Please note that we now have
a Facebook Page for the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park. You can view what is
going on with the Friends Group and make your own postings on that page. Be sure
and check the "Like" option to give the page support. We are always trying to
make our Group more accessible and fun. Thanks for your support!
Minutes From the March 21, 2012 Called Meeting
President Fount
Bertram called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. and introductions were made.
Fount introduced
FOEESP’s newest volunteer and Recording Secretary, Anita Miller to the
attendees.
Carl announced that he
is the proud Grandparent of Braden Halfacre born on March 19, 2012. Mama and
baby are doing fine.
Carl stated that the
FOEESP will have a mailbox at the Park.
Carl Halfacre began
with the announcement of the Projection for FY 2012/13 to receive $1.3 million
for Campground renovations. Projects include: new electrical wiring and water
lines; sandblasting, repainting and hopefully some new flooring material for the
camp pads. He had hoped for three new bath houses out of the funds but is
unsure if he can stretch the amount that far. The three bath houses already in
the campground are being refurbished with new siding, painting, new louvered
vents and windows. The campground may be shut down for some time for this
refurbishing. Most of the Campgrounds that have had renovations have also been
closed for at least a year.
Carl also stated that
he is in the process of removing the Cabin Courtesy Dock due to safety reasons.
He is not sure of the public’s response to the closure he will just wait and
see. His desire is to have 10-14 boat slips with sufficient lighting and
electrical outlets, a good anchoring system and a nice walkway.
He would like to
incorporate the 75th Anniversary Celebration in with the Celebration
of Spring. Intentions are to have a few of the HH characters to have scheduled
talks.
Carl also confirmed
that Park Personnel would drive the boat for Pontoon rides, Suzanne will also be
helping.
Wanda Williams
volunteered to get the kites from the dollar store for the Kite Flying session.
Carl gave thanks to John and Wanda Williams for helping. John Williams has also
volunteered to oversee this event. There will be 100 kites and if any are left
they will be used for programming.
Carl is going to
double check with Ramble. Flat Broke will be at the Celebration to play, their
lead man Wayne "Bo" Bomar has suffered a heart attack a few weeks ago and is on
very light duty. If Bomar cannot attend Carl and Kenny Daniel will play. At this
time, Fount volunteered to bring his harmonica and also play.
Carl has interviewed
three prospects for Earl Conatser’s position and is going to make an
announcement with his choice within the next few days.
Carl has also spoken
with Wanda and Wayne about the Fish Display, the Park bought the materials and
Wayne is working on building the aquarium.
All of the old,
outdated, unsafe playgrounds at the Marina Picnic area and behind the cabins
have been torn down per Mr. Okoreeh Baah. Mr. Baah also assured Carl a new
playground will be built approximately in June or July.
Shay Steel has
resigned her position as Medical Officer at TDEC and best wishes are sent to
her.
Anna Bertram asked
Carl if we could have office open at 7 a.m. to get tables, chairs and
registration started. She needs 4-6 more tables with chairs and a stage, would
like to have a tent over the stage. Fount has one tent and Wanda has 2 10X10
tents.
Donation Boxes will be
placed around for donations at several of the scheduled events.
Anna has placed the
advertisements online at TNVacationonline; Tennessee Partners website; the MTEMC
magazine and was emailed to FOEESP to print and distribute at churches,
libraries, schools, etc.
The Marina Restaurant
will not be open. Bag lunches need to be brought by everyone; Anna has notified
Big Rock Market about the event so food will be available for purchase there.
Carl mentioned that he
would like to do “State Park” trivia during the activities with Door Prizes
being awarded. Big Rock Market has donated a One day canoe or kayak rental ($50
value) with sack lunch provided, if you guess the number of “Dum-dums in a
jar”. Billy Harris brought in hiking sticks that can be used for door prizes.
We could use more prizes that are mail or email friendly if we can get someone
to donate.
There will be a
Campfire at the Fire Circle/Amphitheater at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 13th.
The Girl Scout and Boy Scouts were invited to attend with free camping, so the
younger ones could ‘rise and shine’ for the events on Saturday. Friends will be
supplying marshmallows; attendees are welcome to bring hot dogs for the campfire
also. Carl is bringing his guitar and Fount is bringing his harmonica. The park
will supply firewood. The Hospitality Hut will be reserved for the Cannon Arts
Dance Studio and other volunteers.
Jim Lewis has
volunteered to help set up tents, awnings, signs, tables, help with parking,
etc. before and the morning of the event.
Anna Bertram and Anita
Miller will be registering visitors and placing armbands.
Joyce Chapman is going
to help Fount with races.
John Williams will be
Flying Kites with the kids.
Cornelia Overton and
Mary Phipps will do Face Painting at a table near the Visitor’s Center. A
donation box will be at this activity. Anna mentioned that we could use another
face painter if anyone knows of one to please send them our way.
Chuck Dailey, a
professional photographer, attended the Waterfall Event and sent the FOEESP a CD
with over 300 pictures, will be taking photos. Anita Miller also mentioned she
loves photography and will be bringing her camera. Lynn Huggins also took
photos of the Waterfall Tour.
Greg Christensen will
be our ‘Jack of all trades’.
Ramble, the State
Parks Raccoon, will be here ‘leaner and meaner’ since he has become more health
conscious.
Ronica Evans expressed
a concern about the timing with the May Pole Dancers and Crafts, stating that
the girls felt ‘left out’ last year due to missing the Dancers.
Fount asked Wanda
Williams whether the $600 check for fish had cleared or not, since FOEESP has
changed banks. She stated it hadn’t to her knowledge. Fount issued another check
to her from the correct bank account and she is to bring in the ‘old’ check for
voiding.
Wanda gave Fount a
detailed map of the Park that she has been working on.
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 am
Morning Nature Hikes will start with Mark and Holly Taylor. The hikes will be
approximately one hour long. The Birding hike will be at 8:00 a.m. with Randy.
Holly stated that the Highland Rim Trail will be best for Butterflies and
Flowers.
8:00 – 11:00 a.m. -
Kite Flying with John Williams will be at Boat Ramp #2. This is a first come
first serve event.
8:00 – 11:15 a.m. –
Girl scouts will be doing crafts at the Hospitality Hut. Ronica Evans, Girl
Scout Leader, and her Girl Scouts will be doing crafts at the Hospitality Hut
with the help of Phyllis Shaw and LaDonna Sorenson.
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Pontoon Boat Rides will be approximately 30 minutes long. Visitors are to
register and have armbands for rides.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. -
Old Time Toys, a Living History Demonstration by Carl Halfacre, Park Manager.
Boy Scout Troop 875 will be helping Carl.
11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Boy Scout Troop 875 will be making Dessert in a Dutch oven for Living History
and other demonstrations will be on the Lawn near the road at the Visitor’s
Center. Niki Beal said Pepsi has been generous and offered Pepsis for the Boy
Scouts to bring. It was noted at this time that Pepsi must be the drink of
choice within the State Parks.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. - Lori Christenson’s Cannon Arts Dance Studio will be
doing a May Pole Dance and dance numbers. Lori Christensen had stated she needed
a flatter surface for the dancers, therefore, the lower parking lot at the
Visitor’s Center was chosen. Lori also stated that naps were needed and we
needed to schedule this accordingly.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. –
Kite Flying session at Boat Ramp #2, if there are any kites leftover from the
morning event.
Ellen Young (formerly
Loveless) will be spinning wool for Living History just outside the Office door.
Live Entertainment on
or near the Stage will be ongoing and consists of:
-Minnie Pearl
impersonator
-Country singer
Patricia Jackson from Nashville.
-Flat Broke Blue Grass
Band, with Carl and his guitar, Fount and his harmonica
-Ramble
There was no other
business to be attended to and the meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Attendees:
·
Fount
Bertram
·
Anna
Bertram
·
Anita
Miller
·
Lori
Christensen
·
Carl
Halfacre
·
LaDonna
Sorensen
·
Mark
Taylor
·
Holly
Taylor
·
Ronica
Evans
·
Niki
Beal
·
Wanda
Williams
·
Paula
Williams
Minutes From 02-21-2012 Friends of Edgar Evins
State Park Meeting
President Fount Bertram called the meeting to order at
6:10 pm and introductions were made.
Ranger Wayne Morrison gave the Manager's Report since Carl
was on another assignment at Montgomery Bell State Park. He reported that the
cabins are now all open and ready to receive visitors. The major water leak has
been fixed. It required cutting through the road and took about a week to get
everything done to repair it. No other activities beyond normal park operations
at this slow time of year.
Fount reported a good "Day on the Hill" where members of
the Friends of Tennessee State Parks Coalition gave a presentation to both the
House of Representatives and Senate Committees responsible for appropriation of
funding for State Parks and other oversight responsibilities. Fount made the
presentations to both Committees as President of the Coalition. It was very well
received. Both House and Senate commended the Friends Groups and the Coalition
for the work and contributions made to the State Parks. We have logged over
900,000 volunteer hours and average $250,000.00 annually in financial
contributions. They indicated they wanted to make this an annual event where
they could keep in touch with the Friends Groups and be made aware of the
contributions we make. Commissioner Martineau was present for the Senate
presentation and was very complimentary about the efforts of the Friends Groups.
The date has been set for the Annual Conference...It will
be held at Fall Creek Falls on November 9-10-11, 2012. The date is set for
November since it will enable more park staff and employees to participate. The
Central Office is encouraging more participation of the state people in the
conferences.
Greg Christensen will have the prize winning display board
completed by March 17 in time for the Waterfall Tour. He was encouraged to
present his expenses for the display.
The FOEESP bank account is being transferred from Regions
Bank to the First National Bank because Regions is applying a $15.00 per month
service fee. This amounts to quite a bit over a length of time. 1st National
will not charge a fee and will pay a nominal interest on funds exceeding
$1,500.00. Fount will get the transfer done shortly. We currently have $2,776.10
in the account.
Scoutmaster Cameron Beal reports that Troop 875 is doing
well. There are prospects coming from Cub Scouts that are going to be eligible
for Boy Scouts this spring. They are continuing to camp and work on merit
badges. They are also learning first aid techniques and had an opportunity to
practice those in simulated conditions on a recent hike. There are several
activities planned for the coming months and they will participate in our
upcoming events. They have 2 work days at the park planned and a Court of Honor
on March 31.
The Friends still need a Recording Secretary to take
minutes of our meetings, especially when we vote to spend money. We need to have
a record in the event there would be questions in the future. Lori Christensen
volunteered to take minutes for this meeting but a permanent RS is needed.
Membership and Publicity Chair Anna Bertram reported that
she has made a temporary fix on the membership requirements on the Friends
brochure. There are some confusing parts. The brochure will be revised to make
them clearer and will be available for the spring activities. Because of some
problems our events didn't get listed in Tennessee Online which is the
official vacation directory from the state. Anna will try to resolve these
issues this week. She has "blitzed" the local papers and other sources. Our
registration is coming in slower for the Waterfall Tour this year as a result of
this problem.
Wanda Williams gave a visual presentation for a proposed
simulated aquarium display for the Nature Center in the Visitors Center. This
display would represent fish in the lake for the education and entertainment of
our visitors. The project has been recommended and endorsed by management and
Wayne has volunteered to build the aquarium. Wanda brought an example of the
fish and it was very impressive. The cost of the 9 species of fish to occupy the
display amounts to almost $1,800.00. After a good del of discussion it was
decided to go along with the proposal. We can spread the payments out over 3
applications. Wanda has investigated sources and the most inexpensive one is in
Cookeville. They will come out and mount the fish in the aquarium and handle all
the details. Fount will be asking for donations to help with the cost.
Ronica Evans made the Girl Scout report and says the girls
are interested in park projects and will participate in the Celebration of
Spring and will conduct some craft sessions. Our events are on the GS Website so
all the Middle Tennessee Troops can see what our activities are.
The Waterfall Tour was discussed and we will make a
concentrated effort to get information out in the next couple of weeks. Fount
will appear on WBRY FM/AM radio station in Woodbury/Cannon County and Carl will
cover WJLE FM/AM in Smithville/DeKalb County. Anna has notified newspapers in
several surrounding areas. Members are asked to spread the word verbally. The
waterfalls we will visit this year are...Cummins Falls...It has recently been
acquired by the state and will become a State Park or State Natural Area.
Rangers have been assigned and we will be met by a ranger who will conduct the
walk to the falls and explain what is in the plans for the area. We will then
visit City Park Falls in the Cookeville Park. Lunch will be at the Golden Corral
and then we will go to Hidden Valley Falls. We will leave the Visitors Center at
9:00 am and plan to be back by 3-3:30 pm.
The Celebration of Spring was discussed and we will have
another meeting to work out the many details. Fount will send a notice when the
date is set. We decided to have Mark and Holly Taylor assist with nature hikes
and Holly to do a snake program .Randy Hedgepath, State Naturalist will do
nature hikes and possibly portray Mr J Edgar Evins in a pageant. Carl has the
Maypole prop done and will get it to Lori so her dance class can practice on it
well before time. We have decided to include kite making and kite flying in the
event. Mr Williams...Wanda's husband...will be in charge of that event. Fount
will supervise and conduct the sack races and 3 legged races at the Peninsula
again. Lori's dancers will perform from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Fount will clarify
with Carl what other demonstrations that will be done. The Girl Scouts will lead
the crafts sessions and will demonstrate and teach how to make honeysuckle
baskets and corn husk dolls. Holley will obtain the craft supplies. Wanda
suggested some other games and outdoor activities and we'll look into those at
the called meeting. The Boy Scouts will act as assistants to the other
activities and be used as needed throughout the day.
Greg volunteered to look into building more bird houses
and bird feeders for sale at the Visitors Center. We are running low on the
walking sticks from Billy Harris and Fount will contact him to see if he has
more for us.
No further business was on the agenda or proposed from the
floor so the meeting was adjourned.
Memorial Day Weekend Scout Activities
May 26, 2012
10 a.m.
Flag replacement ceremony at
Park Office flag pole.
7:30 p.m.
Fireside Flag retirement
ceremony at Fire Circle in the campground.
Boy Scout Troop 875
The Boy Scouts have invited us to share with them their Court of Honor and
Christmas party on December 17 at 4:30 pm. This will be a carry in dinner and
everyone needs to bring something to share. We will meet at the Hospitality Hut
for the occasion. Let's give these boys and their leaders our support for the
many things they have added to the park!
Invasive Plant Clinic
September 24, 2011
The Invasive Plant Clinic went very well...We had 14 participants
including members of the newly chartered Boy Scout Troop 875. Ranger Mark Taylor
and State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath gave an excellent classroom session showing
the plants that we would be concentrating on. The session was designed to
identify and explain the adverse effects these plants have on the ecology of the
park.
We then went out in the park and actively removed a huge amount of these
invasive intruders. I was very pleased at the amount of progress we made. The
Boy Scouts were enthusiastic and eager to do a good job...We broke for lunch at
noon and worked another couple of hours afterwards.
A big "Thank You" to everyone for your efforts. We want to repeat this project
at intervals and prepare volunteers to come and work on their own...
Work Day September 10, 2011
Our scheduled work day for renovation of the Highland Rim Nature Trail was a
huge success. We had experienced trail builders and some that were more than
willing to learn. We were extremely fortunate to have Jim Schroeder from the
Murfreesboro Chapter of TTA, Jim Hardy from the Plateau Chapter of TTA and Mark
Stanfill who is the State Parks Trail Coordinator. All of these men have devoted
many 1,000's of hours working on the Cumberland Trail and other trail projects
in the state. Also working on the project were Cameron and Sam Beal, Jim Lewis,
Greg and Garrett Christensen and Rochelle Turner. The temperature warmed up in
the afternoon and we all were pretty much worn out at the end of the day, but
are well pleased with the outcome. Phyllis Shaw, LaDonna Sorensen and Anna
Bertram provided and served the lunch. If you haven't hiked the Nature Trail in
a while, I think you will be well pleased with the improvements. Steps were
installed at some of the worst places on the trail and the trail was widened and
reinforced in other areas. There are still some areas that need attention and we
hope to get those taken care of early next spring. The materials were provided
by a grant from the Tennessee Trails Association.
Minutes From the August 23, 2011 Meeting
Friends of Edgar Evins State Park
Minutes of Quarterly Meeting August 23, 2011
Attendees:
1) Bridget Chambless
2) Jim Lewis
3) Holly Taylor
4) Mark Taylor
5) Jim Westerfield
6) LaDonna Sorensen
7) Phyllis Shaw
8) Anne Eastes
9) Carl Halfacre
10) Mike Stubbs
11) Ryan Olynick
12) Niki L. Beal
13) Sam Beal
14) Cameron Beal
15) Fount Bertram
16) Anna Bertram
17) Wayne Morrison
18) Ed Bauman
19) Dee Wennerstrom
20) Lori Christensen
21) Bob Harriman
22) Randy Hedgepath
Meeting led by Fount Bertram, President
Items Discussed:
1) Comments from Park Manager, Carl Halfacre. a) He stated that visitation to
the park has been down due to year-round school. b) Earl Conaster retired
August 15'th and Betty Henley will retire in December. c) He presented plans
for the History Hayride #6. Some issues discussed were schedule and number of
loads of visitors, number of ride stops, how better to handle walk-up guests
and jobs for the volunteers. d) Mr. Bert Driver of Bert Driver Nursery,
Smithville, is a new Friend and would like to begin planting memorial trees on
the park property. Fount Bertram suggested that we ask if American chestnuts
would be available.
2) LaDonna Sorensen, Treasurer, states that there is $3675.00 in the treasury.
3) Anna Bertram, Publicity and Membership Chair, presented the following: a)
Friends who joined before 2011 are lifetime members. Those who joined in 2011
pay a prorated amount with the next full year's fee due January 1, 2012. Those
who join during the 2011 History Hayride or Fall Color Cruise pay for the year
of 2012 and receive the rest of 2011 free. b) Our membership is stable at
approximately 115. c) Phyllis Shaw is now the phone contact person.
4) Mark Taylor, Park Ranger, presents details of a plan he is working on to
acquire 168 acres of land adjacent to the park. He states that the area is
important to our migrating bird population, including the rare Cerulean
Warbler, and also as a buffer against development which could ruin many of the
mountain views our visitors come to see. He will present his case to the state
committee on September 13'th asking them to purchase this land for the park.
Fount Bertram asks that he may write a letter of support for the plan on
behalf of the Friends and we agree. It is also mentioned that we may write
personal letters.
5) Fount Bertram asks that we agree to do a trade-in/purchase of a
gasoline-powered golf cart for the Camp Host since the previous one we bought
cannot travel the park hills. He has done some research. Anne Eastes motions
that we give Mr. Bertram, accompanied by Carl Halfacre and Ed Bauman, Camp
Host, authority to make the deal and purchase the new cart. Phyllis Shaw,
Vice-President, seconded the motion.
6) Guest Cameron Beal, representing the Boy Scouts, asked the Friends to
consider chartering a new Boy Scout troop. We concluded that it would be
beneficial to both the park and the Boy Scouts to do so. Carl Halfacre will
check to see if there is any legal conflict with the park. Phyllis Shaw
motioned to approve the charter. The motion was seconded by Lori Christensen
and Bridget Chambless, Recording Secretary.
7) We were reminded of the Annual Conference of state parks friends groups
which will be held October 21-23 at Paris Landing. All Friends were encouraged
to attend.
8) We heard that the Highland Rim trail needs steps on the lower part and
shoring up in various places. In the interest of getting it done before spring
brings the birders and other visitors, there will be a work day on September
10'th beginning at 9:00 AM. Lunch for the volunteers will be provided by the
Friends.
9) There will be an Invasive Plant Removal Clinic on September 24'th with
state naturalist, Randy Hedgepath. Holly Taylor, Seasonal Naturalist, will
note the clinic in the park program schedule.
10) We were reminded of the Friends Adventure Trip to Muddy Pond on September
30'th. All Friends encouraged to attend.
11) Regarding the History Hayride; Mr. Bertram asked Anne Eastes to be in
charge of wardrobe along with Carl Halfacre.
12) We briefly discussed the 2011 Fall Color Cruise. We will begin taking
reservations for it on October 1'st.
13) We were told of the Tennessee Trails Association Merritt Ridge Trail Hike on November
12'th.
14) The Annual Seniors Luncheon will be on the 1'st Thursday in December, Dec.
1'st. We will begin serving around noon.
15) Anna Bertram suggested that we consider a park cabin refurbishing
sleepover. Women and men will stay in separate cabins. This will allow us to
assess what needs done or replaced in each cabin that the Friends may be able
to help with. Reactions were positive.
16) On September 25'th at 3:00 PM, Brady Evans will be awarded his Eagle Scout
rank at the amphitheater/fire circle that he built. Friends will provide
finger food. Mark Taylor suggested that we give Brady a plaque to be placed on
his project and we agreed.
17) We discussed whether to put a booth at the Baxter Street Fair on September
3'rd, Labor Day weekend. Several Friends strongly urged that we do. Volunteers
are Phyllis Shaw, LaDonna Sorensen, Fount Bertram, Anna Bertram and Jim Lewis.
Submitted By:
Bridget Chambless, Recording Secretary
August 31, 2011
Here are 2 events coming up in September. We need volunteers to work both times.
Please call and make your reservation for either or both functions
Saturday, September 10 - Trail Work Day, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.:
Help fine-tune the lower portion of the Highland Rim Nature Trail, adding
stairs and cribbing. If you can do yard work you can do this. Wear sturdy
clothes and bring work gloves. Tools, instructions, and an abundant lunch will
be furnished. Contact Fount Bertram at 765-5357 to sign up and for the
details.
Saturday, September 24 - Invasive Plant Workshop, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.:
Learn to identify invasive plants in our area and how to safely
remove them. This will include both classroom and hands-on plant removal in
the park. The faculty will include Park Ranger, Mark Taylor and the State
Naturalist, Randy Hedgepath. Bring work gloves and a sack lunch. Sturdy
clothes and footwear are recommended. The class size will be small so please
contact Fount Bertram at 765-5357 to signup and for the details. This event
will be a National Public Lands Day event. Groups from all over the nation
will be performing projects to enhance our parks and recreation areas on this
day. We have been encouraged by state parks to register an event for each
Friends Group throughout the state. There will be information and other things
there to show you the importance of this event.
Both events are sponsored jointly by the park employees and the Friends of
Edgar Evins State Park.
We had a very productive meeting last night...August 23, 2011...The attendance
was better than we have had for a while. Guests from the state were Randy
Hedgepath, State Naturalist...Bob Harriman and Mike Stubbs from the Volunteer
and Community Services Department.
We also had guests from the Boy Scouts of America. Cameron and Nicki Bales were
there to present information to enable us to consider chartering a new Boy Scout
Troop for this area of the county. The proposal was approved and a
representative from the Middle Tennessee Council of Boy Scouts of America
affirmed the formation of a new troop. They will be meeting at the park and
should be in operation by the middle of September. We feel this will be
beneficial to the Boy Scouts, the Friends Group and the park.
We started work in earnest on the History Hayride and dealt with all the other
issues on the agenda. We voted to try and make a deal where we can trade the
battery powered golf cart in for a gasoline powered unit. The battery power does
not work with all the steep hills we have to deal with in the park.
We still have a lot to do to get the Hayride done and we'll be meeting again on
September 20 to try and get things ready. We're limiting the characters to 10
stops this year. We have 12 last year and found that it made the rounds too
long. We still need a lot of assistance to get it done...We will appreciate any
and all help any of you can give us to have a successful fund raising event...
Here is the agenda for the August 23 Friends Meeting...as you can see we have a
lot to cover...If you have other issues to discuss, please let me know right
away so I can get them on the discussion list...Please try to be at the meeting
since there are some very important decisions to be made...
August 23, 2011 Agenda
Friends of Edgar Evins State Park
Brady Evans has now completed his Eagle Scout Project on the amphitheater at the
Fire Circle near the Hospitality Hut and Primitive Campsites. The above pictures
show what it looked like before, during and after. Brady did a fantastic job and
his project has been approved by the Council Board. His ceremony for the Eagle
Rank will be held at the Fire Circle Amphitheater on September 25, 2011. The
Friends Group will serve some refreshments for the occasion and we are invited
to attend the ceremony. Anna and Ronica will be coordinating the event.
The Fire Circle has been used a lot for programs in the past and this major
improvement is a great contribution to the park and it's amenities. We owe Brady
and his Scout Troop and all those who helped make this possible a big THANK YOU!
For all those who donated funds for the project also...a big Thank You! Let's
let these people know how much we appreciate their hard work...
The Friends of Edgar Evins State Park was glad to be able to contribute to this
effort...
We had an excellent turnout for the Hallowed Ground Lantern
Tour at the Stones River National Battlefield on July 23. It was a well
done, very moving experience. Reinactors portrayed what life was like 150 years
ago and the emotions that this historic battle brought out. Actual letters and
memorabilia was used to emphasize the drama. The Battle of Stones River is rich
in history and importance to the final outcome of the War Between the States.
This outing was another of our outside Friends of Edgar Evins
State Park events designed to attract prospects for our group and to provide
interesting activities for our membership. We were able to obtain a total of 26
tickets for the event and filled the spaces with members and prospects...
The above picture shows a part of the group. We weren't able to
take pictures of the actual event because of the nature of the material and
delivery...
Our next scheduled Friends Meeting will be on August
23...Tuesday...at 6:00 pm. We will meet at the Hospitality Hut at the entrance
to the campgrounds. This will be a very important meeting where we will do some
significant work on getting History Hayride VI planned. There are several other
issues we need to discuss and decide on. Please make an effort to be there...
Note: We had to change the meeting date from the 16th since I
will be in Chattanooga on that date. I couldn't change the commitment...Hope
this works for everyone...
The weather was challenging for a while, but by the time we got
ready for our Just-For-Fun Cook-out...It was perfect. The rain moved out, the
sun came out and the temperature was ideal for our outside activity. Carl made
an excellent chef and did the hamburgers and hotdogs to perfection! Everyone
brought loads of good food and there was an abundance of everything...The
attendance was very good and we all had a great time visiting and catching up on
things. This outing was in celebration of what we have been able to accomplish
so far this year and to encourage an even greater effort for the remainder of
the year.
We had an outstanding Waterfall Tour in March, the Celebration
of Spring in April, a very successful work day to refurbish the Highland Rim
Nature Trail in May and a fun filled outing to Prichard's Rum Distillery and
lunch at The Restaurant on the Elk River. We still have the historic
Battle of Stones River Hallowed Ground Lantern Tour in July, History Hayride VI
in October, the Color Cruise in November and the Senior's Luncheon in December.
For information and to volunteer to help on any/all of these events, please
contact Anna for details.
We are growing as a group and are filling a very specific need
for the park. We try to make the experience of being a member of the Friends
Group a rewarding and fun venture. Information on how to become a member is
under the "Application" pull down on the main menu. If you aren't already a
member, I hope you will consider joining us...
You may have to adjust the attached pictures to fit your
screen...The pixels are high for quality pictures...Click on the thumbnails for
enlargement...
Don't forget our upcoming cook-out for Friends and family to
celebrate and honor all the hard work the Friends and Park Staff and volunteers
have put in to make this year a successful one. All of our events have been well
attended and the efforts of our people have paid off with the popularity of each
event.
This cook-out...Sunday afternoon, June 26, 2011 at 5:00 pm...
will feature hamburgers, hot dogs with all the trimmings furnished by the
Friends Group. All the drinks, tableware and other essentials will also be
furnished. Carl will be featured as the main chef and will be turning out lots
of goodies. Those attending the cook-out need to bring a side dish, chips,
dips, etc. to supplement the entree'.
Who is invited?...All members of the Friends of Edgar Evins
State Park, their families and friends and all Park Staff, their families and
friends...This is a get together to enjoy each other and the accomplishments we
have been able to provide for the betterment of Edgar Evins State Park...Make a
special effort to be there!
Work Day To Reroute The Highland Rim Nature Trail
The Work Day on April 30, 2011 exceeded expectations as to what we got done! The
worst of the badly eroded Highland Rim Nature Trail was completely rerouted and
new trail was established. The turnout was very good...3 Girl Scout Troops,
Cannon County High School Outdoors Club, Tennessee Trails Association, Friends
of Edgar Evins, Park Employees and other individuals put in a labor intensive
day. We had approximately 50 volunteers to get the job done. There is still some
work left to do but everyone was well satisfied with what was accomplished.
Ranger Mark Taylor and Mark Stanfill, Trails Director for Tennessee State Parks,
headed up the effort. The weather turned out about perfect for what we
needed...Lunch was served by the Friends of Edgar Evins with an abundance of
donated sandwiches, side items and deserts. The work was under the auspices of a
$500.00 grant from the Tennessee Trails Association to refurbish the
Highland Rim Nature Trail. We still need to install water bars and steps at the
lower end of the trail and a later work session will be scheduled to get that
phase done. The lake level is higher now than it has been in several years due
to the recent rains and part of that area is inaccessible.
Many Thanks to Girl Scout Leaders Ronica Evans, Joan Williams and JoAnn
Hays...Cannon County High School Outdoor Club leader Marcus Larson...and to all
the others that contributed to a very successful day of hard work and
accomplishment for our park!
Here are a couple of pictures from the Celebration of Spring
2011. Cornelia Overton worked non-stop for about 6 hours doing face painting for
the many, many kids that showed up. She is a wonderful asset to our Friends
Group and to the park!
Fount and Anna recently attended the Annual Meeting of the
Friends of Cordell Hull Birthplace Historical State Park. Fount was representing
the Friends of Tennessee State Parks Coalition. As president of the Coalition,
he plans to visit Friends Groups throughout the state to encourage membership
and support of the Coalition.
The 2nd quarterly meeting will be held on March 22, 2011 at 6:00 pm. The
meeting will be he at the Hospitality Hut. This is an important meeting because
we will be putting the final touches on the upcoming Celebration of Spring
event. This has evolved into a very popular activity and we will need all the
help we can get to make sure it is a success. We will be getting volunteer help
from area Scout Troops and other groups. Lots of projects and activities to
entertain and educate all ages. Old fashioned toys and old fashioned games are a
very popular part of the day. Registration for participants in the FREE day of
fun and instruction will start at 7:45 am. The first nature hikes for birding,
wildflowers and butterflies will leave at 8:00 am. We need to make sure we are
all coordinated for this event...The meeting will help assure us of that...
At yesterday's...February 5, 2011...board meeting, the
Tennessee Trails Association awarded the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park a
grant for $500.00. The grant is to be used for trail maintenance and repair on
the Highland Rim Nature Trail. There are places where there is a lot of erosion
damage and part of the trail will need to be rerouted. We will be putting in
some steps and water bars in those areas. We will set a work day to accomplish
this when we have the supplies and the weather permits.
We are also purchasing identification signs for trees along
the trail. This will enable hikers to do a self guided nature outing. It
makes hikes more interesting to have that information available. We are also
planning a brochure giving the specifics of the identified tree specimens.
We will need help from a lot of volunteers when we are
ready to proceed. We are inviting Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and TTA members to
help us. It is going to require a lot of muscle and sweat to get this done...
This is the first grant we have received. Anna Bertram wrote
it and we hope to have other grants available for future projects.
Jamie Turner of NAPA-Turner Auto Parts gave the Friends a very generous donation
of $300.00. Please let Jamie know how much this and prior donations is
appreciated. He has been a very good friend to Edgar Evins SP. He is a corporate
member/sponsor of the Friends Group.
Quarterly Meeting
The regular Quarterly meeting of the Friends of Edgar Evins Sate Park was
held on January 18. We met at 6:00 pm at the Hospitality Hut. We discussed the
necessity of having minutes taken for the meetings...especially to record
decisions where we would be approving expenditures. We need an ongoing official
record of what decisions are made. Bridget Chambless volunteered to fill in as a
temporary recording secretary until elections are held later this year...She
started the minutes well into the meeting after the Call to Order,
Introductions, Park Managers Report and Treasurer's Report...we currently have
$3,506.36 in our account. There are no outstanding bills.
The following is what Bridget recorded for the remaining meeting time...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 18, 2011
6:30 PM
Edgar Evins Hospitality Hut
Minutes of the Meeting of:
Friends of Edgar Evins State Park - Quarterly Meeting
Those in Attendance:
1) Fount Bertram
2) Anna Bertram
3) Carl Halfacre
4) Suzanne Halfacre
5) LaDonna Sorensen
6) Randy Hedgepath
7) Mark Taylor
8) Holly Taylor
9) Brady Evans
10) Ronica Evans
11) Sara Pollard
12) Bridget Chambless
....................................................................................
Bridget Chambless volunteered to be TEMPORARY SECRETARY until the general
elections in October of this year.
These minutes will not be complete for this meeting as the above took place part
way through the meeting and Ms. Chambless was in no way prepared beforehand.
2. Anna has drawn up a detailed PROPOSAL REGARDING THE HANDLING OF MEMBERSHIPS
both
past and present. Her proposal was presented, voted on and passed unanimously.
3. Carl will check into reserving 4 12-passenger vans to use in the upcoming
WATERFALL TOUR since there will be an issue with using state vans.
Randy will reserve one van in his name for a total of five vans.
We will be able to accommodate 60 people for the Waterfall Tour including
drivers.
4. Our CELEBRATION OF SPRING will be April 9.
Carl is going to check and see if the band, "Flat Broke" can play at the
celebration.
Sarah has volunteered to lead a particularly difficult hike for those
interested.
Ronica may ask some of the older Girl Scouts she knows to help out with those
doing crafts.
We will have the COLORING CONTEST again this year since it was such a big
success in the past.
Baxter 4'th grade classes will be given the offer to participate again.
We will add another school this year. Gordonsville Elementary in Smith county
has been decided upon since so many of those families use the park services. A
volunteer to approach the school principal will be decided upon shortly.
It was agreed that a local woman who spins yarn will be asked to demonstrate her
craft.
5. The ANNUAL CONFERENCE will be held this October 21-23 at Paris Landing State
Park. All present were encouraged to attend.
6. Carl will check on getting/making a WOODEN SIGN FOR THE HOSPITALITY HUT to
assist people in finding it's location.
7. The annual HISTORY HAYRIDE will be held again the second Saturday in October,
which is the 8th.
Carl will check on nametags for us for that day.
8. The FALL COLOR CRUISE will be held on Saturday, November 5'th.
9. Our annual SENIOR LUNCHEON will be held Thursday, December 1'st.
10. Fount will check on obtaining MAGNETIC SIGNS to use on the golf cart we
donated
to better identify the campground host.
11. Bob Harriman, Volunteer & Community Services, from Central Office, has requested a LIST OF THE ITEMS THAT
THE FRIENDS DONATED to the park last year. Some items discussed were: Metal
detector; golf cart; various hardware, including chains, for the swings; lumber
and other materials to construct the birdhouses; time clocks; supplies for
various programs
12. Carl is going to check on getting a BOARD TO USE FOR PICTURES at the
conference
and for the park office. The digital frame cannot be repaired. Some of those
in attendance discussed asking friends or family members to look at it to be
sure. Obtaining a new one was discussed but not decided upon.
13. Holly voiced a need for a LIST OF BIRDS that the park is home to for the
information of those interested.
Holly also stated that there needs to be a LIST OF PARK ACTIVITIES for those
who might request one.
Both items were agreed upon.
14. The WILDFLOWER TOUR will be May 23-29.
15. In the park, there is a TRAIL WHICH NEEDS TO BE RE-ROUTED. We discussed the
work that needs done, including possibly building a small bridge, and also the
GRANT TO DO THE WORK which will need to be asked for.
16. How to finish the BIRDHOUSES that we built which will be offered for sale
was
discussed. The need for the substance to be non-toxic for the birds was brought
up. We are tentatively going to use some grey stain that Carl has.
Bridget has volunteered to do the painting. [UPDATE: Four of the houses have
been finished in boiled linseed oil so the purchaser may choose how he/she
wants to finish their own. Bridget and Carl have discussed getting the
remaining houses to her so she can paint and decorate them.]
Submitted By:
Bridget Chambless
Temporary Club Secretary
January 26, 2011
The Friends of Edgar Evins State Park were invited to participate in the
luncheon and activities sponsored by the Smithville Senior Citizens Center on
December 17, 2010. Carl, Anna and Fount attended and had a wonderful time
visiting with old friends and making new ones. The meal was delicious and there
was a vast variety to choose from. We are invited back next year and were
encouraged to have more of our Friends at the next gathering.
Carl and Fount entertained the group with Christmas carols and had a sing along
with the group. We are glad to take part in these community events.
Our next regular meeting will be
January 18, 2011 at 6:00 pm. We will meet at the Hospitality Hut. We are looking
at a new year and planning for our events and activities are important if we
expect to have success with them. We are expanding the Celebration of Spring
event and will need a lot of input. Last year's event was a record breaker as
far as attendance and participation. We will have many of the same activities
this year and need your help in planning and execution. Please make your plans
to attend this very important meeting...
Fount, Anna and Ranger Mark Taylor presented a program for the
Smithville Rotary Club on November 16, 2010. Mark did a PowerPoint™ depicting
photographic scenes from the park's flora, fauna and view sheds. He used the
communication equipment furnished to the park by the Friends Group for the
presentation. Fount gave a brief overview of what the Friends are and their
contributions to the park. Anna gave a description of the membership, events,
projects and objectives.
We were well received by the Rotarians and we appreciate the
opportunity to reach out into the community to promote our park and the Friends.
We are available for programs to other organizations and groups.
IN MEMORIAL
Fran Wallas...pictured at the left with
Louise Zepp, Editor and Commissioner of TDEC, Jim Fyke accepting the trophy for the Tennessee
Conservationist magazine as best of it's kind in the nation...
Fran died as a result of an accidental
fall on October 20, 2010. She was a good friend personally and a true friend
of Tennessee State Parks and the wilderness areas of our state. She will be
very much missed by all who knew her. A memorial service is scheduled for Fran
in Nashville on November 6.
We are dedicating our Color Cruise
on November 6 to Fran's memory...
F
David
Wallas wrote this quote from John Muir "The Mountains are calling and I must
go".
He
said the mountains were calling his mother...and she went...
The following
article is by Anne Paine...feature writer for the Nashville Tennessean...
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