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Centre Regional Recreation Authority
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Advisory Committee
MEETING SUMMARY
Wed., 16 Apr 08, 4:00 PM at the MMNC Barn
1. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL: (10 of 16 Appointed Members)
Jennifer Shuey Kathy Matason Dr. Carolyn Mahan Robert Ayer
MJ Kitt Dr. Rick Marboe Mary Alice Graetzer Don Epp
Holly Fritchman Jackie Melander CRPR Staff: Molly Hetrick
2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
3. APPROVAL OF THE MEETING SUMMARY from 19 Mar 08
Motion by Bob Ayer, Second by Don Epp.
4. OPERATIONAL REPORTS:
• Spring / Summer Program Report: Molly Hetrick
Molly reported MMNC received a “Governors Award for Local Government Excellence”
yesterday in Harrisburg in the “Building Community Partnerships” category. The award,
plus a citation from Lt. Governor Knoll, were on display at this meeting. CRPR and MMNC
received a Certificate of Recognition from the PSU RPTM department at their annual
banquet in appreciation for the time the CRPR agency gives to mentor student interns and
volunteers, plus the Event Planning class that plans events at the nature center. This class
is responsible for the Earth Day Birthday Event coming up on Apr 20. Also, a blog has been
started for the nature center. Molly explained the
goal of this blog is to keep visitors updated on developments at the center, programs and
other events, plus wildlife spotted and fun stories from the staff. The nature center also
received a PAFBC Grant Award for development of a Warm-Water Fishing Camp, which will
be held in July.
• ActiveNet System Update: Molly Hetrick
Molly highlighted the attached press release, which outlines the new ActiveNet registration
system CRPR is using. This system allows class registrations, creates reports and rosters,
tracks facility rentals, and most importantly allows registrations through the internet.
• CRRA Meeting Highlights from 10 Apr 08: Kathy Matason
Kathy reported CRRA continues to work on the developments for the new pools in the region
and the Ad Hoc committee met to discuss the closing on the Whitehall Road property, which
is anticipated for the end of May. A joint work session was held with CRRA and the State
College Area School District to discuss the shared parking areas at Welch pool and other joint
business. Also from the meeting, a letter of support was requested from the School District for
the MMNC Building Fund project. Kathy has been appointed to the Spring Creek Canyon Task
Force.
• Thompson Woods Subcommittee Update: Carolyn Mahan
Carolyn reported the fence at Thompson Woods has been repaired and signs posted. Greg Roth
will be contacted to discuss a sign at this location to direct visitors to the other entrances. She
also answered questions about the history of the fence issues.
5. BUILDING FUND CAMPAIGN UPDATE
• Governmental Team Update: Rick Marboe
The committee discussed gathering letters to the Governor from local groups for a new
request packet. The Central PA Convention and Visitors Bureau and the school district have
both agreed to write letters. Molly has contacted school teachers who use the educational
services at the center to request letters and MJ Kitt from SCASD has provided a new letter
of support. Letters should focus on the economic development from this project, including
students and volunteers who get experience at the center, future staff to be employed, and
groups that have staff or volunteers who serve the center (such as the Easement
Monitoring Team at ClearWater Conservancy). Hand-written thank you notes should be
sent to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the DCED Secretary to thank them for the
Governors Excellence award received yesterday.
• Staff Parking Area Construction (labor c/o College Twp): Molly Hetrick
Molly reported the staff parking area has been completed by College Township and signs
have been developed to direct visitors to the proper parking locations.
6. ADJOURNMENT Next Meeting: 21 May 08 at 4 PM at MMNC Barn
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