2009 FALL MEETING MINUTES
Fifteen Massachusetts Bluebird Association members met at Rick Galat’s
rustic woodland cabin in Winchendon, Ma on October 17, 2009. Our hosts, Jane and Ed Galat, had the cabin nice and warm for
us when we arrived after an invigorating walk down the woodland road. We shared experiences of the past year with old friends
and met new ones during an informal discussion period before the business meeting was called to order.
MBA President Henry Denton called the meeting to order at 12:00 noon.
MBA’s treasurer Gwen Newton-Denton reported a balance of $4,220.50 in our checking account. She reported eight new members
joined MBA and nine bluebirders renewed their memberships during the past year. MBA now has 46 current paid up members.
Henry introduced Tamara Barbasch from Florence,
Ma; Bill Apgar
from Medway, and Betty and Lionel
MacDonald from So. Windsor Ct.
Tamara and Bill attended the 2009 NABS National convention in Pa.
Tamara will prepare a report for the MBA website. She mentioned that
the 2010 NABS gathering will be in Ontario.
Tamara Barbasch, Bill Apgar, George Brouillette and Lionel
MacDonald, were voted unanimously as new board members.
Henry reviewed Haleya Priest’s e-mail in which she suggested
‘we need to seek volunteers’. An enthusiastic discussion among the attendees ensued. Many excellent suggestions
were brought forth including outreach to prospective members, maintaining the membership directory up-to-date and, most important,
establishing and maintaining communication with the members. Other ideas were: provide education about bluebirds, ensuring
the newsletter is published periodically. Establish a method for MBA members to communicate. Hart will look at tools to encourage
discussion such as a list serve exclusively for MBA members, a MBA BLOG, etc.
Lionel gave a presentation of the pros and cons of several styles
of bluebird boxes and showed examples of each.
Lionel and Betty donated a feeder for a door prize which Jane Galat
won.
The 2009 Massachusetts Bluebird Association fall meeting adjourned
at 3:00 p.m.
Nan Towle-Millett
