First AGM is Held in Camp Fortune Lodge

The Friends of a Gatineau Park, a volunteer group, was launched by an enthusiastic turnout of more than 100 new members at the first annual meeting , October 20, in Camp Fortune Lodge.

A board of directors was elected there and the executive was named at a subsequent meeting. Jean-Marc Purenne, Hull, was named president; Claude Cousineau, Chelsea, vice president ,Anneke Schwarz,Ottawa, treasurer; and Jo Ann Gagnon, secretary. The board discussed the organization of Friends, the board’s role and the need for administrative staff to execute programs, such as publications sales, communications and special projects.

Besides the election of the board of directors and other administrative matters, the October 20th meeting of Friends offered interesting talks on the history of Friends of Gatineau Park, its objectives and aspirations. David Andrews , photographer and author, gave an illustrated presentation; and there was an exhibition of paintings by 41 local artists.

New Interpretation Centre Opens in Park

The National Capital Commission will hold a public open house , December 11, 12. at its new interpretation centre on Scott Road, in Old Chelsea, Québec.

The new centre is part of the renovated administration building, which will also contain the information centre and park administration offices. Among its features the new centre contains displays on the natural areas and seasonal activities in the park. The public opening follows an official opening on December 9 attended by NCC Chairman Marcel Beaudry and provincial, local and federal officials.

Membership Rise Indicates Strong Support

Membership has continued to rise since our AGM , and now (press time) exceeds l40 members.This degree of support, so early, ,represents a strong element of interest and desire for involvement.

We intend to publish a newsletter four times a year to keep members in touch with new developments, special events and volunteer activities.

Volunteering

Some members will want to become actively involved in our projects. At this stage we are developing a program that will fit with the interpretation objectives of Gatineau Park. . We anticipate taking part in the marketing of park publications and maps; and subsequently in the development of new titles.

We expect a need for volunteers to participate in this work, and special events ,fund raising, and on-going interpretation activities. As our program evolves we will keep in touch and welcome your views on possible activities. Call Susan Spoke (819) 827 3699 or Anneke Schwarz , (613) 729 3247.

Parks Partnership Links Volunteers

Friends of Gatineau Park are proud new members of the Canadian Parks Partnership, a national alliance of grassroots, community-based "Friends" .Managing protected areas like parks has become a difficult challenge for all levels of government across Canada. Co-operative associations—-"Friends"—have become one of the valuable ways adopted by federal and provincial parks.

The Canadian Parks Partnership, created in 1986, now includes"Friends" organizations across Canada. These associations have become an important link with the community and park visitors.

“Friends” Board Hold Retreat on January 16

The Friends of Gatineau Park will spend an all-day session on January 16th to discuss ways of managing the organization.

"Most organizations carry out this kind of review regularly , to adjust their board operations and practices to maximize their likelihood of success, " said Robbie Giles, Board director and management consultant.

"We are eager to ensure, from our beginning, that all Board members are aware of our by-laws and the proposed agreement with the NCC that will guide this important organization" Robbie said.

The Board of Directors" session will decide on a board model, or way of working together; define key results expected in the next three to five years , and determine the responsibilities of the executive co-ordinator, who may be a volunteer or employee.

The Board welcomes suggestions for projects that Friends of Gatineau Park might consider for the future.

Write to us at: Friends of Gatineau Park, P.O. Box 699, Chelsea, Québec, J0X 1N0

Call or e-mail Jean-Marc Purenne, president, (819) 770 3575 (work); (819) 770 6470 (home); purennethibeault@videotron.ca; or Claude Cousineau, vice-president (819)827 1244; ccousin@uottawa.ca.

E-Mail your comments to: John Cameron at cameron@cyberus.ca