SOUTH MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SOCIETY
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
October 8, 2013

The Board of Directors of the South Mountain Audubon Society (SMAS) met on October 8, 2013 at the Adams County Agricultural Center at 4 P.M.

President Deb Siefken called the meeting to order with the following board members present: Nancy Locher, Carole Simon, Wendy South, Elizabeth Weller, Cy Deitz, and Linette Mansberger.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Linette Mansberger presented the Secretary’s Report for July 29th, 2013.

The motion for a fundraising appeal was amended as follows:
An appeal will be made to members to pledge one cent for every five birds observed by members of SMAS who participate in the Christmas Bird Count in December, 2013. Alternatively, a donation of one's own choosing will be offered rather than basing it on the total bird count.  These funds will be channeled toward educational purposes. 

UPON MOTION DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED
  Resolved that: the minutes from the July 29, 2013 board meeting be approved by the board.

TREASURER’S REPORT

In the absence of Mike Bertram, Deb presented the Treasurer’s Report for October, 2013.

UPON MOTION DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED
  Resolved that: the Treasurer’s Report for October, 2013 be approved by the board.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Programs:
In the absence of Bob Brandt, Deb presented the Programs Report for upcoming meetings:

October 14 – Ms. Nancy Putt, York County Coordinator for the Bluebird Society will present a slide and video show about bluebirds.
November 11 – Linette Mansberger will give a brief overview of Project Feederwatch/Larry Luxenberg will present a program about the Applachian Trail.
January 13 – Sandy Lockerman will present information about the Saw-whet Owl research being done at the Ned Smith Center.

Publicity:
Publicity Chair, Elizabeth Weller, shared that she has been sending information to the following organizations:  Gettysburg Times, Evening Sun, Celebrate Gettysburg, and Merchandiser.  Suggestions were made to investigate the possibility of using WGET and a Hanover radio station.  It was noted that recent increased attendance might be a result of additional  publicity.

Field Trips:
In the absence of Field Trip Chair, Mike O’Brien, Deb reminded board members of the following upcoming field trips:

Codorus State Park – October 9
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge  – November 16
Christmas Bird Count – December 14

Newsletter:
The 4th Quarter newsletter was recently distributed by Mike O’Brien, Newsletter Chair.

Membership:
Two additional members were reported by Deb.

Education:
Carole Simon shared more detailed information on the donation request from Strawberry Hill to sponsor an environmental classroom program.  This item was tabled until additional fundraising information is available.

Conservation:
No report

Hospitality:
Hospitality chair, Wendy South, reported on volunteers for refreshments for the next two meetings. 

OLD BUSINESS

Agway Birdseed Sale:  Carole will bring Agway Birdseed sale forms to the October meeting and will attempt to get additional information regarding Agway’s willingness to continue to donate “one penny per pound purchased” to SMAS as in the past.

Fundraiser:  Nancy Locher presented a fundraiser letter to coincide with the Christmas Bird Count.  The letter was approved as written and will be prepared as a newsletter email by Linette.  The newsletter will be distributed to most members via email by Mike O’Brien in early November and will be mailed to those members who do not receive email from SMAS.  Donors may respond via email or by mailing the form to SMAS.  A reminder email will be sent in early December.  Also, copies will be distributed at the November meeting.  After reviewing the responses at the December Board Meeting, the Board will determine the procedure for collecting the donations.

NEW BUSINESS

Nominations for Adams County Conservation District Board of Directors:  The following individuals will be contacted to see if they have any interest in being nominated by SMAS for a four year seat on the Board of Directors for the Adams County Conservation District that meets once a month:  Ben Wenk, Vertis Bream, Bill and/or Jane Shord, Charlie Skopic, Mark Berg, and Jonathan Petrano.

Upcoming SMAS Election:  Present officers and directors of SMAS are willing to be placed on the ballot for the January 2014 election.  These nominees, minus the President that has a two year term, will be presented at the November meeting.

Casual Birdwalks:  A trial run of “Members’ Favorite Birdwalks” will begin in November.  These will be casually organized events planned by a different member each month and are not intended to take the place of SMAS Field Trips.  Tentative plans are to hold these walks on one Thursday morning of each month, and the individual who is organizing the walk will determine the location, the meeting place, and the time.  Members who wish to participate will be asked to join an email list for easy communication.  The first walk, to be organized by Deb, is scheduled for November 21st at 7:30 A.M.

The next meeting of the SMAS Board will be on December 10, 2013 at the Adams County Agricultural Center.  Time not yet determined.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Linette Mansberger