No quorum for China recreation committee, but discussions continue

Hikers on Bridge in Thurston Park (Photo courtesy: Town of China)

by Mary Grow

With only Chairman Martha Wentworth and member Todd Dunn at the June 23 China Recreation Committee meeting, discussion could not lead to any votes, but they and an interested resident talked about program plans.

The town-owned ballfields for which the committee is responsible are being used for spring sports. Wentworth said the dugouts had been refurbished by volunteers from Central Church, after the committee bought materials.

The recreation committee plans to schedule two August movie nights. Dates and names of movies are to be determined. Wentworth said whatever is shown will be “family-oriented.”

The committee has up to $1,000 to buy a screen, projector and speakers, she said. The first two she expects to cost about $300 each.

There will be no charge for admission, and Wentworth sees no reason to limit attendance to China residents. Those who want to sit in the front rows need to bring their own blankets and sit on the ground; those who prefer chairs will set up farther back.

Dunn and Wentworth considered inviting a town nonprofit organization to sell refreshments during the movies, but were unable to make a decision.

They intend to ask movie audience members for suggestions for additional programs and to invite them to sign up to assist the committee. They discussed working with school officials, the China Days Committee or organizations like the Four Seasons Club that promote sports and recreation. Especially, they welcome suggested activities that would encourage children to exercise outdoors, after too much time indoors.

Wentworth and Dunn scheduled the next recreation committee meeting for Wednesday evening, July 28. Wentworth will try to find out in advance how many members can come, so she can cancel the meeting if there is no quorum.