Association Meeting Minutes – September 19, 2014

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association
Meeting Minutes
Friday, September 19, 2014

The meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was held at the Cove Ridge Center on Friday, September 19, 2014, at 12 pm. Present at the meeting were Jim Addington, Patti Blackwell, Scott Bowen, Joe Brown, Gretchen Cope, Aaron Davis, Mary Erwin, Joe Fuller, Grant Hardin, Jean Hood, Randell Jones, Sally Kelly, John Mullen, Joy Mullen, Ishmael Richardson, Joan Short, and Ron Short.

President Joan Short welcomed Aaron Davis, the Assistant Park Manager of the Southwest Virginia Museum.

Approval of Minutes from July meeting:
Mary Erwin moved that the minutes be approved as written. Jean Hood seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Summary Report:
Joe Fuller delivered the Treasurer’s Report. A full copy of the report is filed in the Secretary’s archive. Jim Addington moved to approve the treasurer’s report as reported. Joy Mullen seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

President’s Report:
Joan thanked everyone who had volunteered to host the Blockhouse on weekends and the the Carter Cabin during the Lighting of the Tunnel programs. She then reported that the Association would have a booth next to the Park’s at Home Craft Days and that volunteers were needed to work that booth.

Since members who host the Blockhouse and Carter Cabin are no longer required to wear period dress, Joan worked with Impressions in Norton to come up with an embroidery of the logo. Members can bring clothing to Impressions to be embroidered with a cost of $8 for the logo and $5 for “Interpreter”.

Joan announced that the Association had purchased an Easy-Up tent to be used at some events. She also announced that she was able to procure a flax wheel for $155.

Report from Natural Tunnel:
Ishmael Richardson reported that the summer was good and that revenue was stable. He also reported that Railroad Day and the Papa Joe Festival were both successful and that attendance was good considering the wet weather.

Ishmael explained that one of the volunteers at the Blockhouse had an uncomfortable encounter with some guests and that he was working on acquiring a set of 2-way radios for Blockhouse volunteers so that they can communicate with staff working in the Blockhouse Visitor Center.

Reports from other Parks:
Wilderness Road State Park
Scott Bowen reported that their attendance was up by about 30% and that merchandise sales were up as well. He added that the park had been involved in several events out in the community as well as within the park.

Scott announced that they were trying to raise funs by raffling off items made by local artisans to finish their Native American Camp.

Southwest Virginia Museum
Aaron Davis reported that the Museum had been very busy. He announced that they were currently hosting their after school music program. The program takes place every Thursday and every other Tuesday and is for children grades 4th through 8th.

Aaron also reported that the Museum had done several bus tours that had all been very successful.

Plans for the 240th Anniversary of the Trail/Trace:
Randell Jones explained that he was interested in creating an electronic, interactive map of the entire Wilderness Road. He further explained that he wanted to work with representatives of groups from areas along the Road to come up with photos and content for points on the map. Ron Short made the motion that the Association collaborate with Randell and other groups to create a map from North Carolina to Kentucky and that the Association be an equal partner in the sponsorship of the project along with all other respective groups. John Mullen seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Harvest on the Frontier:
Joan reported that the Harvest Festival will take place on October 25 from 1-5pm. There are several demonstrations and events planned.

Old Business:
There was no old business.

New Business:
There was no new business.

Adjournment:
Ron Short moved to adjourn. Sally Kelly seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.