DRAFT 12-13-11
DECEMBER MINUTES
After lunch, President, MaryAnn Melton introduced Dustin Coufal, our AgriLife advisor, to the group. He mentioned the Fire Wise training that is coming up in mid January. He also explained that he had replaced Bob Whitney and that he was available any time we needed him.
The October minutes were approved as posted on the websites with a motion byWayneand a second by Geri.
MaryAnn awarded initial certification pins to Bonnie, Geri and Susan. Julia is due a 2011 recertification pin but was absent. Pam is also certified but after the pins were designated. MaryAnn explained the certification requirements.
Susan stated that the United Way MLK volunteer day at Berry Springs will be on January 16 for a nature trail blazing. The proposed trail will run on the other side of I 35 to the creek which is part of the Old Chisholm Trail. Susan suggested workers bring lopes and rakes.
MaryAnn introduced Edgar Neflin, a master gardener who elaborated on the Fire Wise training that is sponsored by the Texas Forest Service and will involve interfacing with 12 fire departments. Fire Wise is all about landscaping. The cost of the 3 day class is $50 and requires 15 hours payback time with fire departments.
Hank explained that Joss Growers nursery is allowing us to volunteer on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting in January to visit and learn how to prune, propagate and care for native plants. Waynecautioned to park on the nursery grounds, not on the road. To reach the nursery go east on Hgwy 29 to CR 100. Just before the river the road dead ends, turn left onto 130. Phone:930-3746
Wayneexplained the 1-year action plan is a guide to get started on the goals of the 5-year plan.. Geri made a motion with a second by Diane to waive the 30 day notice so the plan can be voted on. Dave made a motion, 2nd byDee to accept the plan. The document will be included in the chapter documents.
MaryAnn stated the state does not have plan or procedure if one does not complete the requirements for certification within the 12 month period after finishing training. A committee has formulated such a plan for the Good Water chapter. Geri suggested that calendar be added to year in the third paragraph. Waynemade a motion with a 2nd by Gail to accept the plan with the addition.
Gail displayed the scrap book which she has assembled for our first full year as a chapter.
Everyone shares in making the Year in Review an impressive list of accomplishments.
Susan stated that Archeology Day will be March 23-24 at berry Springs park.
Geri stated the Rivery park invertebrate training has been done but the actual work will not start until January as some equipment needs to be secured. She also stated that more weeders to remove invasive plants are needed on Tuesday mornings.
All who attended the Project Wild training agreed it was fun as well as worth while, and that the manual is a great resource.
MaryAnn stated thatGeorgetownParksand Rec have given us a 2-hour slot during spring break and the same every other week during summer camp. There is a Youth Ed committee which will meet again in January. TheRecCenteris also agreeable to working with us on a Junior Naturalist Program.
Winnie stated that theRecCenter senior program has given us a day in March, April, and May to do a program.
The 2012 slate of officers are as follows: President Diane Goodwin, VP Gail McAdoo, Secretary Geri Tease, Treasurer Dee Smith. There were no nominations from the floor and the new officers were elected by proclamation with a motion by Dave and a 2nd by Pam..
Diane stated that some committee chairs have been filled: Volunteer Services, Sterlin; Programs, Gail; Historian, Winnie; Hospitality, Bonnie, Betty, & Pat; training coordinator, Wayne. Needed to fill A T, membership, website, outreach newsletter and two at-large positions.
MaryAnn stated how much he had enjoyed being president and thanked all the board members for the work they’d done.
At 3:15with no further business to come before the board, Gail made a motion, 2nd by Geri to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
10-25-11
OCTOBER MINUTES
President, MaryAnn Melton, opened the meeting at1:10PMwith 14 members and two guests present. She immediately turned the meeting over to Dee Smith to introduce the speaker, Steve Schwartzman, who presented a wildflower photo show with lots of information regarding the flowers and filming process.
At2:20PMwe took a short stretch break before reconvening at2:35PM.
The August minutes were approved as corrected and posted on the web with a motion by Gail and a 2nd by Gerry. The September minutes were approved as corrected and posted with a motion by Dave and a 2nd by Diane.
Dave reported the bank balance is $2208.60. Last month’s basket donation of $271 dollars was given to the Healing Hearts Healing Lands for seed balls for theBastropburned areas.
In Al’s absence MaryAnn stated that the cumulative hours have been updated on the Yahoo site and that one needs to be careful to follow guidelines for AT hours and if there is any question to check with Al for approval. Some AT hours have been approved by Michelle’s office.
Deepresented the slate of officers for next year as follows: President: Diane, VP: Gail, Treasurer: Dee, and Secretary: Geri Tease. Election of officers will be at the December meeting.
MaryAnn stated that the regular meeting days in November and December fall within two days of each holiday so the board had discussed combining the meetings to a more favorable date. Dave made a motion, 2nd by Geri, that the November meeting be eliminated and have a combined November/December meeting on December 13 at1PM at the AgriLide facility. It will be a pot luck lunch. Diane suggested that we recap the year at this meeting, but that the board will decide on the program.
Betty stated the Project Wild training will be on November 30, 9-4PMat AgriLife. It will be a brown bag lunch. So far six have signed up and four more will be registered in the morning. After October 30 MN will have to pay the full $25 fee and cannot be guaranteed a spot as it will be opened to the public. She cautioned on the email application to be sure to your add email address on the first page and to check GWMN on page 2 to get the discounted price. Payment can be made by on line with any credit card. If paying by check be sure to get it to Dave within the next couple of days. Gail requested that someone take pictures at the training.
MaryAnn noted that Geri Tease is now chairperson of the Rivery Project. Geri passed signup sheets for the plant removal and for the aquatic invertebrate ID and count for which there will be a training. Gail reminded us that the state does not approve maintenance projects so we need to label the plant work as invasive removal. (Removal of Johnson grass and King Ranch Bluestem grass)
MaryAnn stated that we are in the process of forming a relationship with Eric Nuner andGeorgetownParksand Rec, and when and if we obligate to something it is important that we follow through.
MaryAnn reviewed volunteer opportunities that on the horizon: Creek cleanup in Settler’s park on 11/5; Planting 50 5-gallon cypress trees inSan Gabrielpark on 11/19; The court interpretation luncheon on 12/6 which involves a chapter display table. She also noted a need for a committee for children’s activities and another for web site development.
Bonnie stated that last Saturday volunteers assembled 400 seed ball kits for distribution for the HHHL project. This was a joint effort of 5-6 counties and several organizations.
Diane stated that Dennis Perez, president of NPSOT, is writing an article for the newsletter about the HHHL project.
With no other business David made a motion, 2nd by Sterlin, to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
9-27-2011
SEPTEMBER MEETING
President MaryAnn Melton opened the meeting at1:00PMwith 21 members and two guests present. She immediately turned the meeting over to Winnie to present the first Tenner’s program which was on wildflowers. When finished we had a ten-minute break before reconvening at2:15.
MaryAnn presented 250 hour pins to Winnie and MaryAnn and a recertification pin to Sterlin. Then she passed around signup sheets for several volunteer projects coming up including: planting cypress trees with the city forester, stream clean up in Round Rock’s Settler’s Park, annual fall clean up day at Berry Springs.
Waynepassed around copies of the Five Year Plan which the committee has completed. After reading the plan Geri made a motion, 2nd by Dee, to vote on the plan without the 30-day waiting period. After that motion was approved Gerri made another motion with 2nd by Jim to accept the five-year plan. Motion carried.
Wayne and MaryAnn met with the two new Round Rock Park Rangers earlier in the month. The new rangers are seeking help for education so they can go into the schools. There is a stream clean up scheduled for Nov 5 for interested chapter members to meet, work and interact with some Round Rock volunteers. MaryAnn noted that we need to define exactly what they are looking for from us and to stress good ecology with them. She stated that the rangers are eager to learn. Valerie suggested we might work on some show and tell displays for them to use with school children.
Waynestated the class for 2012 is set, dates reserved, agenda complete, registration info is on the website and he hopes for a full class of 30.
MaryAnn relayed that Susan at Berry Springs would like confirmation for those planning to attend on October 8, tools one is bringing & food re: pot luck.
Diane passed around a proposal for the RiveryParkproject. Some of the things the city and contracting agency are looking for is to stop the mowing from the path to the lake, ID invasive plants, signage, clearing the pond of algae and weeds. Several stated they were not interested in getting in the water to work. Deemade a motion, 2nd by Dave, to make theRiveryPark a chapter project.
Multiple emails continue to be a problem especially from the Yahoo site. Al stated that emails need to be lessened, but the problems with getting on the Yahoo site continue to exist for many
Betty stated that Project Wild training is scheduled for November 30. The board had voted to subsidize member attendance by $10 of the $25 dollar fee. It will be a brown bag lunch. Payment options include Pay Pal or one can give Dave their $15 and he will send a check to
Project Wild.
MaryAnn stated she, Sterlin, and Geri had met with Eric Nuner of the city ofGeorgetown.Sterlingstated there are several opportunities to plug into theRecCenter’s ongoing programs, including one day events, summer camps, day camps. Presentations would be an hour long on a certain day. The Center is also looking for help with the Senior Program. MaryAnn stated there is an outdoor family event on October15 and 16.
Betty stated that the Helping Hands, Healing Lands project is underway. NPSOT will be looking for people to assemble seed ball kits in Oct. Then for groups to sponsor kids groups or schools to make the seed balls. A hat was passed to collect donations. Dave noted that $271 was collected.
MaryAnn reported that 60 people were at the bat site last week. Sterlin stated how he loved working with the children. MaryAnn speculated that we would continue this project next year.
MaryAnn had hardcopies of the annual meeting agenda and registration forms. She also stated that Ben is unable to serve on the nomination committee at this time and that she had appointedDeeto take his place on the committee.
MaryAnn stated that the meeting survey had shown mixed results. Much discussion resulted in day vs evening meeting and day of the week. Winnie stated that she did not think we should table this decision until next month as our options were quickly narrowing re: facilities. It was decided to try to alternate an afternoon meeting month with an evening meeting month for six months starting in January. Diane made a motion, 2nd by Jim, to try the evening meeting alternate for a six month trial. Winnie will contact Donna for room availability. Jim stated thatLone Star Circle of Care has rooms available for booking that we might investigate and consider.
Deestated that in October the speaker will be wildflower photographer Steve Schwartzman. He showed a flyer and current Texas Highways article showing his pictures and works. He also stated that there is a photo exhibit of his work at theElizabethNeyMuseum inAustin.
MaryAnn noted she had the card for Sonny for anyone who has not yet signed to do so, then she will mail it.
At 3:35Dave made a motion, 2nd by Jim, to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen
8-23-2011 GOODWATER M N MEETING
President, MaryAnn Melton, opened the meeting at1PM, then turned the mike over toDeeto introduced the speaker, Eric Nuner, ofGeorgetownParksand Rec. The city’s 34 parks cover 1392 acres, of which 472 are developed. There are 6.2 miles of trails. At the end of his presentation he talked about volunteer opportunities and possible partnerships with the schools for camps, outdoor workshops with TPWD, and the city for work onRiveryPark. He also explained weed wrench and air spade.
After a short break to stretch the meeting reconvened at 2:30. MaryAnn explained the change in reporting hours with the new address : goodwatermn@gmail.com.
Al stated that each member will be given a recording/member number and that it should be used on reporting sheets. It will be a 4 digit year of completion number followed by a dash and a specific assigned number. The hour records will also be posted on the Yahoo site. Al asked for anyone objecting to this posting to speak up. No one did.
Deesuggested that an email be sent to all members not present to alert them to this change.
The July minutes were approved as posted on the sites with a motion byDee, second by Gerry.
Dave reported he has received a returned check and has paid the Crackajack bill. The bank balance is $2144.78. He stated the new computer program is useful and working well.
MaryAnn encouraged everyone to complete the survey so we can know where peoples’ interest lie as we set up volunteer opportunities and to form a data base to coordinate efforts.
She also stated the bat program continues and because of the drought the bats are coming out early as6:15PM.
MaryAnn stated the board approved the Tenner Program and that we will get the program started next month with a wildflower presentation. She urged others to think about where their expertise lies. The first presentation will be during a regular meeting, but in the future will be done at special times.
MaryAnn stated the 5-year plan committee will meet Friday.
She also stated the state meeting is Oct 21-23 and encouraged people planning to attend to register at first availability.
Winnie shared with the group new organic mosquito repellent she found on a vacation trip. She also shared a fossil that fascinated her when inColorado.
MaryAnn passed around the refreshment list for people to sign.
A retirement card for Sonny Arnold was also circulated for people to sign.
Diane volunteered to chair a committee to coordinate with the city for volunteering in the Rivery park.
A motion by Diane and seconded by Al to adjourn was made at3:20PM.
Immediately following the meeting seven members travels to the Rivery to check on the park and retention pond.
Respectively submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
7-26-11 JULY MEETING
President, MaryAnn Melton, open the meeting after a pot luck picnic at 7:35 PM with 17 members and 4 guests present.
The June minutes were approved as posted on the web sites with a motion by Dee and a second by Walt.
Dave stated the bank balance is unchanged from June.
MaryAnn stated she had more people at the Hutto Bird talk this month and that the August talk will be on owls and hawks.
The August meeting will be at the church and the speaker will be Eric Nuner from the Georgetown Parks and Recreation Dept.
Jim stated the next Audubon meeting speaker will be David Schkelford.
MaryAnn stated the applications for the Red Poppy Festival next April is not yet on line.
MaryAnn asked that anyone wanting to work the McNeil bats on Fridays to see her after the meeting.
With no further business, MaryAnn introduced the Susan Blackledge who informed us about Berry Springs Park and its opportunities.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
JUNE MEETING
6-28-2011
President, MaryAnn Melton, opened the regular monthly meeting at 1:00 PM with 22 members present (includes 5 from the new class) and one guest. Dee Smith immediately introduced the speakers, Ray Hennant and Matthew O’Toole, and turned the meeting over to them for a presentation on Prescribed Burns. Extensive training is necessary to become a control manager; the general public has a fear of fire; the pros and cons of controlled burns were discussed.
A 10-minute break after the presentation to stretch and get refreshments.
MaryAnn called the meeting back to order. The minutes were approved as posted on the websites with a motion by Wayne and a second by Dee.
Dave stated the treasury balance is $2125.50
MaryAnn stated she had sent out an email stating the June newsletter was posted on the websites. They will be placed on the public page in the future.
Diane stated that since she was out of town she had emailed MaryAnn and asked her to get the newsletter on the site. She thanked her for doing so. She pleaded for newsletter participation. Wayne and Al agreed to do an Insect a Month. Gail suggested that it might be wise to have ‘reporters’ interview participants and events as few will voluntarily submit info.
MaryAnn stated that the following awards only go back to the first quarter of the year since the bookkeeping past March 31 has not been completed. Certification awards went to Pat, Bonnie, Betty, Kathy and Walt. Recertification for 2011 went to Sterlin, Winnie, Valerie, Diane, Gail, Dave, Gerald, MaryAnn, and Wayne. David Skinner received his 250-hour pin.
MaryAnn stated she was happy the chapter was able to man two activities—Hutto Lake Opening and Taylor Zestfest—on the same day. The first of four bird talks scheduled was given at Hutto Lake Park this month. There will be another bat training for the McNeil Bridge in July sometime. To participate in the Red Poppy Festival next spring reservations need to be made in Aug. A motion by Valerie, second by Lennie was made to move ahead on this project. MaryAnn stated the need for a committee for Tenners and also another committee for the booth for Red poppy Festival. MaryAnn noted there is a difference between chapter and individual projects, encouraging the membership to find opportunities that they are interested in and to get them approved by Al Kirchner.
MaryAnn also said she would send out volunteer opportunities and parameters for Berry Springs Park via email. Future projects may involve Family Camp, Hutto Old Time Days in October and next summer JMN class.
MaryAnn stated, especially for the new people, that today’s meeting would count as one hour volunteer time and one hour AT time.
Dee stated that the July meeting will be a pot-luck picnic at Berry Springs on July 26 at 6:30 PM.
MaryAnn stated that the quarterly report is due to Michelle by July 10 so asked all members to get their hours reported by the end of the month. She also cautioned everyone to keep an electronic copy of their hours as well as a hard copy—just in case of computer crashes or problems.
With no other business a motion was made by Al with a second by Valerie to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
April 26, 2011 MEETING MINUTES
In the absence of our president, vice president, Dee Smith, opened the April meeting with 19 members and the new class present at 1:05 PM. He introduced himself to the new class.
There were no corrections to the posted March minutes so they were approved as posted with a motion from Jim and a 2nd by Valerie.
Dave reported that the bank balance is $2187.03.
Dee reminded everyone that dues for 2011 were due March 31. He also stated that MaryAnn is looking for a couple more volunteers for the Hutto Lake park opening on May 7. This has been approved for vol time and the hours are 8:30-12:30.
Dee introduced Dustin Coufal, the new AgriLife agent. He spoke briefly to the group and Dee stated we were looking at a JMN program in the future.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 and turned over to Wayne to introduce the class speaker.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
March 22-2111 MEETING MINUTES
President, MaryAnn Melton, opened the meeting at 1:02 PM with 19 members and the new class present. She welcomed the new 2011 class, then introduced the board members.
She reviewed the projects we would like to participate in this year. It is too late to make the Red Poppy Festival. They have 10 non-profit spots and one must sign up in September. She had maps for the Hutto Trash-off on April2 for those who want to participate I that.
Members were asked to pick up a copy of the chapter documents. She also described our power point library.
Susan Blackledge talked about Archeology Day coming up this weekend. She can still use a few more volunteers. NPSOT needs help on Sat making seed balls.
At 1:25 she introduced Wayne who introduced Al to explain the AT & volunteer requirements’ including prior approval or risk that some activity may not fit the guidelines.
Walt explained how to report hours to him asking for a monthly listing and cautioning that all emails have a title so he won’t inadvertently delete them.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 and the speakers for the new class began.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
February 22, 2011 MEETING MINUTES
President MaryAnn Melton called the meeting to order at 1:15 PM with 19 members, 3 visitors and one prospective student present. She introduced the speaker, Elizabeth Moon, who spoke on the process of restoring a prairie to its natural state.
After an interesting presentation we took a few minutes to stretch and grab a cookie before MaryAnn recalled the meeting to order. The January minutes were approved as posted on the web sites
Wayne stated 13 have paid for the March class and feels there are 3 others for certain and figures we’ll probably have a class of 18. Jim stated he will send out emails to the Audubon list. MaryAnn asked all to talk to our friends. Wayne stated nearly all the instructors are confirmed for the class and that the class agenda is on the website. MaryAnn passed a paper for interested mentors to sign. She also stated that the journals and textbooks will be assembled the same day, probably a week before the class starts on March 8. She will notify everyone when the day is set.
MaryAnn stated the Angler education will be March 12, 9-1:30 at the First Baptist Church. Sterlin reminded all that this is a TPWD class.
MaryAnn reviewed upcoming volunteer opportunities: 3/12 is a tree planting day at Fritz Park in Hutto. This park has the largest covered pavilion of all the county parks and the park is surrounded by a hike and bike trail. A new park, Lake Park, will be opening in Hutto in May and is being billed as a destination park and should offer some good opportunities for outreach programs for our chapter. We have been offered space to have a display table on 4/2 for Hutto Trash Off day. The art day on 3/12 at the Georgetown library is still up in the air as far as our participation because of the short notice. Archeology Day at Berry Springs Park is 3/25-26. Valerie has a program ready to go on Indians and Lennie is working on a program as to why archeology is important.
We spent a few minutes brainstorming as MaryAnn asked each member for his/her vision of the chapter this time next year. Many ideas were forthcoming and MaryAnn wrote as fast as she could so 1 and 3-5 year plans can be created. Bonnie asked if volunteer opportunities could be some time other than weekends. MaryAnn explained we have no control when organizations create such opportunities and that weekends are available to more people. Many good ideas were shared.
A motion was made at 3:25 to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen sec’y
January 25, 2011 GENERAL MEETING
Kim Peoples Bacon was the program speaker and her topic was Native Texas Bees.
A brief refreshment time followed the program and then president MaryAnn Melton called the meeting to order at 2:35PM with 23 members present. The December minutes were approved as posted on the web sites.
Dave reported that the bank balance after depositing new class payments is $1703.52. He reminded everyone that 2011 dues of $10 are due before the end of March. Diane asked for a bill stating that.
Wayne reported 9 members are signed and paid for the class starting in March. 8 others are a sure thing and are just waiting for payment to be made by employers or organizations. Five from the original list have declined to attend at this time. One is only available for evening classes. Donna at AgriLife has linked our website to her email list. Jim stated he had talked to the Red Poppy group and taughted GWMN. We will now advertise in local publications. Valerie stated she knew several teachers who were interested but are limited to a summer time frame. Al stated teachers often are only interested in class information and generally are not workers because of time restrictions. Gail stated that teachers in the bay area were very active members of that chapter. MaryAnn recommended that we all talk the program up among friends as word of mouth is a great advertising tool.
Diane said that the state is having problems with the website, but that it is up and functioning.. She is signed up for a web training class on February 9. MaryAnn stated that the Yahoo site and state website do different things and so we need both. The chapter rooster on the state sight will be removed until the state has the site problems solved.
MaryAnn stated that the chapter already has two training sessions set for 2011. Friday, January 28, is a Twin Springs training session at 1PM at the AgriLife facility. David stated that the Leave No Trace –Urban Areas done by Gary Boyd is a good one. MaryAnn asked Sterlin to make a one minute presentation on the 170 acre park. He stated the path is complete lopper length side to side. It is a rough path but a beautiful area. The second training session –Angler Education– is set for Saturday, March 12, 9-1:30 PM at the Methodist Church. In case of inclement weather participants will have access to the gym for casting. Sterlin stated the minimum number for the class is 15 and the max 30. If we cannot come up with the minimum number the training will be opened to the public through the TPWD website.
MaryAnn stated she has an appointment tomorrow to meet with Mike Hernker regarding a new Hutto Park and the opportunities it may offer.
MaryAnn stated because of the time we would postpone the goals and brainstorming for next month, In February Elizabeth Moon is scheduled to speak on returning her acreage to its natural state.
MaryAnn stated that Sterlin and Gerry have agreed to be board members-at-large for 2011.
Before closing Valerie stated that Berry Springs Park can use help now and to dress warmly and to wear hat and gloves.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 3:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Winnie Bowen, sec’y
