Cayuga Lake Watershed Network
Doc. #2008-
Outreach Committee Telecon
September 18, 2008

Present: Judy Morehouse, Roxy Johnston, Ed Harwood, Judy Pipher, with guest John Mawdsley

The purpose of the telecon was to discuss successes and failures of the11th annual, and perhaps last, Lakefest. About 100 people attended, according to Ed’s counts (in contrast to 150 when it is nearer to Ithaca). John thought it was a success. Judy P. thought we needed more entertainment following Nunsense performance. Ed thought it was too long. Roxy pointed out her helpers had not heard about it, despite attempts to advertise. Judy M. said face-painting went well, and that Kari helped Rachel with the model rather than games – which we failed to announce! Everyone agreed to help with thank you letters – Judy P. will circulate draft and suggest assignments.

John mentioned that some on Board and Network office felt that Lakefest was not worth the considerable effort, because it didn’t make money nor attract enough new members. It is worth noting that this year, folks who asked to become members had to be put off, because this year new member forms were not provided. With no office manager, such things fell through the cracks. Further, Lakefest was never meant to make money, but was a celebration for members – at least that is how Judy recalls it. John suggested a picnic with members bringing a dish to pass in the future, in lieu of Lakefest, or some other possibility. We briefly mentioned a winter Lakefest. The weed commitee iin Seneca Falls used to hold a very successful winter festival at Cayuga Lake State Park. Roxy mentioned “Light in Winter” – an Ithaca event with art, music, science talks – a very big event.

John said that all committees may change their mandate – it needs to get Board approval, and bylaws may need to be altered. The outreach committee may segue into the program committee. If so, there would be an annual brainstorming of this committee with other committees (or perhaps their chairs) to devise a program for the year , and committees would coordinate activities (unlike present arrangement). An Events report card – emphasizing the quality of the watershed – would be provided. A spring and fall conference (similar to the spring conference last year in Ithaca) are planned. The fall conference would be at the north end of the lake. John asked if we could work on one for December in Seneca Falls. We agreed it was possible (Roxy noted it was time for a fresh start), but we would not be able to necessarily find 3 speakers without help. Depending on the issue, Judy M. thought the number of people could range from small to large. The current hot-button issue is the weed problem.

The Network’s plan is to replace the Steward with a part-time appointment. The advertisement would go out in January. Dan is working part-time, 3 days/week. He has graduated now, and works other times in Ithaca.

November 12 is suggested as a possible date for the various committees to confer on program planning – John will get back to us. Seneca Falls a possible venue.