Jackson
Pathfinders October Meeting Minutes
The monthly meeting was held on Thursday, October 16, 2003, at 8:10 PM in the Jackson Municipal Building. Tom Stevens, Treasurer, presided. Members present were Karen Borga, Recording Secretary, Ronnie Bruchez, Karen Walzer and Barbara Usack. Venture Committee, Crew 88, introduced themselves and explained that they are an extension of Explorers which is a group for older scouts. Guests present were Bill Abrahamsen, Phil Quaranta, Michael Irwantu, Elizabeth Weisbrod and Eric Abrahamsen.
There was a brief discussion and Elizabeth Weisbrod described the need for service projects for local youths. Phil Quaranta explained that the Venture Committee could arrange for 30 youths for a community service workday at the NJCF Frank Applegate Road Nature Trail. Tom Stevens discussed various projects that are planned for Frank Applegate, more boardwalk as an example. A clean-up day is needed at the Bunker Hill Bogs area. Karen Walzer explained Adopt-A-Trail and Ron Bruchez discussed trail markings as another project.
The August minutes were circulated and approved with corrections. The September meeting was cancelled due to Hurricane Isabel storm warnings.
Treasurer, Tom Stevens reported $299.76 in new spending. $1943.90 pending committee approval leaving $1600.59 balance. Tom explained that the deadline for submitting requisitions has been extended to October 31.
Corresponding Secretary, Sarah Ralston was absent. Sarah did not write any letters since the last meeting. A thank you letter from the Forest Resource Education Center was circulated. Pathfinders assisted the FREC during the Fall Forestry Festival Day October 4th. The group discussed asking Sarah to write a letter asking the Jackson Township Committee for "no dumping" signs be posted at the Bunker Hill Bogs trail area.
Biking: Ron Bruchez explained his meeting with Jackson Police Department Captain Newman. Capt. Newman can not safely allow any long rides through town. An off road bike trip would be acceptable. Ron described a 150 mile bike trip he participated in as a benefit event for Multiple Sclerosis. Tom Stevens suggested a bike trip through the Forest Resource Education Center maybe including Butterfly Road and Bowman Road. Organized rides Ron has participated in require helmets for all ages, children and adults alike. Barbara Usack asked about insurance and several members explained that Pathfinders has accident insurance coverage through the township.
Forest Resource Education Center/Bowman Road: Karen Walzer talked about events during the Fall Festival held Saturday, October 5, 10:00am - 3:00pm. An article from the Ocean County Observer was circulated. One of Tony Santa Maria's owl houses was raffled off during the day and 12 new contacts signed up at the Pathfinders information table that day. Karen Walzer circulated a flyer about the Spring Conservation Day at the FREC planned for Saturday, April 17, 2004.
Membership: Barbara Usack talked about calling people on the sign up sheet from Jackson Day as well as making calls from the Fall Festival sheet. Barbara also talked about members who had been contacted and their status.
Publicity: Tom Stevens explained to the group that Linda Nardo, in recreation department, asked to be notified of all events. The Access Channel did a spot about Pathfinders needing volunteers and also Karen Walzer faxed Linda a press release for volunteers. Linda offered to forward our requests to the newspapers.
Mapping: Tom Stevens (absent) reported no activity since the last meeting.
NJCF Frank Applegate Road Nature Trail / Boy Scouts Projects: Leo Kissling was absent. Leo's report will be added.
Wildlife
Preservation:
Tony Santa Maria was absent but submitted the following report: On Oct. 4th, representing both, the Forestry Resource Education
Center and Jackson Pathfinders, I conducted a nestbox building demonstration
during the Fall Forestry Festival. I was able to construct 3 screech owl
nestboxes before inclement weather intervened. One nestbox was raffled off to
one of the many people that stopped at the 2 stations we were assigned. I was
hoping that the winner could be announced in the Jackson Times with a brief
description of the event.
I was able to take part in a Hornet Nest removal from a tree in Assunpink
Wildlife Refuge. This proved to be rather challenging and educational as well.
Thanks to the expertise of Gary (the beekeeper), no one was stung and the nest
will soon be on display at the new interpretive center in Jackson.
It took quite a long time, but I finally managed to get personnel from the
forestry center to walk the F.A. Trail with me. Terry O' Leary, Sugar Bob and
Gary, the beekeeper, accompanied me through the entire course. They were rather
impressed with the diversity of the landscape as well as with the progress we
have made. We discussed planting of cedar seedlings and other forestry
management techniques that will be instituted in the near future. This coming
together, so to speak , has certainly strengthened our alliance with the
forestry center.
I
have been in contact with Pat Shapella of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of
N.J. Once a threatened or endangered species is positively identified in our
area, I will be reporting directly to her to have that area listed and protected
(if possible). She will be sending me various bulletins and pamphlets
periodically that I will make available to any interested parties.
I have been in contact with Biologist, Dave Golden of Trenton in order to
have the vernal woodfrog breeding ponds at the F.A.Trail and on the property
behind my house documented. Anyone with knowledge of other locations should
contact me to arrange for an inspection of the site.
Ron Bruchez mentioned frog sounds he heard by ShopRite. Phil Quaranta
explained the frogs are spring peepers.
Land Acquisition: Karen Borga explained there has been no activity since our last meeting.
Scrapbook: Lauren and Alison Stevens (absent) reported no additions.
Discussions: Tom Stevens reminded the group that officer elections will be held during the November meeting. Karen Borga reminded the group of the New Year's Day Reorganization meeting for Jackson when the appointees will begin the new term.
The next monthly meeting will be held November 20, 2003 at 8:00PM in the Jackson Municipal Building.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. Submitted by Karen Borga.