In attendance (in alphabetical order): Stephen Baker, Jane Connor, Janet Crystal (scribe), Karsten Hartel, Gerry Kaye, Ellen Mass, Oakes Plimpton, Marj Rines

Initial introductions were made.

Generally the discussions were around goals of the nascent organization. Topics of discussion included:

The name--Menotomy Bird Club
• Will/does the name "bird club" limit the organization's activities? If birding is seen in the larger context, it can cover a lot of activities
• Do we want to incorporate the words “natural history” in the club's name? No, interest in birds and bird habitats can be linked directly to natural history.  Birds and Birding is  a big enough domain.
• Although the overall emphasis will be on birds and birding, the intention of the organization is NOT to exclude other activities.
• Marj wanted to make sure that we don't get caught up in politics/political implications, especially around topics like "open spaces."
• Janet wanted to make sure that beginners, children and adults, would not be made to feel uncomfortable, that they would be welcomed and that there would be activities to encourage them in their interests

Marj read from statement that she had written that could be used as a “Mission Statement:”
"Menotomy Bird Club is an association of people interested in birds and birding in the Mystic Valley Watershed, in particular the areas in and around Arlington. We recognize that birds cannot exist without a natural framework and our activities include any natural history lectures or field trips. Our members have many diverse areas of expertise, including plants, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, fish, mammals, and, of course, birds. We encourage every member to share this expertise."

Definition/Description of Physical Boundaries
• How closely/carefully do we want to define the region/area that the bird club will cover?
• Do we want to list towns, use the word 'region' (i.e., Arlington region) to define the club's boundaries?
• Does the word Menotomy describe well enough the area of focus for the organization?
• Stephen stated, "Who we are is an outgrowth of the Arlington list-serve."

Incorporation and/or signing releases for activities
• There was some concern about liability during bird club activities and would releases be needed? No, not initially but it is a concern to bear in mind in the future.
• Would incorporation be necessary? No, not immediately. Oakes was adamantly against incorporation. Others felt the cost was not necessary at this point in the club's life. . 

Discussion of Committee for Trips/Activities/Programs
• Marj suggested a smaller group be created to plan and schedule the acitivites for the organization. Sub-committees will propose “indoor” and “outdoor” programs for the full committee to review and approve. 
• Membership would drive the organization's activities
• We should solicit feedback from the Arlington list-serve about what kinds of activities they would like to participate in

Two Specific Goals were suggested/outlined
• Trips (outdoor activities including, but not limited to, bird walks)
• Social Events/Gatherings around Lectures (indoor activities including, but not limited to, slide shows)
There was some discussion around the use of the word “education” for the activities. A suggestion was made that Indoor/Outdoor Activities would more broadly cover the two major types of activities taking place. Meetings would be periodically though initially not tied to any fixed schedule.

How the Steering Committee will communicate with each other: Using Stephen's statement that we are an outgrowth of the Arlington list-serve, we agreed to use electronic media, particularly the list-serves to communicate. Marj would create a new list-serve, called the Menotomy list-serve, to allow the Steering Committee members to review these minutes, respond to them and to communicate with each other to reduce the number of face-to-face meetings. We also agreed to post events in local papers.

Membership and Annual Dues: Marj suggested that for 2003 no membership dues would be required. She wrote, "For 2003, membership dues are free. Simply complete and return the membership form. Donations for refreshments at meetings are not turned away."

• Stephen wanted to know how we would be able to pay honoraria to speakers if there were no dues.

 Other Items

• The next meeting of the Club will be on March 12, 2003 at a place TBD, probably a local library. It will be a slide show, but you can brings books if you want!
• Marj has offered to be the webmaster for the Menotomy site.
• Marj offered to lead a Woodcock Walk as a first activity for the club, probably sometime after March 11, 2003.
• Marj and Karsten offered to put together some trip ideas.