2025 ANNUAL MEETING REPORT TO MEMBERS

As required by New York State, the South Midwood Pollinators held its annual meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Several major items of organizational business were undertaken, along with setting the dates for Pollinator events during the first six months of 2025.

Revisions were made regarding board composition and terms of service. Specifically, the number of Directors increased from three to five; Directors’ terms were increased from two to three years with a limit of three consecutive three-year terms; and finally, Board offices were also expanded to one or more vice presidents and one or more secretaries.

By resolution, the board appointed three members:  Anne Dette to a second three-year term, expiring in 2028; Natasha Amott, to her first three-year term, expiring in 2028; and Alenya Becker to a two-year term, expiring in 2027. They join two current members, Virginia Levie, whose term expires in 2027, and Stephanie Blackwood, who will be on the board until 2026.

Officers appointed by resolution for one-year terms, expiring in 2026, are:

·       President: Virginia Levie

·       Vice-President: Anne Dette

·       Treasurer: Natasha Amott

·       Secretary: Stephanie Blackwood

·       Digital Secretary: Alenya Becker

Keeping in mind the general consensus for member meetings that emerged during January planning, the Board had an energetic discussion about programs that combine learning with field work. Check the calendar at southmidwoodpollinators.org and reserve these upcoming spring/summer event dates. Details will follow:

• The Ramble: Saturday, April 26 (Rain date: April 27) for the Pollinators annual visit to neighborhood gardens; time to be announced. If you are interested in featuring your garden, contact Alexandra Baltarzuk, dearalex@earthlink.net.

• Tour of Greenwood Cemetery’s Pollinator Field and art collection on Monday, May 12, 3:30 pm,

• Pollinator Plant Swap, hosted by Stephanie and John Stislow, Sunday, May 18, 10 am-2 pm.

• Spring Clean-Up of Glenwood Malls, Saturday, June 7, 9 am-noon (Rain date on Sunday, June 8).

• Gary’s Garden Gathering, mid-to-late June date and chance to learn from a gardener who applies environmental best practices in his work and at home; date and time will be announced.

  
  

Also in alignment with the January planning meeting, the Board discussed  priority projects for 2025. We will continue with the Foster Avenue Greenway, which launched in 2024. The Glenwood Malls are an ongoing concern and will be subject to a spring and fall clean-up. A project possibility has emerged in conjunction with NYCParks planting of new street trees and an accompanying opportunity to educate about their benefits, health, and protection.

The project discussion led to the start of planning for the 2025 budget, which will be presented at the next Board meeting in March.

Questions about the annual meeting can be directed to any of the Board members.