Minutes – 11/24/03 Board Mtg.
Hickory VFW / Hickory Pa.

A. Monroe, N. Loprire, T. Jochman, J. Kremis, R. Natoli

• Fly fishing book donation – Chapter library – Don Stauffer wants to donate some books to us if we have a Chapter Library.  It was discussed by the Board Members and dropped; it is too difficult to maintain a Library since we do not have a “permanent residence” to store them.  And it is difficult to keep track of the books; several members reported that they have lost books in the past because members failed to return them.

• Contact at Oil Creek TU chapter on Little Sandy project – Aaron will contact Roy Datz of the Oil Creek Chapter and set up a trip for next spring to visit them and look at the stream improvements they have made on the Little Sandy.

• The minutes for the October 27th meeting were accepted as read.

• Jeff gave the Treasurers report for the period ending October 31, 2003.  We have money available to spend on stream improvements; and Jeff suggested that all of the Board Members come up with ideas for Cool Spring Creek improvements at the next Board Meeting.

• Jeff received a notice from the Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania asking our Chapter to report “Unclaimed Property”.  Since we do not have any, Jeff said we do not have to reply.
• Jeff received a letter from Pete Anthony regarding his feelings to allow “Bait Fishing” in Cool Spring Creek.  Any member who has an opinion on this, “For” or “Against” can write a letter to Dennis Guise, Executive Director of the Pa Fish & Boat Commission.

B. Nursery – Pete Anthony was absent

• 1. TU generator – T. Jochman reported that for the sum of $425 he could purchase a new portable generator for use on the stream for projects there, and, also as a backup at the Nursery should they experience a power failure. The Board members agreed to purchase a new one rather than have the old one fixed (it leaks oil and poses a contamination risk), but they suggested checking prices from other suppliers to find out if $425 is a good deal.
• Aaron made the motion to purchase a new one, Jeff made a second, and the motion carried.

C. Cabin Fever / Banquet / Newsletter - Nick Loprire

• Cabin Fever Symposium – The Board wants to devote the time at the December meeting to Cabin Fever and the March Banquet.  Dick will ask the VFW if the carpeted room on the other side of the divider is available for speakers.  Speakers mentioned for this event include:
  • Steiner’s – Husband and Wife team
  • Jerry Darkus – Steelhead expert
• March Banquet – Nick suggested we contact Pete Anthony to find out if he will be able to solicit banquet prizes from Mercer and Grove City merchants this year – Dick to follow up on this.  Nick started a discussion on new ideas to help spark interest for the banquet, and the group came up with the following:
  • Gun Raffles – Shotgun and a 22 Caliber Rifle
  • Dinner Certificates for area restaurants
  • Elk Creek Lodge weekend getaway for Steelhead fishing
  • Steelhead Guide Certificate – Don Mathews or Lenny Pitts&
  • Pheasant Hunting Package
  • Fishing with a Pittsburgh Steeler
• Aaron will inform our two fly fishing Shops that the Cabin Fever date is January 31^st.

Nick requested the members bring more ideas to the December meeting for discussion.

D. Membership – Tom Jochman

• Tom said there was nothing new to report

E. Youth Coordinator – Jim Rafferty

• No report as Jim was absent

F. Wolf Creek Project – Dick Natoli / Jeff Kremis / Joe Morris

• Jeff reported that the Handicapped Fishing Deck was completed by the GE ELFUNS Group, and a paved path leading up to the deck entrance was also in place.

• Neshannock Chapter 216 Mailbox – Jeff will move our mailbox from Sharon to Mercer in December or early January depending on the expiration date.
• Pa State website for TU – Pete Anthony will work with Charles McDonald on fixing the link between our chapter website and the Pa State Website.

• There was no new business to report.