Minutes – 3/15/10 Board Mtg.
Sharon Hall / Penn State Shenango Campus / Sharon, Pa

J. Kremis, C. Jochman, W. Stevenson, K. Tarczy, N. Loprire, P. Anthony, T. Harris, E. Armburger, and R. Natoli

PaTU Needs Volunteers – Jeff received a request from PaTU for volunteers needed in the NW Pa Region of the state; their membership committee needs help.
“Casting for Recovery” Breast Cancer Fund Raiser – This is a great organization, and they need operating funds. Jeff proposed we give them a donation, everyone agreed, and we will discuss the amount at the May board meeting.

The minutes were approved as revised per Pete Anthony’s changes. Nick Loprire made the motion to accept the revisions, Ken Tarczy seconded, and the motion passed

Receipts & Disbursements Report – Carol reviewed the report ending February 28, 2010
The Treasurers Report will be filed for future audit.

A. Stream Improvement – Jeff Kremis

Coolspring Creek Workday – Jeff and Bill Stevenson will “walk the stream” prior to the workday to decide on what needs done; it is scheduled for Saturday April 10^th.
Deer Creek – Eric reported he submitted a newsletter to Linda Steiner for the PATU Newsletter. They will print Eric’s story about Deer Creek stream improvements in the spring issue of the newsletter.
Deer Creek Consortium Activities – Eric reported the 30-Day Kids Fishing Permit was approved; it covers the opening day of Trout Season on April 17^th until May 17^th. The local Boy Scout Camp leaders would like to construct two children’s fishing areas; one on the Deer Creek stream, and another at their camp pond. Ted Terwilliger runs the Scout Camp, and he is proposing a timeframe of 2011. Eric said he would talk with Mark Saucer, NW Pa Habitat Manager for the Fish & Boat Commission, about Ted’s proposal.

B. Nursery – Pete Anthony & Ken Tarczy

Munnell Run Annual Operating Report – Pete reported that their annual report was sent to Earl Myers, Leader of the Cooperative Nursery Units in Pennsylvania. Included in the report were yearly operating expenses, and, also plans to stock trout in six local streams; Neshannock Creek, North Deer Creek, Wolf Creek, Coolspring Creek, Little Sandy Creek, and the West Branch of Little Neshannock Creek.
Fish Hauling Trailer Battery – The nursery needs a new Marine Battery for the fish trailer. We discussed different types, and decided to purchase a dependable battery such as a 60-month rated marine battery for an approximate cost of $120.

C. Banquet / Newsletter - Nick Loprire

Banquet Ticket Count – Nick and Carol did a count of committed people who will attend the banquet and came up with 188. Nick will contact the Radisson hotel March 16^th to give them a planning number, and, also request seating for up to 220 people because all of the tables are never filled up.
Agenda, Work Assignments etc. – Nick reviewed the tentative timing for the night’s activities, and work assignments at the various events.
Silent Auction – Since Nick obtained some Fishing Books from Chuck Allen; it was decided to include a book to be sold with each of the box of hand tied flies.
Bucket Raffle – “End of Night Ticket Count” – Instead of rushing to get the ticket count done, it was suggested to put each bucket’s tickets in a zip lock bag with a label; that way, they can be totaled later when we have more time. That will save time, and speed up the prize drawings. Our existing ticket buckets are pretty worn out, and Carol heard that we could obtain some new ones from JIB JAB HOT DOG SHOPPE in Girard. Dick Natoli will call JIB JAB and ask them if they would donate some buckets.
President’s Banquet Summary – Jeff said that he would recognize our landowners, our WCO’s, our volunteers, and explain to those attending “where our money goes”. Carol Jochman said she would make a poster that highlights “where our money goes”, and everyone thought that was an excellent idea

D. Membership – Tom Jochman

TU Brochures & Applications – Carol has received 200 new brochures to hand out at the banquet, and, also 50 membership applications. For new members signing up “on-line”, they can get a $17.50 rate and the chapter would get a $15 rebate. Pete Anthony suggested we give new members a free hat for people who sign up at the banquet, but there was no consensus on that idea.
Yearly Member Recruiting Meeting – Jeff Kremis set a date of March 25^th at the Forum on Penn Avenue, which is part of Penn State Shenango Campus. Steve Keppler of the Pa Fish & Boat Commission will speak about Marcellus Shale Drilling. TU members and the Shenango River Watchers will be invited; it will not be open to the public.

E. Wolf Creek Fishing Derby

Things-to-Do List – R. Natoli reported that everything is on schedule. Dick Rickert will order 70 hats in a yellow/black color scheme to match the Grove City School District’s colors.
Fish to be added to Stream – The Pa Fish & Boat Commission will stock Wolf Creek on the Monday prior to the event, and Munnell Run Nursery will probably stock the night before. There is a newly excavated “stream bottom depression” in front of the handicapped fishing deck, so plenty of fish should be holding there for the kids to catch.

F. Youth Coordinator – Jeff Kremis

G. Youth Field Day – Grove City Sportsman’s ClubD. – Dick Natoli

This year it will be held on June 12 at the Sportsman’s club in Grove City. Jim Tidd is the coordinator, and he has asked our chapter to provide the kids with information on fishing. Dick Natoli and Pete Anthony will man a “station” at one of their picnic pavilions near the pond. Pete suggested we use our 6 chapter fly rods to let the kids’ experience fly-casting.