Board Meeting Minutes 2011
MINUTES OF GENERAL/BOARD MEETING, FRIENDS OF CROWDERS MOUNTAIN, INC.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
The October 4, 2011, General/Board Meeting of Friends of Crowders Mountain, Inc., was held at Crowders Mountain State Park Visitors Center, 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
Board Member Suzanne Simmons introduced the program presenter, master camper Steve Watts, who spoke on classic camping, hiking and primitive skills. His presentation emphasized “classic camping in the old style”, i.e. camping from the 1880’s to the 1930’s, with emphasis on the 1920’s period. Classic camping means “… sleeping under canvas and cooking over an open fire.”
Steve presented a focused, excellent description of camping before “plastics” and educated as well as entertained an enthralled audience. Steve proffered his strong views on environmental effects of present-day camping, comparing and contrasting the practices of old and new. As Steve asserts, “All human activity results in environmental impact. Every step and every breath leaves a trace of our passing…Perhaps some day, we’ll be able to look back with praise for our forbears…realizing what we have lost…and how we have (with all good intentions) fooled ourselves.”
This wonderful, enlightening program came to an end too soon;
we hope Steve will return for a future program with us.
IN ATTENDANCE(at Program):
Don Clapp,
Alberta Flack, Andrew Flack, Anne Gometz, John Hunt, Eric
Hurd, Aubrie Hurley, Larry Hyde, Becca Kirlin, Tom Lavendol, Mina Lavendol,
Barbara McCloskey, Fred Moss, Kay Moss, Richard Neal, Verna Neal, Rita Pasour,
Dennis Patterson, Suzanne Simmons, Bob Thornburg
After a short break, President Don Clapp called the General/Board Meeting to order.
IN ATTENDANCE(at General/Board Meeting): Don Clapp, Anne Gometz, John Hunt, Aubrie Hurley, Larry Hyde, Tom Lavendol, Mina Lavendol, Barbara McCloskey, Fred Moss, Kay Moss, Verna Neal, Rita Pasour, Dennis Patterson, Suzanne Simmons, Bob Thornburg
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Secretary Mina Lavendol reported that the June 7, 2011, General Meeting Minutes were emailed and mailed when necessary, to all members of FRIENDS. Copies will be emailed/sent to new members; hard copies can also be distributed to interested parties at this meeting.
A motion was made to accept the Minutes report; the motion was seconded. It was passed and the Minutes accepted.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Fred Moss reported:
BEGINNING BALANCE (as of 6/7/11): $17,137.82
INCOME:
Memberships: $ 145.00
Sales (Walking Sticks, July 4th food): 41.00
Kimbrell Family Foundation grant: 1,000.00
$ 1,186.00
` EXPENSES:
Email Marketing: $125.00
Tent: 213.49
Reimbursements
Don Clapp (food: Lincoln Acad. Pgm.) 53.44
Becca Kirlin (food, July 4th Concert) 105.44
July 4th Concert performers 350.00
Iron Rangers (donation boxes) 1,990.00
Trail Markers 198.34
“Speedi” Signs (signs for Iron Rangers) 56.58
Patches for resale in gift shop
241.58
$3,334.04
ENDING BALANCE: $14,989.78
OBLIGATED FUNDS:
Doctor Foundation Project: $8,000.00
Fur, Fangs, Feathers Fall Festival
1,000.00
Total Obligated: $9,000.00
AVAILABLE FUNDS: $5,989.78
Fred also added that although expenditures were greater than earnings this quarter, we have cash left over from last quarter. Don added that out of the $3,000.00 or so worth of expenses, about $2,000.00 was spent on the Iron Rangers.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report; the motion was passed and the report was accepted.
PARK REPORT by Superintendant Larry Hyde:
STAFF: There are no vacancies at this time but some seasonal reductions will occur after Thanksgiving, 2011.
.5 MILE TRAIL MARKERS/CARSONITES (provided by Friends) Upgrade:The Eagle Scout, David Marder, has been working on these markers to improve the peeling decal markers. He found a jeweler who helped construct double-sided, riveted plastic signs to replace the decals. (It only cost $200.00 to correct the decal situation.) David actually did his own sign engraving.
SOLAR POWERED PUSH BUTTON CROSSWALKS: The lights are all in and working. Each button causes lighting in four directions for 35 seconds with enough time to cross the road. (Larry added that the money originally slated for this project from Doctors was not used since the State paid completely; the Doctors funds will be used for a different project.)
IRON RANGERS: These donation boxes at Linwood and Boulders have been one of the best investment purchases that Friends has ever made, according to Larry. He said the installation was complete as of August 1st. They are very secure, threaded through concrete.
CAMPGROUND RENOVATION PROJECT: There will be four new campsites, nine in total, one a family size. Four of these campsites will accommodate 25-30 people. Two of the sites are ADA locations that will be placed as far away as possible from the other non-drive-to areas. Vault toilets with wheel chair accessibility (two to three male and female per campground) and a well-house with chlorinated water (Crowders failed the water sample test.) will be additional improvements. Moreover, besides general road improvement, there will be 75 new, paved and marked parking spaces at the Visitor Center area. This renovation should be completed within next twenty-four months.
BOULDERS ACCESS AREA PICNIC AREA PROJECT: After suggestions from the State Park’s Landscape Architect and Project Manager, this project has now been submitted. There will be three, perhaps four, picnic sites with one additional ADA site. The grant of $8000.00 will cover five picnic sites including the ADA area. The project money will also cover grills at these sites. Larry passed around a diagram of the area and layout. Verna asked if we should share this information with the Doctor Foundation at this time. Larry as well as Friends agreed. Larry said he’d send the diagram/information electronically to Don and Verna.
PURCHASE REQUEST: Larry would like to purchase a new litter bag display at Linwood Access, as well as sign and glove box cases. He estimates the cost to be $300.00. He also asked for one large receptacle at Boulders Access. Don asked for a motion to approve $500.00 for these purchases; it was made, seconded and passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
KINGS MOUNTAIN GATEWAY FESTIVAL, 10/8/11: Don announced that he could not be at KM due to work obligations. He said that Marti Morris could work in P.M. Larry volunteered for A.M. and would set up the tent as well as arrange the schedule with Marti.
FFFF FESTIVAL, Saturday, November 12: Ranger Aubrie Hurley gave an update on the Festival. She passed around a flyer but she wanted to know if the flyer should say “Friends and Kimbrell”; Verna said that it should say: “Friends and W. Duke Kimbrell Family Foundation”; she added that she would research the exact money situation. Aubrie will follow through with flyer information as soon as she gets feed-back from Verna. Anne Gometz said she would check out free supplies/brochures she has available at the Gaston Library. She added that she would make sure flyers were distributed to all relevant libraries in region. Other suggestions for local distribution were: YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Clubs, Tourism Centers, Cleveland County organizations, all schools. Verna requested we also send information to local colleges and Chambers of Commerce. Aubrie will email final flyer to Don who will include it in our newsletter.
Discussion continued about the festival flyers: copying, ink and paper cost, distribution. It was decided that 500 copies for the community was sufficient. Dennis Patterson offered copying through his company (1/3 off the commercial price); Verna added that by using our “501c non-profit” status, there would also be a discounted price. Aubrie and Dennis will check out all the other options (CMSP, Staples, Office Max, etc.).
Update on festival vendors: Vendors have until 10/12/11 to RSVP. So far, some of the participants are the Smokehouse, various rescue vehicles, REI, Friends of State Parks, whittling groups, Catawba Indian Dancers, perhaps Raptor Center. Don asked about raptor release this year; Aubrie does not know for sure yet. A $350.00 fee will probably be paid to the Catawba Dancers as well as the Raptor Center. We still haven’t heard back from the Stained Glass vendor; the Rock & Gem Mineral vendors from Gaston County are probably not coming back since they were disappointed with their sales last year. This year, we will have space for three more vendors in the newly renovated (and with new sod) right side of the Visitors Center
At the time of this meeting, we haven’t yet heard back about the bands. If we cannot get the band that played last year, we will go to Plan B: Don suggested Alan Barrington, the musician who played at the 4th of July Celebration. [$200 to $250 has been paid in the past to the musicians.]
Further expenses: poster board ($50), hay bales (Dennis offered his own for the day), pumpkins ($30-$40), arts and crafts table supplies ($50). Aubrie needs the money at least three weeks in advance and/or after 10/16. It was decided that Fred will give Aubrie $200.00 to cover all such expenses (not including payment money for Catawba Dancers and for the band).
There are many volunteers this year with at least 20 through the Schiele Museum and through Charlotte Mecklenburg Explorers. We should have plenty of help setting up and breaking down. Kay asked who is working the Festival: Dennis and Mina will work at food table; Verna will bring the supplies for arranging the tables. Don said that Trader Joe’s can provide us with juice, apples, vegetarian hot dogs, etc. Aubrie added that many volunteers will provide/donate home baked goods. Kay will be in charge of two tables for her activities. Don added that we will have two tents; Verna suggested Friends Tent be out front for more exposure to public. Larry and Kay would like to stay at same spot as last year because of shade and music.
ORGANIC MARKETPLACE EXHIBITS/ACTIVITIES: Don reported that Renee of OMP has invited like-minded groups to exhibit on a regular basis at the store on Saturdays. Friends will consider this and discuss more at a future date. (Don will email more information to all.)
OFFICER AND BOARD CANDIDATES FOR 2012: Don asked for suggestions for officers for next year. The current officers will not be continuing in 2012.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Jack Moore: Where is he? Don has not been able to contact him. Verna is also waiting for email response from Jack. (Update: Jack has hard to contact because of working multiple jobs.)
Tony Esposito: Where is he? Don needs the CMSP videotape returned. (Update: Tony has been contacted and 8mm film is at the park.)
Don asked for any other business; there was none. A motion was made, seconded and passed to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 P.M.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
MINA DALE LAVENDOL, SECRETARY
MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING, FRIENDS OF CROWDERS MOUNTAIN, INC., TUESDAY, 1/4/11
The January 4, 2011, General Meeting of Friends of Crowders Mountain, Inc. was held at Crowders Mountain State Park Visitors Center, 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
IN ATTENDANCE: Don Clapp, Josh Clawson, Jane Conolly, Becca Kirlin, Mina Lavendol, Kent Lupton, Marti Morris, Fred Moss, Kay Moss, Rita Pasour, Suzanne Simmons, Ed Veasey, Cherish Wilson
President Don Clapp called the general meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Secretary Mina Lavendol reported that the December 7, 2010, Board Meeting minutes were emailed and sent to all members of FRIENDS. Copies will be emailed/sent to new members; hard copies can also be distributed to interested parties at this meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Fred Moss reported:
BEGINNING BALANCE (12/1/10) $6,842.48
DEPOSITS: MEMBERSHIP: 130.00
DOCTOR FOUNDATION: 8,000.00
TOTAL: $8,130.00
ENDING BALANCE: $14,972.48
Both the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Reports were approved.
PARK REPORT: (from Superintendant Larry Hyde, presented by President Don Clapp):
STAFF: Currently, there is no funding for seasonals from 1/11 to 6/11.
.5 MILE TRAIL MARKERS/CARSONITES (provided by FRIENDS): All markers are finished and set for emergency services.
SOLAR POWERED PUSH BUTTON CROSSWALKS: Larry gave an estimate of $10,000 for the crosswalks system without statistical equipment and another $2,000.00 with statistical equipment. The total cost will be between $12,000 to $14,000. The Doctor Foundation has contributed $8,000.00 towards this project. The road crossings under consideration are Rt.161, Bethlehem, Pinnacle, and Sparrow Springs. The state should fund two of these intersections, according to Don; however, Ranger Jane Conolly added that DOT has to justify each intersection for crosswalks. She added that it is up to the State and DOT as to which ones they fund. If we have an option, FRIENDS will fund the top priority crosswalks. Highway 161 is considered as first priority, then Bethlehem as the second one.
CAMPGROUND RENOVATION PROJECT: Jane added that the new trail will not be ready until a bridge is finished on one of the trails. Josh Clawson said that CMSP is waiting for the contractor to arrive and finish construction. All is in place for the contractor. The bridge completion date was first set for before the end of October; now we hope for its completion by the Spring of this year. As soon as this bridge is completed, the rest of the trail can be finished within one month’s time.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS:
Slate:
President: Don Clapp
Vice President: Becca Kirlin
Secretary: Mina Lavendol
Treasurer: Fred Moss
Board Members: Kay Moss, Rita Pasour, Dennis Patterson, Suzanne Simmons
A motion was made to accept this slate and those nominations are closed; it was seconded. The slate was approved and passed.
STATE OF THE FRIENDS REPORT: (By Don Clapp):
Don reported on the progress, plans and activities of FRIENDS for the past year, 2010. He said that the concept of more family-oriented activities has succeeded very well and we shall continue with these activities.
Don thanked the following individuals for their work over the past year:
Mina as Secretary;
Larry as Superintendant of CMSP and helper of FRIENDS;
Chris Lewandowski at the CMSP Visitors Center for all her ideas, extra time and help for FRIENDS;
Verna Neal for her excellent fundraising; she is a go-getter and a big asset to the FRIENDS with all her extra time spent working for FRIENDS.
All the Board Members for the wonderful work they have done and continue to do.
Don added that George Ball and Bob Muhl will no longer serve on the Board. They have been a valuable asset and have made may contributions to the FRIENDS and CMSP over the years.
Don announced that Mike Peters has decided he won’t be able to serve on the Board at this time.
Don spoke about some 2010 funding: $1,000.00 had been donated for FFF festival by Bridgestone Foundation through Firestone. The Gaston County Cyclists had donated the proceeds from last year’s annual Bike Ride to FRIENDS and will donate the proceeds from the upcoming 2011 Bike Ride, April 3. Proceeds from the upcoming 2011, 50 K Trail Run, March 12, will also be donated to FRIENDS.
There have also been signicant changes to FRIENDS’ scheduled meetings. We are decreasing the number of meetings by combining some Board and General meetings. In that way, we can increase the amount of quality time spent at each meeting and keep time spent discussing business to a minimum.
We will have some new store items for sale. 4x6 decals will be for sale and will have the wording: “Get Lost…..at Crowders Mountain State Park”. Fandex nature guides will also be available. Other items for sale will be new hiking sticks supplied by two new, vendors (20% discount to members).
Due to time allotment problems, George Ball can no longer supply the visitor center with his special carved hiking sticks.
There are three special events as part of FRIENDS’ revised schedule:
1. April 16, Saturday: “Fun with Wild Foods”. Kay Moss spoke about this event. She said there is a meeting before the event (10 AM)and then the event will begin at 11 AM. There will be a “show & tell” about wild foods found around the park, Suzanne and Kay will also host a picnic at the end of the event. Larry is checking about the “tasting” part; Kay said she always gives a talk about the safety issues and offers a gourmet approach. There should be no obstacles.
2. May 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday: “Dave Cone Memorial Campout”. Don described Dave Cone as a key person, along with his Dad, in helping advance the establishment of Crowders Mountain State Park. He was a gifted naturalist, photographer and writer. Dave had instituted annual gourmet campouts for the FRIENDS. In memory and in honor of Dave Cone, FRIENDS continues this tradition of an annual campout, albeit not necessarily gourmet!
3. July 4th, Monday (Holiday): Music Festival at the Linwood Access Contact Station followed by viewing fireworks from the top of Crowders.
OLD BUSINESS:
REVISED SCHEDULE:
REMAINDER of meeting schedule for 2011 at CMSP:
June 5, Tuesday: General and Board Meeting;
April 16, Saturday: General and Board Meeting at 10:00 AM;
October 4, Tuesday: General and Board Meeting;
January 3, 2012, Tuesday: Annual Meeting, Elections, and Board Meeting.
SCHEDULE of 2011 events which FRIENDS either supports and/or participates in at CMSP unless otherwise noted:
February or March, TBA: Cultural History of Crowders Mountain: co-hosting;
March 12, Saturday: 50K Trail Run to benefit FRIENDS: providing support;
April 3, Sunday: Gaston County Cyclists bike ride
April 9, Saturday: EARTH DAY at the Schiele Museum: exhibiting; some details:
There will be a parade again this year from Grier Middle School to Schiele
Museum. The Schiele is working with two schools on creating an entire coral
reef for the parade participants. FRIENDS will also participate in this parade. April 10, Sunday: EARTH DAY at Organic Marketplace: exhibiting;
April 16, Saturday: FUN WITH WILD FOODS, Show and Tell, 11 AM: hosting;
May 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday: Dave Cone Memorial Campout;
July 4, Monday (holiday): (small) Music Festival & Fireworks, 5:30 Pm on at
Linwood Access (our special event). Details: up the Mountain at 8:30 pm to
view fireworks. Becca Kirlin asked what the budget would be. We are not
sure yet. Fred has found a group for music. We chose Linwood since it is an
easy hike from there, and transportation is easily accessible for those in need.
October 15: Fall Festival at the Farm, Kings Mountain State Park: exhibiting;
November 12, Saturday: Fur, Fangs, and Feathers Festival: co-sponsoring and
participating;
December 4, Saturday: Gastonia Christmas Parade: participating.
Don asked if there were any questions or comments about the revised schedule. He added that he would have inserts with this new schedule placed in the brochures; Becca offered to help Don with the inserts.
WISH LIST: Don also distributed a prliminary WISH LIST at this meeting. He told attendees to feel free to give it out to any interested parties. Rita Pasour commented on the first item, whether or not the owners of the tracts would indeed accept the amount of money offered. “We won’t know until it is offered” was the answer. Becca asked if we could revise this list according to importance to FRIENDS as well as funding possibility. The answer was that this is a WISH list only. Kay added we should be thinking of more current items needed for FRIENDS, for example, places for the Bike Ride water/food stations.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR STATE FRIENDS MEETING: (January 21-23, 2011): Don and Mina have both declined to accept such reimbursement.
Don asked if there was any other old business to discuss. He added his appreciation for the work that Kay and Fred Moss did in sending out membership letters to many of the old member addresses on file. Kay asked that current members please look over returned envelopes to see if any names are familiar as well as new/ more current addresses.
GRANT WORK: Rita introduced Marti Morris; Marti will be willing and able to help with Grant
work/requests.
LOGO: Cherish Wilson has volunteered to work on the logo, a newsletter, and social networking. Cherish said that
she could write press releases for local papers. She also has links to media and photography.
Rita made a motion that we create a “media and public relations” position for Cherish.
There was no NEW BUSINESS to discuss. Jane thanked all the FRIENDS for being friends this past year.
She also gave a big “thank you” to Don for his role as President of FRIENDS as well as for all his dedication and hard work for CMSP and FRIENDS of CMSP.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
SUBMITTED BY: Mina Lavendol, Secretary
Board Meeting Minutes Dec. 2010
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING, FRIENDS OF CROWDERS MOUNTAIN, INC., TUESDAY, 12/07/10
The December 7, 2010, Board Meeting of Friends of Crowders Mountain, Inc., was held at Crowders Mountain State Park Visitors Center, 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
IN ATTENDANCE:
Don Clapp, Kelly Cooke, Mina Lavendol, Fred Moss, Kay Moss, Rita Paysour
President Don Clapp called the meeting to order.
He introduced Patrick Sery of the Cleveland County Health Department, who has been working on ideas for a renovated FRIENDS website that eventually will be more attractive and user-friendly to the public than our current one. Patrick presented his suggestions and explanation of examples that would successfully work with our website in a newer, updated version with appropriate current internet tools and communicative devices. He illustrated the website development tool, “Word Press”, that, in his opinion, is an excellent free choice, easily retrieved from the Internet. He explained how “Word Press” gives website access to many different users with the freedom to update from anywhere, at any time. Patrick also outlined how we could add/change pages on the website as well as edit, publish, and produce forms to keep the website current. (He created a few such forms as examples.) Moreover, FRIENDS Board members could download specific information from certain predetermined areas only available for respective Board responsibilities. Some suggestions for modernizing the website included: a moving horizontal scrolling message, more easily manageable linking from one page to the next, additional themes and more proficient techniques of changing and adaptation of these new themes. The foundation of the website could remain the same with only the home page updated.
Don added that over 2,000 images of CMSP exist now that some could be added to FRIENDS website for photo rotation. Flexibility on our website can be to our advantage in attracting new visitors to the site as well as to our meetings. Don also suggested board member, Becca Kirlin, be an active participant in such website renewal efforts.
At the conclusion of Patrick’s very informative presentation, Don advised that he would send all a link to the developing website with this meeting’s minutes.
REPORTS:
SECRETARY’S REPORT (Mina Lavendol): Copies of the Minutes of November 21, 2010, for both the “Planning for the Future” and the “Special Board” Meeting were distributed to attending Board members for perusal and comment. These minutes will also be emailed and snail-mailed out to all the usual recipients.
TREASURER’S REPORT (Fred Moss):
FRIENDS’ BEGINNING BALANCE: $7,158.97.
INCOME: Total: $2,046.00
Firestone and Bridgestone: $1,000.00
FFF (merchandise and food):$946.00
Recent Membership: $100.00
EXPENSES: $2,362.49 (contact Fred for details)
ENDING BALANCE: $6,842.48
CMSP QUARTERLY REPORT: (7/1/10-9/30/10)
INCOME: Total of Donation boxes and concessions: $652.40
EXPENSES: $312.41 (see Fred for details)
ENDING BALANCE: $339.39
CRMO PARK REPORT (Kelly Cooke for Larry Hyde):
1. STAFF: There are no vacancies currently. Most of the seasonal positions expired by December 1, 2010, except for Donny Williamson, the only remaining seasonal position at this time. CMSP will be ready for seasonal again from January 1 to July 30, 2011, but after July, funding may be severely cut. Everything is now in a state of flux and there may have to numerous statewide cuts in 2011/2012. Kelly added that some parks may have to be closed or have reduced open hours in near future.
2. .5 MILE TRAIL MARKERS/CARSONITES (provided by FRIENDS): The Eagle Scout candidate has finished all the markings except for the southern portion of the Ridgeline Trail. The project should be completed by early January, 2011. This scout has been doing a good job.
3. SOLAR POWERED PUSH BUTTON CROSSWALKS: The State still plans to pay for two road crossings. However, the priority order of crossings has changed to :
a. NC Hwy 161
b. Bethlehem Road
c. Pinnacle
d. SSP/Freedom Mill
4. CAMPGROUND RENOVATION PROJECT: This project includes:
a. Vault toilets for both campgrounds;
b. Improved water (solar, electric or storage tank);
c. Improvement of group campsites (possible pads [one pad is being poured the week of 12/6/10], leveling);
d. Possible addition of 1-2 group campsites;
e. Moving and/or additional 1-2 family campsites;
f. Possible installation of an amphitheater.
Designers were invited to bid on this project (through mid-November), several designers contacted the park, and two showed up to look at the intended project. Partial project funding was approved by PARTF at their meeting in October, but the Crowders/Rocktop trail renovation project has not been funded.
5. IRON RANGERS (Donation collection boxes at Linwood and Boulders): Larry said that there are two models currently being considered. Since it is difficult to view each on the website, he is now awaiting quotes for each one. Larry’s supervisor also likes these models and is checking for approval of installation. The price will range from $1,000.00 to $2,000.00. The big issue is making sure these boxes are secure. Once they are installed, signage is necessary to explain their function.
6. JANUARY 4, 2011, GENERAL MEETING: Larry will not be in attendance for this meeting but it can still be held.
7. MARCH 12, 2011, CRMO 50K/30K TRAIL RUN: Aaron Ligon confirmed this date although there may be too many people for 30K so it may have to be omitted. The concern is that so many entrants may make it too difficult to manage the race.
8. APRIL 3, 2011, FRIENDS OF CRMO/GASTON CYCLISTS RIDE: The Bike Ride will be on April 3, not the 10 since April 10 is Earth Day.
9. APRIL (?) WILD FOODS EVENT: As per Larry’s supervisor, no collection of wild foods is permitted in the Park; we are permitted to eat plants collected elsewhere. Kay Moss said that the word “taste” should not be included in the description of the wild foods event and that the word festival should not be used to describe this event. Too many people tend to show up at an event, labeled “festival”. This event could be planned for either April 2 or April 16. The meeting could be at 10:00 a.m. with the program at 11:00 a.m. since the peak park visiting hours are 10 and 4.
10. NOVEMBER 12 FUR, FANGS AND FEATHERS FALL FESTIVAL: There are too many conflicts in September and October, so the Park will keep the November date for the FFFF. There is an ongoing problem about parking and we have to consider some ways to provide shuttle service. The Park had to turn some people away during the recent FFFF because there were no more parking spaces. Shuttle service is being considered from Boulders, from Pisgah Church and/or Chapel Grove Baptist Church. There is also a possibility for Walt Israel to provide a county van or bus. Larry asked FRIENDS to think about funding shuttle services.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. STORE ITEMS: Two separate individuals have asked CMSP about purchase of their walking sticks for resale by the Friends. The prices suggested range from $7.00 to $10.00. Some samples were available for the Board to view. The Board discussed the feasibility of purchase, how many, what prices, etc. It was decided to purchase five sticks from each vendor and offer to pay the same amount, $8.00, per stick. We can then try to sell them for about $12.00 to $15.00 each.
2. FFF Festival Critique: The FFFF went well this year. FRIENDS had one renewal, but no new members joined.
3. LIABILITY INSURANCE: We are continuing to research liability insurance (its cost as well as appropriate coverage).Don gave the example of REI and its requirement: “All applicants must have 501 (c) 3 tax status and general liability insurance in order to be eligible for a grant.” Fred has found out that for about $300/day or $1000.00/year, we could have coverage for general liability and for any general lawsuits against FRIENDS. Another concern is the question of coverage; is the organization only covered or are individuals who belong to the organization also covered?. Rita gave asked about van shuttle service and its coverage regarding people being transported by FRIENDS. Kay questioned the liability involved in food, especially at the future 7/4/11 event. Don, Larry, Dennis and Fred are continuing their research.
4.2011 SCHEDULE REVISIONS: The discussion about scheduling concentrated upon the timing of General, Board, and Event meetings. Combining General and Board Is a possibility in the future because of the difficulty of many week night meetings and the fact that the same people usually attend both types of meetings. FRIENDS must let Aubrey know our schedule by the beginning of the year since she is in charge of Park schedules. A suggestion by Don was that since the FFFF will be held in November, a FRIENDS meeting can now be planned for October 4, 2011, instead of the original September 6, 2011 date. There would be no December meeting. Rita asked why there would be free food and music at the upcoming July 4th event if there were so few people attending this past year’s festival. Don said that this year there would be more publicity about the event and that we might also consider asking for donations at the festival. However, liability has to be also taken into consideration when providing food for the public.
2011 Meetings, Events and Activities and Suggested Schedule:
January 4, Tuesday: General Meeting and Elections
February ??: Cultural History of Crowders Mountain
March 12, Saturday: 50K Run to benefit FRIENDS of Crowders Mountain, Inc.
April 3, Saturday: Gaston County Cyclists bike ride to benefit FRIENDS of Crowders Mountain, Inc.
April 9, Saturday: Earth Day at the Schiele – FRIENDS exhibiting
April 10, Sunday: Earth Day at Organic Marketplace – FRIENDS exhibiting
April 16, 11:00 A.M. – Fun with Wild Foods, Show & Tell, and General /Board Meeting at 10 A.M.
May 14 & 15, Saturday & Sunday – Dave Cone Memorial Campout
June 5, Tuesday: General/Board Meeting
July 4, Monday: Music Festival & Fireworks at Linwood Access, starting: 5:30 P.M.; music and food are free. Suggested donation and/or join FRIENDS
October 4: General/Board Meeting
October, Homecoming Days (?) at Kings Mountain State Park – FRIENDS exhibiting
November 12, Saturday: Fur, Fangs, and Feathers Festival – FRIENDS co-sponsoring and participating
December – No Board meeting (Rita asked about the nominating new officers for 2012 and Don answered that the nominations could be accomplished by email, mail and phone)
January 3, 2012 – General Meeting and Elections/Board meeting
NEW BUSINESS:
1. LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP: $250 or $500 for lifetime membership in FRIENDS was suggested. It was agreed that $250 is easier for most people. Rita said if we have lifetime membership choice there would be no incentive FOUNDERS group at $100.00 /year. Don and Fred disagreed, saying that they would still stay in FOUNDERS group and pay $100.00/year. $250 membership fee was approved.
2. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP: This membership was suggested for a one year span after 20/45 hours of service (e.g.: State Parks give free camping after 45 hours of service with Park (e.g. trail work, visitor center work). Kay did not think it was a good idea since it would lead the way to free membership. Instead, she suggested we could just invite volunteers to come to events and keep accurate records. Fred agreed and said it wasn’t a good precedent to set for FRIENDS’ future.
3. REIMBURSEMENT FOR TWO TO STATE FRIENDS’ MEETING ($250 each): Kay mentioned voiced concerns that such a policy might not be acceptable because of the FRIENDS’ tax exempt status. Moreover, the amount of $500.00 is too much money to outlay at this time. Rita agreed that we should be careful because of possible future consequences. Fred said, however, if Larry wanted to do this, it might be a good idea to go ahead with it. The consensus was that we follow through with this reimbursement for this date.
4. STORE ITEMS:
a. Resurrected 4” X 6” oval decals for vehicles: Chris wants to know if FRIENDS wants to pay for the decals or should CMSP pay. There is a minimum of 250 decals for $1.00 each. She said they would definitely sell. The saying would be: “GET LOST AT CMSP”. A motion was made by Fred that FRIENDS purchase 250 decals; Rita seconded the motion and it was passed.
b. Fandex guides: Fan-shaped attached paper product with information on each section of the “fan”. These cost $10.95 retail; we sell each for $11.00?, Chris said that we would purchase an assortment and that it’s a good idea; they also sell well at the Park. These Fandex guides were also included in the motion to purchase decals. Minimum orders of both are dependent on Chris’ approval.
5.2011 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS (TWO YEAR TERMS):
a. President: Don Clapp
b. Vice President: replacement for George Ball
c. Secretary: Mina Lavendol
d. Treasurer: Fred Moss
e. Board: Jack Moore, Kay Moss, Dennis Patterson, Rita Paysour, Mike Peters (to replace Bob Muhl who is resigning), Suzanne Simmons
Kay made a motion that all the current Board be approved, plus Mike Peters to replace Bob Muhl. The motion was seconded, approved and passed.
Discussion also ensued about whether a person had to be a member for a year in order to become a Board member. It was agreed that one has to be a member of FRIENDS with no particular time requirement.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 P.M., December 7, 2010.
SUBMITTED BY MINA LAVENDOL, SECRETARY