December 14, 2005
Friends of Schoodic Meeting

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER 7:10 PM

Attending: Janet Michaud, Jeanie Wilson, Marla O'Byrne, Denny O'Brien, Tom Mayer, Dirk Faegre, Margaret Grammer, Garry and Rosemary Levin, Nancy and Jay Horschak

Minutes approved with one spelling correction: error to arrow. 

Announcements

Sadly Dirk reported that Ed's brother died unexpectedly. The group expressed profound sympathy. Also there was a death at Schoodic Point on Thursday.

Real estate 

The two lots for sale along Moore Road were discussed. One of 2 acres on the west side of the road with 150' frontage on Mill Stream is on the market for $350,000; the other on east side of road, 3 acres, with more acreage available to qualified buyer, is $395,000.

SERC report 

Denny summarized activities: A "Winter Ball" was held by Sumner High School to benefit Toys for Tots. Programs continued into late October. Over 50 events were held this season, 1700 people attended, 1700 bed nights with average stay of 2.3 days. It is hoped to reach 5500 by 2007 at $50 a night, sort of a break-even projection. A number of colleges (Colby, Umaine, Unity, Penn State, Widner) is looking into programs. The Proctor collection of invertebrates may come to Schoodic (presently housed at headquarters at MDI. Update on marketing plan and construction projects was given.

FOA report by Marla

LLBean Kids for Acadia and Jr. Ranger programs will start next year. Presidential search is on track. Ken will leave by the end of February. Feasibility study on the Transit Center in Trenton continues.

Gatehouse

Tom reported: Orientation of the Gatehouse will focus more on ranger support and SERC, and there will be no "interpretation." Role with tourists will be more just handing out brochures. The training sessions will be SERC oriented. Tom said he had been coordinator for 3 years now, and felt others should have the opportunity to do this rewarding job. Notice will be sent to members asking for a Gatehouse Volunteer Coordinator.

Newsletter

Garry has sent information on Gatehouse, Artists in Residence and Trails to Bill.

Fence

More fence rolls need to be carried out of the woods.

Snow Circus

Jeanie said Bill Dove at Mountain View School will send announcements home with students. Denny said it was unlikely there would be snow. This issue will be discussed at the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned 8:15 PM.

Notes submitted by Tom Mayer.