SOUTH MOUNTAIN AUDUBON SOCIETY
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
May 13, 2014

The Board of Directors of the South Mountain Audubon Society (SMAS) met on May 13, 2014 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, Mike O’Brien, Mike Bertram, Carole Simon, Bob Brandt, Elizabeth Weller, and Linette Mansberger.

SECRETARY’S REPORT
Linette Mansberger presented the Secretary’s Report for March 6, 2014.  No additions or changes were suggested to the minutes.

UPON MOTION DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED
  Resolved that: the minutes from the March 6th, 2014 board meeting be approved by the board.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Mike Bertram presented the Treasurer’s Report for May, 2014.  It was noted that the appeal for the Christmas Bird Count resulted in 16 donations totaling $625 and the bird seed donation has not yet been received.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Programs:
Programs Chair, Bob Brandt reported the following upcoming programs and noted that we are still in need of a program for November:
          June 9 – Emily Cost and a student birder
          September 8 – Jeri Jones presenting “Your Backyard Geology”
          October 13 – Andy Wilson will speak about the 2nd PA Breeding Bird
             Atlas

In addition, Deb will confirm plans for the August picnic and Mike O’Brien is planning a spring program on identifying “vanilla” birds of Adams County.

Publicity:
Publicity Chair, Elizabeth Weller, shared that she is sending information to the following publications – Hanover Evening Sun, Gettysburg Times, Celebrate Gettysburg, and will again send to The Merchandiser

Field Trips:
Field Trip Chair, Mike O’Brien, announced the field trip to State Game Lands #249 near Heidlersburg on June 11, 2014, meeting at 7:30 A.M. at the entrance.
                  
Newsletter:
Newsletter editor, Mike O’Brien, asked that information to be included in the next newsletter be sent to him by the last week of July.

Membership:
Membership chair, Mike O’Brien, reported an approximate membership of 230-250 members.

Education:
NO REPORT

Conservation:
NO REPORT

Hospitality:
Refreshments are organized for June, September and November.  A volunteer is needed for October.

OLD BUSINESS

CBC Fundraiser Money - Discussion was held regarding the money that was raised by the Christmas Bird Count and how it will be used for educational purposes.  Deb will check with the Adams County Agricultural Center to see if there is a time when two rooms would be available to accommodate the anticipated participants for a Hershey Zoo America presentation.  Spring dates were suggested.  Ideas were shared for how we might use some of the money to encourage more young people to become involved in birding and/or conservation.  Deb will contact Betsy Griffiths to set up a meeting to learn about her involvement with this type of activity in a previous setting.  Suggestions for implementation were school science fairs, high school graduation projects, and honoring recipients (teachers or students) at the annual luncheon.

Members’ Favorite Birdwalks – These birdwalks have been well attended.  The next one will be led by Mike Bertram on May 22nd.  It will begin at 8:00 AM and participants will meet at the intersection of Routes 30 and 233 near Caledonia State Park.  Future walks will be announced.

NEW BUSINESS

Audubon PA Meeting in Wellsboro, September 19 & 20 – A flier was shared.  Anyone interested in carpooling to this event or wanting to secure lodging can contact Linette.

Board Members for 2015 – Deb reminded the members that the Constitution allows her to be President for only 2 years.  All other officers are to consider whether or not they would like to retain or change their offices so that the slate of officers can be presented in November.

Website Requests – Mike Bertram reported that he has received a number of “requests” via the website for various product endorsements, competitions, etc….It was decided that he can use his judgment to decide which requests to honor.

The next meeting of the SMAS Board will be at 4:00 on August 4, 2014 at the Adams County Agricultural Center.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Linette Mansberger