“REPLANTING MONSON” TREE COMMITTEE
Minutes of March 13, 2012 Meeting
Members In attendance: Richard Anable, Nicholas Beaudoin, Valarie Beaudoin, Leona Brahen, Evan Brassard, Leslie Duthie, Martha Prybylo, Audra Staples and Don Vacon
Absent: Bill Dominick and Michael Roescher
Also in Attendance: Margot Johnson
The minutes of the February 14, 2012 meeting were reviewed and, after motion duly made by Mr. Brassard and seconded by Ms. Prybylo, were approved,
Subcommittee Reports for Arbor Day Event
Ms. Prybylo, with assistance from Ms. Brahen, began with the report for the homeowner event on Saturday, April 28, 2012. She explained the work that had been completed to date and outlined the proposed schedule for the day. Several questions were raised by members of the Committee. Overall, the Committee felt that the outlined program was very organized. A location for the event was discussed and it was decided that Quarry Hill School would be used.
Discussion then turned to the proposed Friday night event. A motion to cancel the Friday night event due to weather concerns was duly made and seconded and was unanimously approved by the Committee. It was also decided that a barbeque would be held at Quarry Hill following Saturday’s homeowner event to thank all volunteers.
Discussion then turned to the various aspects of the Friday event and involvement of the junior and senior classes. Various locations for planting were discussed It was decided the Mr. Beaudoin and Ms. Duthie would talk with the various school administrators and report back to the Committee at the next meeting on the status of this event.
I-Tree Seminar
Ms. Staples reported that she and Ms. Duthie would be attending the upcoming I-Tree Seminar. Ms. Staples invited any other members that would like to attend the seminar and all declined.
At this point in the meeting, Ms. Staples recognized Ms. Margot Johnson. Ms. Johnson indicated that she and her husband intended to make a donation to the Committee. She asked where the greatest need was in the Community. Upon discussion, it was decided that the donation would best be used for private tree sales. Ms. Johnson thanked the Committee for the work that it was doing for the community.
Donation Tracking and Thank You Notes
Ms. Staples asked for a volunteer from the Committee to organize and track the various donations and ensure that thank you notes were sent. After some discussion by the Committee, Ms. Brahen volunteered to take on the task of tracking and organizing donation information.
Review of Current Trees on Hand and Order Status
Ms. Duthie first pointed out that bookkeeping had been streamlined to ensure the separation of private and public funds. She also indicated that there was a pending purchase from Bigelow Nursery provided by the Norcross Foundation. She updated the Committee on the current inventory and order status for the upcoming homeowner event. Orders have been coming in on a regular basis and the hope is that all trees will be sold prior to the April 28 event.
Discussion of the March 15 Education Seminar
Ms. Staples and Ms. Duthie outlined the event. Speakers were chosen and the basic format of the session was discussed. Ms. Duthie brought along a notebook outlining the various trees being recommended by the Committee that will also be used a guide for the session.
The issue of public planting opportunities for the Girl Scouts was tabled to the next meeting due to time constraints.
Discussion of NPR “Root for Your Radio” and the Connecticut River Watershed Council Project
Ms. Beaudoin discussed the opportunity for the Committee to acquire 200-300 native variety bare root trees. After discussion by the Committee, Ms. Beaudoin agreed coordinate the acquisition of the trees. Ms. Duthie indicated that there were several locations in Monson that would be ideal and would discuss this in the future.
Ms. Staples reported that the website was moving forward. Ms. Duthie offered to send along her tree sample pictures to be included on the website.
The Committee then reviewed and discussed recent correspondence and media coverage.
After motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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