Grayson LandCare Meeting
September 11, 2011
Present:
Jerry Moles, Danny Boyer, Loren Webster, Scott Petersen, Alvin Cox, Barbara Gaudet, Karen Shinn, Ches Helmick, Joe Snyder, Sidney Rose Fant, Palmer Fant, Rob Meinecke, Fayma Nye, Dan Zlotnikov, David Hampton, Dennis Lennert, Susan and Claire Gleason, Delight Craft, Carmen Scott
Introductions
Were made by Danny Boyer, welcoming members, and instructing that a sign-in sheet was being passed around.
Danny congratulated Loren Webster and other committee members for the success of the second annual “Save Green Expo” in Galax this past weekend.
Committees were mentioned as well as the needs for members to find a committee they are interested in. Membership dues of $10/year help support the work of Grayson LandCare.
The last meeting minutes were distributed via email to members. No changes were made. Scot Webster made a motion to accept the August meeting minutes, David Hampton seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
Treasurers report.
Our August 17 balance was $4,740.32. As of 9/19 Loren made deposits of $896.00 and withdrawals of $224.50 leaving a current balance of $5,359.82 (Other deposits were made that she did not have at this time). For future reports, Loren will obtain the bank statement before the meeting to capture all account activity. She shared a quotation from Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Loren reported the “Save Green Expo brought in $1,041.00. There are still some bills to be paid; we will know at the next meeting whether we covered our expenses. Loren thanked all volunteers for their help and those that housed vendors or speakers. Danny Boyer reported that the community in Galax, and local businesses provided door prizes for the event, and supported the event well. Recommendations for next year’s event (feedback) were:
- They were impressed with the diversity of vendors and educational opportunities. Some wished more or longer time for speakers. Perhaps have simultaneous speakers in another area.
- Fayma reported we received about 50 door prizes from local businesses.
- Alvin recommended Grayson Landcare ought to send a thank you note to sponsors, vendors and those supplying prizes. This could be done in the newspapers and personal cards.
- Dennis visited each vendor to see if they were satisfied with their assigned spaces and the visitors. All vendors were glad they came and thought the turnout was good.
- Several people missed speakers they wanted to see, or missed prize drawings, or were not aware of the location of the conference room. Perhaps a PA system is needed with reminders to visitors about events going on.
- Perhaps extending the event to a two-day event. Volunteers were unable to attend speakers’ presentations and visit with vendors. Loren reported all speakers’ presentations were recorded and will be available on the website after editing.
- The event was competing against other events, and attendance might have been stronger during a different time. David Hampton recommended checking with the Grayson County events coordinator and with the Twin County coordinator in selecting a date.
- There were 42 vendors this year, and for upcoming festivals, a larger space may be needed if more vendors are brought on.
- Some of the vendors complained that if they were located on the end of the corridor, their booths were not visited. Fayma mentioned that perhaps having some vendors placed outdoors may give more exposure. Splitting the conference room, and putting vendors in there should be considered, and someone proposed renting a large tent for the event to be held outdoors.
- Dennis reported that there was no electrical hook ups for outdoors, and a small generator was used for this. A member remarked that Crossroads should be responsible for providing outdoor electrical needs, and for those needed in corridors.
- Some vendors packed up early due to low attendance, and the recommendation was to have the event go until 4 pm, and to ensure vendors stayed the duration.
Loren mentioned that “One Economy” has offered to train volunteers to help residents get help doing their taxes on the computer for free.
Facilities Committee (Slaughterhouse):
Engineering plans are being completed, budgets and capital venture needs. A final plan will be ready soon. Our consultants have verified there is a tremendous need in this area, and obstacles such as funding and structural options are being considered. Very soon, the Facilities group will need to expand on the structure (cooperative, non-profit, etc.), while meeting high standards, meeting all necessary approvals and look at expanding needs in the future. Grayson Landcare will have to look at their role in the facility. Preliminary costs are 2.5-3 million dollars – including equipment and operating funds. Opportunities with grants, low interest loans and other financing options are being considered. The idea of partnering with Virginia Tech (using the facility as a teaching facility) is still being considered. Partnerships with other areas (Floyd, Alleghany, and other locations) are also being explored. Utilization of alternative energy sources is also on the table.
Communication Committee:
Kathy will provide an update on the strategic plan in the near future.
One Economy:
There is tremendous interest in the One Economy plans for community improvement through internet access. Jerry reported that a report is needed showing current availability throughout the community, to see what needs are not being met. Next steps are creating a proposal which may include Floyd County, the College of Natural Resources, and the local school system to find out where gaps exist in communication. Joining Grayson, Carroll and Floyd counties will offer the opportunities for shared resources, especially the youth. This stresses learning about the community resources, and the proposal will note deficiencies and assistance that One Economy can reverse. Dennis recommended that shared information, including medical sharing of information and education should be considered in the proposal. A map of hotspots (areas that do and do not receive signals) will be beneficial to the proposal. Someone recommended adding adult education to the proposal.
Jerry also mentioned that VA Tech has a grant program for beginning farmers (those farming under 10 years), and can help farm planning, and other aspects of assistance. Danny went over some of the protocols that would consider a beginning farmer (years, income, active in production).
Annual Meeting
Tthe next meeting will be our annual meeting, with elections and a pot luck dinner. The date is the 17th of October, and it will be held at Charlotte Hanes lodge at Cox Chapel. Directions and a list of food items will be sent to all on the mailing list. Speakers may include professors at Virginia Tech, a couple from Australia Landcare, and other guests are planned. An “old timey band” may be booked for the event, and players were encouraged to come to the event. The annual meeting time will be 6 pm. Dennis will provide wine from Australia.
The meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting - 6 pm, October 17th.
Come with a potluck dish and a friend/neighbor!
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