2007 meeting minutesMINUTES OF THE BEL ARBOR GARDEN MEETING Sunday, February 18, 2007 Submitted by NW Wright
Present: Claudia Archer, Dani Ascarelli, Alice Austin, Jane Barry, Abbie Bascome, Stanley Bielen, Mira Gohel, Pat Good, Elizabeth Knorz, Cathy Layland, Ann Matter, Larry Lindsay, Carla Puppin, Christa Quint, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Fred Rowland, Joan Sage, Jon Snyder, Julie Snell, Nathan Snyder, Laura Snyder, Nancy Wright, Rosemary Tilli
Absent: John Dini, Anne and Tim Hunter, Miriam Indenbaum, Patrick O’Kane, Melanie Olshefski, Kathy Snyder.
The meeting took place at Christ Presbyterian Church and was called to order by Carla Puppin at 7:12 pm. Carla made mention of two new guest gardeners: Tracey Cohen from 10th and Annin as guest of Julie, and Katrin Hillner who is a guest of Laura. New gardeners taken from the waiting list are Annie Giovannucci from Fante’s and Terry and Luann Epperson.
Lisa and Sharat, representatives from the Philadelphia Green City Harvest Program, spoke about their work in the prison greenhouse. The total yield from the whole program was 7,000 pounds of food, and one garden in the program yielded 1600 pounds of food. Lisa emphasized that even a small contribution means a lot which was important for Bel Arbor gardeners to hear since our garden produced only 51 pounds. Lisa also spoke about plans for a “gleaning day” in late summer or early fall for a one day donation. She and Sharat also promoted dedicating a portion of our own spaces for Harvest food. Carla said that gardeners could put signage up to indicate these plants, so those harvesting would know what to collect. It is hard to find healthy starts for organic gardening in this area, so that is the concentration for the greenhouse. Bel Arbor’s City Harvest committee is made up of Jane, Dani, Ann and Carla.
Susan Hoffman, the Stiffel Senior Center Coordinator, told the group there is a walk against hunger in Philadelphia schedule for April 14. Participating groups in the walk will get 20% back in their pledges. Tanya handed out information about the coalition, educational outreach and advocacy and promotion of food stamp usage. Statistics show that 122,000 Philadelphia low income households have cut their food intake and this effects 60,000 children.
Carla passed around a form to collect names of those interested in working for the Harvest this year. Dani noted that Philadelphia Green has been good to us so we should help back to help them achieve their dreams.
Claudia announced that Astra Zeneca, the drug company, gave Bel Arbor $500 for using the garden in a photo shoot. She emphasized that anyone spending money on the garden should be giving her receipts for reimbursement! Carla noted that Bel Arbor belongs to the NGA’s Land Trust program. As such NGA carries insurance, holds the title for the land and obtains grants for improvements. She has proposed a $5 in crease in dues with that increase going toward a contribution to NGA. The motion carried and dues are now $25. Larry felt that this was not enough, given all the NGA does. Carla proposed a larger one time donation beyond the one derived from the increased dues. Claudia proposed using the $500 Astra money and all gardeners agreed.
Tom Beckett left instructions for installing the City Fence and we need a team to set the support pipes and lay cement. Wilfredo agreed to spearhead this. He will send out an e-mail soliciting additional help.
Funds are available from NGA to support garden improvements and Carla is proposing resurfacing the common areas at the entrance pathway and west of the picnic table. Although she spoke of wood chips versus quarry finds, Julie added another alternative to the mix --- grass! Perhaps not for the pathway, but the picnic area would be appropriate. Julie will develop the plan for this and will make proposals for the May meeting. Carla is obtaining two estimates to present to NGA. No matter what is chosen, grading of all areas is very important.
The compost bin enclosure is made from two wooden palettes. The current enclosure has lasted for ten years. There’s a possibility that Greensgrow might have palettes we can use, otherwise Dani will obtain them. Whoever works on this project also needs to replace the posts.
Stanley and Cathy have offered to paint the shed. Carla has left over paint from her house, and if need be, Dani can purchase MAB paint at a 40% discount.
Jon will handle hose replacements, etc.
All agreed on dates proposed for COMMUNAL CLEAN UP DAYS: Saturday March 17 (rain date March 18) Saturday, April 21 (rain date April 22)
The MAY GARDEN MEETING is scheduled for May 6, 5:00 p.m.
Laura suggested that the same people maintain their weeding areas to encourage investment. She also proposed making high maintenance areas smaller. Elizabeth asked to include watering of raspberries and the berm to the list, and to arrange hoses to get to these areas. Cathy was concerned about the CVS slope and noted that employees hack away at it causing it to fall away from under the garden fence. Stanley also noted that they spray poison along it and that blows into the garden. Jon proposed presenting CVS with a solution to rebuild the slope and perhaps they will install what we need. Carla will call Campanella and distribute their phone number for calls of support. She suggested that all look at this area during the 3/17 clean up session. Laura mentioned that she got online to the CVS customer relations group and got a quick response to a problem she had and suggested we take this approach, which goes beyond the manager of this branch. Wilfredo suggested that perhaps CVS would contract us to do the job, but Carla wants to hold off on this right now.
Dani proposed that Jon list waiting list names on the website, but Jon pointed out that might be a security risk for folks. Instead he will post the method for getting on the list, how long the wait might be, etc. The current new gardeners have been on the list for seven years.
To wrap up the meeting Carla reminded everyone of the PHS brunch at the Flower show. Anyone interested should give her a check immediately. She had a petition to support recycling which she encouraged everyone to sign. She also had information of the Green City Plan and encouraged everyone to support in, wear buttons and go the hearings on February. The meeting concluded at 8:35 p.m. while Claudia collected dues.
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