November 2011 Newsletter up date ABOUT THE CSO (friends of Hontoo Island) The CSO (Citizens Support Organization) is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit foundation run by volunteers. Our next CSO meeting will be Sunday January 22, 2012 at 11:30 AM. The meeting is open to all members. Food will be served after the meeting, please bring a pass plate or dessert. Our officers for 2012 are: Michael Ray– President John Smith – Vice President Patrick Fox – Treasurer Sherry Kerslake – Secretary. It is important to know that the CSO (Friends of Hontoon Island)and other park volunteers contributed time, funds and labor to help the park realize many of the enhancements that have been made over the years. RECENT IMPROVEMENTS AT THE PARK INCLUDE: New Swing set & Playground Equipment donated to the park by the CSO New parking lot bulkhead for the vessels used to move the parks vehicles and other large items. New septic drain field that accommodates all gray and black water on the island. New water lines throughout the park replacing the very old rusted water lines. New raised surface on the main trail that goes from the main building to the campground and parks shop area. New Coastguard approved passenger ferry that meets today’s safety standards. New docks to accommodate the width and height of the new ferry. New concrete walk way to the pavilion and restrooms in picnic area that will make it easier for anything with wheels to move about. Upgrades to the islands fire suppression equipment. OTHER NEWS Boat clubs – Central Florida & Regal The Central Florida Boat Club and the Regal Boat club had great outings at the park this year. The food was great! These are just of few of many organizations that find the island a great place to hang out, kick back, and have fun.
New Boardwalk in Progress	Minutes from the last CSO meeting. Before we get to the minutes of the last meeting, I would first like to say that I have enjoyed not only the challenge but the opportunity and the experience of serving as your secretary for the last two years. As I begin a 2-year term as your president, I am anticipating the the challenge will be just as great and look foward to working closely with not only the officers and board members, but the general membership as well. Remember, the CSO is not the officers, it is not the board. The CSO is each and every member working together as they are able. I hope all of you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. Thank you for the last 2 years and let's take the next 2 years to a new level! Michael Ray Following is the minutes from the CSO meeting held Nov 20 at Hontoon State Park. Minutes of Hontoon C.S.O. – November 20, 2011 V-President John Smith called the meeting to order. Those in attendance: John Smith Pat Smith Pat Fox Mike Ray Jean Fletcher Sherry Kerslake Steve Kerslake Mike Hayes Secretary Report – Minutes of 11/6/11 meeting were read and passed. Treasurer Report – excepted. Old Business - Food concession vendor for parking lot for Deland Christmas boat parade has been arranged. Vendor will not make contribution to CSO. However, previous years have netted a loss so this will be an improvement. -John Smith will arrange for the ADA port-a -potty for the parade. -John and Pat will decorate the island prior to the Christmas parade. Decorations will come down New Year’s day. -Pine wood has been split thanks to Dick Neusch, Dick Schellenberg, Steve Kerslake, Michael Ray -TD Affinity account not yet set up. It will be the responsibility of the new officers to take care of that. New Business – -Meeting dates were set for the coming year. They are as follows. - Quarterly meetings - January 22 - April 22 - July 22 - October 21 - in addition to regular meetings , there will be two cookouts - March 17, membership appreciation and membership drive -October 20, no specific theme yet -Election of officers - The following officers were elected to a 2-year term - President - Michael Ray -Vice –President – John Smith -Secretary – Sherry Kerslake -Treasurer – Pat Fox -Motion made by Pat Fox to add name of new president, Michael Ray, to the CSO Wells Fargo Checking account. Seconded by John Smith. Motion passed. -Next meeting will be at the park January 22, 2012 at 11:30 w/ lunch served afterwards. Meal will be chili.