The meeting was called to order at 7:12 pm.
The minutes for the March meeting were approved.
Treasurer -- We have $886 in savings and $567 in checking. We are in good shape. Chuck gave glowing reports about his Toyota Prius. He also knows the name of someone who wants to volunteer, Diane will contact him.
Outings -- The bikepacking trip was a wet one. The joint outing with the River To River Trail Society was well attended. We may plan another one in the fall. Sister Zayac is in favor of having a tour of Jubilee Farms. We could make a contribution to show our gratitude.
Conservation -- We have a $500 grant to fund a dumpster for this year's river clean-up. It will be held on 9/18, from 9-3, the same day as the Illinois River Sweep. The Friends of the Sangamon Valley has a grant that has enabled them to hire an office manager to handle membership issues and grants. The 2 year project mapping the natural areas of Sangamon County is complete. It will be made available to those planning projects. Bill will bring a copy to our meeting so we can have a look at it.
Excom -- We will host the annual meeting again on July 10.
Programs -- The program on Jubilee Farms was good. About 35 people attended. We will have our annual potluck on June 22 at 6 at LMG. We have the Alaska Coalition in April. Kim Novak will make the presentation. We will reimburse her $50 for travel expenses. In May, Mike Bowers may do a travelogue or we may have a rivers program from a staff person from Alton. Bill and Vern could do a presentation of their inventory of Sangamon natural areas, possibly in September.
Newsletter/Calendars -- No Report
Membership -- Membership is holding steady. We have brochures at Food Fantasies, Wild Birds Unlimited and Wild Country.
Webmaster -- Tom has done updated to our Web page and links. There are still plans for a contact page ranging from the President down to county officials.
Water Monitoring -- No Report
Political Action -- The fundraiser for Obama was a success. We are planning 2 more before November, 1 more for Obama and 1 for Kerry. Illinois will most likely go for Kerry, so we need to focus on electing Obama. Tim Bagwell is running against Shimkus. We may endorse him after we learn more about him.
Earth Day -- Tom will try to obtain radio ads to help publicize. It will be on 4/24, with set-up at 9. Others who have pledged to become involved are Wynne Coplea and 2 Sisters from Jubilee Farms. Dianne stated that Wendy has some good ideas. There will be a meeting on 4/15 at Lincoln Park.
State Fair -- Tom will contact Jennifer Sublett. Old Sierra Club magazines could be donated to give out at the tent. The IEC will take the lead in scheduling the volunteers this year. Roger has an idea to show a hybrid car. Chuck will contact the dealer.
Dianne was a monitor for elections in El Salvador recently. There is much environmental activism going on with bicycles being sold cheaply, organic coffee, a tree planting program to honor Archbishop Romero, water filtration, bamboo cookers and reusable grocery bags being sold. There are few regulations and the country is ruled by an elite few with most people experiencing poverty.
Roger monitored elections in Taiwan. Everyone lives in 5 story apartment buildings. There is no parking but vibrant inner cities. They have good subways and buses along with many scooters. Everyone seems to own a cellphone.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Dave Holloway, May 4, 2004.