A2A Meeting #53
July 31, 2007
Sam Jakes Inn, Merrickville
Purpose: Fundraising for three big projects, Communication
Regrets: Bill Stephenson, Holly Evans, Chris Bellemore
Attendance: Emily Conger, Cameron Smith, Celia Godkin, Ian Whyte, Svenya Belaoussoff, Charles Caccia, James Dobson, Ken B, Richard, George Boland, Sherry Watson
1. Welcome and introductions:
-Charles is appointed to Board of Directors
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Minutes from Meeting #52 approved
4. Business arising from minutes
James-James is compiling a list of what township/municipal actions degrade the environment
-this list will put A2A in a position to change some things ie. Moving the time of grating ditches to avoid turtle egg laying season
-submission of these suggestions to those responsible authorities will be made
-this could also be integrated into the Watershed project (to approach funders with this as the ‘educational’ component of the Watershed project)
Emily-the Y2Y presentation is now available for those interested-Svenya has a copy
5. Treasurers Report
George-A2A has now been approved for charitable status
-George will read through the acceptance letter and make note of specifics ie. How to deal with donations etc.
-current balance of $1692.58 LESS the following
-$144.25, approx. $800 insurance, $300 for website, $200 for plowing match PLUS $500 donation which can now be cashed with newly acquired charitable status
-George has suggested that A2A financial details be emailed to everyone prior to each meeting
6. Coordinator’s Report
Membership-80 past members, 14 paid board members
ACTION: board members to email Svenja if unsure if they have paid their dues svenja_@hotmail.com
-idea from Svenja: a gift could be given in exchange for membership PLUS a donation
-ie. A tree planted in the members name, small wildflower flipbook
-this is a great idea and will be kept until next year when more human resources could be available for the coordination of it
-A brief letter will be written and send to all past members. It will explain A2A accomplishments to date. Members will be asked directly for membership renewal. These letters are on hold until the website and brochure are ready. A very small and brief ad will be included in regional newspapers to recruit more members.
-there is a need to get volunteers and members involved in short-term, goal oriented projects.
ACTION: Everyone to think of goal oriented projects for member/volunteer involvement for next meeting, also media opportunities for media events.
-media: Cogeco Kingston, Emily will speak about A2A in Fall once brochure and website are up to par.
-Service Clubs talks: Rotary Club, Lions Club etc. to increase public knowledge of A2A, Richard is a great candidate for talks
-letter of introduction will be sent out to groups to get invitations for talks.
ACTION: each board member to provide short paragraph regarding who they are, what they do, who they are affiliated with etc. Include a photo of yourself. These should be send to Svenja and she will forward to Terry.
Website: in progress. When the temporary site is up, Svenja will send notice to all for comments.
-full Landowner Booklet will be put on site
-Bird Song Bites for the website? It would provide bird songs to site visitors, requires that the source link be included on the A2A site. Svenja will proceed and see what progress she can make.
Funders: the lists and deadlines are being examined by Svenja.
-CanAdvance has potential to provide funds for distribution and publishing Landowner Booklet
-pre proposal is due September 7, $100 fee for the FULL application
-$2K already exists for this project, CanAdvance will be discussed at next communications meeting
-Pollinator Initiatives: to study pollinators across Canada, interest in corridors and habitat fragmentation, to encourage research for animals and pollinators and citizen science. Svenja will continue to explore this option.
Bring Back the Salmon, Hunters and Anglers: purpose is to re-introduce salmon with the overall theme of water system conservation. There are no existing affiliations in Eastern Ontario so Hunters and Anglers is keen to have our interest. Cameron is still trying to reach John Coleman (OMNR) for advice.
7. ‘The Story’
-Cameron handed ‘The Story’ out to everyone
-Wendy Francis from Y2Y spurred this idea that A2A needed a Story-what the organization is about etc. and this is to be showcased on the website.
Charles gave some valuable feedback:
1. the Story needs to attract the reader to join A2A
2. the Story needs to make sense to readers on both sides of the border
3. the Story should convince elected representations
4. the Story should appeal to other existing users of the area
5. the Story should tell the reader where the Arch is located
9. Projects and Funding for them:
Lower Beverly Lake Association AGM:
-brief presentation was done for them and the partnership is ready to begin
CRCA: Steve has been contacted regarding his assistance in setting up partnerships for Watershed project.
-Parks Canada is also a partner and they will be contacted
-thought of expanding the Watershed project to include the Thousand Islands Watershed (all water flowing into the St. Lawrence River)
-partnerships need to be in place because this affects Svenja’s ability to raise funds
401 Project: partnership building needs to increase
-Cameron and Don will meet to discuss partner building.
ACTION: Svenja needs the Executive Summary of the 401 Report for the website. Cameron to obtain this from Don.
10. List Servers
-Ian has set a List Server up for all Board Members
-he will proceed to get everyone connected
11. St. Lawrence Islands National Park Management Plan
-Richard and Ian will write up a response for the Management Plan.
ACTION: Ian will send Richard the relevant website for more information regarding Mgt. Plan.
12. Communications
Brochure (Celia) -opportunities for editing feedback is complete. Imagery will be changed slightly. The finishing touches and associated decisions will be left to the Communications Committee.
Ploughing Match: taking place September 18-22.
-There is a need for everyone to volunteer-a list has been started.
-volunteer passes still need to be negotiated so these individuals don’t have to pay admission/parking.
-By August 24, all details regarding the A2A ‘booth’ need to be ironed out. The display stand has been confirmed by David Bull.
-should there be items for people to purchase? A draw?
-Wildlife Water brochure from CPAWS should be at Plowing Match
ACTION: Ken will check for Wildlife Water brochure and respond to Richard.
ACTION: Emily to check if current insurance coverage is adequate for each day.
Landowner Brochure: Kathleen Burtch has withdrawn and Chris Bellemore is too busy. Biosphere Reserve staff is helping to gather info.
-a preview copy should be available for the Plowing Match. Interested individuals can leave their names/addresses and full copies will be sent tot hem when it’s ready for distribution.
Newsletter: Holly will complete it for the Fall.
-to be included: The Story, Svenja as the new co-ordinator, newly acquired charitable status, Watershed Project
NEXT BOARD MEETING: Wednesday, September 26
5:45 potlock, 7:00 meeting.
Ian to find spot for Smith Falls meeting
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