MINUTES OF PAA MEETING December 3, 2008

Attendance: Larry Fisher, Marie J. Meehan, Laurie LeBlanc, Dan Thornton, Cindy Adams, Liz Babeu, Joe D’Amore, Janice Littrell, Elaine Porretta, Deb Stephenson, Katy Harrison, Marie Pinzone; Renee Llorente

SPORT BOOKS: Elaine went to deliver a courtesy copy of the Fall Book to one of the advertisers. When she introdruced herself and mentioned Pentucket PAA, the person said she didn’t want anything to do with Pentucket. She then explained to Elaine she was sent a letter with “Pentucket Regional High School” on the top asking to advertise with them. They were providing a poster style calendar with advertising on it. The person sent in money for advertising and was supplied with a poster. When Elaine came in, the advertisor realized that the poster advertisement was not affiliated with the school. The advertiser felt scammed and didn’t want to renew her advertisement with PAA. Discussion followed as to whether this company is acting illegally by using Pentucket Regional High School on its letterhead. One member thought, at the very least, they are committing mail fraud by using Pentucket Regional High School on their letterhead. Suggestion was made to inform the Superintendent, send out a letter to all advertisers making them aware of what’s happening, put a notice in the newspaper, and perhaps contact an attorney to write a cease and desist letter to the company. A suggestion was made that maybe we would contact the regional attorney. Discussion followed about how to make amends with the advertisers and some thought about letting them advertise for free for one year. Others thought that PAA did nothing wrong and the person should complain to the Better Business Bureau about the company.

Janice Littrel reported on the Winter Sport Book. Team Photo day was set for December 9, 2008. Last year we ordered 175 books. Ordering same amount this year. Lee House was designing the cover.

FOOTBALL CONCESSION STAND. Chris Pinzone looking for an additional helper next year. Also a suggestion was made as to the coverage for each game that an e-mail go out with dates of games and everyone pick a game to volunteer. It works really well for the basketball concession stand.

Concession stand needs painting. Does anyone know of someone looking for an eagle scout project or some community service? Contact Dan Thornton.

SUPER FAN T-SHIRTS. Trying to figure out how many we have and how many new ones to order. Deb Stephenson mentioned that there was still probably some shirts left in the concession stand from last year. Dan Thornton was going to check with Lynn Viselli.

Dan Thornton –there was an invoice to Nally Associates for plaques from last winter that didn’t get paid. Requesting $421 to pay invoice.

Lynn Viselli was asking permission to have the annual comedy night to benefit Basketball Boosters on April 3, 2009. PAA approved.

Coach L’Italian was requesting that the baseball team sell gold cards. PAA denied because soccer already does the gold card.

Dan will be ordering more varsity jackets from Bud Jackson – Leisure Line for $2,040.

Thanksgiving Day game: $11,000 collected at the gate

Press Box – going to work over the winter to get plans drawn up so that work might begin in the spring so that it will be ready for next Fall.

SPINATHON: Pentucket was well represented this year with 9 teams and will receive approximately $8,000 or 9,000 from it.

PENTUCKET OPEN HOUSE: An open house for 8^th graders will be held on December 10, 2008.

Dan attended Sportmanship Day at Gillette Stadium with a few students from Pentucket. Pentucket made honor roll which means that no one was ejected from games—kids or coaches. There is an essay contest and 10 great prizes are awarded. MIAA chooses the topic and all schools in MA are eligible. Wanted to see more kids get involved in this next year.

Hockey numbers are low. Dan was going to be petitioning MIAA to allow 8^th graders to play JV.

Cheerleaders – Winter Team numbers are down.

Indoor Girls track is up to 80 girls

Dan would like to see swimming and volleyball added to sports at Pentucket.

Dan was at North Andover high school and was struck by the banners in their gym. He inquired and was told that they were just redone at a cost of $30,000.

Discussion ensued about fundraising. Suggestions were made about annual golf tournament and perhaps if we did get new banners, the old ones could be raffled off.

Joe D’Amore wanted it mentioned that Go Pentucket Soccer store will be opening January 1-21, 2009

Also GoPS is offering a unique program for high school soccer players: SoccerPrep.edge. The program provides counseling and guidance for student athletes to create profiles, seek scholarships and to improve their chances of playing for a college of their choice. You can contact Joe for more information @ damorecos@earthlink.net or www.gopentucketsoccer.com

Question arose about whether the booster groups can fall under PAA for tax purposes. The consensus of the group was NO. They should all become 501C’s.

Next meeting January 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.