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Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Board of Director Meeting Minutes

June 21, 2019

The meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association Board of Directors was held at the Cove Ridge Center on June 21, 2019 at 12 pm.  Present at the meeting were Rachel Blevins, Robert Chapman, Gretchen Cope, Joe Fuller, Bob McConnell, Lindsey Strohofer, and Keith Wilson.

Call to order: Joan Boyd Short, President

Approval of Minutes:

The minutes from the February meeting were distributed and read. Joe Fuller moved to approve the minutes from February 15, 2019 meeting.  Keith Wilson seconded the motion.  It was approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Gretchen Cope delivered the Treasurer’s report.  She gave clarification of the different payments from the general accounts.   A full copy of that report is filed in the Secretary’s archive. Keith Wilson Moved to approve the minutes.  Bob McConnell seconded the motion.  It was approved unanimously.

Park Report:

Robert Chapman gave the report for the park.  The park is looking to rent the lift next week to get the Blockhouse Roof fixed.

• Owner of 128 acres on Middle Wallens Creek Road approached the park to donate to the park. He is mentioning it to the Association for possible acquisition. After some discussion Robert said he would follow up with the land owner and get more information.
• Robert spoke about trying to gather some information about the trail and the people who live up through the trail and what we can offer people who have property along the trail. Trying to discover what rights the park has for patrolling the trail.
• Spoke about the MOU that he was able to locate between the DBWTA and Natural Tunnel about the blockhouse. He talked about reviewing the MOU once a year and also establishing a MOU agreement for the new DBWTIC.

Rachel Blevins spoke about a grant she had received from the game department and being able to buy new boats.  She also spoke about programs that have been conducted at the park and at DBWTIC.  They also have received a grant for the recycling program here at Natural Tunnel.

DBWTIC:

Bob McConnell reported that the center is open daily.  There are a few programs taking place. The two main things the foundation is working on is the Library and additional exhibits. There are some funds left from the Eastman Credit Union donation and as soon as the books are balanced on the project then we will know exactly how much will be transferred to the foundation.

 

 

President’s Report:

Joan Boyd Short reported on volunteer opportunity hours.  It expands the blockhouse hours.  Salt boiling, cooking, candle making, flax.  With Railroad day coming up, there are multiple chances for volunteering.

Joan reported on the bio solid issue. She went to the informational meeting at the Pennington Town Hall with the DEQ.

Marquee Tent:  Randy Rauch has a friend that makes tents and they can’t beat the Tent Smiths price.  Gretchen Cope gave the details of the tent that had been quoted by Tent Smiths and Panther Primitives.  Bob McConnell made the motion that they go with Tent Smiths and Keith Wilson seconded the motion.  It was approved unanimously.

Flys:  Joan report about needing new flies for the Blockhouse area.  Bob recommended that we take an inventory of flys, decide what we need, and get quotes from suppliers and order.

Old Business:  None

New Business:  

Bob McConnell discussed about forming a militia.  He would like to purchase a couple of flintlocks to loan people who would like to participate but can’t invest in a gun.

Bob McConnell motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Keith Wilson seconded the motion.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – Draft

August 17, 2018

 

 

A meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association Board of Directors was held on August 17, 2018, 12 noon, at the Cove Ridge Center.  Present were Joan Short, Dale Taylor, Joe Fuller, Bob McConnell, John Mullen, Grace Bradshaw, Gretchen Cope, Robert Chapman, and Rachel Blevins.

 

 

Minutes:  Joe Fuller moved and Dale Taylor seconded that the minutes of the April 20, 2018 Board Meeting be accepted as written.  The motion was approved.

Treasurer’s Report:  Gretchen went through the Treasurer’s Report (attached) and noted that the $780 fraudulent charge would be reimbursed by the bank.  She also noted that a check for $789.73 would cover items purchased for the Interpretive Center.  John moved and Dale seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as presented and the motion carried.

Park Report:  Rachel reported that summer programs were winding down and that the planning and implementation of fall programs was in the works.  She was pleased to relay that the park had received a grant for Youth and Outdoor programs.  Robert then revealed that the park was hiring a new ranger who would be going through training.  He also discussed his meetings with the Economic Development Authority and with other State Park officials who were working on nailing down specifics for the new Interpretive Center.  He said the opening is now scheduled to take place November 15, 2018, which will also be the date when the ownership of the Center is transferred to the Park.  A property transfer is in the works to include 153 acres adjacent to the Interpretive Center.  A property survey will take place in the near future.  The State Parks project fund has $400,000:  $200,000 to pay for sale machines, telephones, printers, slant walls for merchandise, and other such items, and $200,000 to pay a new ranger for the Interpretive Center.

Board members expressed concern that there would be no kitchen facilities.  Robert replied that any events that would take place there would be catered.  Also, they did not intend for the Interpretive Center to be a venue for birthday parties or wedding receptions.  They were open to hosting conferences there, but not social events for individuals.  Although they will sell some food and drink concessions, no food will be allowed in the exhibit area.

Robert Chapman said that the Park had received a $50,000 grant for marketing and tourism of the new Interpretive Center.

The Park intends to enter a float in Duffield Days over Labor Day weekend.  It will have a sign to advertise the new Interpretive Center.  He invited DBWTA members and friends to wear period dress and be part of the float.

The Papa Joe Smiddy Festival will be September 2^nd.

DBWTA Interpretive Center Report:  Bob McConnell said that Color-Ad, Inc. will install the exhibits in September.  The final inspection of the exhibits by Design Minds will take place on September 11.  There will be a male and female adult mannequins in the exhibit.  They are museum quality full-form mannequins.  EDA agreed to pay for them ($8,000).  DBWTA will dress the mannequins to make sure all is period correct.  They have now assembled everything needed for the exhibits.

William Anderson has agreed to meet with Bob McConnell and contribute his collection of books to the Interpretive Center Library.

For the November 15^th IC opening, invitations will be sent to the Boone’s Trace Regional Project, and to Jim Mallory of the Lewis and Clark Trust.  Joan discussed inviting the Warriors of AniKituhwa to be part of the opening event.  The possibility of doing a ribbon cutting event (soft opening) and then a public opening was also discussed.

President’s Report:  The Harvest Festival will be on the 27^th of October.  The Events Committee needs to meet to discuss details of that event.  Michael Gilley wants a flax and spinning tent at Home Crafts Day (MECC) on the weekend of October 20-21.  Joan wondered if enough people could be rounded up to work both days at Home Crafts Day.  She indicated that more volunteers would be needed.   She emphasized the need to extend invitations to all our partner parks for the November opening of the IC.

Old Business:  Joe Fuller moved that the foundation reimburse DBWTA  $250 for the bag and powder horn he made for the IC camp scene exhibit.  The motion carried.

New Business:  Dale is making an effort to track volunteer hours better.  He hopes volunteers will respond when he sends out the forms for them to fill out.  The volunteer hours help the park.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:27 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Grace C. Bradshaw, Secretary

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Meeting Minutes

Friday, February 16, 2018

 

A meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association was held at the Cove Ridge Center at noon on Friday, February 16, 2018.  Present were Rachel Bevins, Joe Brown, Dr. Larry Fleenor, Joe Fuller, Jim Stallard, John and Joy Mullen, Charlie Allen, Joan and Ron Short, Bob McConnell, and Grace Bradshaw.

 

Welcome:  Joan welcomed all members and stated that the agenda would be revised to view the film created by Argentine Film company for display at the new Interpretive Center.  The members agreed that the inclement weather leant authenticity and an atmosphere of genuine hardship to the portrayal of life on the Wilderness Trail.  Bob commended Joan for seeing to all the details of lining up re-enactors and coordinating the schedule and the meals for the film to be completed.  Members agreed that the film was a success.

 

Joan also commended Bob for seeing the new Interpretive Center through all the years of its development to near completion at this point.

 

Minutes:  Bob moved and Charlie seconded that the minutes of the October 19, 2017 meeting be approved.  The minutes were approved as read.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Joe Fuller went over the financial reports provided by Gretchen (see attached reports).  Bob asked if Charlie Brown was paid for his re-enacting expenses.  Since his payment was not itemized on the financial report, Bob moved and Charlie seconded that the report be approved as written, with questions about said payment.  The report was approved.  Joe later spoke with Gretchen and clarified that several other re-enactors were also paid but not itemized; the payments were lumped into one sum and Charlie Brown’s payment was among of those payments.

 

Joe reminded members that dues for 2018 need to be turned in as soon as possible.

 

Ron reported that grant monies are not coming in right now and that the grant monies are down to around $2,000, which will be used at the Trade Fair and Harvest Festival.  He fears that finding operating funds to do programming in the future is going to be a challenge.

 

Park Report:  Rachel Bevins reported that a job fair would be held on March 1 to offer positions to seasonal employees.  She also reported that a work crew would be coming in March from Ohio State.  Joan asked if a new door for the blacksmith shop might be among the jobs they would tackle.

 

Daniel Boone Interpretive Center:  Bob reported that the new interpretive center is 90 per cent complete.  He also said that the Fabrication of Exhibits contract has been awarded to Color-Ad, Inc., Manassas, Virginia.  He expects the center to be complete by June, with a grand opening in mid-July.  He said there was money left so that the Park can get tables and chairs for the large assembly area and the library.  He urged members to contact Terry Kilgore to request operating funds for the Center.  Gretchen has sent an email with links to representatives.  He said it would also be in order to thank Terry Kilgore and Sen. Carico for their support of the Interpretive Center.  Right now there is a moratorium on the State’s acceptance of any new properties.  Since the Interpretive Center was approved two years ago, it should be “grandfathered in.”  However, the status of the Cane Gap property is still in limbo.  Letters to representatives will help guarantee future funding.

 

President’s Report:  DBWTA did not meet last month due to inclement weather.  The nominee slate for officers and board members has been prepared.  Gretchen will offer it at the next meeting.  Dues need to be paid.  Powell Valley Bank is donating $500 to DBWTA.  Repairs are need in the Blockhouse area.  The bellows at the blacksmith shop need to be protected.  Randy Rausch will design and create a half-door for the shop, perhaps using some of the old chestnut wood out of the Franklin cabin, if it is still available.

Nancy Childers will organize the storage from at the blacksmith shop.

The Muster and Trade Faire will be held April 27, 28, and 29 at the Blockhouse.  We hope to bring back Charlie Brown and Micah Swimmer.  Peggy Rausch has numbered some canvas flags to coordinate with each event/display at the Faire.  A map will also be created to help people move from one event to another.  Jim Addington will contact the fife and drum corps to see if they can be on hand.  The Smith brothers will be invited to play fiddle.  Joan is hoping Jackie will also be on hand.

April 27:  set up during the evening

April 28:  Muster and Trade Faire, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

April 29:  11 a.m.-3 p.m.

 

There is a need for more youngsters to be re-enactors.  They can be provided with clothing if they are willing to give it a try.

 

Old Business:  None

 

New Business:  Bob reported that a former re-enactor, Michael Rhoten, had passed away and his sisters wanted his remarkable collection of 18^th century clothing and accoutrements and books to be donated to DBWTA and Sycamore Shoals.  These items are in the store room now.  The books will be put in the Center’s library.  His axes and knives will be put in the Visitor Center.  Items of clothing and accoutrements which DBWTA does not want to keep and store can be auctioned at the Trade Faire.  DBWTA plans to plant a tree in honor of Michael Rhoten’s loyalty and service and will honor him during the Sunday service at the Trade Faire.

 

Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 1:24 p.m. so members could go tour the new Interpretive Center.

 

 

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes – Draft

April 21, 2017

 

A meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association Board of Directors was held at the Cove Ridge Center on April 21, 2017.  Present at the meeting were Dr. Larry Fleenor, Dale Taylor, Joe Fuller, Jim Stallard, Bob McConnell, Jim Addington, Joan Short, Grace Bradshaw, Gretchen Cope, and Megan Krager.

 

Approval of Minutes:

Dale Taylor moved to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2017 board meeting.  Jim Addington seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Joe Fuller delivered the Treasurer’s report.  A full copy of the report is filed in the Secretary’s archive.  Dale Taylor moved that the Treasurer’s report of financial accounts be approved as delivered.  Bob McConnell seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

 

Grant Progress for Cherokee Performances:

Joan reported that Ron was still in the process of finalizing the contract with the Cherokee to bring the Warriors of the AniKituhwa to Natural Tunnel State Park.

 

Park Report:

Megan Krager reported that as of April 25^th the new furniture would be installed in the yurts and by mid-May the yurts would be open for reservation.  The four new cabins will be opened May 1^st.  She also reported that the park was in the process of hiring summer employees.  In addition, she explained that the park was cutting back twenty percent on mowing grassy areas, including the Block House.  The decision to curtail mowing was motivated by both economic and conservation reasons.  The impact on the Block House will be that the grass to the right of the walkway will be allowed to grow except for a strip next to the walkway.  Joan asked if the DBWTA would be allowed to bring a mower to clear the area where the registration tent would be located for the Muster and Faire April 28-29.  Megan said that decision would have to be made by Robert Chapman.

 

DBWT IC:

Bob McConnell reported that the Interpretive Center construction is progressing on schedule.  He also reported that there is a potential for a slight design change to add an outdoor education area.  He explained that the $100,000 donation from Eastman Credit Union has not yet been allocated and could be used for the outdoor education area.  He also revealed that a company called Argentine has been selected as the audio-visual contractor to do the film work.

Gretchen urged members to write letters to Delegate Kilgore and other Virginia legislators to approve accepting the Interpretive Center as part of the State Park system and to allocate funding for the Center when it becomes part of the State Park system.  There is a question on whether the IC would be impacted by the legislative decision to have a moratorium on accepting any new property into the State Park system.

 

President’s Report:

Joan has ordered from Westminster Forge two copper cooking pots for outdoor cooking.  The amount spent was $245.  The pots are hand-made and will be useful in the outdoor cooking for the Muster.  The larger pot holds five gallons.  The smaller pot holds two and a half gallons.

She also indicated that she intended to order new tarps.  Dale indicated he might be able to get some tarps donated.

She also reported that she and Gretchen and Abby Mae visited the Boone’s Creek Historical Trust in Gray, Tennessee.  They set up a display and talked about women in the wilderness and talked about the Wilderness Trail.  Abby Mae showed a handmade doll and explained the importance of the dolls.  Joan said they were well-received and that the Boone’s Creek group offered to do a program for the DBWTA.

Joan also wanted to reimburse Joe Wells for the flax break wood he purchased to build the new flax break and for making cast iron hooks for outdoor cooking.  He has also reconstructed and re-finished the tables used for demonstrations.  Bob McConnell moved to reimburse him with a $200 gift certificate from Lowes.  Dale Taylor seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Frontier Muster and Faire:

Joan reported on the participants and volunteers for the Muster.  Micah Swimmer will be coming, as well as Jackie.  Rashida Hall will be enacting Jane the Slave.  Volunteers are needed to help Sally Kelly with the auction.  The Smith Family will be playing and singing traditional music.  The Fife and Drum Corps will be performing between 10 and 2 p.m. on Saturday.  Joan also indicated that more auction items are needed.  Volunteers will need to sign up with Megan.  Joan anticipates between 70 and 100 volunteers on Saturday.  Food will be prepared for all the volunteers.  There will be people making soap, making candles, and volunteers from Sycamore Shoals will be on hand as well.  Set up will take place at 10 a.m. on the 28^th.  Nancy is organizing a food service from the Park offering hotdogs, chips, and drinks to the public.

 

Old Business:

The DBWTA gave $5000 to the Interpretive Center Foundation.  Bob McConnell reported that he had ordered a flintlock rifle from Mike Miller who plans to complete the work to make it by the time the Center opens.  He plans to commission Randy Raush to make a powder horn and Charlie Brown to make a bag.  He will also procure a knife from a sutler a Wilderness Road.

 

 

New Business:

There was no new business.

 

Announcements:

There were no announcements.

 

Adjournment:

Bob made a motion to adjourn and the motion was approved.

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

February 17, 2017

 

The meeting of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association Board of Directors was held at the Cove Ridge Center on February 17, 2017 at 12 pm.  Present at the meeting were Jim Addington, Charlie Allen, Joe Brown, Robert Chapman, Gretchen Cope, Joe Fuller, Bob McConnell, John Mullen, Megan Krager, Joan Short, Ron Short, and James Stallard.

 

Approval of Minutes:

Bob McConnell moved to approve the minutes from the October 21, 2016 meeting. John Mullen seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Joe Fuller delivered the Treasurer’s report. A full copy of the report is filed in the Secretary’s archive.

 

Charlie Allen moved that the financials be approved as reported.  Bob seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

 

Grant Progress for Cherokee Performances:

Ron Short reported that he had been working to get more funds from the endowment at Appalshop to bring the Warriors of AniKituhwa to Natural Tunnel State Park. He announced that he was awarded a grant in the amount of $4,500, and then was awarded another $1,000 from the Cove Ridge Foundation and Advisory Board. Ron also explained that he may be able to get another $1,000 from Scott County Tourism. Joe confirmed with Ron that all these funds would be put in the “grants” account.

 

Ron further explained that the plans for the Warriors of AniKituhwa were as follows:

 

Friday, May 19: Host two workshops at the Cove Ridge Center for local students

Saturday, May 20: Hold an evening event at the Amphitheater that is open to the public, with no charge to the public

 

Park Report:

Robert Chapman reported that the four new cabins and four new yurts were still scheduled to open to the general public in May. He announced that the park was now accepting applications for seasonal positions. Robert also announced that the Mountains of Music Homecoming would feature a performer at Natural Tunnel State Park on June 15, but they were unsure of the performer at that time. Railroad Day was scheduled for July 15 and he expressed interest in having the Carter Cabin open during the event as in previous years.

 

Spring Break and Summer Volunteers:

Megan Krager announced that there were two alternative spring break groups coming in to the park to help with different projects around the park, like putting new shakes on the spring house for example. Megan also explained that she was working on getting Americorp volunteers lined up for the summer.

 

DBWT IC:

Bob reported that the Interpretive Center Board was responsible for gathering certain items for the displays in the museum. Examples of these items are pots, fire starting equipment, tomahawks, belts, knives, rifles, and clothing for at least three full size manikins. Bob explained that the Board would also have to come up with the reenactors to be featured in the films that will be used in the museum and photography that will be used in the displays. Bob added that furniture was another thing that would have to be supplied by the Board. There was a lot of discussion about fundraising.

 

Bob also explained that the Scott County Board of Supervisors had given $3,000 to open an account for the Interpretive Center. It was expected that they would give another $3,000 down the road. Joe Fuller moved to give $5,000 out of the contingency fund to the Interpretive Center Board to help with expenses. Charlie Allen seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

 

President’s Report:

Joan Boyd Short directed everyone’s attention to the new, portable flax break that was made by Joe Wells. Joan then announced that there would be approximately 180 high school students coming to the park later in the month for their Heritage Days program. She explained that a few different stations would be set up in the Blockhouse area and at Cove Ridge for various demonstrations.

 

Joan explained to the Board that Eric Phillips, a teacher in the Alternative Ed. Center in Scott County, will be working with the DBWTA to complete his recertification credits. Eric will be working on an annotated bibliography for nonfiction, fiction, journals, and similar pieces that can be used in the library of the new center.

 

Planning Workshop:

Joan asked the Board if they had any suggestions for when to schedule the planning workshop and what things need to be addressed. Joe Brown brought up the need to bring more people into the Association. Joan agreed to look for a Saturday morning (10am-2pm) date to schedule the workshop.

 

Old Business:

There was no old business.

 

New Business:

There was no new business.

 

Announcements:

There were no announcements.

 

Adjournment:

Bob made the motion to adjourn. Ron seconded that motion and it was approved unanimously.