Minutes of Our Meetings Page
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
