“REPLANTING MONSON” TREE COMMITTEE
Minutes of October 9, 2012 Meeting
Members In attendance: Nicholas Beaudoin, Valerie Beaudoin, Leona Brahen, Bill Dominick, Leslie Duthie, Victoria Prior and Audra Staples
Also in Attendance: Daniel LaRoche and Becky Moriarity
The minutes of the September 11, 2012 meeting were reviewed and, after motion duly made by Ms. Duthie and seconded by Ms. Staples, were approved,
Update from Dan LaRoche
Mr. LaRoche, Town Disaster Manager, informed the Committee that Rocky Mountain logging company had been awarded the contract for clearing Mt. Ella and Flynt Park of downed trees from the tornado. He indicated that spring would be the appropriate time to plan a planting event for that area. He also indicated that DCR had reviewed the Committee’s planting strategy and philosophy and that the DCR has confirmed that our approach is appropriate. He invited Committee members to the Charette in Boston on November 15, 2012 that will focus on building upon the work done by the Pioneer Valley ________________ plans for various areas of Monson that were impacted by the tornado. He indicated that the Tree Committee would be a very important part of this process, particularly after the reconstruction of the
Town offices. Various ideas were discussed and Dan indicated that he would regularly be attending the Committee’s meetings to keep us informed of ongoing work.
Donation
Ms. Becky Moriarity a representative from the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging and Senior Center Directors, was introduced by Ms. Duthie. Ms. Moriarity explained the fundraising campaign that her organization had sponsored for towns affected by the tornadoes. The campaign had raised a total of $7,500. She explained that Monson was one of the towns that would receive some of the funds. She stated that the Senior Center had requested the money be donated the Committee to continue helping with the replanting effort. She then presented the Committee with a check in the amount of $2,300.00. Photos were taken and Ms. Moriarity was thanked for the contribution.
Discussion of Winter/Spring Events
The Committee discussed a possible educational event and it was felt that this should proceed. It was tentatively agreed that March was a good time and that we would try to provide several different presentations as well as providing information and taking tree orders. Ms. Staples volunteered to do a press release highlighting the upcoming events of the Committee.
The Committee also agreed to order 150 trees for sale at the Monson Arts Council Craft Fair to be held over Thanksgiving weekend. A booth has been secured on north side of Memorial Hall. Pricing would be discussed at the next meeting.
Dates for spring planting were discussed. The following dates were approved: April 26 – general public planting; May 19 – private homeowner pickup; and June 1 – public planting with the hope of planting the Flynt Park area.
Ms. Duthie agreed to look into the procedure for getting Monson designated as a tree city. Ms. Brahen offered assistance with any paperwork or postings that may be required once the information is received.
Review of Recent Donations
Ms. Beaudoin informed the Committee of two recent donations. The first was a contribution from Back of the Pack Products in the amount of $1,300.00 and the Small Animal Clinic in Monson of $40.00 for the sale of our t-shirts and totes.
Approval of Thank You Certificate
Ms. Beaudoin stated that she thought that a certificate honoring those individuals who had contributed time and/or resources to the Committee should be sent. A draft copy was distributed to all Committee members and it was unanimously approved. Ms. Brahen agreed to have the certificates prepared for signature at the next Committee meeting. Ms. Beaudoin stated that she would check on the availability of the selectmen to sign the certificates as well.
Discussion of Memorial Elm Tree
Ms. Beaudoin next discussed the planting of a memorial Elm tree that would be planted in memory of Richard Anable, a founding member of the Committee. It was felt to be a good idea by the Committee. Ms. Duthie stated that an Elm tree had already been ordered and could be used for this purpose. Ms. Beaudoin agreed to contact Verizon to find out their interest in having a tree planted on their property.
Ms. Beaudoin then read a letter that she had received praising the Committee’s work.
After motion duly made and seconded, the meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
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