AGM 04-11-2013

FRIENDS OF THE FARM (P.E.I.) INC.

ANNUAL MEETING

Farm Centre, University Avenue

Monday, November 5, 2013

7 P.M.

1.        Call to Order

             Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. The presence of the Simmonds-MacEachern family and the MacLeod family was noted and they were welcomed to the meeting. The members of the Friends of the Farm Board were introduced.

2.        Approval of Agenda

            Kim Devine moved, Libby Martin seconded the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

3.        Approval of the minutes of the 2012 annual meeting, November 6, 2012.

            Connie MacKay Carr moved, Gertie Purdy  seconded the approval of the minutes of the previous annual meeting on November 6, 2012. Motion carried.

4.        Review of the years activities             

            LaneMacLaren, chair, reviewed the activities of the Friends of the Farm of the past year.  He reported that the Friends of the Farm Board met  monthly, with the exception of July and August, to carry on the business of the Friends of the Farm.  He highlighted the Crown Garden which was planted again this year, and he expressed appreciation to Doug MacDonald who volunteered considerable time to making sure the garden was planted and who arranged with thanks to VanKampen Nursery to obtain plants at half price.  The new initiative, Clean Up the Farm Day on May 11, 2013, was noted and recognized as a very successful day with good participation and result.

            Mr. MacLaren informed that Senator Catherine Callbeck planted a Linden tree in the Premier’s Grove on June 18,2013, before a gathering, to commemorate her time as Premier of Prince Edward Island.  A Memorial Bench in memory of Janice Simmonds was placed on the Trail in the middle of the Farm.  Board members supplied plants and created a garden at the bench for all to enjoy.

            “Soaring to New Heights” , a 2014 project of Friends of the Farm was announced and,thanks to being a recipient of a 2014 small grant, will take place in October 2014.  Thanks was expressed to Laura Lee Howard and committee for their work on this project.

            Noted as well is the website for the Friends of the Farm which is kept up to date thanks to Connie MacKay Carr.

5.        Financial Report                                       

Nora Jenkins, Secretary Treasurer, circulated the financial statement  for the year April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.  This is the result of the Financial Review as conducted by Doug Ezaerd CA of the Accounting firm, Arsenault, Best Cameron Ellis and found to be in accordance with the Canadian accounting standards for not for profit organizations.

Nora Jenkins moved, Ken MacDonald seconded,  the acceptance of the Financial Statement as presented. Motion carried.

Nora Jenkins  moved, Ken MacDonald seconded  that Arsensault Best Cameron Ellis be asked to provide the financial review for the year April 1 2013 to March 31, 2014. Motion carried.

Nora Jenkins provided  information about the Janice Simmonds Memorial donations.  She expressed that  the Board of the Friends of the Farm was very thankful that the Friends of the Farm was remembered by Janice’s family in this way and have  been very thoughtful in the use of these donations. She informed that there was a  total of $3, 790.00 in the fund.  Of that $1850.00 has been spent on the memorial bench, and on the Janice Simmonds Award which includes the large award and 10 small presentation awards for the next  ten years leaving $1,840.00 in the fund for future special plans.

6.        Membership Report

            Gertie Purdy, Membership Chair, thanked members for support and reported that there are 359 on the list as members of the Friends of the Farm. She noted that the annual meeting marks the beginning of a new year and that memberships for the upcoming year are now due. Gertie Purdy moved, Steve Knechtel seconded the adoption of the membership report.  Motion carried.

7.        Nominating Committee Report          

            Chair, Lane MacLaren  presented the nomination report which informed that all present Board members are willing to serve another term. Mr MacLaren  called for nominations from the floor.  There being none, Lane MacLaren  moved, Ewen Stewart seconded  the adoption of the nominating report.  Motion carried.

 

8.        Presentation of the Janice Simmonds Award

            Lane MacLaren introduced the Janice Simmonds Award.  He thanked the members of the Simmonds/MacEachern family for their support and presence and also  family representative, Charles Coll, for the recipient, the late Lloyd MacLeod.  He explained that the Janice Simmonds Award was  established by the Friends of the Farm (PEI) Inc. to honour an individual, group, or agency who/which has made a significant contribution to the creation, protection, preservation, or management of public green spaces on Prince Edward Island, including but not limited to the land within the City of Charlottetown commonly referred to as “The Experimental Farm”.

                Henry Purdy was thanked for his artistic assistance in creating the award. Mr Purdy explained his concept for the award and the meaning.  The award was then crafted by MacAskills.  Board member, Roger Younker was thanked for his work on this project.

                Lane MacLaren then introduced the first recipient, the late Lloyd MacLeod, the founding chair of Friends of the Farm, advocate for green spaces and community contributor.

                Percy Simmonds presented the award to Charles Coll, son in law of Lloyd MacLeod, who received on behalf of the MacLeod family.

9.        Introduction of Guest Speaker           

            Laura Lee Howard introduced guest speaker, Bert Christie, who addressed the topic “The Charlottetown Experimental Farm: 100 years of Community Connection and Innovative Research”. Nora Jenkins thanked Bert Christie for his delightful and informative talk.   Appreciation was shown.

10.      Adjournment

            There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

 

Lane MacLaren                                                       Nora Jenkins

Chair                                                                          Secretary

 

October 8, 2013 Minutes

Friends of the Farm Board meeting

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Ravenwood Boardroom

 

Present:     Lane MacLaren, Nora Jenkins, Doug MacDonald, Connie Mackay Carr, Laura Lee Howard, Sylvia Poirier, Libby Martin,

Regrets:    Kim Devine, Roger Younker, Gertie Purdy, Ken MacDonald, Catherine Hennessey

 

1.        Call to Order

Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order.

 

2.Approval of the agenda

Connie MacKay Carr moved, Libby Martin seconded the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

 

3.      Approval of minutes of September 10, 2013

Doug MacDonald moved, Sylvia Poirier seconded the approval of the minutes of September 10, 2013.  Motion carried.

 

   4.      Financial Report

Nora Jenkins reported that $1750.00 of the $3,790.00 in the Janice Simmonds Memorial Fund has been spent.  The current bank balance is $5,083.11.

 

5.   Business Arising from Minutes

·         Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held at the Farm Centre on Monday, November 4, 2013 at 7 pm.  The guest speaker will Bert Christie who will describe the research work carried out over the 100 year history of the Farm.

Laura Lee Howard will places notices in the Guardian and the Buzz.

Laura Lee will do a picture presentation to be shown as people gather.

Nora Jenkins and Gertie Purdy will send notice of the meeting to members.

The Janice Simmonds award will be presented.  Lane will make the presentation and Henry Purdy is to be asked to describe the design of the award.

Nora Jenkins will invite the Simmonds family to attend and for Percy Simmonds to make the presentation.  Nora Jenkins will invite Lloyd MacLeod’s family to attend and accept the award on his behalf.  Nora will also invite the MacEachern family.

Lane will introduce the guest speaker, Bert Christie and Nora Jenkins will thank Bert and also Henry Purdy for his considerable help with the Janice Simmonds Memorial.

Roger Younker to have the Award ready for presentation with the name engraved and also the small award. 

The Guardian is to be booked for a picture of the presentation.

Lane MacLaren presented a draft agenda and it was reviewed.

 

·         Crown Garden Clean Up

Doug MacDonald and Lane MacLaren will do the fall clean up of the Crown Garden in late October.

 

·         2014 Provincial Project Update

Laura Lee Howard reported that she is working on the required “special event” insurance for “Soaring to New Heights”.  Quotes are being received and assessed to make sure the insurance meets the requirement of 2014 and of Ag Canada.  Laura Lee will continue to liaise with Wayne Riley of Ag Canada Research.

 

 

 

·         Senator Callbeck Tree Plaque

Connie MacKay Carr reported that she has confirmed that the tree planted by Senator Callbeck is a Little Leaf Linden.  Connie is in the process of having the plaque made for the tree.  Connie also informed that she has a print of the Royal Crown Garden framed and given to Van Dampen Nursery as thanks for their support.

                                   

 

6.   New Business

·         Changes to the Board

It is expected that the present Board of Directors will renew their term for another year.  There will be a motion at the annual meeting which will include a call from nominations from the floor.

·         Friends of the Farm Membership list

Libby Martin moved, Sylvia Poirier seconded that the names of the Friends of the Farm membership, as maintained by the membership chair and is with Island Nature Trust staff for the purpose of communication, will be used for Friends of the Farm business only. Motion carried.

 

            Adjournment and date of next meeting

 

           There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

 

The date of the next meeting is the annual meeting on November 4, 2013.

 

The Board will meet for a Christmas social at the home of Libby Martin, a date to be confirmed.  Thursday, December 5 being a possible date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Lane MacLaren                                               Nora Jenkins

            Chair                                                               Secretary

September 10, 2013 Minutes

Minutes

Friends of the Farm Board meeting

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Ravenwood Boardroom

 

Present:     Lane MacLaren, Nora Jenkins, Gertie Purdy, Ken MacDonald, Doug MacDonald, Catherine Hennessey, Connie Mackay Carr, Laura Lee Howard, Sylvia Poirier,

Regrets:    Libby Martin, Kim Devine, Roger Younker

 

1.        Call to Order

Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order.

 

2.Approval of the agenda

Catherine Hennessey moved, Ken MacDonald seconded the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

 

3.      Approval of minutes of May 30, 2013           

Ken MacDonald  moved, Doug MacDonald  seconded the approval of the minutes of May 30, 2013.  Motion carried.

 

   4.      Financial Report

Nora Jenkins presented the Financial Review of the Friends of the Farm for the year April 1, 2012 to March 31 2013 as prepared by Doug Ezeard.

Nora Jenkins moved, Gertie Purdy seconded that the Review be approved. Motion carried.

Nora Jenkins reported the bill for the Janice Simmons Award was paid from the memorial funds.

 

5.   Business Arising from Minutes

·         Janice Simmonds Award

The Award was displayed and received very favorable comment as did the small presentation award.  It was suggested that a small wooden plaque similar to the McAskill plaque on the back be placed on the front each year with the name of the recipient.

Sylvia Poirier moved, Laura Lee Howard seconded that ten small presentation awards be made and kept for future years. Motion carried.

The first recipient will be Lloyd MacLeod and it will be presented at the annual meeting.

It was agreed that a gift certificate be given to Henry Purdy to thank him for his work on the Award. This will be presented at the Annual.

The Board is to consider where the Award will be placed.

·         Annual Meeting

It was agreed that Lane MacLaren would speak to Bert Christie to invite Bert to speak on the research done on the Farm over the years.  It is possible that he invite Leith Thompson to speak with him.

Tentative dates are November 4, 5 or the following week.

The Farm Centre is the suggested venue

·         Memorial Bench and Crown Garden Maintenance

Doug MacDonald informed that the plants will need to be removed in the fall.

It was suggested that a framed picture of the Garden to given to VanKampens as a thank you for their support. Connie MacKay Carr agreed to get the picture done.

Lane MacLaren reported that he was required to sign a document entitled: “License of Occupation” for the purpose of maintaining the Royal Crown Flower Bed at the Crops and Livestock Research Centre situated in the City of Charlottetown, PEI. The purpose is to remove any liability on the part of Ag Canada.

 

·         Senator Callbeck Tree

It was agreed that there was a good turn out and a very positive tree planting.  Senator Callbeck was very pleased and made very supportive comments. A type of Linden was planted.

6.   New Business

·         Laura Lee Howard informed that a Contribution Agreement needed to be signed and returned to the 2014 Celebration office.  Insurance fort he event was noted as a question and Laura Lee will speak with Wayne Riley of Ag Canada.

The date for the Soar to New Heights is tentatively October 11, or 12, 2014.

 

7.Adjournment and date of next meeting

 

           There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 1:15 pm in the Ravenwood Boardroom.

 

 

 

 

            Lane MacLaren                                               Nora Jenkins

            Chair                                                               Secretary

May 30, 2013 Minutes

Minutes

Friends of the Farm Board meeting

Monday, May 30, 2013 4 pm

Ravenwood Boardroom

 

Present:     Lane MacLaren, Nora Jenkins, Gertie Purdy, Ken MacDonald, Doug MacDonald, Kim Devine, Catherine Hennessey, Connie Mackay Carr, Roger Younker,

Regrets:    Laura Lee Howard, Sylvia Poirier, Libby Martin,

 

  1. Call to Order

Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order.

 

2.Approval of the agenda

Connie MacKay Carr moved, Catherine Hennessey seconded the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

 

3.      Approval of minutes of May 6, 2013

Roger Younker moved, Ken MacDonald  seconded the approval of the minutes of May 6, 2013.  Motion carried.

 

4.      Financial Report

Nora Jenkins reported a bank balance of $6,261.12.  She reported that the books have been delivered to Doug Ezeard of Arsenault, Cameron, Best and Eillis for the annual financial review.

 

  1. Business Arising from Minutes of April May 6, 2013
  • Clean Up the Farm Day

Lane MacLaren thanked Nora Jenkins for the idea and to all who came out to help. It was an excellent morning with a good turn out of 30 people. It is hoped that this will be an annual activity.  The hedgerow that runs parallel to University Avenue is filled with garbage and requires a good cleaning with many hands.

  • Memorial Bench

Connie MacKay Carr reported that she and Libby have planted perennials which were obtained from Ken MacDonald.  Bruce Bennett supplied compost and soil. There is a second concrete slab on which the City may place a second bench.  Connie noted that the garbage can could be improved.  Nora Jenkins has let the Simmonds family know of the bench. Pictures may be taken and sent to the family at a later date.

  • Crown Garden

Doug MacDonald reported that Van Kampen’s will supply 1600 plants at the same cost as last year.  Planting will take place after the 8th of June.

The Friends of the farm are responsible to maintain the Royal Crown.  A schedule was set.

June                                        Lane MacLaren

First 2 weeks of July               Connie MacKay Carr

Last 2 weeks of July               Roger Younker

First 2 weeks of August          Ken MacDonald

Last 2 weeks of August          Nora Jenkins

  • Senator Callbeck Tree

Lane MacLaren contacted Senator Catherine Callbeck to arrange for a photo of her tree planting. She is very willing to come to the Farm and Lane will arrange a date.  Lane will check on the tree and Connie will have the sign made.

  • 2014 Celebration

Word has been received that the Friends of the Farm will be a recipient of $2,000.00 from the 2014 Commission for “Soaring to New Heights”.  Laura Lee Howard will chair a subcommittee to plan the event and members of the committee are Connie MacKay Carr and Kim Devine.  Thanks to Laura Lee for this initiative.

 

  1. New Business
  • Annual Meeting

It was agreed that the annual meeting would be in the fall and that the Board think of guest speakers.

 

7.     Adjournment and date of next meeting

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

The date of the next meeting is at the call of the Chair.

 

 

 

 

Lane MacLaren                                               Nora Jenkins

Chair                                                               Secretary

May 6, 2013 Minutes

Minutes

Friends of the Farm Board meeting

Monday, May 6, 2013 1:15 pm

Ravenwood Boardroom

Present:     Lane MacLaren, Libby Martin, Sylvia Poirier, Nora Jenkins, Gertie Purdy, Ken MacDonald, Doug MacDonald

Regrets:    Kim Devine, Catherine Hennessey, Laura Lee Howard, Connie Mackay Carr, Roger Younker

  1. Call to Order

Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order

 

2.Approval of the agenda

Sylvia Poirier moved, Gertie Purdy seconded the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

 

3.      Approval of minutes of April 22, 2013

Sylvia Poirier moved, Doug MacDonald seconded the approval of the minutes of April 22, 2013.  Motion carried.

 

4.      Financial Report

Nora Jenkins reported a bank balance of $6,191.47.  She reported that the books are ready for annual financial review and this will be arranged.

 

  1. Business Arising from Minutes of April 22, 2013
  • Memorial Bench

It was suggested that the second concrete pad be moved. Nora Jenkins has not contacted the family as yet.

  • Senator Callbeck Tree

Lane MacLaren will contact Senator Callbeck to arrange for a photo of her tree planting.

 

  1. New Business
  • Clean Up the Farm Day

Letters were emailed or mailed to all members informing of the Clean Up the Farm Day and this was on the City and the Friends of the Farm website.

Doug MacDonald obtained garbage bags from the Women’s Institute.

The City will pick up the garbage bags along the Trail.

Doug MacDonald informed the Research Station of the activity.

  • Royal Crown Garden

Doug MacDonald offered to begin planning for the planting of the Royal Garden and will make arrangements.  Van Kampen’s have been generously supportive in the past .

The Friends of the Farm will be responsible for the maintenance of the Crown Garden.

Gertie Purdy moved, Libby Martin seconded that the Royal Crown be planted and Doug MacDonald is authorized to begin this activity.

Motion carried.

 

7.     Adjournment and date of next meeting

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

The date of the next meeting is at the call of the Chair.

 

 

 

Lane MacLaren                                               Nora Jenkins

Chair                                                               Secretary

March 25, 2013 Minutes

Minutes

Friends of the Farm Board meeting

Monday, March 25, 2013 1:15 pm

Ravenwood  Boardroom

Present:   Lane MacLaren, Catherine Hennessey, Laura Lee Howard, Connie Mackay Carr, Libby Martin, Sylvia Poirier, Nora Jenkins

Regrets:   Kim Devine, Gertie Purdy, Ken MacDonald, Doug MacDonald, Roger Younker

  1. Call to Order

Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order

 

  1. Approval of the agenda

Sylvia Poirier moved, Laura Lee Howard seconded the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

 

3.      Approval of minutes of February 15, 2013

Connie MacKay Carr moved, Libby Martin seconded the approval of the minutes of February 15, 2013.  Motion carried.

 

4.      Financial Report

Nora Jenkins reported a bank balance of $6,197.22.

A plant was given to Barb at Island Nature Trust as a thank you for support to the Friends.

 

  1.    Business Arising from Minutes of February 15, 2013
  • Membership

Nora Jenkins reported for Gertie Purdy that there are 6 more memberships paid and that the booth at the farmer’s Market was very worthwhile.  Thanks to Laura Lee Howard and Gertie Purdy.

  • Janice Simmonds Award and planning for presentations.

Nora Jenkins reported that she and Roger are meeting to plan the framed presentation and will present information as soon as available.

It was agreed that the presentation be early June. It will be outdoors at Ravenwood, weather permitting with the Farm Centre as the site in case of rain.

 

 

  • 2014 Celebration

Laura Lee Howard reported that she submitted a proposal to 2014 Celebrations along with letters of support.  It is called Soaring to New Heights  …. Kite Flying on the Farm.  Laura Lee reported support from the Library at UPEI with $300.00, support from the Newcomers Assoc, Parks Canada and Wayne Riley of the Research Station.

Thanks was expressed to Laura Lee for her work on the proposal.

 

  1.    New Business

No new business was brought forward.

 

7.     Adjournment and date of next meeting

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

The date of the next meeting of the Board of the Friends of the Farm is

Monday April 22, 2013

1:15 pm

 

 

 

 

Lane MacLaren                                            Nora Jenkins

Chair                                                              Secretary

February 15, 2013 Minutes

Minutes

Friends of the Farm

Board meeting

1 pm

Friday, February 15, 2013

Ravenwood Boardroom

 

Present:   Laura Lee Howard, Connie MacKay Carr, Gertie Purdy, Catherine Hennessey, Libby Martin, Roger Younker, and Doug MacDonald.

Regrets:   Nora Jenkins, Lane MacLaren, Sylvia Poitier, Kim Devine, Ken MacDonald

  1. Call to Order

Acting Chair, Doug MacDonald called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.

2. Approval of the agenda

Roger Younker moved, Laura Lee Howard seconded the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

 

3.      Approval of the minutes of January 16, 2013

An amendment to the minutes was put forward. Libby Martin moved, Gertie Purdy seconded the approval of the minutes of January 16, 2013 as revised. Motion carried.

 

4.      Financial Report

No report was presented due to the absence of Nora Jenkins.

 

5.   Business Arising from Minutes of January 16, 2013

  • Membership

Gertie Purdy reported that a letter was sent to the membership requesting renewal and including an update on activities.  To date about $500 worth of membership dues have been received.  Gertie and Laura Lee Howard will have a display at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday in an effort to recruit new members and collect renewals.

  • Janice Simmonds Award

Roger Younker visited Joe MacAskill to discuss the construction of the award designed by Henry Purdy.  The base will be raised one inch in order to include the phrase “Friends of the Farm”. The carved award should be ready by late April or early May.  It was decided that the individual receiving the award will be given a framed citation to keep. Roger Younker and Nora Jenkins will do up an example of what the citation could look like for review by the Board.

  • 2014

Laura Lee Howard contacted Wayne Riley of the Research Station to discuss ideas and a possible application for a 2014 Grant but has not had any reply as yet.

 

 

  1. New Business

 

  •   Meeting with Hon. Gail Shea

Doug MacDonald, Sylvia Poirier and Lane MacLaren attended a meeting with Minister Shea regarding the future of the Farm and ideas for 2014 celebrations.  There was a considerable and good discussion.

 

  1. Adjournment and date of next meeting

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

 

The date of the next meeting is Monday, March 25 at 1 15 pm at Ravenwood.

 

 

 

 

___________________________                                   _____________________

 

Lane MacLaren                                                                    Nora Jenkins

Chair                                                                                      Secretary

January 16, 2013 Minutes

Minutes

Friends of the Farm

Board meeting

1 pm

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Ravenwood Small Boardroom

 

Present:   Laura Lee Howard, Connie MacKay Carr, Gertie Purdy, Catherine Hennessey, Libby Martin, Sylvia Poitier, Roger Younker, Nora Jenkins, Lane MacLaren and Doug MacDonald.

Regrets:   Kim Devine, Ken MacDonald

  1. Call to Order

Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.

 

  1. Approval of the agenda

Sylvia Poitier moved, Catherine Hennessey seconded the approval of the agenda with the addition of the approval of the minutes of October 9, 2012. Motion carried.

 

3.      Approval of the minutes of October 9, 2012

Libby Martin moved, Laura Lee Howard seconded the approval of the   minutes of October 9, 2012. Motion carried.

 

4.      Financial Report

Nora Jenkins reported that the bank balance as of December 7, 2012 is $5,583.92. Of that $3,090.00 is the Janice Simmonds Memorial.  Further bills to be paid are $78.75 for rental of the Farm Centre for Friends of the Farm annual meeting and $173.40 for office expenses for 2012.

 

  1. Membership

Gertie Purdy reported a few memberships have been renewed for 2013.  She suggested that a letter be sent to the membership requesting renewal and also updating members.  Nora Jenkins agreed to assist with the letter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.      Business Arising from Minutes of October 9, 2012

  • Janice Simmonds Award

Roger Younker moved, Sylvia Poirier seconded that Friends of the Farm accept the proposed award designed by Henry Purdy and to be constructed by MacAskills, at an estimated cost of $452.92, to be the Janice Simmonds Memorial Award.

It was agreed that the award would be displayed in a prominent place, likely Ravenwood.  The description would be attached and displayed and be visible. It was also agreed that the name “Friends of the Farm” be visible.

The time for presentation would be spring and the date will be picked at the February meeting.

Two ideas were presented to be the small gift which would be given to the recipient.  One could be a picture of the award and the criteria which would be mounted. The second a framed picture of Ravenwood done by Clair Perry.

It was agreed that the decision would be made at the February meeting.

Connie MacKay Carr moved, Doug MacDonald seconded the approval of the criteria of the Janice Simmonds award which were circulated in November.  Motion carried.

Nora Jenkins agreed to investigate the cost and doing of the first suggestion.

 

  • Memorial Bench

The Memorial Bench has been bought and will be installed in the spring. It was agreed that there would be planting around the bench and this will be arranged with Nancy McMinn of Parks with the City.

 

  • Website update

Connie MacKay Carr  informed that she welcomes any information for the website.

 

  • 2014

Doug MacDonald informed and circulated information regarding a 2014 Farm Centre proposal.

Doug will send a letter of support from the Friends of the Farm to the Farm Centre.

Ideas were discussed regarding a 2014 project for the Friends of the Farm, the goal being to create activity on the Farm, possibly a Kite Flying Day.

Laura Lee Howard agreed to contact Wayne Riley with the Research station to discuss ideas and a possible application for a  2014 Grant.  She will bring information to the February meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. New Business
  • Report of meeting with Gayle Arsenault

Lane MacLaren reported on a meeting with Dr Maria Rodriguez, Gayle Arensault, Wayne Riley, Doug MacDonald and himself.

In the meeting Dr Rodriguez expressed support for the Friends of the Farm initiatives.  She reinforced that the Farm is a worksite and also that all concerns should be brought to Gayle Arensault or herself.

She informed that there is a two year lease with the Coast Guard for a building on the property and that there will be a fence around the building.

It was agreed that the Farm staff would continue to plant the Royal       Crown and the Friends of the Farm maintain.

It was agreed that it was a positive meeting.

 

 

 

  1. Adjournment and date of next meeting

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

 

The date of the next meeting is Monday, February 4 at 1 15 pm at Ravenwood.

 

 

 

 

___________________________                                   _____________________

 

Lane MacLaren                                                                    Nora Jenkins

Chair                                                                                      Secretary

AGM 06-11-2012

FRIENDS OF THE FARM (P.E.I.) INC.

ANNUAL MEETING

Farm Centre, University Avenue

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

7 P.M.

1. Call to Order

Acting Chair, Lane MacLaren called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Lloyd MacLeod, Honourary Chair, and Bert Christie, past Board member, were recognized.

2. Approval of Agenda

Kim Devine moved, Bert Christie the approval of the agenda. Motion carried.

3. Approval of the minutes of the 2011 annual meeting, November 21, 2011.

Sylvia Poirier moved, Libby Martin seconded the approval of the minutes of the previous annual meeting on November 21, 2011. Motion carried.

4. Review of the years activities

Lane Mac Laren, acting chair, reviewed the activities of the Friends of the Farm of the past year. He highlighted the Crown Garden which was planted again this year, and he expressed appreciation to Doug MacDonald who volunteer’s considerable time to making sure the garden is planted and who arranges with VanKampen Nursery to obtain plants at half price. It was pointed out that staff of the Experimental Farm plant the Crown Garden but do not maintain and that volunteers with Friends of the Farm will need to do this another year.

Mr MacLaren noted the presentation which was organized in the spring for the public with Kevin Garvey about early and present day apple growing on Prince Edward Island with particular note on the apple orchard that stood on the Experimental Farm.

Noted as well is the revamped website for the Friends of the Farm which is kept up to date thanks to Connie MacKay Carr. And that there have been meetings with the City of Charlottetown, management of the Research Station and the Hon. Gail Shea with the purpose to continue to advocate for the Farms future as green space.

 

5. Financial Report

Nora Jenkins, Secretary Treasurer, circulated the financial report/review for the year April 2011 – March 2012. Nora Jenkins moved, Lloyd MacLeod seconded, the adoption of the financial review as presented by the accountant firm of Arsenault, Best, Cameron and Ellis. Motion carried. Nora Jenkins moved, Sylvia Mulligan seconded that Arsenault, Best, Cameron and Ellis be the accountants for the financial review for the Friends of the Farm for the year April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Motion carried.

6. Membership Report

Gertie Purdy, Membership Chair, thanked members for support and reported that there are 340 members of the Friends of the Farm. Gertie Purdy moved, Doug MacDonald seconded the adoption of the membership report. Motion carried.

7. Nominating Committee Report

Sylvia Poirier presented the nomination report: Chair Lane MacLaren, Vice Chair Doug MacDonald and board member to fill vacancy, Laura Lee Howard. Ms. Poirier called for nominations from the floor. There being none, she moved, Roger Younker seconded the adoption of the nominating report.

8. Remembering Janice Simmonds

Lane MacLaren paid tribute and made remembrance of Janice Simmonds, Board Chair, who passed away on Monday, May 28. He noted that Janice displayed a strong passion for the Charlottetown Experimental Farm property and continued to contribute as board chair during her illness. Mr. MacLaren expressed Janice’s love for the environment which went beyond the farm property, that she truly loved the outdoors, fresh air and open green spaces.

The love Janice showed for nature was very strong, however her love for family and friends was by far her greatest passion. The Simmonds/ MacEachern families have lost a cherished family member. As we move forward together it will be important to remember Janice and draw inspiration from her as we continue in our daily lives. Janice’s dedication, passion and positive attitude will continue to motivate our board members as our work continues”.

Mr. MacLaren then announced that The Friends of the Farm Board have decided to establish “The Janice Simmonds Memorial Award” . This award along with the memorial bench, which will be placed on Confederation Trail on the Farm, are made possible by donations made to the Janice Simmonds Memorial Fund. The award is being designed by Friends of the Farm member and artist, Henry Purdy, and will be presented in the spring 2013. Criteria for the award was circulated and is as follows:

 

Janice Simmonds Award

An award established by the Friends of the Farm (PEI) Inc. to honour an individual, group, or agency who/which has made a significant contribution to the creation, protection, preservation, or management of public green spaces on Prince Edward Island, including but not limited to the land within the City of Charlottetown commonly referred to as “The Experimental Farm”.

Purpose

To support the work of individuals or groups who are involved in the creation, protection, preservation, or management of public green spaces on Prince Edward Island

To recognize outstanding efforts and advocacy which have resulted in the creation, protection, preservation, or management of public green spaces on Prince Edward Island

To encourage award recipients and others to continue their efforts to enhance the importance and benefits of public green spaces for the people and the natural environment of Prince Edward Island

Potential Recipients

Individuals or groups who have successfully lobbied or advocated with government bodies for the establishment or preservation of pubic green spaces

Individuals or groups who have raised the public consciousness regarding the importance and value of green spaces through programs or publicity efforts

Individuals or groups who have done research or written documentation related to existing or potential public green spaces and/or to the value and importance of green spaces to the public and to the natural heritage of Prince Edward Island

9. Introduction of Guest Speaker

Kim Devine introduced guest speaker, Catherine Hennessey, who addressed the topic Ravenwood – An Early Estate, A Place in History, A Local Treasure with pictures, much historical information and good wit. Doug MacDonald thanked Ms. Hessessey for sharing her considerable knowledge on the topic. Appreciation was shown.

10. Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting adjourned.

 

Lane MacLaren Nora Jenkins

Chair Secretary

 

AGM – Notes, November 2012

The annual meeting of the Friends of the Farm was held at the Farm Centre, University Avenue on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. The guest speaker for the meeting was Charlottetown historian and Friends of the Farm board member, Catherine Hennessey.  Her topic was Ravenwood- An Early Estate, A place in History, A Local Treasure.
 
Pictured with Catherine Hennessey above is Doug MacDonald, Vice Chair, Kim Devine who introduced Catherine and Lane MacLaren,Chair of the Board of the Friends of the Farm. They are joined as board members by Gertie Purdy, Roger Younker, Connie MacKay- Carr, Libby Martin, Laura Lee Howard, Sylvia Poirier, Ken MacDonald  and Nora Jenkins.  Lloyd MacLeod is honourary chair.  Mr. MacLeod and his family were the last residents of Ravenwood and Mr. MacLeod was in attendance at the meeting.
 
The Janice Simmonds Award was announced at the meeting. This award will be made annually  to honour an individual, group, or agency who/which has made a significant contribution to the creation, protection, preservation, or management of public green spaces on Prince Edward Island.  The award will be made in the spring.
 
It was also announced that a bench will be placed on Confederation Trail on the Farm in Janice Simmond’s memory.  Janice was the chair of the Friends of the Farm at the time of her passing, May 28, 2012 and a long time board member who treasured the Experimental Farm and who had a passion and love of the environment.  The award and the memorial bench are made possible by donations made to the Janice Simmonds memorial.