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Post by gregobrien on May 23, 2011 15:02:53 GMT -5
Tom Hedden has dutifully stepped up to the plate as Vice President to oversee the next meeting. At this point, I'm sure everyone is in agreement that NJTLC is experiencing some severe growing pains.
To keep the coalition strong and people involved, it would be good for NJTLC to focus on projects, initiatives, and other matters that are meaningful to our membership WHATEVER they may be.
This thread is a place to post you own ideas and suggestions in preparation for the June agenda since the agenda should reflect the desires and intent of the coalition as a whole.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE PLACE TO ARGUE ABOUT RECENT OR PAST EVENTS. IT WOULD ALSO BE HELPFUL IF WE ALL FOCUS ON *ONLY* MAKING SUGGESTIONS ON WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE NJTLC GO FROM HERE... DO NOT COMMENT OR CRITICIZE OTHER POSTS WITHIN THIS THREAD - ANY SUCH POSTS MAY BE DELETED.
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Post by medfordpiney on May 23, 2011 15:30:15 GMT -5
I would like to some sort of remediation or beautification project, something low impact, high to somewhat highly visible or minimally visible to users of all sorts within Wharton.
What comes to mind to me would be something within the larger and less susceptible to vandalism, closed down campsites, like Goshen Pond or any other one. Somewhere where we might be able to place a small sign, it could even be a small wooden sign that was craved with a router. “This native plant garden donated by the NJTLC” , “This campground maintained by NJTLC”
Maybe something we could include Cub Scout groups from some of the townships within the Pines. (early education)
Maybe something near or around the canoe launches or at batso or Atsion.
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brad
New Member
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Post by brad on May 23, 2011 15:59:19 GMT -5
I would like to do remediation at 1/4 mile.
I would love to see njn and the press of ac there also.
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Post by HamiltonLJ on May 23, 2011 17:30:54 GMT -5
I would like to see an educational flier put together with input from all the user groups!
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oji
New Member
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Post by oji on May 23, 2011 21:03:20 GMT -5
I think we should have a get together where everyone can talk without an agenda. Several groups brainstorming and sharing ideas and thoughts.
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Post by medfordpiney on May 23, 2011 21:22:03 GMT -5
I would like to see an educational flier put together with input from all the user groups! Like some Do's and Don'ts when you come across other types of users!!!! Like... When on my "motorized" bike and I come across people hiking or pedaling, I always slow down and putt by just above idle and always say hello and wave. Then put some distance in-between before I accelerate and do it in a very slow rate to keep the motor noise down. When coming across 4 wheeled vehicles I again slow down to just above idle and yield the right of way to them, if I come up behind them, I will ride behind and wait for them to wave me past. Horses..... pull over, let everyone else know to slow down and pull to the side of the road/trail, I take off my helmet and say hi. Let them get some distance after they pass and slowly pull away without a heavy throttle.. |
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Post by tomhedden on May 24, 2011 8:45:52 GMT -5
Check the Flier thread, Greg is now talking about 2 different pieces:
1. A folding brochure with the "boilerplate" about who we are, some photos and contact info
2. An informational hand-out with details like Medfordpiney is talking about
I believe Vic is now involved as well and they're using some of the ideas from Muck and Trailhead.
I think we still need photos... Ideas?
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Post by jag5119 on May 24, 2011 9:35:26 GMT -5
So I haven't heard anybody talk about this yet, but it has been on my mind. Any undertakings that are done by this group will probably mean some type of funding, just look at that possible cost of the brochures they are talking about. Does the NJTLC have any system in place to handle money, i.e. a set treasurer.
And if so, shouldn't there be a general discussion about how to raise money. I know that fundraising is a massive undertaking but shouldn't this be something that needs to be addressed.
Furthermore, any fundraising event will give the NJTLC a great opertunity to educate the publec.
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Post by tneigel on May 24, 2011 9:53:39 GMT -5
A one color 6x9 double sided flyer could cost $100 for 500 copies.
The trend could continue where 'group earned' or 'donated money' goes to the general pot for these expenses.
Anything getting close to official is not desired as it can have org or tax implications.
At events a donation can can be on the table for donations.
Suggestions from other small clubs or groups is requested, on how or who holds the money?
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Post by medfordpiney on May 24, 2011 11:22:57 GMT -5
I would like to do remediation at 1/4 mile. I would love to see njn and the press of ac there also. That would be a nice project, if only as a start there, even if no more then people with shovels and racks to knock down some berms and regrade some of the trails/roads... a good way for the park police/ranger to see the amount of traffic going thru. All that would take is an OK by the Super and a few hours of hard work. If we could get our hands on a bunch of seedlings or a donation from one of the "native plant" nursuries in the area we could selectively replant some areas. Basically the same thing I was thinking in my post about cleaning up camping areas and trailheads. donations of native plants and some mulch, contain it will downed trees or something. Maybe a blueberry grower might be kind enough to donate a few bushes also. |
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Post by tomhedden on May 24, 2011 11:34:00 GMT -5
MP and Brad: Can you guys coordinate and make this 1/4 Mile remediation happen? Let me know the date and I'll be there with a work crew. I think it makes a great second step for the project. I realize we're not reaching out to the PC for approval on this and if anyone wants to weigh in, feel free. I just think we need to adopt the Elvis strategy here, "A Little Less Conversation...". If you two can run point on this, let's do it! We'll need to run it all by Rob A., of course, but if we are knocking down berms and getting the grade back, that shouldn't ruffle any feathers.
Russ: Project advice would be very helpful here... Are there steps we can take that will encourage regrowth, dos and don'ts...?
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Post by medfordpiney on May 24, 2011 11:35:45 GMT -5
A one color 6x9 double sided flyer could cost $100 for 500 copies. The trend could continue where 'group earned' or 'donated money' goes to the general pot for these expenses. Anything getting close to official is not desired as it can have org or tax implications. At events a donation can can be on the table for donations. Suggestions from other small clubs or groups is requested, on how or who holds the money? I'm sure there are limts to stay under so that it would not be a liability in anyway. |
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Post by jag5119 on May 24, 2011 12:05:13 GMT -5
[quote author=medfordpiney board=general thread=208 I'm sure there are limts to stay under so that it would not be a liability in anyway. [/quote] Well, I did a quick Google search and I found the following link: www.thewatershed.org/images/uploads/SBMWA_tax_exempt.pdfIf you read through it you see that creating a Tax-exempt non-profit group is quite abit of work, and include a $500 fee. However, I did find this statement, "Organizations with incomes less than $5,000 per year are automatically considered tax-exempt by the federal government and do not need to file as a 501(c)(3)" Does that mean that as long as an organization does raise more than $5,000 then that organiztion does not need to be registered as a tax exempt non-profit group. |
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Post by tneigel on May 24, 2011 14:08:49 GMT -5
I wish it were easy. The easy way it to keep it informal.
Once you go down that other road, you'll see the complications pop-up. Then you have to register every year. If you sell stuff, I think its something like $5-600 hundred max before the tax implications. If you do become non-profit you have to do it by registering. Our finance person says if you do that, you better get insurance, and so on (or get off the board or any official capacity beforehand). NJtlc is not steady enough yet.
Examples of complexity in that very good description:
"MAIN DISADVANTAGE: The IRS limits a 501(c)(3)’s lobbying
abilities and other political activities."
"Before Your Organization Files
1. Find an Attorney. Contact a lawyer who can help your nonprofit.
Finding one who works pro bono will reduce costs."
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Post by tomhedden on May 24, 2011 15:50:27 GMT -5
If that 5K limit is true, we should be fine for now... I have an attorney I can confirm with. We're not running an event or anything, so cash flow won't get too big. Covering printing and ancillary expenses shouldn't come anywhere near that.
As I've been reaching out to different folks, it has come to light that some people have been shouldering costs for NJTLC on their own. As we go forward, a treasurer and a bank account would be good so we're not constantly leaning on the same member's kindness and generosity. Even youth sports teams have bank accounts, I know that's not a problem as far as "becoming official".
That brings the "positions to be filled in June" count to 4: Chair, Vice Chair, Assistant Secretary and Treasurer. It would be great to fill Russ' spot on the GC too, but we should take our time and make sure we have the right person. I still love Greg's idea about reaching out to the schools. Does anyone have a connection to the Rutgers Pinelands Field Station? If not, I'll shoot an email to the names on the web site.
I guess we'll need to think about amending the bylaws for the Treasurer spot... Assistant secretary can be informal.
Lots of good stuff here everyone, thanks!
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