September 2008 Chapter Meeting Minutes

Minutes for the September First Coast Surfrider Chapter Meeting that met at Fionn Macool’s on 9/8/2008 at 7:00PM hours. For the purpose of Monthly Chapter Meeting.

Total members in attendance: 19
Guest speakers: Felicia Boyd of WAV/St John’s Water Management District
Presiding Chairperson: Rhea Drysdale

SEPTEMBER 2008 CHAPTER BUSINESS

New member recognition:
There were four new members in attendance who were recognized and were given the opportunity to introduce themselves.

Upcoming Events:

• International Coastal Cleanup will be held on 9/20/2008. Surfrider is scheduled to meet at Oceanfront Park at 8:00AM and work until 10:00AM. Volunteers are needed.
• The Surf Expo will be held September 12-14th in Orlando. Volunteers have been designated to help man the Surfrider booth at the event.

Guest Speaker:

• Felicia Boyd of WAV:
  Our speaker, Felicia Boyd, spoke with us about the WAV program and updated us on outreach events they will conduct in local area schools like the Science Nights we participated in last year. She also talked about their storm drain marking program and asked for volunteers to help with a marking event that First Coast Surfrider will be partnering with them on later in the year. After concerns expressed from chapter member Nathan Arnold about illegal dumping of oil from a Jacksonville Beach restaurant, the question of storm drain tagging was brought up. The chapter wants to help canvas the beaches to ensure that all drains have a clearly marked tag. Since their original installations, many have disappeared or had damage. Felicia also spoke with regards to the upcoming International Coastal Cleanup.

Recap of Past Events:

• Sisters of the Sea BBQ:
  Erin Handy updated us on the Sisters of the Sea contest, which had superb waves and the cookout, which we helped sponsor. The event brought in nearly $725.00 and was attended by about 150 people. Much thanks was given to Mojo’s Kitchen who donated the food as well as The American Legion who made the space available and donated the bartender. Thanks to Erin, Ed Cronin and Val Zevins who helped make it a success.

Other:

• Rhea provided insight for the new members as to events and activities that our chapter is involved with during the year as well as historical references.
• Rhea announced that she and Brad will be relocating to NY soon and unfortunately they will not be able to stay on here with the Chapter.
• She also announced that it is time for the election of the new board for the coming year. Nominations were taken and others will be made prior to the next meeting. At that time the new EC will meet and elect the new board. If you would like to be on the EC, please contact us with your interest. The only requirements are that you be an active Surfrider member and have attended at least three events in the past year, which can include meetings, cleanups, fundraisers, etc.

Next meeting:

• Our next meeting will be held at the same venue and time on the second Monday of October.