Potomac Valley Chapter –NARGS
Board Meeting
November 4, 2006
1. Meeting was called to order by President Alma Kasulaitis.
2. The Treasurer’s Report and the proposed budget for 2007 was presented by Margot Ellis. Our current assets (checking and CD) as of November 4, 2006 were $10,276.50. Questions regarding our current assets or the budget for 2007 may be directed to Margot Ellis.
3. Locations for future meetings: We are currently exploring new venues in addition to those we have used in the past. Our goal is to spread the meetings around the area geographically so that the members aren’t necessarily always being forced to drive long distances to attend a meeting. Peter Jones point out that the Walter Reed Recreational Center in Arlington is now available for such meetings and would be free (always a plus!). The board would welcome additional suggestions from the membership. In addition to our local meetings, there was some discussion of future field trips, their costs, and the benefits of attracting potential new members.
4. Ways and Means Committee: Because the complexity of handling plant sales, bus trips, etc. adds a substantial burden to the task of planning any of these events, the board is considering establishing a Ways and Means Committee. This committee would work in conjunction with the Program, Education and Outreach Committee and focus on upcoming events.
5. Plant Exchange: There was a discussion regarding the rules for participation in the semi-annual plant exchanges. Although the rules are fairly simple, it seems that they are often disregarded. For example, it was pointed out that we have long had a baseline requirement of six plants being contributed to the exchange. Other standards include current (paid-up) membership in the organization, one membership equals one participant (although plotting and consultation between household members is certainly xxx), and a focus on outdoor plants (sharing non-hardy plants growing like topsy is a side-bar to the Real Event). For the convenience of the membership, a complete list of the rules will accompany the announcement of time and place for an upcoming exchange.
6. Newsletter circulation: a brief discussion was held regarding coordination between the current active membership list and distribution of the newsletter.
7. Budget for PVC – NARGS: Establishing an annual budget has been discussed several times and actually going forward with this would be a sound financial move. This has not yet been completed.
8. Attracting Members: How and where to find and attract new members is a perennial topic in virtually all organizations. During this discusstion it was pointed out that even the parent organization (NARGS) has been challenged to attract new participants to keep the organization vibrant and active. Our own local chapter must consider this as well. Gaining members is one important goal but there is also the need to engage our members in the actual running of the organization.
9. Memorial for George Phair: Dixie Hougen will be exploring the choice of a location and the actual memorial for George.
10. Our Next Meeting: Will be January 27th at the U.S. Botanic Garden production facility: you must notify Betty Spar in advance if you intend to attend this meeting. .bspar@aoc.gov
The meeting was adjourned