NPSOT Board Minutes
January 5, 2012
The meeting was called to order by President Bill Stone. Board members present were Mike Mecke, Cindy Anderson, Nina Wagner, Trish Stone, and Martha Miesch. The minutes distributed by e-mail were approved for the December 13th board meeting. Trish distributed the treasurer’s report for the 4th quarter. There may be an additional expense to pay for the tamales served at the Christmas party. The chapter also will have additional income of $60 to $70 from the state. She noted that if the chapter does not receive income from the Earth Day plant sale this year it will not cause a problem to meet expenses for a period of time.
Programs were discussed. The Christmas party had a disappointing attendance. A different theme might be considered next year rather than repeating the Mexican theme. Harvey Hilderbran’s program on “Key Water and Natural Resources Legislation” January 10th has received advertising although the RNC location was not included in the Daily Times. Mike or Bill will introduce the speaker. The February program with Wayne Este who will discuss and demonstrate Cooking and Eating Native Plants has been a popular program guest in this area.
Bill requested that Cindy send copies of our chapter Newsletter to Cathy Lustgarten who is the VP Chapter Liaison. The San Antonio Chapter has requested that our chapter announce their Jan. 24th meeting which will be at 6:30.
Concerns were raised regarding poor attendance at recent meetings. A calling tree by board members was suggested. Many people who attend the meetings are guests and not members. Continuing to offer good programs was also mentioned as a motivation for members and guests to attend meetings. Advertising meetings should continue to promote attendance.
Bill announced that his letter regarding the Riverside Nature Center as being an ideal location to see native plants was published in the Reader Mail section of the last issue of “Texas Highway”. This is an important accomplishment for NPSOT. Bill also announced that the NPSOT State Board Meeting would be January 12th at the Ft. Worth Botanical Garden.
The chapter had agreed to discuss a possible leader for the Earth Day plant sale in April. Sandy Martin was suggested. Bill agreed to serve as the leader for the present. He plans to attend the next planning meeting with the RNC planning committee. Trish and another member will also attend this meeting at 11:30. Edna has many records from past sales that she will share with the NPSOT planning committee detailing past year’s plant sales with nurseries. Continuing drought conditions will make it relevant that plants purchased for sale require minimal water to establish. Although it was suggested that cactus and succulents be available it was discussed that they are not popular for home landscaping. Past records will be a good indicator of what people who attend the plant sales want to grow. It will also be important to confirm what is available in the Nurseries where plants are purchased. Bill and Martha will meet with Edna soon to go over records and list contacts that should be made.
Meeting was adjourned. Respectively submitted, Martha Miesch
PREVIOUS MONTHLY MEETING ATTENDANCE: 27
At the December 13, 2011 Holiday Social/Native Plant Bingo Party:
23 Chapter members plus 4 visitors.
27 total attendees, including 13 people who worked to decorate, set up & take down.