Annual Meeting 8/18/2008 - Greensboro Association

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Annual Meeting 8/18/2008

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Welcome to our website. The Greensboro Association serves both full-and part-time residents with a vision to protect and enhance the culture and beauty we treasure in Greensboro. Priorities include keeping Caspian Lake and surrounding areas pristine, supporting non-profits and community activities and addressing issues that concern our members.

Annual Meeting 8/18/2008

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE GREENSBORO

ASSOCIATION

August 18, 2008

President John Hewett called the meeting in Fellowship Hall to order at 7:35 p.m. He thanked those in attendance for coming and advised that copies were available of the minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting, the proposed budget and the agenda.

A moment of silence was observed for those members and friends who had passed away during the past year. John read the 34 names and provided copies of the Remembrance List.

A motion to approve the Minutes of the August 20, 2007Annual Meeting was seconded and passed. Pres. Hewett proposed the meeting continue until the selectperson announcing the recipient of the Greensboro Award arrived.

Police Report: Hardwick/Greensboro Police Chief, Joseph LaPorte, introduced himself saying that he is happy to be here, that he is new to this part of Vermont since June, but not new to the Northeast Among his current goals are re-instituting “community policing” and the DARE program. Recognizing the force’s high turnover rate, he is establishing several programs that should improve officer retention and training. He thinks response to calls from Greensboro has been timely and effective. The officers do occasional camp patrol with their 4x4 ATV but recommends installation of alarm systems and motion sensor lights when possible.

Greensboro Land Trust: Clive Gray reported the GLT continues its work to preserve and promote the rural nature of the area. The newest addition to the Trust is 37 acres on the east side of Garvin Hill Road, formerly part of the Stone farm. The GLT Board and Advisory Committee continue to look for a balance between conservation of the local rural landscape and the need for economic development including affordable housing.

Jenny Stoner, President of the Greensboro Historical Society, updated the group on its $400,000 Capital Campaign expansion project, which is progressing well.

2008 Greensboro Award: Selectperson Ann Stevens arrived to announce that Warren and Irene Hill were honored at the March 2008 Town Meeting for their years of service to this community. She read the biographical information about the couple shared at the town meeting.

Elm Restoration Project: Chairperson Anne Cassidy recognized Julian School’s long-lasting legacy to Greensboro. Twelve additional trees have been planted since last August. Funds are available to plant more elms varying the species in order to create less dependence on one type of tree.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Planning & Zoning Bylaws – Larry Hewes acknowledged the very impressive effort on behalf of the Planning Commission and the upcoming Public Meeting relative to the new Bylaws. Ann Stevens thanked the Association and Larry for their input and efforts. She also applauded the Jasper Hill facility for its economic benefits to the local area.

Barr Hill/Long Pond – Sue Slater said rainy weather has affected use of Barr Hill and Long Pond this summer. Work continues by various groups to maintain, enhance and enjoy the sites. Nat Smith constructed the new sign at the entrance to the Barr Hill trails. The committee is grateful for his time and expertise.

Directory – Anne Cassidy reported the 2008 Directory includes 536 names and is for sale at Willey’s and the Miller’s Thumb for $5. Celia Crawford and June Kellogg improved the first section and listings for accuracy and simplification. This year’s mailing included a survey to measure interest in and use of an improved Association website. Wendy Parrish tabulated these.

Fireworks –John Hewett read the report from Michael Porrazzo and the Fireworks Committee. They reported another successful July 5th display again from the Sowles’ field across from the ball field at the Four corners. Donations next year and the economic outlook may adversely affect the fireworks in 2009. This year’s donations specifically for fireworks totaled $2,309. Several hundred dollars from GA general funds met the Association’s share of the cost. The Town matches the amount. The fireworks for 2009 are scheduled for Friday July 3.

Fishing – In Allen Davis’ absence, John Hewett reported that fishing is about the same as it has been for the last several years. Caspian continues to be a productive and clean lake.

Grants -Trish Alley presented a comprehensive and detailed report. The Association granted $7,935 to the community organizations it has supported in recent years in the same amounts. The committee continues to consider the role of granting in the Association’s “mission”. She brought to the Association’s attention the creation by the State of the“L3C”, a new corporate structure, which allows low profit corporations to benefit a charitable cause and to receive grants from private foundations. The committee continues to maintain a directory of local non-profits members can access for charitable giving.

Lake Protection - Andy Dales, the “Lake Man” since 2000, reported Caspian Lake remains milfoil free. In June 2008, we had the clearest water quality readings ever. Rain in July reduced those readings. A grant written by Doug Kirtz and Mary Durling again secured some of the funds needed for the boat launch monitoring program. At Town Meeting, the town granted $5,000 to cover the State’s under-reimbursement for this project. Andy pointed out that the Greensboro Association was among those who pioneered lake protection the in late 1970’s. He thanked Cilla Smith and her team for their milfoil watch efforts and Annie Paumgarten for her work on the booklet “50Ways to Preserve and Protect Caspian Lake”.

Library – Linda Ely thanked the Association for its financial support of the Youth Services program and other Library services and programs during the past year including preschool story hours at the library and at local day care sites as well as kindergarten and home schooling enrichment activities.

Membership –Tod and Gwen Mann reported on efforts of the committee to continue encouraging year round residents to become members. They propose to continue educating residents who do not seem to know what the Association accomplishes and to invite more to join.

Memorial Garden – Anne Harbison reported the garden is flourishing. All 131 new bulbs planted last fall came up this year; the daylilies are thriving. She thanked Janice Dinsdale for her regular and invaluable gardening help.

Music –John Hewett reported an unusual year for the Sunday Evening Lake Concerts. Of the planned eight concerts, one was canceled because of weather and roofing issues and one had to be held inside. The July 27 concert was dedicated to the memory of Julian Scholl. Lisa Hewett and Nick Russotto continue to help with the concerts.

Newsletter – Sarah Sangree reported sighting a New York Times columnist at Claire’s Restaurant when she was having dinner there earlier in the summer. Obviously, there is news locally. She is happy to receive articles or ideas for articles for upcoming issues. Please send them via email if you can to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . She thinks many would like the newsletter via email rather than snail mail.

Swimming - Lorelei Wheeler's report on this summer's swim program was read by John Hewett. Forty-eight swimmers participated in the July 28 – August 8, 2008 instructional sessions with five Northern Vermont Red Cross instructors. The Red Cross was more organized and helpful with the program than previously for which Lorelei is grateful. The program continues to be self-sustaining.

Web Site – Wendy Parrish noted that during the course of this Annual Meeting the words “web site” were mentioned at least three times. There were just under 300 responses to the survey sent out with the directory mailing last winter. Less than half came from respondents age 60 or older or seemed ambivalent about an Association Web Site. Others considered a web site necessary and economical.

Treasurer's Report – Treasurer Richard Lovett reported receipts (primarily made up of dues and contributions) were up by over 30%. Expenses for 2009 are expected to be higher because of the $2000 allocated for web site development and the $1,000 for printing of the new pamphlet Andy mentioned. Rick thanked Bud Harvey for his help as assistant treasurer.

Auditor’s Report – Stephanie Herrick reported that the Greensboro Association books had been audited and no irregularities were found.

President's Report – President John Hewett thanked five individuals for their substantial contribution to the work of the Association: Cilla Bonney- Smith for the Summer Calendar, Larry Hewes for his planning and zoning guidance, Lorelei Wheeler for spear heading the swim program, Sara Sangree for the Newsletter , and Martha Rose for service as secretary. He thanked all the Committee Chairs for doing the important work of the Association.

NEW BUSINESS:

Nominating Committee Report – Celia Crawford proposed the following slate:

For the Board of Trustees, Class of 2011:

Janney Johnston

Mike Kreider

Rick Lovett

Sherral Lumsden

Michael Porrazzo

Tara Reynolds

John Schweizer

For Officers of the Association:

President: Niall Kirkwood