Community Garden Committee, September 26, 2017
HOLDEN COMMUNITY GARDEN COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 26, 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, Michael Mazloff, Mike Trigiano, (Alternate)
Not In Attendance: Ryan Fahey, Tanya Lewis, Geri Herlihy (Liaison to Board of Selectman)
Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Agenda:
Minutes:
August 22, 2017 Meeting
MOTION #1
To approve the minutes of the July 25th Meeting as edited
Voted and passed.
UPDATE ON DAVIS HILL
Jess reported that the Davis Hill Gardens are still producing vegetables and the water catchment system built by volunteers is complete and working well. Jess did note that the water collected seemed to be lost by the valve being left open, and therefore a locking device will be added to the spout to further secure the collection system.
Vandalism is suspected and the locks have been ordered. A letter is being sent to The Landmark acknowledging and thanking the Holden Garden Club for their donation of $500.00 for this project. The Landmark letter is attached to the last page of these minutes and a copy was sent to the Town Manager.
REVIEW OF HOLDEN DAYS
All members felt the HCGC table and our give-aways were successful. Next year, we should plan to have balloons, and some children’s games to draw families into our booth. Jess has a list of all people who signed up on a google drive and gave Marcia a hard copy as well. The District Executive of the Mohegan Council of Boy Scouts stopped by our table and Marcia will send an email thanking him for his interest and asking for his assistance with getting the word out to Holden Scoutmasters that we will have many projects in the future for Boy Scouts to take part in.
UPDATE ON 175 HIGHLAND STREET AND PROMOTION OF GARDEN
Marcia will send message to DPW for an update on when they plan to add the 2nd application of lime and seed with winter rye. A discussion ensued about our concerns as to commitment of the Town to the community garden. We have not had any active members from the Selectboard and the Ag Commission to offer guidance, no word on budget preparation, etc. It was decided to send a letter to the Town Manager asking for his assistance in addressing our concerns and inviting him to our next meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:40
Our next meeting will be on October 24 at 6:30 pm in the Starbard Building