January 3, 2007

Present: Gail, Steve, Sam, Jane, Slug, Sherry, Tim, George, Chandra, Cindy, Hellal,

New Participants: Amber, Megan, Kevin

Announcements:

• Walter is handing over the treasurer's role to Jane.
• VEI Sustainability Course beginning Sunday 1/7/06 here (Rm 211).  George described how the course is organized and run.  Only cost is $18 for workbook and after first start up session with a VEI facilitator, the course participants take turns leading discussions related to the week’s readings.   
• Upcoming NOFA conferences noted.  See listings on the Events section of our website. Tim plans to attend at least 2, he and Cindy may go to NOFA VT’s Direct Marketing conference in 2 weeks to help facilitate both CSA’s and the development of a permanent Winter Farmers’ Market
• First of forum of our Building Sustainable Community series (the 3rd Wed gatherings) is set.  We will be screening of Crude Impact 7pm, at Marlboro College Graduate Center.
• Slug asked for feedback on a global warming action planned for this Friday: Tubing in the West River!  What’s wrong with this picture.  He has some ideas for a banner message, will hang banner from bridge and get photos, have press there, etc.  Group brainstormed other ideas that could help this grab attention. Slug will get word out on List serve before it happens, hopefully it won’t rain, and they will stay warm enough in wetsuits.  Even though it has been mild, the river is very cold!

New Ideas

Megan and Amber are SIT students who are working with NET Impact a larger organization that works with business student groups to foster sustainability.  SIT students are looking to work on greening projects for the campus, and are hoping to link up with the local community and perhaps POS can be that link.  Looking at projects/initiatives that can live beyond their remaining 6 months.  Suggestions:  building audits for energy usage, CF bulbs, recycling, composting, etc., look into Efficiency Vermont as resource for building audits, Slug suggested the provost at SIT would be an ally in their efforts, working with cafeteria staff, connect with Bill Pearson who has done lots to enhance greening of the Landmark Campus, link with students from other college campuses or the Putney School, orientation materials for incoming students to heighten their awareness of sustainability issues on campus, contrast the US "throw away society" with other ways of living in the world, an annual event of some sort to bring focus on the issue of a green campus. There was a garden space in past but not used recently, this could become a Community Garden bringing in a link with the community that would help to keep it alive year to year.  Megan and Amber will link up with Jane.  

Project Updates:
Community Garden

• Nancy will be organizing a bulk seed order.  She will get word out so POS members can also take advantage of this to place orders seed orders.

Winter Localvore

• Localvore Challenge begins this week, potlucks currently scheduled for Sunday and Saturday, more may be announced.  Folks gathered today at the COOP to divide up bulk food order of beans and such.  

Other Business

Tim raised issue of the money POS realized from the Winter Farmer's Market.  Earlier discussion lead to ideas of donating money to the BAFM or donating to area food shelves or soup kitchens.  Tim noted that POS could make good use of this money to support our many local food projects.  Discussion followed about donating money to BAFM, donating in dollars or food to local food shelves, and keeping to support POS projects.  Estimated that about $2000 was realized after expenses between vendor fees, 2% commission, and donations made directly to POS.  Since POS members volunteered their time, this money is not needed to pay staff as is the case with the regular market.  Tentative agreement to divide amount realized in thirds, one third to go to BAFM's Winter Market Committee to support the reality of a year-round market, one third to support specific projects/events geared to food programs for those in need, and one third for POS to use at group’s discretion to support other eat local projects.

Core Committee (Tim, Jane, George, Sherry)

• Reviewed tentative schedule and change due to unavailability of VEI for Feb slot.
• No committee meetings will be held in Rm 211 on the 3rd Wednesdays to allow us time for set up/prep, etc. before the forums.
• For this forum-
• Tim has done press release, and calendar listing and will get information to iBrat and to Commons.
• Tim will get word out to POP group at BUHS and Compass School.
• Jane will do up a flyer to post in the usual places, Coop, Library, Save the Corporations, along with getting some to SIT, Marlboro campus and the Grad Center.
• Refreshments?  Baked goods, we will make cookies/brownies.  Look into getting hot water for tea from grad center café or the Coop.
• Jane will buy mugs at thrift store. We will buy teas, sugar, other supplies that can be used for future events and maybe even our regular meetings in Rm 211.