Post Oil Solutions

Meeting Summary

June 4, 2008

 

 

Present: Jane, George, Tim, Michael, Melissa, Janet, Walter, Deb, Dora, Sherry

 

New Participants: Val, Patty, Matt, Nancy

 

Guest Presentation: Christine Armiger

 

Announcements:

  • Michael spoke of the wonderful work Sam & Slug are doing at their new farm in Williamsville
  • James Kuntsler will be speaking at Marlboro Grad Center hosted by Ralph Miema's Grad program on Saturday
  • Tim will be addressing a group at the St. Michael's Episcopal Church on Sunday morning

Tim's Monthly Report:

Tim will submit a written report on his activities for the month to the LC prior to each POS mtg, where it can then be discussed, if need be, at the mtg. He presented his  first official monthly report.  One particular point that he emphasized in his remarks is that he has been increasingly active in northern parts of the region/county, specifically with the Grafton Susttainability Committee and Connecticut River Valley Energy Coalition (Walpole, Alstead, Acworth & Marlow NH). The first is organizing a summer-long clothes line campaign; the latter is interested in getting skills & equipment to help larger community with energy retrofits.  

 

Walter suggested inviting Habitat for Humanity to become involved; Christine asked if other skilled trades people with interest could be invited; Dora noted Paul Cameron would be a good contact to reach out to, and Renew; Deb noted the need to access and not duplicate what is already out there such as weatherization services from SEVCA.

 

Presentation – Christine Armiger:

Christine is completing a graduate program in Conservation Biology program at Antioch – focused on Sustainable Agriculture, other influences and connections with energy, agriculture and seeing how conservation is all linked throughout the world.  Has completed thesis research and now wants to work on ecologically based community-owned farms project.  Sees CSAs and Community Gardens as great first steps and examples of land stewardship to share bounty with others.  Member driven CSAs work well, farmer driven tends to drain the farmers. 

 

Christine sees potential research project that she could lead under POS umbrella; high school kids in area interested in participating and learning research skills can become involved.  She would seek grant/funding for the project under the banner of POS.  Ideally will start to work on the project when she returns from summer work in Maine.

 

Questions were raised about what the role/relationship with POS would be.  Research would be extremely valuable. Christine does not want POS to raise the money, and is thrilled to associate with POS as so much of our efforts are in sync with the focus of this project.   LC members agreed to support her efforts.  

 

Old Business:

  • 501(c)3 application: Deb is about done on the 501c3 application and by-laws have been accepted by the LC.  Dora has contacted a lawyer Steve Philips who is willing to review documents for us.  He wants to meet with reps (Tim, Deb & Dora) to get a sense of the group.  Did say that there has been more scrutiny on the apps of left-leaning groups.
  • Stroll Parade on Saturday 7 June: meet at 9 am.  We are joining forces with Windham Localvores, Green Street 4th grade.  And we will be distributing 3 Sister seed packets.
  • Peak Moments series: LC approved purchase of one year (52 episodes) of series, to be aired on BCTV and, perhaps, on the cable access in Bellows Falls. Will also allow for POS to promote its activities and events.
  • Carbon Diet Project: Melissa will be meeting with Paul, Barbara Woods, and Maria E. from VEI,  may lead to a collaboration with VEI for the Carbon Diet project. Met with Paul Cameron and he had some ideas, though his focus is more business groups than individuals.  Melissa is planning to participate in tele-training with David Gershom, author of the book for bringing the Low Carbon Diet into the larger community.  Lots of exciting possibility.
  • Pliney Park: slow going, Dora is still plugging away at getting plants for the park, suggestions to get PSA on radio, iBrattleboro, WVEW. 
  • Townshend Common Farmers' Market: will open Thurs June 5.  Excitement is high in the area, and we are expecting about a dozen vendors.  Anticipate the market will grow over the season as the vegetables available for harvest increase with the growing season.
  • Fund Raising Committee: Jane reported that Simba will do a benefit dance Sept 26, cost $100 for Dummerston Grange.  We will split proceeds with Simba, POS will also be selling refreshments.  Ticket sales at $10 suggested.  Will be advertised as benefit for Food Security Project.  Tim noted that King Corn showing at Hooker Dunham will be earlier in September.  Dora suggested doing movie later and promoting it at the Simba Dance.  Tim also noted Localvore Dance where Andy Davis and friends will be playing as part of the Localvore week events. Melissa noted her link with Putney and Brattleboro Healing groups. She has seen chair massage offered at dance or at another type of forum. Could do that for POS and invite in other practitioners with proceeds to go to POS projects. 
  • Policies Committee: has not met yet.
  • Chandra may not be available with all on her plate, but hopefully they will be able meet soon.
  • Paid Positions: Dora (Coomunity Garden Coordinator) & Sherry (Farmers' Market Manager) will forward job descriptions/contracts to LC members for consideration for July meeting.

 Melissa will facilitate for the July meeting.

 

 

Next Meeting

Wed,  July 2, 2008

7pm

Room 211

Paramount Bldg.