Friends of Willard Brook Annual Meeting

June 24, 2011 – MINUTES

Emily gave a short speech highlighting the 7^th anniversary of the Friend of Willard Brook. She highlighted the accomplishments of this year; 5 vernal pools certified by the Vernal Pools Team; Human Powered Vehicle Day by the Friends of the Nashua River Rail Trail; Another Mural in the works and Duane Cromwell’s constant vigilance against graffiti. Duane is stepping down from heading the Friends of NRRT and Dann Chamberlain will head the committee. Invasives species committee had their first work day to pull out Japanese Knot weed along the Squanocook River. The Partnership grant with DCR for removal of phragmities in the Dead Swap is in progress. This year’s photo contest is on until Labor Day. The legislation on liability issue hasn’t solved the problem. The draft of the DCR policy was very disappointing. The Friends Network has made many very good comments on it and returned them to DCR.

The Board of Directors changes are:

Jeff Dominick replaced Doug Reynolds who moved out of state; John Bilotti has been great, but will step down because other responsibilities prevent him from attending the board meetings, though he will continue providing us with printing services for posters, flyers and newsletters.

Third term board members are stepping down, Jayne Perkins and John D’Angelillo, they have been on the board for six years. John lives near New Fitchburg Road and helped get the cross walks painted and started the Tuesday morning walks from the Townsend Senior Center. Walks go only as fast as the slowest walker. Jayne has been secretary for all six years she has been on the board. She also shows up for almost any work day.

Re-elected were Tom Nevins and Joellyn Nevins. They got the Friends working on Neat Streets and other programs, and Tom is our treasurer. Also re-elected was Sussie Holzberlein, membership secretary; Sherisa Sterling was re-elected. She has been leading hikes and helps on work programs. Three new directors were elected. Jennifer Pettit, also a member of the Townsend Conservation Commission, has already led a hike and is on the invasive species committee; Diane Conde lives near Townsend State Forest and has been attending hikes and programs. Susanna Black has been attending programs since the beginning. She ran the aquatic plants program last summer. This slate of nominated members was moved, seconded and unanimously approved by those attending.

Emily introduced Michael Tougias for the evening program. He had a great presentation.

There were about thirty five people in attendance.