SOUTH MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SOCIETY
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
23 February 2015

The Board of Directors of the South Mountain Audubon Society (SMAS) met on February 23, 2015 at the Adams County Agricultural Center at 4 P.M.

Before the meeting was officially called to order, the board met with Kristopher Goetz who is working on an M.A. degree in biology at Shippensburg University and is cooperating with the PA DCNR on a Woodcock program at Michaux State Forest. He discussed the scope of the project and explained how SMAS members can participate in site surveys to document when and where Woodcocks display during their courting season.  His contact info is kg3077@ship.edu or 717-360-3925.

After Kristopher Goetz’s presentation, President Linette Mansberger called the meeting to order with the following board members present: Deb Siefken, VP; Kathy Gelner, Secretary; Nancy Locher and Betsy Griffiths, Directors at Large; Committee Chairs, Mike O’Brien, Field Trips, Membership, and Newsletter; Cindy Chambers, Publicity; and Bob Brandt, Programs.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Linette Mansberger presented the Secretary’s Report for November 3, 2014.  No additions or changes were suggested to the minutes.

  Resolved that: the minutes from the November 3rd board meeting be approved by the board.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Mike Bertram was out of town so will present the Treasurer’s Report at the May board meeting.  The income from pledges for this past year's Christmas Bird Count has not yet been totaled.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Programs:

Bob Brandt stated that he is working on programs for next year.  At this time, he hopes that there may be a June presentation on PA boreal conifer forests - bird challenges and opportunities. Other possible programs include one given by Kevin Chase on invasive insects and other presentations on Short-eared owls and Longspurs.  Linette said that she knows someone who can give a presentation on reptiles.  Bob said that he would appreciate any other suggestions for speakers for the upcoming year.

Publicity:

Cindy said that she has been in touch with the Gettysburg Times regarding publicity on the luncheon and Hershey Zoo presentation.

Field Trips: Mike said that he will publicize the upcoming April and May field trips. Possible member-led bird walks are Fox Run in late April and Oakside in May.

Newsletter: The Newsletter will be sent to members in April.

Membership: According to information from National Audubon, there are currently 240 members in the SMAS area.

Education:

Conservation:

Hospitality:  Because there will be so many excited children attending the Hershey Zoo presentation, there will be no refreshments served.

OLD BUSINESS

Deb said that the annual luncheon will be on April 25 at Hickory Bridge Restaurant and she will be in charge of organizing it. The social time will start at 11:30 with lunch served at noon. The restaurant now has a liquor license so we will not be able to bring our own wine as we have in the past but there will be a cash bar where beer and local wines can be purchased by the glass.  The cost of the lunch will be $17.50, including tax and gratuity.  The speaker will probably be Bonnie Porztline who will give an illustrated talk entitled, "Birds with a Gettysburg Address - Winter Edition."  Cindy moved and Mike seconded that we charge $17.95 per person, which will help cover the cost of flowers for the tables.  The RSVP date will be April 16 and donations of birding or nature-related items for door prizes will be appreciated.

Linette passed out a list of children's books about birds. The list is appended to this report.  The cost of  these books is $76.77.  $80 will be given to each of the three local grade schools to order these for their libraries.  Kathy moved that SMAS donate the total of $240 for this program and Nancy seconded.

There was a short discussion about the Hershey Zoo program at the next meeting which will be financed by the CBC donations. Betsy volunteered that Jon will make a box for anyone who wishes to make a donation at the presentation. No refreshments will be served at that meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

The annual picnic will be discussed at the next board meeting.

Betsy discussed the Land Conservancy and how Land Conservancy helps bird conservation.  Deb, with the help of Nancy, will look into organizing some bird counts on lands presently designated as Land Conservancy properties.

Agway, Hanover Home and Garden, pre-order birdseed sale:  Since the Gettysburg Agway has not produced promised monies for the last two years, Linette will contact Hanover Home and Garden Center to see if they are interested in donating a portion of their pre-sale monies for the fall bird seed sale to our organization. Cindy moved and Deb seconded.

UPON MOTION DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED
  Resolved that: Linette will check with Hanover Home and Garden Center to see if they have any interest in this fundraiser.

The next meeting of the SMAS Board will be at 4:00 on May 4 at the Adams County Agricultural Center.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathryn L. Gelner