January | February | March |
April | May | June |
July: No Meeting | August: Picnic Meeting | September |
October | November | December |
Present: John Mordes,
Loumona Petroff, Bill Humphrey, Robin Dexter, Bob Burke, Rena Getz, Evan
Weststrate, Don Ross, Sheila Purdy
According to Robin,there is
now $6,419,70 in the treasury. $700.00 came from the December outreach for dues.
The email went out to about 90 people. 24 dues payments came back. One special
donation came from Tanya which included an additional unique donation which came
with a letter expressing her special appreciation of Hemlock Gorge. She had
become aware of the park recently after living in the area for many years. Dues
payments were evenly split between Paypal and regular mailing. The $30.00
registration fee for 501c3 federal
tax exemption has been paid. The state filing is more complicated and will
follow.
The lumber has been dropped
off to install the second floor storage area. Erica’s approval will be needed to
approve the drainage improvements to the first floor. The cost will probably fit
into the budget for next year, but cost needs to be estimated for the partial
drain.
There is general support for
an additional bench as suggested by Lara Prebble. Evan has
looked into styles and costs of bench
options. 2 style categories are: formal or rustic. Evan showed examples of these
different styles. Rustic benches could theoretically made from downed trees in
the park or from elsewhere from other park properties. DCR could identify trees
that would be suitable. This could lower the overall cost.
Evan will follow up on the rustic bench options from local companies.
There was concern over potential graffiti
or defacement of a wooden bench.
Ruth Balser is working with
the MWRA on the stairs. There has been no information to update. She is also
overseeing the crosswalk and guardrail improvements which seem feasible.
MassTrails initiative proposal due to upgrade park trails. The steep trail steps
in the Gorge could be made safer. Rena is monitoring this project along with the
Waban Area Council. A proposal is due Feb 1st.
Bob is trying to report on
the changes in the park flora over the years and is seeking resources to
document them. Local resources were suggested including Richard Primack who
lectured at BU and Kathy Howard who is monitoring the growing problem with
invasives in the area. Don wanted more information about identifying invasives.
Local diaries or notes on the subject will be very welcome. Contacts on with
pertinent information should be referred to Bob.
The problem with recurring
graffiti is “endless”. Emily has repaired graffiti on the echo platform and a
check has been sent to reimburse her for costs. Her efforts have been much
appreciated.
Evan brought 3 examples of
posters he designed from photographs in his collection. They were very well
received and members brainstormed ways to use them in the future to reward
members or to raise funds. The posters reflected different seasons in the park
and could be reproduced in different formats.
John showed pictures of
numerous bags of trash that were dumped in the Needham area of the park near
Hamilton Place . There were quite a few of them. DCR has been apprised of the
problem. Some suggestions of technological oversight were offered to keep the
problem from recurring.
Health Concerns:
John updated the group on
vaccine developments and answered questions from members about precautions and
procedures.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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Present: Tanya Karpiak, Rena
Getz, Maureen Riley-Meagher, John Mordes, Bob Burke, Robin Dexter, Lara Prebble,
Evan Weststrate, Jean Fisher, Lee Fisher, Don Ross, Bill Humphrey, Sheila Purdy
Treasurer’s Report: Robin
reported a balance of $6,408.62. The new Paypal option isworking well, and the
IRS paperwork has been filed for 2020.
Trash and Fallen Tree
Problems: Erica arranged for trash bags to be removed. Since they were
apparently left by a landscaper and contained mostly leaves, these were
scattered in the park. Lee visited the site and spoke to the neighbors in
Needham who were also concerned with the dumping of trash at the site. Maureen
stated that trash dumping isalso a problem for Quinobequin.
Skating Party: Kudos were
offered to Evan and Lee who helped organize a skating party on the pond. Around
50-70 people attended. A neighbor filmed the event from a drone.
Web Design Upgrade: Evan has
been contacted by Braun-Weiss to offer help for upgrading the Friends’
website. Over the next few months an
intern can be assigned
Hamilton Place Improvements:
John showed a picture of the Hamilton place site whichhas overgrown weedy shrubs
and an unsightly view of neighbors’ yards. He showedhow much the site could be
improved with plantings for a green fence of GiantArbor Vitae to improve the
look of the landscape. He spoke with Erica
who was verysupportive and could provide labor for planting. Friends were
concerned that the look of a row of identical shrubs would not look natural to
the setting and wanted to examine
Spring Cleanup: The date for
the 2021 spring cleanup has been set for April 24th.
Visitors Center: Wood is on
site to finish 2nd floor storage area. DCR does not want to
Crosswalk/Staircase Update:
Crosswalk is “in process” of getting
upgrade. Still waitingfor MWRA to communicate findings on Ellis street
staircase.
Ellis Street Parking Lot:
“Looks Good” trash barrel installed and emptied regularly.
Graffitti: Emily did a lot
of work to remove graffiti. Evan endorsed her efforts and OK’d reimbursement for
her expenses on supplies. Thank you, Emily.
A webcam was suggested to monitor ongoing illegal activity on the
platform.
Other Matters: 3 river
otters were spotted!
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
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To be continued.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheila Purdy, Secretary
Back to the Index of 2021 Meetings