Minutes of May 6, 2010

 

The meeting was called to order by President Stephen May at 6:33 pm

Members present: Clark and Rhoda Ashby, Colleen Bogard, Ron Hamberg, Rose Howerton, Anne Johnson, Vicki Lang-Mendenhall, Stephen May, Richard (Doc) Schaede, Rosalita Spiller, Laurel Wendt. Refuge personnel: Kimberly King-Wrenn

 

Minutes: The minutes of the April meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s report: It was noted that there was a shortage of $59.03 in the account. Several reasons for the shortfall were discussed and personnel using the cash registers were urged to be careful with the transactions. Several board members have not yet paid dues. Money to cover dues was accepted at the meeting. Colleen moved and Laurel seconded a motion to accept the treasurer’s report.

 

Note. The reports for the past 3 months are filed with these minutes.

 

Old business:

Credit card supplier: We still need to change our credit card supplier. Steve has found someone who might give us a cheaper rate and he will try to contact him.

 

Kids Fishing Derby: Eight registered so far. Dick’s Sporting Goods is supplying prizes, bait is being donated, the Marion Wal Mart/Sams has given money for food. We may need to chip in for food also. Colleen moved and Laurel seconded a motion to donate $250.00 for food – if needed.

 

Grants: The deadline has passed for submission of the grant we discussed at the April meeting ( grant for bird watching supplies). There will be another chance to submit grants in September.

 

Friends Conference; Steve reported on the various meetings he attended. Topics discussed were: membership, fundraising, bookstores, a Friends forum which could be put on the web site. Steve expressed interest in developing the Forum.

 

Web site: Colleen mentioned that she would like to get pictures on the Website; especially some close-up pictures of the bookstore. Steve would like us to think about setting up a PayPal account for paying dues. More discussion is needed on this item.

 

Merchandise; Colleen showed the new designs for t-shirts in the bookstore. A bookstore display is being set up at the Migratory Bird Day workshop on Saturday May 8.

 

Wetlands: Doc confirmed that the heavy equipment operators union cannot work on the refuge because of equipment liability.

 

Photo Contest. – Ron spoke to members of the So. Il. photo club about doing a workshop on the refuge. There was some interest but no one committed. A photo contest link should be added to the website.

 

Education: Earth Day (April 22) went well. 350 kids came to Martha’s Theatre. The event was well received. On May 22^nd the Marion Board of Education will sponsor a day of fishing on the Refuge for homeless children. IDNR and Take Pride will be helping with the event.

 

Refuge report: Sarah is graduating and will be moving to Chicago. Pete is going to another refuge and JD is working at the campground.

Crab Orchard campground opened on April 30^th. Long term stay is 28 days this year. That will change to 14 days in 2011.  There are 4 volunteer couples hosting.

Boat dock plans for the marina may be done by May 8. A student and YCC leader are being hired. Kim has 50 applications for 4 jobs.

A biologist has been hired and he will be here in June.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:49.   Next meeting, June 3^rd at 6:30 pm at the Visitor Center.