Dear Pam:

Signs of spring give way to winter’s return. What an interesting month it has been already!

We are sad to share that Brian will be leaving us as he and his wife embark on new adventures.

We are still waiting on a handful of annual reports. If you are one of those still missing, please send us your report ASAP. We need these reports to renew insurance (we have to answer questions such as how many volunteers, how many hours), to ensure that you are covered with directors and officers insurance (who does constitute your board), and for those with sales, the inventory is needed for the audit. The report is also a tool for YOU to share what you have accomplished.

Yours in the Outdoors,

Marci J. Mowery, President

TRAINING 

Thank you to those who joined us for the treasurers' training last month. If you missed it, you can access the recording at our YouTube channel; link also listed on the Friends Resources page of the website. 

There are two more sessions in the series of welcome to the family/training sessions scheduled on Zoom. Please mark your calendar(s) to join us on the appropriate date. Learn (or get a refresher on) policies and processes and meet the team! We often receive questions on topics discussed during these calls - avoid costly mistakes and delays by learning early the processes by which PPFF and friends operate.

• • All meetings will take place at 6:00 PM.
  • The link to access is

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9072815266?pwd=ZndDcE5nczVHQkk2US9Xd2hoY0dQUT09

• • If asked, the Meeting ID is 907 281 5266 and the Passcode is Fjm6R0. 
  • To dial in by phone, the Meeting ID is the same but the Passcode is 796937
  • Dial-in numbers: +1 305 224 1968 US or +1 646 931 3860 US or +1 301 715 8592 US or +1 309 205 3325 US

This month is a two-fer! Next up?

3/8 - Secretaries

3/22 - Communications/Social Media

TRAINING TOO

We are also working on a survey of your training needs/wishes. Look for that in either the April Chapter Monthly or a special link sooner!

In the meantime, the Friends of Buchanan has joined with PA Equine Council to offer a free one-day trail maintenance training on April 15th. Find out more and/or register with Karen or Dorene from the Friends of Buchanan.

KNOW

Again, thank you all the Treasurers who attended the February webinar. Your feedback at the webinars helps us to develop materials to help make your volunteerism jobs easier.

As a result of the session, an updated check request form has been added to the Friends Resources to allow for differentiation between a payee and the invoice vendor in the occasional event that the two are different.

KNOW ALSO

A new space has been added to the website - it's a "Help Wanted" section specifically for Friends to list leadership positions open and waiting. Pam included the position descriptions and estimated time commitments for the positions and has begun to list there the folks we have heard from who are in need. Let her know if you would like to be added!

KNOW THIRD

We are aware of the impact of the new hayride regulations and are working to see how we can reduce the stress and complication for everyone.

 Hayrides are such a great way to engage families and visitors of all ages in activities. Stay tuned as we learn more.

SHARE

Thank you to those who completed the survey regarding special places in your park/forest. There is still time to complete it; see below!

For this year's I Love My State Parks Week (May 14 through 21), our intern will be compiling a list of recommended places to visit at the parks and forests that you know best. Help people both enjoy your special place AND get to know you better!

For those who complete the linked survey, the intern will make a shareable fact sheet of your recommendation. 

Take the survey: https://ppff.online/friends-survey-2023-love-sp-week 

Thank you!

SHARE TOO

Did you see the story of my husband Joe's find at Fowlers Hollow State Park? A message in a bottle - and a happy ending. WGAL-TV in Lancaster shared the stories and they've gone world-wide. Great pieces to share on your social media as well.

The first story: From our Facebook page

The conclusion: Also from Facebook

SHARE THE THIRD

Another popular post each month is Melodie Swartz-Higgins' paint (or color) by number designs. Share them from our website.