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Draft Minutes Airlie Conference Center Warrenton, Virginia The meeting was called to
order at 9:45 am. The following VAC representatives, Chapter members
and guests attended: Fairfax Northern Neck Richmond Margaret
O’Bryan Northern Shenandoah Julie
Simpson Virginia Beach E.L.
Carlyle National Audubon Society Dave
Pardoe |
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The Minutes were read and approved with minor corrections. The Chair accepted the Treasurer’s report after some discussion. A contribution of $4515.30 from the VSO to the VAC IBA project was noted. The Council agreed to pay VCN dues of $300, a lower level than previously. Chapters are free to join individually. Although Eileen Rowan will occupy the Dutch Gap office starting 11/15, a contract has not been signed and no rent payments are due. Eileen Rowan, Conservation Chair, reported on the Important Bird Areas project. She said a contract was still on hold. David Whitehurst of DGIF is working on obtaining DGIF funding. It was agreed that no paperwork was required to hire Eileen to lead the IBA project; Caroline agreed to look into the procedure to do that. Discussion of the State
office focused on the August visit by Tom Urquhart. He visited possible sites
for the State office and met with relevant players, including a lunch with
David Whitehurst. Urquhart revisited the area, on a trip to Mathews County
where he met with Dennis Baker to explore a possible Audubon education center. Dave Pardoe clarified
developments regarding NAS funding of State office, noting that NAS was in a
holding pattern after the terrorism attack of September 11. He noted that
charitable giving declines in times of crisis. He stressed that the State
office would need to raise funds as part of any funding by National, and it
is prudent to start identifying potential sources of funds for a State office.
He emphasized that every State
office is self-sustaining. Margaret O’Bryan, Richmond Audubon, agreed to lead a group
that would work with NAS on fund-raising. Her goal is to raise $100,000. The Council took up the
issue of modifying the Strategic Plan to allow the VAC to continue in
existence after the founding of the State office. Bryan Moores will provide a
modified copy of the Strategic Plan for Council consideration. Andy Tate, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented a slate of officers and asked if there were any nomination from the floor. The slate comprised: Caroline Coe, President, Andy Tate, Vice President, Rick Skelton, Second Vice President, Julie Simpson, Treasurer, and Manny Barrera, Secretary. There were no further nominations so the slate was elected as proposed. In the President’s report,
Caroline proposed a division of labor akin to a Committee structure with
Margaret O’Bryan helping on development and fund-raising matters, Eileen Rowan
on the IBA with Andy Tate providing oversight on funding, Jeanne Menuet to
work as a volunteer in the office and with DGIF. She asked Rick Skelton to work on programs with assistance
from E.L. Carlyle who would contact the NAS and the NC State Director for
possible speakers at future VAC meetings. The next meeting of the
VAC is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2002, at the Henricus Education
Center. Other 2002 VAC meetings would be on April 27 at Kilmarnock, July 27,
somewhere on the Virginia shore, and October 26 at Blandy. E.L. Carlyle and Manny
Barrera reported conversations with Dr. Sladen and his concern about swan hunting in Virginia.
There appeared to be no consensus on a VAC position regarding the swan
hunting season which appears not to include Trumpeter swans. E.L. added that Virginia Beach adopted
a swan for $250 annually. During Chapter sharing,
Northern Neck reported the results of its bluebird box construction and sales
program. Richmond Audubon plans a fundraiser for November 15. Cape Henry
reported that its Web site was down, and that its annual seed sale was taking
place today. Shenandoah noted that its seed sale was set for November 3, with
expected sales of $10,000.
Shenandoah also mentioned tree planting and a program for Boy Scouts
earning their Eagle badge. E.L. Carlyle from Virginia Beach presented members
of the Strategic Plan Committee with autographed books. E.L. also inquired about
the Rappahanock Chapter, apparently in inactive status. He would like the VAC
to work toward reactivating the Chapter. The meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm. Respectfully submitted,
Manny Barrera |
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