BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING FAIR HILL NATURE
CENTER September 17,
2002 6:00 P.M.
Attendees:
Josh Brown, Jim Campbell, Dennis Clower, Chuck Dolor, Mario Gangemi, Holly Hannum, Doug Hill, Larry Klevans, Dan Schneckenburger, Hinda Smith, Dan Speakman, Rick Waterhouse
Dan Schneckenburger called the meeting to order at 6:38 P.M.
The minutes from the August Board meeting were approved.
BEPAC: Ralph Young
Ralph proposed having the Nature Center accept approximately 14 teachers for
a business experience, through the ACES program.
Mario motioned to accept the program (to be scheduled for next spring) and Jim
seconded. Motion was passed.
Eagle Scout Proposal: Phillip Harjung
Program would bring in three computers, which would be networked to a server.
Current programs could be downloaded and transferred to new computers. Then
a class could be offered to train staff on the use of the network and programs.
This would give Internet access, the opportunity to use digital photography,
and a way to submit water-sampling data gathered by students from CCPS. There
would be an opportunity to use wireless technology to facilitate data analysis
from the pond site. It might be possible to get a better quality printer for
the Nature Center as well. CCPS has web site space that might be used. This
would allow data to be used by science classes in the district. The Nature Center
could also use the laptops to find interesting information on the Internet,
as a display for visitors.
Discussion:
Will teachers be able to use the system without training?
Holly would benefit by just having more time available on a computer.
Where would Phillip get the hardware? There are many companies that have old
equipment available after an upgrade. Phillip would also use his troop to do
fundraising.
Dan Speakman will help with this project as FHNEC liaison.
A motion was made and passed, to accept the program.
Program Committee: Barb Snyder
Finance Committee: Larry KIevans Report as of August 31, 2002 :
1. In August 2002 Income exceeded expenses by $8181. The majority of
income items were $5000 from the Cecil County Bar Foundation, $5000 from the
Waterfowl Festival, $2500 from County Government, $1250 from United Way of DE,
and $518 from SpringFest (the final distribution).
2. Major expenses were $ 3141 for staff , $2534 for office expenses (this
includes $$1116 for fuel oil for next winter and $1015 for Nature Center
window stickers), $657 for insurance, $290 for supplies, and $251 for
payroll taxes.
3 As of August 31, Year to date Income (YTD) totals $82080 vs. budget of
$74566 while YTD expenses total $69179 vs. a budget of $74566 Thus, our YTD
net income was $5380.
4. The fund balance as of August 31 was $23570. This is much better than
my dreary forecast of last month, but we need to keep pushing for contributions.
Discussion:
Oil is prepaid for next year.
We have a long way to go until we have the fund balance up high enough to look
for an executive director.
There was a delay in our tax payment which cost us a $15 penalty.
United Way of Cecil County has asked for contributions. Anyone giving money
can designate it for FHNEC.
Nature School Report: Holly Hannum
On August 29, there were MBNA volunteers here who did trail work. They will
be back to do more.
Holly will be reviewing the PGE grant. It must be submitted by September 30.
The amount requested will be the same as the request for the state grant that
was turned down. The money would come through the CCPS.
The school schedule has begun and will be completed by Thanksgiving. Then programs
will begin again in the spring and run from March 25 to May 29.
There is a Home School Day scheduled for October 16.
Four Parochial schools will visit this fall.
There will be a breakfast program at Gilpin Manor Elem. on November 15.
Janet and Larry attended the United Way kickoff dinner. Holly took the video
and had a good response.
Fair Hill International is requesting a display from us. This would need to
be staffed, to be able to show the video. Dates are October 25, 26.
Dan and Holly received the $1800 from the Cecil County Arts Council. There are
already three schools that have requested the program.
Family Day at the Farm – Rumbleway Farm in Colora. Holly has made up a
handout/activity to use that day. (Sunday September 29) The same activity will
be used at the Waterfowl Festival. Volunteers will be needed. Holly will cover
Friday, Jim and Dan Schneckenburger will cover Saturday.
On October 7 and 10, the after school program at Kenmore and Leeds will begin
for one day a week. Karen Aspenwall and Taffy will be the instructors. The program
will run until November, with a final session for families at the Nature Center.
Personnel Committee:
Hinda Smith
Hinda has started looking at staffing needs and grants for staffing. Dan Schn.,
Barb, and Hinda will get together to discuss this further.
We need to look at staffing to make sure there will be enough for the future.
Need to use the grant-writing service we have paid for.
Public Relations: Doug Hill
The video was shown for those who had not yet seen it.
Doug presented a written report on the proposed use of the video. We need volunteers
to present the video and other information to potential donors. There are several
audiences for the presentation:
Current supporters
Methods for video usage:
Materials necessary for presentation:
Suggestions for one page “handout” on FHNEC:
Budget:
$300
for reproduction of 20 videos
Timetable:
9/17
ID Board members who will present.
10/15 Board members select two organizations and plan customized presentation.
11/15 Reproduce twenty videos with accompanying letter.
Discussion:
Who will take the plan from here? Doug is looking for names of specific people
to contact at target groups, so the presentation request will go to the right
person. Board members need to e-mail three names, of specific organizations
they would be willing to visit, to Doug.
Dan Speakman can put the presentation into mpeg format to go on the web site.
He could also make CD copies that could be mailed out more cheaply than VHS
tapes.
Josh suggested getting a C. of C. list of members with which we could make contacts.
Dan Sch. will get a list for the committee.
Josh suggested we make up a list of program and materials costs, so groups could
donate their money toward a certain expense. Dan suggested Holly and Hinda draw
up a list of needs for the nature school, for this purpose. Funds for specific
area schools could be requested from the Lion’s Club in that area.
Jim will present to North East Lion’s Club with a target of $200 for new
boots.
Membership: Bob Carroll
No report
Buildings and Grounds:
Dan Sp. will move on the stairway railing behind the nature center in the next
two weeks.
President’s Report: Dan Schneckenburger
Need a report on membership from Bob. Dan Schneckenburger will follow up on
this.
Next Meeting:
October 8 at 6:30 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Rick Waterhouse