Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes , Inc.
Board of Directors Meeting

The meeting was called to order by  chairman Molly McCombs at 9:00 AM in the Library of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, MI.

In attendance: Molly McCombs, Jack Schultz, Dick Kishline, Pat Korkus, John McCombs, Jim Murray, Vern Korkus , Mike Duew, Chuck Schaeffer, Eleanor Comings, and guests Gene Warner from  Manitou Islands Memorial Society, Dave Taghon, and Kerry Kelly.

A motion was made to approve the minutes Of the October 6, 2004 meeting by Vern Korkus.

Second by Eleanor Comings.  Motion carried.

The Treasurers  report was distributed.  Motion to approve the treasurers report for audit.  Second by Jim Murray.  Accepted for audit.

Committee reports:

Mike Duwe represented Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  He reported:

1. The 5-year agreement with the Friends runs out next week, April 21.  An extension was made in 2004.  He assures us that the agreement will be completed in the allotted time with a new 5 year agreement.

2. A $22,000.00  grant principally for the restoration of the Aloha has been received by the Park.  Now volunteers are needed to help with the restoration.   More funding for the project is expected in the future.

3.  The $ $1,000.00 for additional dune fencing has not been spent due to a study of the effects of buried fencing on the dunes.  Until this issue is resolved the Park is hesitant to install more fencing.  The Park is looking at redesigning the 9 and 10  Lake Michigan Overlook to avoid these issues.

4. The Treat Farm  has been “animal proofed” and is awaiting painting with the Friends donation of $2,500.00 toward that effort.

5. The Park requested checks for the following previously approved projects:

           New Park Bench on Stocking Scenic Drive        $500.00

           Teachers Workshop for Interpretation in Sept.     $ 750.00

           Cannery Interpretation  Items                             $750.00

6. A draft of Partner Group Requests from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was distributed.  He mentioned that the Friends’ donation of $600.00 for the Resources Newsletter is on hold as the Park is looking for a new Biologist.

7. A donation box is to be placed in the Cannery when it opens in the Spring.

Port Oneida Fair reported by Vern Korkus.  The Friends’ Booth  at the Dechow Farm needs volunteers August 5 and 6.  There will be food service at the Dechow  Farm, Shielding Tree, and the Thoreson Farm.  A banner will be placed over M-22 in Glen Arbor promoting the Fair.  The BATA bus is picking up the cost of bus service for two days.  The Fair’s poster is a painting by the late Suzanne Wilson of the Thoreson Farm.  The Kelderhouse Cemetery and Farm will be used for the Civil War interpretation.

Membership  Molly McCombs reported  we have 27 single, 42 Family and 4 corporate memberships to date.  73 our of 100 memberships on our mailing list have mailed in their dues.

One member sent the information and her employer Verizon will match her Family Membership.

Adopt A Trail   Molly mentioned Adopt A Trail in 2004 had 1,210.5 hours of volunteering reported  to the Friends.

Newsletter  Molly said the Spring/Summer issue of the Newsletter is forthcoming.  The Friends printed 3,000 copies of the Spring and Summer issue and 750 printed for Fall .  This is becoming expensive and the Publicity Committee of Jack Schultz, Eleanor Comings, Kerry Kelly and Molly McCombs will review the options and report at the June meeting.

D.H . Day Locomotive  Dave Taghon reported on his investigation of the D.H. Day locomotive.  It is currently in Port Huron and in all probability will remain there.

Old Business

1.  D.H. Day Sawmill- still available to the Friends but on hold until the owner is ready to sell it.

2. Park Requested projects  (see above)

3. Aloha Fish Tug grant-  on hold until it is determined how much is needed to complete repairs.  DEQ coastal Zone management grant may be best fit.

4. Treat Farm Painting  (see above)

New Business

1. The  Friends Budget was reviewed.  Motion was made to approve Budget for 2005 by Vern Korkus and seconded by Eleanor Comings.  Motion carried.

2.The issue  of need for new letterhead  and  changing the Friends address to Empire was discussed.  Jack Schultz made the motion to have the post office box of Friends moved to Empire by September.  Jim Murray seconded.  All were in favor.

3.  Agreement that the June membership  meeting be held at the Platte River picnic area on June 26, Sunday, at two o’clock in the afternoon.  It will be a dessert and punch affair.

Motion to adjourn was made by Eleanor Comings, Seconded by Vern Korkus at 11:00 a.m..