BRIDGS
Executive Committee Report
September 10, 2007
Trading Post
Present: John Malmstrom, Susan Malmstrom, Rev. Ken Perkins, Hal Theriault, Gerry Chute.
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM.
Special Speaker: at this week’s general meeting will be Terri McCulloch, who has expertise on Bay of Fundy interpretation. There is no place at this end of the province that has an interpretive centre, and Bear River could take advantage of this. Hal said that this is part of the Digby Area Tourism Association’s plan for the area, and Bear River could be a satellite location.
General Meeting: Question was raised as to whether we will have time for regular meeting business on Wednesday. John will put through quickly any issues that need to be addressed to allow plenty of time for Terri. Some important items: 1) our new employee, Jared Haight, will start at the Youth Centre on September 24; 2) we received the first annual grant for the Youth Centre from the Municipality of Annapolis in the amount of $1,000.
Youth Centre/Active Saturdays Update:
• Active Saturdays! is still going strong. We will continue to offer soccer and softball at Lansdowne Field. For next year, we may change the day and time to an evening weekly event (e.g. Active Thursdays!). We will apply for another grant, with the aim to buy gloves and other equipment.
• Meanwhile, to get Jared set up, Gerry and Hal are working on getting a phone and computer; Susan is arranging internet and phone hook-up; Caroline will be working with him to get properly registered with the RCMP. Gerry will meet with him on his first day; John will meet with him during his first week. Jared will report to Hal, who will keep BRIDGS apprised on his progress via monthly report.
• There is an opportunity for advertising our activities through Digby Elementary School. Caroline Draper has information on this—Ken believes that it is through their publication, “The Tide.” We will find out if a similar publication goes out from the Annapolis system, and be sure that Jared knows how to access these.
• Hal is working with Glendean and BREDS to write a grant which will help bring potable water to the building. Since they rent to the Youth Centre, this is a health issue for the children occupying the space.
• Next rent check is due on October 1.
• Variety Night: is October 27. Gerry and Hal will have Jared work right away on publicity for the event. It was proposed that we have costumed characters from the play on hand. Also, we need to check as soon as possible on the next deadline date for the Tributary.
Strategic Plan: It was decided that the Executive Committee and the Strategic Plan Committee should review the Plan and come together for a brain-storming session as soon as possible. Susan will contact everyone about their availability for such a meeting. The intention will be to decide what our immediate, short-term goals (doable in six months) are, and to draft a timeline for short- and long-term aims.
