16 October 2008
Present: Deb, Ann, Dawn, Phil, Kathy, Joann, Helen, Lucy, Lorraine, Todd
Grants:
* It’s time to report to Ben & Jerry’s and ask them for more money once we’ve spent what we have
* Discussed passing on the gift – sometimes cash or work barter are acceptable as last resort, but passing on livestock or some kind of similar payback is preferred
* Everything must have receipts. Heifer Int’l is adamant about this down to every
* last dime.
Website suggestions:
* Members’ stories are welcome for the online newsletter
* When equipment is purchased, the Eq. Committee can send an email update to the list and post it on the website
* Post a web page of Equipment Librarians
* Add a Committee page to the website
* Dawn add new email to website and take Lorraine off the membership page
* Consider Paypal for memberships and donations in the future
Future workshops / programs:
* Ann – poultry
* Phil – bees
* series of farm potlucks and programs in summer presented by each farmer
* wildcrafting
* native plants & crops
* Native American farming practices and philosophies
* Workshops twice a year for using equipment
Committees:
* Livestock, Equipment, Steering, Membership and Website Committees all met this week
Equipment:
* Lorraine is willing to store and schedule wool & food processing equipment
* For committees to purchase equipment or supplies, small things can be reimbursed, larger items must go through the Treasurer (Helen) with invoices.
* A trailer would be insured by the vehicle owner, but inspected and registered by NCFN
* We need storage for the trailer at least for winter and spring. Deb Baker is willing to store it but her road is not very accessible in inclement weather/seasons.
General:
* NCFN is not focused on exotics like emus, but more standard farm animals
* Still need grain bin location – so far no takers, but possibly in Middlesex, Barre / Washington area
* Next meeting – 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m. at Vershare?