Community Garden Committee, October 16, 2018
HOLDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 16, 2018
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, Sarah Edmonstone, Mike Trigiano
Guest: Susan Warren
Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA:
Minutes of September 11, 2018 meeting were tabled until our November meeting as this meeting was a Get Together for Gardeners and everyone brought food (made from produce grown in the garden) for tasting.
While sampling everyone's dishes, the following was discussed:
CLEAN-UP OF GARDEN
It was decided that by November 1st, all gardens should be cleaned up with the exception of a few gardeners that are growing winter crops i.e. garlic, etc. The clean-up date will be posted on Facebook and all gardeners will receive emails noting that clean-up must be completed by November 1st. There will also be a volunteer request on Facebook asking for help on October 27th. Jess will handle these postings and email notifications. It was suggested that some of the plots could have cardboard placed down to keep out the weeds. Susan noted that the Recycle Center has plenty of cardboard that is free and just needs to be picked up at the Center.
PLANS FOR 2019
It was determined that we should start early in January (by January 15th) to email to our mailing list as well as advertise plots available on Facebook. Applications should be ready by February. Marcia will ask Peter about including garden information in the electric light bills as far as costs and what the process entails. Marcia will also contact the DPW about draining the cisterns, reflectors on cisterns and whether the Forestry Div. has assessed the trees on the area that the girl scout is planning to put in a walking trail. Marcia will also contact the DPW about Budget submission. We may not need loam or compost next year, but will need some type of budget for supplies including wheelbarrows, composter. garden stakes, watering cans, and signage.
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:00 PM.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE NOVEMBER 13 AT 6:30 PM IN THE STARBARD BUILDING.