Meeting was called to order during the Main Feast by Rose Wise. 38 persons attended the meeting.
Improvements in 2007
The electrical service in the Retreat Center is n the process of being upgraded from 100 amps to 200 amps.
Gravel has once again been added to the road and the driveway circle just past the 2nd trailer.
Lake Gaia has been saved!! There was a major breach in the dam as a result of the heavy spring rains, but Jeremy Robert came to the rescue and with the help of a Orpon and a few other volunteers and rented equipment, they repaired the dam and restructured the road to the lake so that by the end of next summer we should once again be able to drive at least the tractor and possibly a 4-wheel drive vehicle down to the lake instead of having walk up and down the hill.
Annual Revenue Statement
Copies of the 2006 Annual Revenue Statement were circulated and reviewed. The 2006 total income for Ozark Avalon was $30,399.00 and the total expenses were $37,288.00, leaving a gross revenue loss of $6,889.00 for the calendar year 2006. A copy of the Revenue Statement is attached to the original minutes on file in the Church library. The Board has decided to add Sorsha to the Church checking account in order to easier facilitate shopping trips for OA events. The current financial update for 2007 indicates that Ozark Avalon is presently in the black, the 2007 land payment having already been paid prior to its due date.
Board Members
The members of the Ozark Avalon Board of Directors were introduced and their individual duties were briefly explained. Two new Board members were introduced, Aislinn Firehawk and Crystal Johnson.
Festival Changes for 2008
This year, in an attempt to help everyone handle the rising cost of gas (and just about everything else), it has been decided by the Board that some of the Wheel of the Year festivals will be combined with the closest Full Moon celebration and become “free” except for the payment of camping fees. These “free” celebrations will be listed on the calendar as before, with details and will become a potluck dinner on Saturday night.
The following major festivals will still require payment of a fee and advance registration is preferred:
Magickal Hibernation, Triple Goddess Gathering, Blessings of Beltane (adults only), Interdependence/Midsummer Madness, Harvest Homecoming and Embracing the Dark (Adults only Samhain)
Magickal Hibernation 2008 will be held at the Inn of the Grand Glaize at Lake of the Ozarks. Advance registration is a must so that the block of rooms can be reserved and payment made to the Hotel in advance.
Blessings of Beltane will be an all-adult event as it has been in the past. The topic of choosing the May Queen was discussed at length during this meeting and the following criteria have been adopted to help with potential choices for this year’s May Queen:
1. Any female between the ages of 18 and 30 is eligible to campaign for the title of May Queen.
2. Any female may nominate herself as well.
3. It is permissible for them to have children, which is a change from past criteria.
4. And finally, the May Queen MUST choose her Consort from the competitors in the Beltane Games. The Consort does not have to be the overall winner, but they must have competed in the Beltane Games.
The choice of May Queen will be made by a random draw of one name from the potential nominees.
Year and a Day Classes
As before Rose announced that the Year and a Day Classes will continue to be “free standing” so that anyone can attend as they choose. Not everyone is committed to attend every class. Ozark Avalon requests a donation of $25 for each class attended and this can be paid by a work exchange of 5 hours prior to the class. Everyone is always welcome to attend any class they choose. The format of the classes is a relaxed open discussion. Not every person who attends the Year and a Day classes will become a member of the Ozark Avalon Clergy. The requirements for the full Clergy ordination program are still in the process of being re-defined.
Oakspirit Certificates
Certificates were awarded to the following persons for attaining the status as Oakspirits:
Taz, Crystal Johnson, Heather Hughes, Ronda Robert, Ashley Mullins, Austin Mullins, and Shelby Robert.
Recognized at the meeting, but not present to receive their certificates were Abigail Hughes and Jeremy Robert. Their certificates will be presented at a later date.
Other Business
Rose reminded everyone that Pagan Pride 2007 is scheduled for September 23rd at Peace Park in Columbia and encouraged everyone to attend if possible. Ozark Avalon will be vending their usual fare of Burgers and Hotdogs and will appreciate any volunteer help.
Regarding use of the hot tub. Everyone was reminded that the hot should not be overloaded; the number of persons in the tub at one time should not overflow the water level. Also be considerate of the time spent in the tub so that everyone can get a chance to enjoy the hot tub. Please DO NOT adjust the temperature of the tub. Feel free to use the jets and the light as desired, but be careful to touch only those two control buttons to avoid resetting the temperature by accident. Also, please make an attempt to avoid getting grass and other debris in the tub.
There being no further business at this time, the meeting was concluded.