Community Garden Committee, May 2, 2017
HOLDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN COMMITTEE MINUTES
May 2, 2017
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: Marcia Hastbacka, Chair: Members: Jessica Cosenza, Ryan Fahey, Michael Mazloff, **Tanya Lewis,
Mike Trigiano (Member of the Community)
Not In Attendance: Geri Herlihy (Liaison to Board of Selectman)
Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m.
Agenda:
Minutes:
March 22, 2017 Meeting
MOTION #1
To approve the minutes of the March 22nd Meeting
Voted and Passed
Minutes:
April 5, 2017 Meeting
MOTION 2
To approve the minutes of the April 5th Meeting
Voted and Passed
Mike Trigiano was introduced to the members of the committee as an interested gardener who is willing to assist us and has a wealth of information regarding organic gardening.
**At 6:45 Tanya Lewis, member of the HCGC, came in to the meeting.
Davis Hill Update
Jess C. reported that the parent/builder involved with the water catchment system is not sure if it will be completed before June.
Soil Report on Highland Street Property
Michael distributed the results of the soil report. After some discussion, the bottom line is that soil is not ready for any type of planting. Marcia and Michael will take additional samples on May 4th (in the areas most suitable for individual plots) and those samples will be sent out for re-testing, especially for heavy metals and lead. We will then get recommendations from the extension service as how to remedy the soil and pass this information on to the Town Manager. Once we know what the costs will be to remedy the soil, we may be in a surer position to ask for monies from the Town.
Spiral Herb Garden
When the herb garden was completed last Fall, the Scoutmaster told us they would work on some type of watering system in the Spring, rather than a bucket on a tripod. Marcia will contact Dan Newman to ask about it.
Raised Beds Eagle Scout Project
Since our soil will not be ready for raised beds to be installed, Jess C. suggested that we have Stephen Braithwaite complete his project at Davis Hill
Motion #3
To allow Stephen Braithwaite to complete his Eagle Scout project for raised beds at Davis Hill for the Kindergarten gardens.
Voted and Passed.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
No date or time was set for the next meeting to be held during the third week in May.