MUSIC MONDAY NEWSLETTER
Date: Monday, February 28, 2000
Place: Room 211,Valley Middle School, Arnold, PA

The Newsletter to inform and invite your participation in the Johnny Costa Center for the Arts.

Who: Tom Wilczek, John Mandak, Skip Alcibiade, Buddy Lee, Pat Condelli, Maryann Justham, Ann Ciciarelli, Alice Callahan, Rena Beroni, Judy Laurinatis, Greg Baker, Zachary Chakan, Kellie Ylosvai, Sarah Mauk, Jessica Langer, Megan Pelican, Jennifer Pallone, Kelly Moore, Ashley Pujol, Mrs. Greco

Items Discussed:

* Our Music Monday Meeting welcomed the Pittsburgh Post Gazette Newspaper Reporter, Judy Laurinatis and a staff photographer to our meeting. She is writing a story on our project. They were invited to watch a typical intergenerational meeting in progress.

* Pat Condelli introduced the johnnycosta cake made from Johnny Costa’s favorite ingredients: dates, nuts, figs, rum, almonds in a Sicilian cookie. Pat received the recipe from Johnny’s aunt. His aunt tried the cookie and said it tasted exactly like Johnny’s favorite cookie. We all thanked Pat for her hard work and her excellent johnnycosta cake creation!

* Tom Wilczek reported on our recent meeting at Penn State New Kensington Campus with Dr. Carol Rush. She was very receptive to the cultural center and said Penn State would be happy to be a “partner” in our project. Dr. Rush indicated that Penn State’s involvement could include the cultural center in grant writing applications. In addition, Penn State might sponsor the planned computer center in the Costa building. Dr Rush’s networking connections are endless and we are happy to have Penn State’s helping hand in support of our project.

* Skip Alcibiade said the name, The Johnny Costa Center: Performing Arts and Historical Collections will remain because many grants were written in this name and the easiest criteria to get grants include: community centers, performing arts centers, historical centers and partnerships. We have these criteria in the above name.

* Mr. Wilczek suggested we stay focused on Johnny Costa as a selling point for the project. When you mention his name, it sparks an interest in the project.

* Mr Alcibiade discussed our ambitious project and emphasized the importance of getting things organized for the project and assigning tasks. For example, City Council will work on the fixing the building, Pat will work on PR brochures, Maria will work on Fundraising, the students will research community musicians for display boards to display in the community and John will do whatever else needs to be done. We will then meet and report on our progress. We all agreed to work to this end.

* John Mandak contacted a lawyer regarding the use of our JC logo and said it would be ok to use it. He will copyright it.

* Mr. Alcibiade spoke about our “growing pains.” The Johnny Costa project is in its infancy and there is a certain amount of confusion and chaos that we’re naturally experiencing. Such confusion is to be expected, because we’re growing!

* Mr. Wilczek suggested that we have occasional meetings in the community. Everyone felt it was an excellent way to publicize the Center. Action Steps to be complete for next Music Monday:

Tasks To Be Completed for Next Music Monday

* Complete brochures, P. Condelli
* Send Press releases, P. Condelli
* Order Tee Shirts, T. Greco
* Follow up Call, T. Greco
* Finish Documentary, L. Palumbo
* City Council Reminder, T.Greco
* Display Boards, Students/Mrs. G.

* Mark your calendars for the next two Music Mondays on MONDAY MARCH 6 & 20, 2000 in room 211 from 1:00-3:00. Everyone will report on progress. (Mark your calendar: No meeting on MONDAY, MARCH 13.)