March 22, 2006 MEETING MINUTES AND CLUB NEWS: This month’s meeting was a great success, with around 40 attendees. Even better, there was a lot of energy and almost half the crowd looked like new members. The following is what we discussed and accomplished at the meeting: DESCRIBED GARDEN CLUB FOR NEW PEOPLE ELECTIONS: COMMITTEES: *Executive Committee*: Schedules meetings, collects dues and deposits,
is responsible for all club finances and budget, membership records,
plot assignments, official communications, oversight of other committees.
Enforces rules and by-laws, organizes work parties, social activities,
food, and entertainment. *Path & Grounds Committee*: Keeps site clean of litter, controls
weeds on vacant and abandoned plots. Maintains path & common areas,
roadway, and site entrance. Tracks specific plots which appear neglected,
report to Executive Committee for investigation and action. *Tools and Maintenance Committee*: Responsible for shed, tools, wheelbarrows,
machinery & equipment. Responsible for repairing and extending the
hose system and walking the water line to check for leaks. Recommends
purchases as necessary. *Publications, Education, and Research Committee*: Responsible for Newsletter,
advertising, and public relations, organizing workshops, submitting educational
articles to club newsletter, provide gardening advice and references,
responsible for all educational activities and resources. Facilitates
communication with members by means of posting signs. *Composting and Improvements Committee*: Maintains compost bins, shreds
plant material, contacts farm manager for manure delivery. Makes contacts
for compost, mulch and other soil amendments and organic fertilizers. *Food for the Homeless*: Coordinates collection and distribution of
produce for those in need. Everyone is asked to sign up for a committee if you have been allotted
a
GETTING A PLOT:
DUES AND FUNDS:
IMPORTANT ISSUES: *PLOT AESTHETICS* Dean Goodman has expressed to our advisor, Dr. Ed Durner that he would very much like for the plots to be more aesthetically pleasing, and that he has hopes of showing off our gardens to visiting professors and prospective students. We would like everybody to put up some sort of fence around their plot, and make sure debris is not left on plots or in the rows between plots. Please be considerate and remember that these plots are ONLY for organic gardening and are a reflection of Cook College. Aside from making the gardens more attractive for everyone, the dean is interested in the garden and has discretionary funds that he might be more inclined to give to us if we prove ourselves. *WISH LIST*: A "Wish List" will be prepared and submitted
to Dean Goodman, asking for money to aid with "cleaning up" the
gardens. This is where everybody’s efforts to making the
garden look nice come in. Anyone with ideas for the wish-list should
email Mike Gallagher at mgalla.eden.rutgers.edu. *PROBLEM OF NON-MEMBERS TAKING PRODUCE FROM PLOTS*: *WEBSITE* *MUSHROOM COMPOST OR MANURE!* *STEVE GRODSKY AND ADAM BAUER HAVE OFFERED TO BE THE LEADERS OF THE GROUNDS CREW* *T-SHIRTS AND AG FIELD DAY* If anybody else knows of any good places to get organic t-shirts from let Mike Gallagher know ASAP, because we need to make a decision soon. *NEXT MEETING (APRIL)*
A special thanks goes out to Cassie for taking notes at the meeting and Tom for researching the t-shirts. Thanks! If you feel anything was left out of this email or if there are any important mistakes, please feel free to let Mike Gallagher know at mgalla@eden.rutgers.edu
HAPPY GARDENING! |