Agricultural Commission, September 18, 2018
AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
September 18, 2108
Attendance: Steve D’Aquila, Jim Dunn, Maleah Gustafson,
Tom O’Shea, Chris Hugo, Ryan McKay
Absent: Eileen Charbonneau
Others Present: Amy Parker, & Amanda Morse
Meeting called to order at 7:40 p.m.
I. Chapter 61 cataloguing Subcommittee meeting
Jim reported that the subcommittee meeting went well. They set up plan to begin actual grading of properties at their next meeting & will report out scores to the full AgComm on monthly basis.
II. Past Meeting Minutes- August:
Motion (Jim), 2nd (Maleah) to Accept Minutes of the August meeting as presented. The motion passed. [In favor: 4, Abstain: 2 (Chris, Ryan)]
III. Farmers Market:
- The Holden Farmers Market was cancelled today due to weather. Ryan reports many were cancelled across the region.
- Jim has not able to get a hold of Leslie to talk to her about a summary debrief but has talked with another vendor who was going to share the request with Leslie.
There was brief discussion of AgComm role in resolving specific issues we hear from vendors – it is up to the market to monitor/manage that internally. AgComm role is primarily to assist with promotion.
- Banner: We will try to get it up again this season. Ryan agreed to talk with HMLD to request next available week. We will also plan to talk to HMLD to schedule 1-2 weeks next season (before start of market, & in Sept/Oct).
IV. Educational series
- Fall Speakers: Tom reported that the speaker (Rob Warren) is waiting to hear back from AgComm to confirm and prefers the Oct. 20 date.We confirmed that this date would work for the Senior Center and will move forward with publicity, etc.
- Advertising: In addition to normal event PR, we discussed targeted outreach to landowners in town who might benefit from this information (CH 61/61A properties) and will work with town to reach them via mail.
- Discussed whether RSVP was needed for this event (helpful but not required; our concern is making sure we have enough attendance for a targeted topic)
- Steve will reach out to George Dresser for additional perspective re estate planning
- Next Steps: Tom will send Bio/summarytoMaleah, Eileen. Outreach to Worcester Magazine calendar, Ag Comms, Landmark, etc., 61A targeted in town, CMG events, Worcester Conservation Commission.
- Also, Tom will contact UMass to see if we can get copies of their estate planning booklets for the event.
***DATE: Saturday, October 20. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.***
- Jan/Dec – pruning. Jim knows of someone via Andre Tougas & will follow-up in next couple of days regarding a winter event.
- Can we record/broadcast our events to reach a larger audience?
Facebook Live
Chris will check w HCTV contact (?) about live stream options, whether it would be
available for download or broadcastable content. It is also easy to do FB Live with any Mac
with a camera.
V. Misc: none
VI. New Business
- Chris discussed the Red Barn Fall Festival on Oct 14 with rain date Oct 21, 11:30am - 3:30pm and invited AgComm to participate. He can arrange table/tent. Steve said he is able to attend with AgComm banner, flyers for the October talk. They will also have an indoor honey bee talk, bake sale, cider, crisp & possibly pizza.
- Request from Rutland AgComm to help promote Festival of Forgotten Arts & Tractor Show Sept 29, 9a-2p. We agreed we can help promote via our Facebook, Red Barn Facebook, Holden Garden Club, etc. Chris said he would attend on behalf of Holden AgComm with banner, flyers and Jim said he would bring a tractor.
Also, they would like to schedule a collaborative meeting at some point as we both meet 3rd Tuesday of each month.
- Amy Parker shared that the Farm at Summit Wynds is having Lavender Days during Columbus Day Weekend. Friday 3-6 p.m, Saturday/Sunday/Monday 10a.m.-4p.m. There will be PYO flowers, food, music, etc.
VII. Central Mass Grown update
Maleah shared the new Local Farm & Food Map; 10,000 copies are being distributed.
Motion to adjourn (Jim), 2nd (Ryan).
Meeting was Adjourned at 8:29 p.m.