“REPLANTING MONSON” TREE COMMITTEE
Minutes of November 16, 2011 Meeting
Members In attendance: Nicholas Beaudoin, Valarie Beaudoin, Leona Brahen, Evan Brassard, Leslie Duthie, Martha Prybylo, Michael Roescher and Audra Staples
Absent: Richard Anable, Hope Bodwell, Bill Dominick, Kathy Dreyer, Davis Johnson and Don Vacon
Also in Attendance: Barbara Shepherd, Brimfield Road, Monson, MA
The minutes of the October 17, 2011 meeting were reviewed and, after motion duly made by Ms. Duthie and seconded by Ms. Prybylo, were approved,
501(c)(3) Organization
Ms. Duthie began by distributing the financial statement for the Committee. She noted that funds included a $20,000 pledge from Norcross Wildlife Foundation.
Ms. Duthie then reported that she had had discussions with the Town regarding the establishment of a 501(c)(3) organization. The intention would be to have various town organizations represented on the organization and would be used for fundraising efforts town wide. In addition, it would enable the town to apply for various grant monies that may be available.
Structure and Organization of Committee
Ms. Staples began the discussion by outlining the background on creation of the Committee. After a lengthy discussion, including breaking into focus groups, it was decided that committee members would send their thoughts on the committee’s structure, mission and goals to Ms. Staples. The comments would then be compiled and distributed to members for discussion at the next meeting.
Update on Fundraising Initiatives
Ms. Staples proposed that the Committee focus on a weekend long event for Arbor Day, April 27, 2012. This proposal was met with enthusiasm from the Committee and discussion continued on the proposed structure for the weekend. Ms. Staples asked that committee members bring along suggestions and comments for the next meeting.
Mr. Brassard asked that the Committee put together a fundraising package to be provided to potential donors. Ms. Staples and Ms. Duthie agreed to work together to put a package together for approval at the next meeting.
Website Construction Update
Ms. Staples stated that she was currently working on getting all photos posted for use on the new website. In addition, details had been provided to the web designer regarding content of the website.
Ms. Staples then reported that she had interviewed with the “Journal Register” and that the article would appear in the Thursday, November 17, 2011 edition of the newspaper. Mr. Brassard made a motion to appoint Ms. Staples the Information Officer for the Committee. Ms. Brahen seconded the motion and it was so voted with no dissenting votes.
Ms. Staples then asked about the inventory of trees that would be available at the Monson Arts Council craft fair. After discussion by the Committee, it was unanimously agreed that 75 large trees and 50 smaller trees would be ordered for availability on November 26 and 27, 2011.
Ms. Duthie then distributed copies of the Urban Strike Force report to Committee members for informational purposes. She indicated that copies would be available for all Committee members not present at the meeting upon request.
After motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
The “Replanting Monson” Tree Committee
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