April 11th Friends of HFSP Board Meeting

Attending Board Members:

Joan Trivilino

Lorraine Gowing

Ethan Townsend

Judy Fuhr

Friends members in attendance:

Ron Gotham

Ed Fuhr

Ruth McWilliams

JoAnn Ferris

Parks: Henry Sieg

Last meeting’s minutes were discussed. Tax filings have been done. Whether to alter our insurance coverage will be followed up on later this year. It was best just to keep our coverage the same last year. Henry had the rescue sled storage situation taken care of immediately but attempts to engage the Colton rescue Squad in a drill have not been successful yet. Ed will follow up with Chief Justin Johnson. We will need to provide rescue squad with updated maps after summer trail work.

Joan Trivilino made a motion, seconded by Lorraine Gowing to approve minutes. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Financial Report:

Checking: $1853.68

Savings: $8299.61

Membership Report-Judy to look up and notify Board of membership total. Some members whose memberships had lapsed have renewed. Those joining have frequently donated more than a basic membership. Ethan suggested sending out cling type stickers for memberships that could be displayed in car window. Ruth brought up the option of a lifetime membership option. Our membership brochures are outdated. Judy has made up a new form and will forward template to Ruth for distribution by Tourism and Beautification Committee.

Trail groomer-need to have a plan toward purchase of an additional wide gooseneck groomer, keeping smaller Tidd-Tech for use with Skandic’s and for narrower trails. Ethan suggested at looking for an open roller which is fairly inexpensive but will work well in deep snow to knock the air out of the snow.

Caroline Hoctor will be heading up a group of interns, possibly from July 4-10th who will be working on projects in the Park. These include trail development, improvement, marking and mapping, painting, chainsaw work, invasive species and interpretive work.

Swim lessons in some form will be coming back to the Park this summer. Some conversations have already happened between the Town and Parks. The possibility exists to develop this program further.

Ron Gotham asked if a goose eradication program had ever been considered to protect the beach areas from goose poop. It does create a health concern. Dogs may also be allowed in beach areas other than the actual beach which can create similar issues.

The evening ski program-as far as Judy knew attendance seemed to be good. Volunteers came forward to cover the nights. No real problems. Barry Walsh did a great job heading this up.

Summer Naturalist-Taylor coming back. Shirley Dineesha and Henry will be covering most of the campfire programs.

Demolition of old nature center is in the works.

Lorraine suggested providing some meals for summer interns, maybe some breakfasts. Ask for volunteers from Friends to do this. Ron suggested a pizza and wing night. Ruth suggested buying the food from local establishments.

Trail lighting-looking at the beginner trail. Henry said Parks is OK with it as long as it is solar. Ethan to talk with Jim Allott and with contacts Jenny may provide with Clarkson assessing the needs to accomplish.

I Love My Parks Day is May 6th. Judy to appeal by e-mail to memebers to turn out to rake the 135 campsites and to walk and pick up trails.

Century Ride-date this year based on previous years would be Sept. 9th. David Trithart has expressed willingness to continue heading this up.

Ruth presented Tourism and Beautification Information:

Re-opening Stone Valley Info Center. Would like info on the Park, maps are popular. Need to get updated maps printed and to Ruth when available.

North Country at Work is a program being developed by NCPR and TAUNY

April 22nd here will be a photo sharing and story telling session at Hepburn Library Basement from 10-4

Suggested that Parks should do a segment highlighting the history and the four season nature of the Park

Tourism also sponsors the summer theatrical production with Grasse River Players at CPCS. Programs are an historical narrative as well as a program. Judy made a motion seconded by Lorraine to place an 1/8 page ad in the program on behalf of the Park, assuming the Parks acceptance of the ad. Motion passed.

Ed mentioned that the Snowmobile Association had helped us out when snow was too deep by grooming and that we should send a letter of thanks. Judy will do this.

Bill Koch kids program- Ethan will invite Conrad Russell and Wendy LeBeau to next meeting to discuss.

Next meeting: June 13th 7:00P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Fuhr

Secretary