Chair person: Gloria Yeung

Those attending: Loretta Dunn, Merle Hoffman, Eleanor Hrabi, Paul Miller, Jane Prime, Inga Rinne, Ann Roberts, John Robinson, Nancy Stayzer, Gloria Yeung.

Membership committee report: John R. reported 95 members for 2004. Memberships received from now on will be recorded for 2005.

Annual report and next mailing: A membership package, including annual report, hike schedule and renewal notice will be sent out in late Nov. or early Dec. The annual report is now drafted. Joy has connected with a WHC volunteer (Kathy Bissell) who will use the Publisher program to put the text into a more user-friendly newsletter format. Paul, Murray and Ann met and have drafted the 2005 hike schedule. Paul will pre-hike the Avon trail section near Benjamin Road to confirm that it is appropriate for the 2005 hike schedule. Both the hike schedule and the annual report will be ready early in December.

Guidebooks: Eleanor reported that she has delivered 20 more guidebooks to Words Worth and $327 to Don Harloff for deposit.

Schelter’s Stationary: On November 25^th (moonlight madness in Elmira) there will be a book signing by Katherine Jacob for her new trail guide. Schelter’s has offered to donate some of the proceeds from the sale of Katherine Jacob’s book to the trails group. The folks at Schelter’s thought it would nice to have representative from the trails group at the store sometime during the book signing. Eleanor volunteered to be there between 4 and 6, Loretta volunteered to be there between 7 and 8. The suggestion was for Murray (since he is on the cover) to also be, if possible. Murray will be contacted re his availability.

Financial Report: Members reviewed the financial statement for the trails group prepared by Don Harloff (thanks Don!). The group is in good shape financially.

New ideas: At the October meeting calendars, posters and a photo contest were discussed as possible projects for 2005. Gloria checked into the cost to have poster maps printed: 100 prints for $400. The feeling was that this is a bit pricey. Eleanor talked with Keith Schelter at Schelter’s Stationary in Elmira to get his thoughts on marketability etc for calendars and/or posters. There are many calendars on the market. Keith suggested that the group would be wise to have some special feature to attract buyers. Keith also said that he has many requests for customers for a map of Elmira and area showing a variety of attractions and green spaces, including parks, toboggan hills, swimming pool, trails, the arena etc. He wondered if this might be a project where the group could partner with the Township’s parks and recreation department or maybe the Visitor Information Centre in Elmira. Advertising could be sold along the edges of the map. The group agreed that the map idea would likely be better than the calendar idea. A photo contest could still be held to get photos for the map. Members will look for map ideas for the next meeting. Inga suggested that the group consider making an application to the Woolwich Community Fund for this project. The deadline for submission is the end of March with funds awarded in May.

Kiosks/mapping: Gloria reported that the maps are now finished for the Kiosks in St. Jacobs. Thanks Gloria for all of your time and energy here. Gloria and Ann will install the lexan plastic over the map and other trail info once the hike schedule is finalized. The mapping for the kiosk at Priddle is almost complete.

November 21^st hike: Ann is leading the hike on the GVTA towards Elora.

Fall Work Party: Once the corn is harvested, Mark would like to repair the bridge over Martin’s Creek. Merle, Clint, Paul, Jim, Nancy and John R. indicated at the October meeting that they are interested in helping.

Elmira Lions Club Report: Art was not available to report.

Conestogo/Wintebourne Optimist Club Report: Pete was not available to report.

Christmas Pot Luck: The date has changed from Saturday December 4^th to Saturday January 8^th at Gloria’s home. More details will be provided closer to the date.

Dates to remember……

Next meeting date: Wednesday January 26, 2004, 7 pm at the fire hall in St. Jacobs.

Christmas Potluck: Sat. January 8^th at the home of Gloria Yeung. More details to follow.

Next Family Sunday Hike….

Sunday January 16^th, 2005, 2 pm: Cross country skiing and snow shoeing at Sandy Hills Pinery Trail.

From Elmira, take Arthur Street north and turn right onto Sandy Hills Drive (#3). Travel approximately 1 km and look for fire number #390 on the south side of the road. Brad and Jim will lead the skiers and Eleanor will lead the snow shoers.

Minutes prepared by Ann Roberts. Questions? Please contact Ann at 669-1647 x265 or Schering@look.ca . Note: If you no longer wish to receive these minutes or other information from the trails group please contact Ann to have your name removed from the mailing list. Thanks.