June 6, 2007

Post Oil Solutions

June 6, 2007

Meeting Notes

Present: Janet, Walter, George, Lisa, Chandra, Tim, Sherry

New Participant: Jacobee,

Announcements:

• Meeting this Saturday 8:30 – "Economic Development & Conservation... Finding the Right Balance". noon at BUHS multipurpose room, town is one of the sponsor to look at growth, development issues in town – how much green space, recreation fields, etc. Audrey Garfield, Slectboard Chair will be opening the meeting. Look for details in local media

• VPON Rutland meeting gathering of reps from various peak oil groups to share ideas, collaborate, etc. Tim has been to some and will likely attend future meetings, in the past these tended to be in the northern part of the state, now trying to be more central, George expressed interest. Much activity up north, but in south only POS & a few individuals in Bennington trying to get off the ground. Next meeting: Sun June 17 in Rutland
• Discussed the fall TheCommunity Solution conference in Yellow Springs, OH, 26-28 Oct. The Community Solutions – puts out a great quarterly newsletter, they are focused on community building, and curtailment, and believe great difficulty lies ahead. Might there be a POS group to go this year? Could be a great way to get POS energized and perhaps focus on projects/issues to take and run with. Can we charter a bus? Go by train. Several expressed interest. Tim will forward The Community Solution website
• VEI will be leading upcoming Forum on Sustainability, Wed June 20, 7:00, Marlboro Grad
• Chandra shared her gratitude for living in our community, having just spent time in Davis, CA where despite a strong progressive population, bike paths, and thriving farmers market, they lack community and wilderness! She was glad to spend time at home in the woods with Tara!
• Walter got message from Edwards campaign about pledging to reduce driving (this despite Edwards massive home!). He & Janet have decided to average no more than 40/day total, a reduction from what they have averaged in recent years.
• Discussion of various transportation options in the area, bus to NYC, trains will be adding a second trip daily with a new combo single car/engine
• We send our thoughts out to Jane, who recently lost her mother and is caring for her father as he goes through surgery.

Discussion Items:

• Walter asked to reconsider the moment of silence to start the meeting. All present expressed appreciating the moment to gather thoughts and center for meeting.
• Do we need to reschedule July meeting since it falls on the 4^th. The following week is the 11^th and the expected date of the veto override vote. Decided to meet the day on Thursday, July 5^th.
• Party Prep - Dishes needed for the party/gathering on June 10^th. Chandra will pull it together.
• Tim asked for feedback on the meetings, since he generates a pretty detailed agenda/update, he prefers to see the meetings less formal allowing for discussion among those in attendance this both brings other ideas and items to the table and all agreed it makes for a more enjoyable meeting.
• We wonder if Slug would be willing to share Africa slides as part of the July 5^th meeting and share a potluck dinner. Tim will contact Slug
• October 17 Forum will be on Permaculture with Jomo Neiger. Also, Janet Bailey is interested in setting up a permaculture series at Fair Winds Farm. Jacobee has done 2 week certification and shared some basic principles of the approach.
• Lisa shared pig regalia, how she came to have her pet pig George.
• Discussed bringing Ron Krupp down vs, pursuing further work with Robert King and all agreed to look at more presentations with/by Robert, perhaps something at his property if he was open to that so others can see all that he has developed there.
• Other Forum ideas discussed or in the works: Chris Martenson on the Economy, Melavav on the community life at Basin Farm, Lisa mentioned a teacher from the Master Garden Program on Fruits & Berries (might this be Vern G?), George suggested Tom Wessels, also suggested was a presentation on hemp production, and a representative from a solar store.

Project Update Notes:

Localvore

• Tim requested funding for Localvore Starter kits. Those present agreed to have POS fund these purchases and let the proceeds pay POS back later. Also, the Localvore group will become a group separate from POS, named the Windham Localvores.
• Also would POS be willing to pay for publicity materials if Localvores can not get funding from other sources such as BS&L, Chittenden. All present agreed, and suggestion from George that they add a $2 surcharge for the starter kits to begin building their own kitty for future projects.

 

 

Next Meeting

7 pm, THURSDAY JULY 5^TH

Room 211, Paramont Building

Next Forum

The Role of Discussion in Creating Sustainabe Community

with members of Vermont Earth Institute

Wednesday, July 20^th

7pm Marlboro College Graduate Center