Please join us for our next Membership Meeting on August 3rd at 4:00 PM in the Belle Isle State Park Visitor's Center.
The Friends of Belle Isle is in a period of intentional transition. Our bylaws define our Mission as: "The Friends of Belle Isle is a citizen organization that supports the recreational and educational opportunities at Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County in Virginia. We are dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the Park's native plants and animals, and historical and cultural resources."
My vision for our organization aligns directly with this official mission. My vision is to shape us as an inclusive organization that supports Belle Isle's needs and is strictly committed to ecological restoration and enhancement. Mission and vision statements aren't merely a set of programs; they are the tools we use to facilitate the selection and prioritization of our future actions.
Because we are committed to finding the right alignment, the Nominating Committee is extending our search timeline. To function effectively, we must locate and elect willing and qualified citizens for the offices of Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary who share this ecological vision.
The Nominating Committee has been attempting to tap the collective power of our shared networks. I have secured the assistance of the Northern Neck Chapter of Master Naturalists, who issued an appeal to their membership. My Pastor, The Rev. Dr. Timothy T. Boddie, has reached out to his network on our behalf. I have also received promises from Dr. Rob Wright, Principal of the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School, to appeal to the Governor's School alumni, teachers, and friends. I encourage all of you to consider board service, and to encourage people in your networks to do the same.
Our continuity depends on having a fully staffed, philosophically aligned Board of Directors. This is our top priority and the first agenda item for the Membership Meeting on August 3rd. I am appealing to our total membership to network and recruit on FOBI's behalf.
Because the Nominating Committee is allowing more time to vet incoming candidates, we will not present a final slate at the August 3rd meeting. Instead, I propose an additional Membership Meeting for September 14th to present the Nominating Committee's recommendations.
Additional Items on the August 3rd Agenda:
Adoption of the Minutes from the April 6th Member Meeting. Please find and review the Minutes from our last meeting attached to this email.
Authorization of a discretionary fund. Rather than needing specific membership authorization for every expenditure individually this allows the board to effectively gift resources to the park at its discretion.
State of the Park address by Park Staff.
Discussion of food trucks at Music by The River. Do they support FOBI's Mission, and the President's Vision? Can they be brought into better alignment?
Sincerely,
Charles H. Blake
President of The Friends of Belle Isle
