FAIR HILL ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION AND NATURE CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING FAIR HILL NATURE CENTER February 11, 2002 6:00 P.M.

Attendees:

Jim Campbell, Nancy Simpers, Bob Carroll, Larry Klevans, Barbara Snyder, Holly Hannum, Rebecca Taccone, JoAnn Dawson, Doug Hill, Jerry Newman, Rick Waterhouse, Dan Schneckenburger, Ralph Young

Vice-President Dan Schneckenburger called meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.

Minutes -stand approved as emailed and mailed. Suzan moved to approve and Larry seconded, all approved.

Financial Report: Larry Klevans handed annual report, without United Way and Bar Association, we would have been in the red. We are off to a great start this year. Larry estimates $45,000 to hire an executive director.

SpringFest: Barb Snyder handed out minutes from last SpringFest (event for May 11, 2002) minutes. Ralph and Barb talked about committees already in motion. Goal is to have $10,000 committed from large corporation by 1-March. Total goal is $35,000 for the event to be shared with Upper Bay Counseling. Nancy will work with Ralph for contacting VFW,s etc.

Nature School Report:

The teachers have been busy with kindergarten outreach programs. We have visited fifteen schools and presented the program to forty kindergarten classes. We have thirteen more programs to complete by the end of this month. On March 7 we will present a maple-sugaring program to forty-nine students from Pike Creek Christian School. Our regular spring outdoor classes will resume on March 15.

Staff attended the annual MAEOE conference on Feb.1-3 in Ocean City. We attended twenty different sessions and will meet on Feb. 12 to share what we have learned. We returned with a rain barrel to be set up as a demonstration at the Center, some new ideas for summer camp and lots of new posters.

Staff will also meet on Feb.12 to discuss this year's summer camp schedule and determine how we can make adjustments to extend one camp from 9 to 3. We will also be preparing an evaluation of camp to be completed by this year's parents to provide us with feedback for the following year.

I am presently working to complete a budget to be given to Rick Lonie, CCPS Science Supervisor. We are to be included in a three-year state grant for $800,000. Rick has asked for transportation and supply money for grades K to 6. I asked Rick to include program fees as well. I'm not sure what our chances are to get all of it but I will meet with Larry tomorrow to go over the figures.

Dan asked for written report about upcoming camp programs and report of Ocean City Conference.

Trail Day is March 23. Scouts will come on March 9 for trail day. Holly will talk with DNR to see if we can add to burn pile.

Personnel Committee: Dan Schneckenburger no report.

Memorial Garden: Jerry Newman asked about purchase of stones. About $325 per stone, Nancy motioned that we allot $1950 to cover six stones, Ralph seconded, all in favor.

Membership: Bob Carroll, mailing went out for renewals. Item from retreat was logo stickers for vehicles -will check prices, etc. and bring back info during March meeting.

Buildings and Grounds:

• Jerry Newman reported will cut tree down after March 2. Are tapping the tree for Maple Tree Program, 2:30 p.m. and Bluebird Program 1:00 p.m.
• Laura Linton will bring beehive will bring middle of March -will switch to two frame hive -has glass jar for nectar or honey so bees can feed themselves.
• Country Thyme Garden club will be meeting here on September 4. Jerry will open building and take care of arrangements.
• Jerry will be giving Bluebird Program for Cecil Bird Club.
• Estimate on plumbing repair was $3500. Dennis suggested that we would spend special appeal money for plumbing needs. Ralph moved that we fix the plumbing, Nancy seconded, all approved. Will check with plumber to see if he can come over Spring Break.
• Jerry had question of membership about group membership for Garden Club. Board agreed that it would be good PR to have group members attend programs. Ralph motioned that an individual arriving at a function would be allowed in free and would like to have their name and address in order for Pat to send membership, Jim seconded, all in favor.

Community Relations: Doug Hill reported on meeting regarding a "Monthly Bulletin". Purpose of meeting was to create prompts for each of us so that when we note what they are, we can each submit information. Will need "stringers" for JoAnn Dawson and Doug Hill to compile information either committee wise, or center wise -Who, What, Why, How and When? Is working toward a February bulletin for general membership (Wednesday of next week -Feb 20) -should include all events leading up to March 20 -including all upcoming Board, Fundraising, SpringFest, etc. Bob suggested that we check about non-profit mailings to make sure that members get the mailings in a timely manner. Dan suggested that we building our email list and use that also.

Film is completed that Alex Hill worked on -was sent to corporate sponsors, sent their logos to Alex. Dennis recorded his voice on 2/10. Alex will put on final video tape, Doug will be asking for some final money for copies for all to have. Will also put on CD.

Program committee will meet on Tuesday. Will go ahead with Fox Trot, we need to get ahead of other fundraisers.

Old Business: Jerry Hendricks sent info about professional grant writing agency who will write grants for nonprofits for free. Will submit application -this is a first come/first serve basis.

Swat Road Clean-up is scheduled for March 23.

Dan moved to adjourn at 7:25 p.m., Bob seconded.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Snyder

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