General Business Meeting of the Florida Ornithological Society

OFFICIAL MINUTES

General Business Meeting of the Florida Ornithological Society

October 18, 2003

Masonic Lodge

Apalachicola, Florida

President Fran James called the General Business Meeting of the Florida Ornithological Society (FOS) to order at 2:06 p.m.  She welcomed members to the meeting and reported on the board’s activities.  President James announced the board adopted the 2004 budget.

Robert Henderson, State Coordinator of the North American Migration Count (NAMC), reported the board approved sponsoring the NAMC in Florida.  The board also approved posting results from the count on the FOS web site.

Fred Lohrer , member of the FOS Records Committee, reported the board approved funding the Records Committee’s budget request for 2004.  The funds will be used by the Records Committee to purchase equipment and materials needed to properly archive submissions reviewed by the Records Committee.  The funds will also allow the Records Committee to meet twice a year.  Additionally, Lyn Atherton has contributed greatly to the committee and her term on the committee has expired.  The board approved Sally Jue ’s appointment to the Records Committee. 

Katy Nesmith, Chairperson of the Cruickshank Education Award Committee, announced the board approved three awards in 2003.  Cruickshank Education Awards will be given to:

·         Valparaiso Elementary School, Walton County, for a cavity nesters program for fourth graders.

·         Florida State University School, Tallahassee, for Classroom FeederWatch curriculum and materials necessary to support the program.

·         Exotic and Wild Bird Rescue of the Florida Keys, Inc., Big Pine Key, for a display board and other materials that will support the organization’s education outreach program. 

President James announced she will be filling two vacant chairperson positions.  Members who want to take on the duties of Finance Committee Chairperson or Nominating Committee Chairperson should contact her.  

Vice President King reported the Spring 2004 FOS meeting will be held in Tarpon Springs the weekend of April 23 -25, 2004.  The meeting is being hosted by three local Audubon chapters.  Field trips will  include Pinellas County Well Fields, Gulf Islands Geopark, and other area birding sites.

President James adjourned the meeting at 2:12 p.m.