HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-11-2007 Approved HCAC MinutesCITY OF D UBLIN
HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF. OCTOBER 11, 2007
The October 11, 2007 meeting of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:01 p.m. at
the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chairperson Mack.
Pledge of Alleeiance
Chairperson Mack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Mack, Acuff, Carr, Lussie, Swalwell and Vonheeder-Leopold
Commissioners Absent: Halket
Oral Coninninications — None
Approval ofMinutes
ON MOTION BY CM. VONHEEDER-LEOPOLD, SECONDED BY C11. ACUFF AND BY UNANINIOUS
VOTE, THE C01VNIISSIONAPPR0VED THE 311NUTES OF SEPTENIBER 13, 2 0 0 7 A S PRESEtVTED.
Written Communications — None
Public Hearing - None
Unfinished Business - None
New Business
8.1 Dublin Reads Project
Heritage & Cultural Arts Supervisor John Hartnett gave a brief overview of the Dublin Reads & Local History
Grant project and introduced Lee Jouthas, Dublin Library Manager.
Ms. Jouthas introduced the presentation by asking Heritage Center Director, Elizabeth Isles to read an excerpt from
the book, "Snow Mountain Passage".
Ms. Jouthas provided background on how the program got started a year ago and how they choose the books. She
stated that the Library staff wanted a book that was accessible and would connect to Dublin with a local author.
The Dublin Reads project was launched at Day on the Glen with an introduction of the books: "Snow Mountain
Passage" by James D. Houston, and the children's book, "Patty Reed's Doll". The project will continue until April
2008 with book readings and workshops. Financial support has come from Dublin's Friends of the Library. Ninety
copies of the book were purchased, with ten copies going to the Heritage Center and some to Dublin High School.
The rest of the books are at the Library. Some of the books are on a read and release basis. On the inside cover,
there is a log so people can initial that they read the book. She stated that a blog has been created on-line and
entries about "Snow Mountain Passage" are already being submitted. Ms. Jouthas referred the Commission to a
flyer about the Dublin Reads project and reviewed some of the upcoming programs and activities. She stated that
the Library is also creating book discussion kits with a bag that can be checked out as a unit. She stated that the
Library staff hopes to inspire the community to read the books and participate in the program.
Ms. Isles indicated that she is reading "Snow Mountain Passage". She indicated that the book is well written and
ties together a picture of California at that time in history. She stated that the book gives a flavor of the culture and
environment and a lot of historical information. Ms. Isles stated that on November 10, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. there
will be a Discussion Group and Pioneer Breakfast at the Heritage Center.
Minutes — October 11, 2007
Page 2 of 3
Commission Comments
Cm. Carr asked if the read and release policy could be applied for those outside of Dublin. Ms. Jouthas said yes
and stated that it could also be used by non-residents.
Cm. Swalwell asked when the next book would be out. Ms. Jouthas stated that the Library staff is considering
doing another project next year; however, the project is still in the planning stages. Cm. Swalwell commended Ms.
Jouthas on choosing a local author for the project. He stated that it is very important for the Library to have easy
access to the author.
Cm. Lussie stated that the read and release concept is a great idea.
Cm. Swalwell asked if the book is fiction. Ms. Jouthas indicated that the book is historical fiction based on facts
but written as a story.
8.1.1 Local History Grant Project
Ms. Lee Jouthas, Dublin Library Manager, talked about the California Local History -Digital Resources Project,
indicating that the Grant was a way to access some of the archival material in the Heritage Museum and bring some
of the information to a shared web site. She became aware of this project, which offers grants to libraries, and
decided to collaborate with Ms. Elizabeth Isles and the Heritage Center. Ms. Jouthas discussed some of the
background and purposes of the Grant. She explained that funding for the Grant comes by way of the Library
Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the California State Library. The only eligible applicants
are California libraries. The resulting content is stored at the California Digital Library on their website, which
primarily exists as a resource to the colleges in the University of California school system as well as the
communities they serve. The California Digital Library is devoted to creating and preserving digital content. It
provides gateway access to digitized content through the online archive of the California Library and Calisphere,
which is a public gateway to California's primary historical sources. They arrange collections into sets that support
classroom curriculum.
The Dublin Library and the Heritage Center applied for the Grant, and the application was approved in June 2007.
The Grant provides training, scanning of 200 images by an outside vendor, access to cataloging software and
training to catalog each photograph, and $5,000 for related expenses.
The process included selecting 200 photographs chosen by Ms. Isles. The photos were shipped to a scanning
vendor and the materials were returned within three weeks. Partners in the project included the Library, the Dublin
Historic Preservation Association Advisory Board and the California Digital Library. The Grant process ends in
June 2008, at which time the public will have access to the materials form the Library website.
Commission Comments
Cm.Vonheeder-Leopold stated that she is thrilled that the historical photos and descriptions will be easily
accessible by the public. Ms. Jouthas agreed that all parties are thrilled to be a part of this project.
Mr. Hartnett commended both Ms. Jouthas and Ms. Isles for their work and dedication to the project. Ms. Isles
thanked Ms. Jouthas as well. Ms. Jouthas indicated that it was a great collaboration and would not have been
possible without the support and knowledge of Ms. Isles.
Cm. Carr asked if more photographs could be added in years to come. Ms. Jouthas said yes and stated that her hope
is that people in the community with boxes of photos would be inspired by the project and be willing to make new
donations to the Museum.
Cm. Acuff shared that the Tri-Valley Writers Club may be interested in the project.
Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold said that the Calisphere website is great.
Minutes — October 11, 2007
Page 3 of 3
Other Business
9.1 Brief INFORMATIONAL ONLY Reports from Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioners and/or Staff
Cm. Acuff said that she has a friend who is a childhood development teacher who is a great fan of the games of
Tops and Yo-Yo. She stated that her friend might be interested in teaching classes on these activities.
Cm. Lussie stated that she took a tour through the Nummi automotive plant and said it was fascinating.
Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold indicated that Dublin Historic Preservation Association and the Art Takes Place
Committee have run into a snag with the regional project. Apparently, representatives from Livermore never
carried the new project information past their Arts Commission and City Council for approval. The Committee is
on hold to wait and hear back from the Livermore representatives.
Mr. Hartnett attended the First Saturday Workshop in October at the Heritage Center and said it was a lot of fun,
with many families participating.
Ms. Isles indicated she is getting ready for the November Workshop "Thanksgiving Traditions" which will have
food, crafts, music and other activities.
Chair Mack shared a newspaper article about the last Workshop.
Adiournment
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Franklin
Administrative Technician
APPROVED:
Chairperson