Hi Tom,
Would you let the Association know that the stunning place they live right next to would love their involvement? I'm forwarding the letter to you, if you could share, either by forwarding or placing on WEHA's website.
Thanks very much. How did the meeting go? We are trapped in MD waiting for the storm and clogged roads......
Regards,
Gail
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chancey, Marla L. <Marla.L.Chancey@dep.state.fl.us>
Date: Fri, Sep 14, 2018, 5:04 PM
Subject: Do you have what it takes to be a Friend to the Crystal River State Parks-I know you do
To:
Dear Volunteers:
Often, if you don’t know-you can’t care, right?
I know that each one of you care, because you have shown commitment and dedication to the volunteer program.
I wanted to share with you a message from the Friends crafted by our very own published author and Vice President of the Friends of the Crystal River State Parks, Mike Petellat in order to provide an overview of accomplishments and future volunteer involvement needs.
Since January of 2018 The Friends have funded and coordinated the following:
- Modernized membership management purchasing Wild Apricot Membership Software
- Established a website, with a special “Members Only” section (www.FriendsCRSP.org)
- Refurbished the historic Kodawood chair and added a hand carved side table for the Archaeological site museum building.
- Coordinated installation and tinting of the windows at the Museum building, protecting the integrity of the artifacts and conserving energy costs.
- Upgraded layout and equipment at the Preserve meeting room-Installed cabinetry, a sink, flat screen TV, sound bar and a HD DVD player.
- Attended numerous Chamber of Commerce events and networked with key businesses.
- Joined the Friends of the Florida State Parks foundation.
- Professionalization of image acquiring and funding CSO (Citizen Support Organization) business cards, membership brochures, donation envelopes and logo T-Shirts.
- Continued support of the Eco-Heritage boat tours (funding captains’ salaries and boat maintenance costs.)
- Replacement of binoculars for use by passengers on the boat tours.
- Provided a refrigerator for CSO event storage (sunset tours)
- Co-funded interpretive panels at the Archaeological site and Yulee Sugarmill Ruins.
And much more…(metal recycling, donation of Halloween supplies to Homosassa, volunteer appreciation support items…)
The Friends work to find new ways to support the Crystal River State Parks, and while the challenges are great, the rewards for our visitors and volunteers are greater. The Park Service is about giving a low cost /high value experience with nature and the cultural resources of this great state.
Next year can be an exciting time, but we need your help. Your experience can make for greater efficiency in reaching our goals.
If you are computer savvy, or an organizer, a planner, a naturalist, a writer, a networker, or a nature photographer we can put your skills to good use.
New volunteer involvement is needed to:
-Create and conduct new programming for park visitors (hikes, walks, talks and tours)
-Be part of a committee focusing on modernization of exhibits and improvements to the Archaeolgoical Site museum building .
-Improve park hiking/biking trail amenities (we have 5 separate trailheads and 17 miles of trails)
-Fund or fundraising to offer tram tours on the seven-mile loop trail.
In the next month the Nominating committee will be contacting you to determine if you or someone you know can help with our needs.
We don’t want much, just the best-and many of you -are without question some of the best volunteers in the state park system.
If you are interested in offering to serve on the Friends board, or get involved beyond your current commitments by joining the friends or being part of the future of the parks-just send a note or have a conversation with one of the Friends members on the nominating committee.
Mike Petellat
352-697-0973
or
Marla Chancey
(352) 302-8997 (TEXT or call)
or
Gail Kostelnik
352-586-3388