Procedure: There was a general consensus to have an informal procedure and vote only when necessary.

Officers: General consensus not to have formal officers with nominating committee and formal Club votes, at least for the formative year. We earlier decided not to have dues. Upon recommendation by Jane Stein, everyone appointed Marj as Chair of the Steering Committee. Oakes volunteered as secretary pro tem, and Janet as treasurer pro tem. Jane nominated Stephen to be the primary voice of the steering committee and Stephen agreed.

Program Records: Discussion of notes on the last program. Praise of program notes by Stephen save for first person style – agreed it should be in the third person. Short description can be on e-mail with reference to fuller notes on the web site.

Program Committee: Jane Stein volunteered as Chair of Program Committee, Oakes and Stephen as members. Marj and Karsten promised to feed ideas. Oakes reported we can have free use of the Fox for a while due to his payment for broken front door repair. Patsy Kraemer of Human Services of opinion Community Room will remain available even if building ceases to be a branch library. Marj is negotiating for the Community Room at Robbins Library, which is free unless we stay past 9:00, when there is a $25 fee.

Upcoming Programs: Marj has arranged for Dick Walton to speak to the club in April but is still working on details. It was agreed that programs would not necessarily be on a fixed schedule, but as available or appropriate.

Trip Committee: Karsten volunteered as Chair, Oakes and Jane Stein to help. Marj has arranged all the present trips. Karsten offered an April trip in conjunction with Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park. We have no breeding bird trips except to Great Meadows, and would like to schedule additional locations.

Evaluation of first club trip: Overall went very well, the leader Alan very personable and able. Karsten wished for less introduction, and another member more focus on ducks, which was the stated goal, but since the lake was mostly frozen there weren’t a lot of ducks to see. Praise of notes from the leader of the Mystic Lakes bird trip; leaders should be encouraged to provide a similar report after each trip.

Web Site: Marj asked for help, and Lew and Stephen volunteered to be her web helpers. They will research Friends' groups on the web and possible trips suitable for Menotomy members.

Membership: Marj is processing membership forms, and Janet volunteered to help with database for members. Marj reports 172 members of the ArlingtonBirds listserv, and 53 people have signed up for the Club. She also distributed a poll of members indicating a particular interest in local subject matter and birding tips for future programs.

Refreshments: Thanks to Wendy for tonight’s brownies and Gerry for the cider, and to Ann Perkins and Jane Connor who, along with Wendy provided refreshments for the March 19 general meeting.  They donated the drinks and cookies, etc. for the refreshments, so the money collected for refreshments March 19th can go for future occasions!

Miscellaneous:
Marj reported collecting $92.50 for the March 19 meeting, and she wrote a check for $40 to cover the room fee, leaving $52.50 which she will turn over to Janet as pro tem treasurer for future expenses.
Stephen reported a concern over perception that the Steering Committee is operating in secret, but as minutes are posted to web and all club members are invited to participate, Committee members agreed this was not an issue.
Stephen suggests book programs: exchanges, sales (for benefit of club), database of references available from other members with an enthusiastic response – let’s talk about it in a few months (Stephen designated noodge).
Karsten reports serious problem with large pack of walked dogs at the Brooks Estate (there is a Brooks’ friends group; the Town of Medford owns the land).
Bird nesting boxes? Box management is problem. Club not ready for such a project, but could let individuals know where to find information.

Adjournment at around 9:30 to rainy night. Next meeting will be announced by E-mail. Karsten offers his back porch for meeting site to “good idea!”

Notes by Oakes Plimpton with recommendations from other Committee Members.