Friends of the Beaverkill Community (FOBC)
Officers Meeting Minutes
9/17/2024
Attendees:
Siobhan Loizeaux Bennett, President
Josh Grier, Treasurer
Colleen Connell, Secretary
Patricia Adams, Founder
Christopher Kissock, Past President
Absent:
Brian Sullivan, Vice President
Patricia Adams provided a history of FOBC including its original vision and goals. The original four goals were (1) the Beaverkill Community Church, (2) the Beaverkill Campsite, (3) the Beaverkill Covered Bridge, and (4) the Iron Bridge over the Beaverkill River. All four goals were met; each of the four projects were repaired and retained for current and future use. Now the job of the FOBC is to find projects to undertake, as well as provide mechanisms to grow and enhance the community, according to Patricia.
Josh discussed the FOBC having a structure and a fundamental purpose of being a neighborhood collective with visual projects. He discussed the FOBC being assigned to be the local stewards of the DEC Program for the campsite, and the recent re-application by the FOBC to retain that assignment. Josh had a contact at the DEC, Bill Rudge (??) and the need to find Bill’s replacement for identify possible future projects with the DEC. The Parks & Trails Organization of NY State seeks organizations like FOBC for its projects, however it has historically wanted larger and more professional entities for grant giving.
Josh stated the FOBC’s 200+ email list is a free, easy, and effective communication tool that is unique to FOBC. The website and Instagram page need to be updated on a regular basis. This is a possible project. The Annual Picnic is important. There had previously been a picnic at the beginning of Spring which could possibly be re-established. It created a “beginning of the summer” vibe that is different than the end of the summer one. Josh reported there is $4,200 available in the FOBC account for social events.
Chris discussed his original interest in helping with communication, which is his background, and in environmental protection. Using the email list is important for FOBC’s communication, however, he stressed the importance of email etiquette and managed expectations to avoid people unsubscribing due to being annoyed. Chris referenced the decision to curtail dues paying during the Covid pandemic due to lack of events or projects. He thought the FOBC officers should discuss whether to reinstate dues paying which could lead to more engagement by members. The FOBC can raise money as a 501c3. Lastly, Chris discussed his branding expertise and offered to help FOBC with that.
The goal for this FOBC Leadership Team is to create an action plan that can energize FOBC membership around – simple, leveraged, strategic – and most importantly, doable projects.
Goals identified for future consideration were:
- Beaverkill Valley Land Trust (BVLT) can collaborate with buying and protecting land, according to Patricia. She will send minutes to the FOBC officers which include information on the work of BVLT. Prior engagement with BVLT and Kate O’Connor got local people to have their trees treated. FOBC can align with BVLT and other organizations to amplify their voices.
- FOBC Stories could be a third book/edition. Siobhan noted that she intends to write the stories of Ragin Road. She also knows of writers who are available to transcribe stories as was done for the Roscoe community. Colleen stated that her husband and sister-in-law are interested in writing/sharing family stories from Elm Hollow Road.
- Christmas Caroling remains a key event to draw the community together, in addition to the annual picnics. It is important to continue to continue to host this event.
- Update the website and Instagram page for FOBC, as noted above. Suggestions were made to add a “Donate Here” button on the website. Josh suggested changing the photo on the website to reflect the four seasons, keeping the website fresh and not stale. The website is a good way/place to rejuvenate the FOBC membership.
- Patricia mentioned an old barn and school, which are sitting empty, located across the iron bridge. She thought there may be a possibility of using them for the community to meet, as a mini-museum, etc. The structures could potentially be restored or moved.
Follow up items:
1) Colleen and Siobhan will put draft “Goals for 2025-2026” together in Google Shared Drive and share with our leadership team for everyone’s input.
2) We will plan on an introduction email to all members in Oct/early Nov (before holiday madness starts) with a reminder of the Christmas Eve carol sing and an invitation to Jan/Feb 2025 membership Zoom call.
3) At the Jan/Feb 2025 membership Zoom call, we will present and welcome feedback and input on “Goals for 2025-2026”.
4) In April/May 2025, the leadership team will roll out the Goals to the FOBC community.