Minutes of Our Meetings Page
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 APRIL 6, 2010, GENERAL MEETING OF
FRIENDS OF CROWDERS MOUNTAIN, INC.
The April 6, 2010, General Meeting of Friends of Crowders Mountain, Inc., was held 7:00 P.M., April 6, 2010, at Crowders Mountain State Park Visitors Center, 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC.
Former President, Verna Neal welcomed attendees, announced the evening’s program, “The Ecology of Both Insects and Spiders as They Relate to the Habitats Found in the Park” * and, along with her husband Richard, introduced the two presenters:
Dawn Flynn, Entomologist and Curator of Life Sciences, Schiele Museum of Natural History: educated in Georgia and Michigan; involved in service activities for bird and land conservation, involved in field work in France, Mexico, and Pakistan and in tropical entomological research for the Smithsonian in Panama.
Dr. David Grant, Spider Specialist with Davidson College and Adjunct Curator, Schiele Museum of Natural History: long term educator in biology and related subjects and Professor Emeritus at Davidson College; involved in the Duke University program on the North Carolina coast.
*[Notes on this highly fascinating and absorbing presentation can be made available to any interested readers.]
After the presentation, President Don Clapp opened the General Business Meeting:
PRESENT: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thornburg, Don Clapp, Jane Connelly, Anne Gometz, Larry Hyde, Becca Kirlin, Mina Lavendol, Aaon Ligon, John Michalski, Jack Moore, Bob Muhl, Fred Moss, Kay Moss, Richard Neal, Verna Neal, Dennis Patterson
I. Secretary Mina Lavendol gave the Secretary’s Report:
The General Meeting of January 5th Minutes as well as the two Board Meetings (January 5th and March 2nd) have been emailed to all members. All minutes are available on our website, www.friendsofcrowdersmountain.org. Copies are also available at this meeting.
A motion was made to accept the Secretary’s Report. It was seconded, approved and passed.
II. Treasurer Fred Moss gave the Treasurer’s Report:
1/5/10: BALANCE: $6,392.27
Membership $410.00
Food Lion 8.05
Bob Bigger’s Programs 50.00
$6,840.32
EXPENSES:
P.O. Box Rental (Year) $ 70.00
Burn Expenses for Crew 500.00
Carsonite Composite Trail Markers 739.00
Office Depot 16.67
Walmart (Cart) 26.87
USPS Stamps 44.00
Office Max 36.50
Mina Lavendol (Expenses) 10.43
TOTAL $1,443.47
ENDING BALANCE: $5,416.85
Budget as of 12/31/09:
Concessions, Sales: $459.00
Donations: 150.76 TOTAL: $609.00
Expenses: $542.97
BALANCE: $ 66.79
TOTAL INCOME: $1,077.81
TOTAL EXPENSES: $1,986.44
A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report. It was seconded, approved and passed.
III. CROWDERS MOUNTAIN PARK UPDATE:
Superintendent Larry Hyde reported on park status:
A. PARTF visit, March 26-27, 2010: Larry reported that some major decisions on purchasing were made during this visit. He reported that the group was impressed with the Crowders Mountain presentation, the slide show, and the appearance of the park. Friends provided snacks for the event.
B. STAFF: No vacancies exist at this time.
C. RE-ROUTES of Turnback and Pinnacle Trails: These trails were completed to mixed reviews; the changes are good with achievement of reduced grades and erosion prevention.
D. CAMPGROUND Trail Re-route: Park staff has begun work on this re-route but has been slowed because of weather and some illness.
E. FRIENDS’ money at work:
1. Trail work;
2. Improvement of Visitors’ Center topography map;
3. Carsonite .5 trail markers update: Larry has found an Eagle Scout who will do this project.
4. Butterfly Garden: Fred and Kay Moss have provided for donation for plants. Don Clapp has been giving hours along with several of the Park staff; Jane Connelly and Don have provided the garden’s basic plan with a very good outcome.
Don added that FRIENDS is appreciative for UNCC Gardeans providing the plants at a very good discount; all plants in the garden are natives.
IV. OLD BUSINESS:
A. BIKE RIDE, 4/11/10: Board Member Jack Moore reported on status: It will start at 10 a.m. with 9:00 a.m. registration. Volunteers should meet in back of Shelter #2 at 8:45 a.m. This ride is different than previous years’ rides: registration fees will go directly to FRIENDS instead of the Bike Club. (Update to minutes: The bike rides netted the Friends $1,387 this year. THANK YOU Gaston County Cyclists!)
B. EARTH DAY, 4/24-4/25/2010: Board Member Becca Kirlin reported on status: The night of 4/23 will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the trail at Schiele and will consist of a concert, food, beverages, basically for adults.
4/24/10: There will be 50 organizations involved, including FRIENDS. There will be a parade at 10:30 a.m. that FRIENDS can join. Events are from 11-4; FRIENDS will have a table at this event. Don added that the whittler brothers(George Ball & Bob Muhl) will be at the event and that there will be “butterfly bingo”, led by FRIENDS. Discussion followed about the butterfly flag, the parade, the CMSP mascot (Rocky). Staffing is needed at the table.
C. JUNE 5th CAMPOUT at Crowders: Board Member Bob Muhl reported on status: FRIENDS will backpack into the campsite and must bring and cook their own food.
D. JULY 4th, TENTH ANNIVERSARY celebration: Don Clapp reported on status: Don needs committees for this event and help with the many activities planned.
E. GRANT STATUS: Verna Neal reported on status: We submitted a Doctors’ Foundation grant for $32,000.00 for foursets of lights for road crossings. We won’t know outcome until September, 2010.
Verna also reported on new grant ideas:
1. Blumenthal Foundation gives quarterly grants to chosen organizations. We only need to send letter with income statement and details.
2. Duke Kimbrell Foundation has a list of pre-selected organizations for its periodic grants. She requested FRIENDS be put on its list and is now awaiting a response.
3. Verna will continue to seek other organizations for possible grants.
F. OTHER OLD BUSINESS: Don led discussion on this topic:
1. Crowders decals and Friends bandanas: they currently cost $4.00 each but are not selling well. Don proposed that we change the price to $3.00 each for better sale results. FRIENDS approved the price change.
2. 20% discount for FRIENDS: Don will send out the list for FRIENDS with the updated prices.
V. NEW BUSINESS:
A. TRAIL RUN: Aaron Ligon reported on status: Aaron described past trail runs that have been held in the second week of March with 10-17 runners at 50 km., starting at Linwood Access of Crowders Mountain.
Aaron envisions a run on a larger scale in 2011: possibly 60-70 runners, some running for 31 miles and others doing a 50-mile run. There may be problems because of parking and the different parks involved. He needs volunteers manning tables. This event could raise money for FRIENDS. He suggested that it start at Kings Mountain.
Discussion of a Trail Run included its date, benefits for CMSP, shirts and hats with logo, website, organizers and sponsors of the Run, transportation, non-profit status. Jane Connelly added that State Parks cannot sponsor commercial runs. Don said that Aaron is invited to the next Board Meeting to discuss Trail Run in more detail.
B. MEMBERSHIP LIST:
1. Fred Moss spoke about the 2002 list of members with suggestion that we send out letters to those previous members.
2. Don requested that we all collect lists of past members, he isconsolidating lists we already have, and will send out information to past and possible future members, including information for the big 7/4/10 event.
C. AIR QUALITY FLAGS: Don Clapp (for Pam Ellwood) explained the use of these flags: cards show air quality for each day at respective park areas. An example is the code orange that was displayed at CMST on 4/5/10. Larry Hyde said that the park doesn’t curtail activities and that the flags are there simply for patrons’ information; it is up to each individual to decide on amount of activity.
D. SURVEY FORMS: Don distributed survey forms to anyone who hadn’t as yet received one. He also reminded attendees to sign the sheet in the lobby.
E. LOGO: Becca Kirlin reported on the March 2nd Board Meeting logo discussion and exhibited a rendition of logo, with possible slogans. Examples: “Have you seen my monadnock?” or “My monadnock”. She suggested that we choose a FRIENDS logo with a chosen slogan over it.
F. BUSINESS CARDS/BROCHURES:
1. Don reported that we have some business cards that we can distribute.
2. We also have packets of fifteen each of FRIENDS brochures with meeting schedules for those who want to distribute them. The following members took packets for distribution:
a. Anne Gometz: Gaston Library;
b. Becca Kirlin: Schiele Museum, Jaycee meetings;
c. John Michalski: UNCC Student Union.
Don Clapp asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting: it was seconded, approved and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
MINUTES of JANUARY 5, 2010, GENERAL MEETING of
FRIENDS OF CROWDERS MOUNTAIN, INC.
The first 2010 General Meeting of Friends of Crowders Mountain, Inc., was held 7:00 p.m., January 5, 2010, at Crowders Mountain State Park Visitors Center, 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
Present: George Ball, Alberto Beani, Shirley Brutko, Don Clapp, Shane Clary, Jane Connolly, Pam Ellwood, Anne Gometz, Becca Kirlin, Mina Lavendol, Jack Moore, Fred Moss, Kay Moss, Bob Muhl, Verna Neal, Dennis Patterson, Rita Pasour, Mike Peters, Suzanne Simmons, Ed Veasey
President Rita Pasour called the meeting to order. The list of “Friends’ Accomplishments for 2009” was distributed to the attendees and Rita proceeded to go over this list. Two notes of importance:
- Food Lion is deleting its MVP card program for Crowders (According to Bob Muhl, we had been receiving $15.00 quarterly from Food Lion.)
- There was a suggestion to add the volunteer program to this list.
Treasurer Bob Muhl submitted the Treasurer’s Report. He said we did not spend anything for the end of the year. We have $6,526.41. A motion to approve the report was made; it was seconded and approved.
Rita Pasour expressed her appreciation and thanked the following members for honoring her and for their help during her time as President:
- Crowders Mountain State Park Employees;
- Larry Hyde, Park Superintendent;
- Aubrie Hurley, Kelly Cooke, Jane Connelly (park video experience)
- Office Staff, especially Chris Lewandowski;
- Maintenance Crew, particularly all of the Rangers;
- George Ball, Vice President, food and fund contribution solicitation from businesses, help at the Volunteer Boulders Luncheon, his walking sticks
- Susan Ball, Historian, help with the opening;
- Bob Muhl, Treasurer, help with monetary matters and grant writing;
- Jack Moore, Board Member, Biking Club, raising of funds, IRS CPA help with Crowders Mountain non-profit status;
- Kay Moss and Suzanne Simmons, refreshments, work with children, bandanas, general Park work;
- Don Clapp, Board member, all his help, trail volunteer;
- Mike Bosworth, Board member;
- Park Volunteers, work at all activities, especially at the Fur, Fangs and Feathers Festival;
- Verna Neal, help in grant writing, advice, finding sponsors, contacts;
- Fred Moss, work with Fur, Fangs and Feathers Festival, help with Board meetings;
- Ed Veasey;
- Mike Peters, one of Crowders first Presidents;
- Pam Ellwood, photo taking at Staff Appreciation and Dave Cone’sMemorial;
- Anne Gometz, work as assistant Historian.
The 2010 elections were conducted:
Rita Pasour announced that the Board had approved the 2010 slate of board members and officers at the November 10, 2009, meeting. There are two new members for the Board of Directors:
Becca Kirlin,
Dennis Patterson
Other members are: Bob Muhl, Suzanne Simmons, Kay Moss, and Jack Moore
2010 Slate of Officers:
Don Clapp - President
George Ball - Vice President
Fred Moss - Treasurer
Mina Lavendol - Secretary
A motion to accept new officers was made by Rita Pasour and seconded by Kay Moss. The vote was taken and the slate was carried by unanimous vote.
President Don Clapp stepped up to preside over the meeting.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
- Interest surveys: described and given to attendees;
- Introduction of Jack Moore, Bike Ride Organizer: Jack discussed the Bike Ride which will take place on April 11, 2010. He would like volunteers to help with traffic coordination and registration, from 9 a.m. of that day. Food for rest stops will be from Food Lion. There will be three different mile points of this ride for participants.
PROGRAM:
Don Clapp introduced Shirley Brutko and Dennis Patterson to speak about the new Kings Mountain Gateway Trail:
I. Shirley Brutko gave a history of the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail:
A. Reasons: saving land and lakes; helping with local economy; providing biking trails for both families and experienced cyclists; outdoors recreation; tie -in with other parks in area.
B. Funding: grant from National Park Services; hoped-for funding from monies allotted for Carolina Thread Trail; State funds ;
C. Land Choices and Acquisition: former land from local mining companies, future inclusion of two local lakes; former railroad beds; Kings Creek area; quarry views;
D. Size:
1. Current Trail is two miles long, 10 feet wide with some asphalt and some gravel;
2. First Phase: one acre of land and two miles, finished 11/7/09.
3. Second Phase: from end of first two miles to other side of I 85, with private bridge planned;
4. Future: conservation easement “in perpetuity” into Crowders Mountain with tie-in to Boulders;
E. Nature pluses along Trail: City Lake, Davidson Lake, Kings Creek, mining quarry views, wildlife;
F. Trail Involvement: 40 people total, with 20 -30 active;
G. Future Goals:
1. Work on next 4 miles starting in 2010.
2. Picnic shelter area with tables, foot bridge, office and Superintendent.
3. Gated park with park hours (perhaps a state or national park)
4. Possible fence;
5. Eventual 7-10 miles long, total.
I. Fundraising Event: Gateway Fund Run:
1. May 1, 2010
2. Begins at KM Gateway Trailhead
3. 5 K. run or walk
4. Entrance fee, prizes
5. Appearance of “Miss Kitty” (reenactment, her book, Tales Of A Young Black Slave) for sale.
II. Dennis Patterson presented the KM Gateway Trail Video (helped by Jane Connelly):
A. Photos of Grand Opening: 11/7/09 at KM Gateway trailhead:
- 400 in attendance at opening ceremony; 2,500 count for weekend;
- Trail open for walkers; shuttles for non-walkers;
B. Photos of trail, old rail-bed, view of Pinnacle
- Asphalt is about one mile long;
- Future aspiration: to see shuttle operating from Boulders to Trailhead.
NEW BUSINESS:
III. Submission of Grant Proposal, possible funding opportunity, by Verna Neal:
A. Grant offered from private family
B. For 3-4 road crossings: flashing lights for hikers, etc.
C. Funds involved: possible $32,000 for all crossings; if not, $8,000 for one crossing, if not, $1,000 for Fur, Fangs, and Feather Festival;
D. Verna recommends it for review and approval by Board; this will be presented at the Board of Directors Meeting immediately after the General Meeting this date.
IV. Park Update by Jane Conolly:
Jane thanked the organization for its ongoing work for Crowders Mountain State Park. She also thanked Rita Pasour for her work as President and she wished good luck to Don Clapp, new President of Friends of Crowders Mountain, Inc.
Jane announced the 500-acre planned Burn on the Pinnacle of Crowders, scheduled for Wednesday, 1/6/10. Many people will be working on the Burn; it will be a record breaker.
The Park will re-route to the Turnback Trail as well as the Campground Trail.
The Park is working on the Butterfly Garden with the Friends’ help.
Park is fully staffed with Josh Clawson back.
The budget is unsure, especially the State budget.
Thank you to Friends.
V. President Don Clapp presented some ideas for discussion:
- Introduction of Becca Kirlin and Dennis Patterson as new Board members;
- Survey Forms: hope for new ideas for future “friends” of Friends, for more
involvement and more activities;
- Meetings: 6 meetings instead of 4 per year? Additional programs?;
- Opportunities for more exposure as an organization and better ways to communicate with the members (ideas of social networking, newsletter, etc.)
- Verna Neal suggested that we post announcements for general meetings on the website, & next to the “Donation Boxes”;
- Suggestion that membership be on a calendar basis in future.
Don called for a quick Board Meeting after the General Meeting; Don adjourned the
General Meeting.
Submitted by Mina Lavendol, Secretary
