Community Garden Committee

Meeting date: 
Thursday, September 3, 2020

HOLDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN COMMITTEE

September 3, 2020

Mission Statement:

The Holden Community Garden Committee is a volunteer organization working to provide and support Holden residents, individually and collectively, to grow food, flowers, fruits, and herbs on town land including the redeveloped property on Highland Street.  Our efforts will enable residents to enjoy the beauty of our town while developing a sense of community through cooperative action, learning about sustainable and environmentally conscious gardening as well as ethical harvesting.

The Holden Community Garden Committee also exists to foster the education of the children of Holden through the support of community gardens in local schools and community groups.  These gardens will help to develop the appreciation of future generations for the importance of agriculture and responsible environmental practices, and provide education and positive experiences through gardening and physical activity.

In Attendance:  Jessica Cosenza, Chair; Members: Katye Brier, Julie McCarthy,  Gina Tutela;

Absent: Tracy Acito, Michael Trigianno

Community Members: Aleel Grennan

Meeting called to order at 6:47 pm.

AGENDA

The minutes of the August 10, 2020 meeting was reviewed.

Motion #1

To approve the 8-10-20 HCG Minutes

Voted and Approved.

Raised Bed, Volunteers and Site Maintenance Update

  • Raised beds still need completion of repairs.Reply from Mike Kendrick- wants to repair the bottom of the beds rather than just place a support beam.Not present to discuss further.

Motion #2

To ask for a specific budget proposal for new plans vs simple addition of support in the form of a cross beam.  Motion by Julie McCarthy.  Voted and approved by all members.

  • Julie met with Leigh Ann (volunteer) to discuss weeding and walkway mulching. May be available to collect and transport community harvest donations. Jess to followup with the Town Managers office for confirmation of any needed waivers before work starts.No date yet on when this is to start.

Sign Project

Katye Brier presented updates on her discussions with the local sign company to get quotes.  3'x4' double faced wooden hand carved sign with vinyl end caps, installed. $1388 quoted.  To forward to John Woodsmall for consideration of use of funds.

Update on discussion of “Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust” focus on grants for ornamental horticulture- grant cycle closed for applications but may be useful next year.  Discussed ornamental features that may apply to proposal including but not limited to seating, a water feature (such as a fountain which serves as ornamental feature as well as sensory stimulation and supports natural wildlife), improvement of pathways for visitors, and ornamental perennials. Jessica and Katye to follow up through emails and draft proposal.

Community Harvest Update

Gina Tutela to collect again for Wachusett Food Pantry, Sept. 18.  Julie McCarthy  reviewed that the Veterans Center allows donations to be dropped off on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Will continue to coordinate with members.

Girl Scout Project Update

Julie McCarthy presented a plan update: compost unit is installed, guide for use will be printed and laminated, emailed to participants; bridge to be constructed and installed by the end of November. Scout troop to continue working on weeding, leveling, fund raising, and decisions on proper walkway foot paths with attention to safety and accessibility.  She will continue working on and supervising the projects.  No request for community or committee assistance at this time.

Davis Hill Update

Katye and Jessica will weed/clean up at the garden.  Will reach out to principal Mr. Norton to let him know that this will be available as an outdoor space when school returns.  Consider pH testing again.  Money still available from Holden Garden Club grant for further soil improvements.

Motion #3

To allow Jessica and Katye to perform pH testing on the beds to assess for and decide on appropriate soil additions.  Voted and approved by all members.

Next Meeting

Jessica will request the next meeting date of October 20 @6:00pm, with plan to request a Zoom link for the meeting to be held remotely.  Will plan to discuss measures to close the garden for next year, application cycle for 2021, fund raising and ornamental ideas.

Adjourned 7:23 pm