Papaianni, Carolyn  Grapel, Steve Everk, Claire Woodrow, Deena Cohen, Kayla Coughlin, Lauren Wagner.
Visitor Felicia Simmons.

Felicia Simmons, president of the West Side Community Center Project, spoke about the group’s history and efforts to rehabilitate the building, which needs a new roof and is in general disrepair. The WCC has a long history in Asbury Park going back 85 years. It was founded by the Urban League and Dr. Parks, a locl doctor, donated his house to the city in the 1930s. Several well known entertainers appeared there including Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown. She said the group is hoping to use the building for computer classes, Bible studies and more.
They are also hoping to hold a cultural market on the property starting on Juneteenth.

Claire invited all to the Asbury Park Women’s club meeting, Tues., April 18, located on Wickakpecko Dr. at 6:30 for a guided meditation and sound healing event.
The Women’s club meets the third Tuesday of every month.
Claire is also holding a first time home buyers seminar April 25 offering grant funding in the amount of $15,000 toward closing costs as an incentive. 

Cori reported on the Western Monmouth Kiwanis, located in Freehold holding its first cornhole tournament, which we are invited to.

Cori also reported on the upcoming elections for 2024. She said all positions and board of directors will be nominated.
Anyone interested should reach out to Cori.

Claire, treasurer, reported on the Eat. Here. Now. project saying we have had sales totaling more than $6700 thus far selling over 221 books.
This week email blasts are going out to Chamber of Commerce, the AP homeowners newsletter and on NextDoor. 
It was suggested that Alyse give Key Club members flyers to send home and fill orders.

Deena said organizations helping us sell the books have their own QR code, including churches, synagogues and the Rotary.
Pt. Pleasant which is in Div. 4 may also get a code.
We have agreed to pay them $5 for each book they sell, and 1 cent will be deducted from the cost so we know how many they have sold.
Kayla said she has had some online influencers express interest in promoting the books and we will give them one book.

Claire also reported she is going to purchase trash pickers, bags and gloves for our next cleanup set for April 22, which happens to be Earth Day.
Deena offerer to host lunch afterward at her house.

Steve reported on the recent District 5 dinner.

Cori is sending forms to members regarding service projects and what members are interested in pursuing.

Deena and Kayla reported on the Drag Disco and said due to the inability to find a venue at this time of year, it was decided that we wait until October when more places will be available.
Present members also agreed they want it to be a more informal setting, not a sit down dinner.

Scholarship committee: Chair Steve said he wants this year’s focus to be on APHS students, along with Key Club members from other schools.

Open discussion:
Hosting a tabling event during the upcoming Restaurant Tour April 23 from noon to 4 p.m.t o sell the EHN. Steve will speak to Rich, tabling chair, about that.

The next meeting is Thursday, April 27 on Zoom.