The Board of Directors meeting of the Friends of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve was called to order at 7:07pm on Monday, October 1, 2007.  In attendance were Brad Steinmetz, Bonnie Sterling, Patti Knower, Chuck Hatfield, Chuck Reynolds, Brian Turner, Marcy West, and Becky Zahm. A group of four Rendezvous enthusiasts were also attending the meeting.

The minutes of the meeting on June 25, 2007 were approved by motion Chuck H/Bonnie.

Correspondence  - Brad passed around the three thank you notes from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Ontario Public Library, and Norskedalen for our donations of the “Gems” book.

He also had the official letter of receiving the Nuzum grant for $11,700 dated 6/25/07.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Chuck R. reviewed the financial report from June through September.

Checking balance is $12690.01.  Savings account balance is $4731.19.  Petty cash is ~$ 50.00         so the Current Balance is $14411.86.  Moneys received for sponsorship of the “Between Fences Exhibit so far is $3059.34 for a Grand Total of $17471.20.  Not received yet for the BF sponsors are $500 from Dairyland Power & KVA, and money from Organic Valley for KCF food stand. Treasurers report motion and approved by Patti/Brian.

 

Old Business

Heritage Days was sparsely attended this year, and all agreed it was too much effort to continue in present form. The July 4^th week has too much competition.  The day we had the reception for re-release of the “Gems” book was the biggest turnout day.  All Historical Societies and Public Libraries, from La Crosse to Richland Center, Tomah and Boscobel received a book.  Brad will take care of donations to area schools (approx. 20 books).  Printing costs were $857.59 (for 200 perfect-bound books), plus $129 for three SBN numbers for a total of $986.59.  They have been selling well at the Visitor Center.

Chuck Hatfield reported on the next publishing project: the Ralph Nuzum “little books”. There are 30 or more books, six of which are about the Kickapoo. He proposed we enlarge and combine the six or more into one paperback size book.  Becky & Chuck will pursue this with Henry Peterson, get costs and have ready for approval at the next meeting.

Our Kickapoo Country Fair food stand did very well with a possible $3160 profit!  It was decided that selling merchandise at the fair was not worth the effort.

 

 

 

 

 

New Business

Brad recognized visitors Tom and Marge Straight as well as two other members of a Rendezvous group.  They were looking at securing a weekend in May of 2008 for a rendezvous in the Kickapoo Valley. Marcy told them that they would have to present their request to the KV Board meeting. The Friends will support and give financial assistance for advertising expenses of approx. $200 per motion by Brian/Patti – if the KV Board approves the Rendezvous.

The Spaghetti Supper preparations are coming together: volunteers have emailed, kettles are reserved, dessert requests have been made, ads are in the newspapers. Jessica from Valley Stewardship Network will post to their website that the profits will go to Flood Victims.  Food quantities are roughly at the same level as last year.

“Between Fences” posters and Photo Contest flyers were passed out to members for distribution.  The schedule for B.F. programming was distributed and discussed, as was how do we get exhibit here? It will take 24’ truck with lift gate for the 24 big rolling cases weighing 150-280# each.  Brad will make inquires with Earl Nelson Trucking, using one of O.V.’s trucks, or renting from U-Haul.  Marcy will check on other trucking possibilities.

The display can remain in Hales Corners until we need it.  We should have it set-up by January 10^th so docents/guides can be trained.

Photography entrees are coming in for Between Fences photo contest.

Between Fences outdoor fences display has been started,  but still not completed.  We need explanations/identifications written and flyers printed.

JEM grant application written by Marcy to the Dept. of Tourism for advertising for Between Fences was accepted:  Joint effort marketing $5,768 for print, radio, Internet, 11 area newspapers (St. Paul to Richland Center).  Between Fences will be promoted to school groups after the Dam Challenge is over.

The Annual Meeting will take place on Saturday, October 27, at 5:00PM.  Chuck Hatfield will handle the election for two board of director positions.  Bonnie S. & Chuck R. are up for re-election.  Patti & Becky will bring refreshments.

The 2008 Collectors Plate photo will be taken from an appropriate entry for the Photo Contest – something that “fits” the Reserve area.  Chuck H. will contact the Plate Company to prepare them for our order.

Brad told all that the new website should be in place as soon as next week!

 

Committee Reports

Membership/Recruitment/Volunteers: Membership numbers are down by approx 1/3 from last year. (from 125 – 85).  KV Ranch - which is shutting down in November - used to provide us with 12 –20 members.  O.V.’s memberships have dropped off considerably as well.

Marketing/Sales/Communication: We need to unload our glut of T-shirts and it was decided to buy a table at the Small Town Christmas event in La Farge to sell them at dirt-cheap prices.  We will bring other items for sale as well.  Hours are from 8AM until 3PM and Patti inexplicitly volunteered to work it as did Brad.

We will hold off on getting new bird sound CD’s until the new bird pamphlet that Barb Duerkson worked on comes out next spring.  We will not get more cards to sell as we have plenty of post cards that will last a while.

Finance/Grants/Communication: JEM mentioned previously & WHC grant application for $2500 will be pursued by Brad & Marcy.  More sponsors will be solicited for the “Between Fences” exhibit.

 

 

 

 

Other Business

Jack and Margaret Lee brought in a case of coffee from the Kickapoo Roasters for us to sell.  The new packages are only 12 ounces. The “Just Coffee” bags we have been selling for $9 were in 1# bags.  We discussed selling the new coffee for $8, but that would cut the profit for the Sister City Project.  It was decided to keep the cost at $9/bag for both items.

 

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM, motion/second by Brian/Chuck R.

The next BOD meeting will be on December 17, 2007 at the Visitor Center.

 

Respectfully submitted by:  Patti Knower, Secretary