Volunteers Meeting 15 March 2025
For a PDF of the minutes, a duplicate of the text below, that you can download/print click here.
The volunteer’s potluck and meeting were held from 11:30 to 1:30 at the Bella Vista Assembly of God Church gym, 1771 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista. Thanks to all the volunteers that brought such delicious food that was enjoyed by all and to the Assembly of God Church for hosting us.
This year is the 45th Anniversary of the Bella Vista Bluebird Society.
I. Thirty-six (35) members and their guests were in attendance: Darryl Beachy, Laura Claggett, Elaine Cobb and Garold Vanfosson, Helene and Keith Elliot, Kathy Evans, Tim Garton, Randy Hamm, Joyce and Charlie Harp, Denise and Jim Klinger, Julie Lanshe, Amy Lease, Cynthia Marshall, Bonnie Martineck, Ray Matkowski, Terri McClure, Nancy Ortman and Buddy Needham, George Pickell, Andy and Susan Pilkerton, Shari Reed, Mark Richardson, Buzz Schoenhard, Pat Schrad, Derek and Sheila Seacat, Jacqui Stockman, Butch Tetzlaff, Leon Wehmeyer, and Susan and Brian Woodruff.
II. After lunch, President Laura Claggett opened the meeting by informing the volunteers that bluebird information handouts and bird feeders were available for members to take, as well as bottles of diatomaceous earth (DE). The DE is food grade so it does not harm birds, but it does deter ants. It can be puffed under a nest, in the bottom of a box and/or on the ground at the base of the pole. We have found it to be very effective.
III. Laura asked members to thank or support TH Rogers as they generously donated 50 cedar boards worth about $1000 and have donated/discounted lumber for us for the past eight (8) years. Google Sheets for 2025 are ready and are available to use. Laura will be the roaming sub which will give her an opportunity to visit the trails more often. Al Melton has retired, and we need someone to replace him. Al was responsible for 66 boxes on the short trails. Laura will send an email to short trail monitors to let them know to contact her for now if help is needed and she will seek other trail bosses to help until we can replace Al.
IV. Butch Tetzlaff reported that he is working with the Ozark Bird Conservatory on avian research which includes Eastern Bluebirds and owls. In addition, they also do public outreach aimed to inspire a deeper appreciation for birds and their habitats. More information can be obtained from Butch at The Bluebird Shed or online at ozarkbirdconservancy.org.
V. Jacqui Stockman mentioned that Adopt A Highway litter clean-up will be held on Saturday March 29th from 10 to11 AM. BVBBS volunteers can meet at Trafalgar and 71. Vests, bags and pickers are provided. The BVBBS is responsible for 1 mile on Rt 71 from Lancashire to Trafalgar. Coffee and donuts will be provided at 9:30 at Allen’s parking lot and free hot dogs provided there after pickup.
Minutes submitted by Buzz Schoenhard, BVBBS Board Secretary.
