February 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes
The Tiny Turtle Restaurant
6:30 Call to order - Kris Baker/Chair announced Facebook Live for those who could not attend the meeting.
6:30-7:00 Guest Speaker- Sally Scalera, Urban Horticulture Agent & Master Gardener Coordinator of UF presented how native plants are necessary for the environment, animals and birds. Sally spoke about ways to inoculate our Florida soil as well, for edible and nonedible plants. Kris thanks Sally for speaking at the meeting and for sharing her knowledge about native plants.
7:00-7:15 Q & A for Sally-Few attendees asked questions regarding soil and plant location within the landscaping.
7:15-7:30 Past Events Recap
- 1/19 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Awards. The event was held at Italian American Club for South Brevard. The volunteers enjoyed a delicious meal while listening to Natty, from “Natty Common Roots” band out of Cocoa Beach. Special guests were Zach Featherstone from Beachfly Brewing Company and Pete and Lynn Anderson from Pareidola Brewing Company. Both Breweries supported events for our BWTF program. The Coastal Defender awards were Michele Cielukowski and John Hearin. The Chair Award went to Chris Smith. These three individuals are dedicated to Surfrider’s mission.
- 1/20 Cocoa Beach Friday Fest. At the chapter tent, there were several people who came by to find out more about Surfrider. We also sold some merchandise.
- 1/28 Ribbon Cutting for Beach Bucket Cleanup and Celebration. More than 50 people turned out to clean up the beach. The City’s mayor, Ben Malik, supported the event by cutting the ribbon. In less than 2 hours, 40 pounds of debris was collected and recorded. The celebration followed the cleanup at The Tiny Turtle Restaurant, (OFR) with appetizers and music provided by Billy Chapman of Melbourne Beach.
- 1/31 HS Clubs. Kris met with the Green & Growing club, Cocoa Beach HS about our chapter’s programs, BWTF and the “Ditch the Straw” challenge. There was great feedback from the teacher and students.
- 2/9 College Clubs. Kris presented to FIT’s Surf Club students about the mission of Surfrider, our chapter’s programs and the “Ditch the Straw” challenge. Students were very receptive, and they want to try for approval for the Straw challenge school wide.
- 2/4 Ocean Treasures Festival. The event was at the Barrier Island, Melbourne Beach. Although it was very windy, there were over 55 attendees that came by our tent to learn more about our chapter. Many took the information and signed up to be added to our contact list. Merchandise was also sold.
7:40 EC/Program/Campaign Reports
- Secretary/Volunteer Coordinator Report: Fran was absent. She has been working hard on website. The challenge of emails being sent has been resolved. More volunteers are receiving the emails and signing up for events.
- Treasurer Report – Chris Smith was absent. Kris read his report.
- Blue Water Task Force “BWTF” – Kris Baker stated transitioning to glass equipment will be in mid-February or beginning of March.
- Social Media Chair – Kelly Etherton. Kelly helped set up Facebook Live.
- Ocean Friendly Gardens “OFG” – Bill DeLuccia, Green Gables planting in April.
- Ocean Friendly Restaurants “OFR” Volunteer needed to chair this program which is so critical in reducing single use plastics.
- Beach Bucket Foundation Update – Roger Ross no new update.
7:50 Upcoming Events
- Please see our website or Facebook. On the website-select Get Involved and then Events.
- 2/18 Dune Planting, Cocoa Beach south end Shepard Park 9-11:30. Cocoa Beach will provide the planting materials.
- 2/25 A1A Adopt Hwy Beach Cleanup
- 3/8-10 DC Hill day. Kris Baker will be attending & reporting in March meeting
- 4/3-4 Florida 2023 Healthy Beaches Day in Tallahassee. Not sure if anyone is attending.
8:00 Updated/New Business
- Increase our OFR’s by having an event with The Tiny Turtle restaurant to motivate other restaurants to reduce single use plastics and join the program. More information soon.
- Ocean Reef Beach Festival decision. Executive Committee met and discussed the feasibility of hosting the event. After discussions with Surfrider headquarters and our regional manager, it was decided not to host the event due to the liability based on the number of attendees. Possibly have a tent at ORB depending on date and chapter schedule. Note: When we have an event, e.g., beach cleanup, participants sign a waiver to attend. At ORB, attendees do not sign a waiver, only volunteers working the event.
- Ditch the Straw challenge and pledge. Many signup to take the challenge at the meeting.
- Dune restoration. John Hearin will provide information to Kris regarding plant and dune contact.
8:15 General Meeting Adjourn