Eating Local Foods : January 10, 2012
Minutes
Present: Lenore Doctor, Ed Singer, Valerie Kinsman, Robin Weirauch, John Jemmott, Andrew Philpot, Annie Crowder-Reynolds, Matthew Spangler, Monique Tressler, Susan Noblet, Jaime Minch Nelson, Dorothy Singer
Valerie opened the meeting with each participant sharing a brief introduction of their interest in local foods. Participants shared interests and vocations ranging but not limited to CSA’s ( Valerie and Jaime) Community gardens (Lenore, Matthew, and Annie) home production/back yard gardening (Annie, John,) economic and community development ( Robin) landscape architecture (Susan) marketing local foods through retail (Monique) local growers (Andrew, Valerie and Jamie) education (Ed , Monique, Susan, Matthew and Dorothy)
Monique then updated the group on recent developments in Bryan. Dr. Trippy has bought the old Baptist Church and plans to open it as a brewery/restaurant. There will be a producers meeting open to the public at All Things Food on January 29 at 3pm. Dr. Trippy approached All Things Food and spoke with Staci and Monique about supplying local foods for his restaurant/brewery. Staci and Monique are calling a meeting to help producers plan the growing season. Dr. Trippy has been approached by other "business entities" who are interested in possibly sourcing local foods as well. Here is the link to Dr. John Trippy’s Wildwinds buffalo preserve. http://www.wildwindsbuffalo.com/BELIEFS.html
Valerie opened discussion on the structure and leadership of ELF. Andrew informed the group about the possibility of obtaining nonprofit status through OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association http://www.oeffa.org/ ) Pros and cons included obtaining the nonprofit status by linking with this organization. See the advantages and disadvantages of nonprofit status here: http://grantspace.org/Tools/Knowledge-Base/Nonprofit-Management/Establishment/Pros-and-cons Cons included association with perceived us vs them attitudes of some OEFFA representatives. With a mission to educate the public on the benefits and possibilities of, ELF needs to be careful how it is perceived. Jaime shared that her her 8-member CSA association had considered becoming an OEFFA affiliate, but decided against it choosing rather to advertise collectively to market their products. She shared the advantages of “infiltrating the system” citing the example of Cleveland where the municipal government ( Mayor’s office) supports local foods. She informed the group the Food Council of Toledo under the leadership of Paula Ross and others is having a meeting on February 28 at Owens Community College. (I am searching for further information on this meeting.)
Discussion of the pros and cons of ELF affiliation with OEFFA directed us to the question: what is ELF about? Ed gave a brief synopsis of the evolution of Eating Local Foods, an outgrowth of a group at NSCC with an interest in growers and consumers coming together to reconstruct our local food system. The first Everybody Eats Conference was organized in 2008 to network and educate the community about visions for a sustainable food system in NW Ohio. Since this initial public conference, ELF in collaboration with NSCC has sponsored EE Conferences as an annual event, local foods banquets have been held, Black Swamp Local Food and Farm Coop has formed, community development in Napoleon has mushroomed and All Things Food in Bryan, a retail business marketing and educating for sustainable living, has opened. All are a credit to the leadership, energy and vision of ELF membership, but now leadership of the founding organization has found itself immersed in new endeavors and there is a need to reassess the structure and goals of ELF. It was agreed that the Everybody Eats Conference continues the vision and public presence of ELF.
Given the central role of the Conference in the mission of ELF, it was decided to postpone the formal definition of the group and its leadership (such as “officers”) until after this year’s ELF Conference.
The 2012 Everybody Eats Conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 24. At this conference, there will be a session scheduled as a public forum to consider the possible restructuring and revaluation of the goals of ELF. Andrew has been doing a great job organizing this conference and aims to have a schedule of sessions and keynote speaker finalized by the end of the month. At this time, Joe Hammon is scheduled to speak on the value of organics, Duke Wheeler will speak on alternative meat production, Brad Miller on Gobi berries. There will be a presentation on mobile chicken processing, shitake mushroom production. Paul Hagen will present on Ohio nut production and Paw Paws; Valerie will present on high tunnel season extension, and a presentation on local foods and holiday menus. There are 18 sessions. Under consideration are a session with a video, a maple syrup production session, and consumer oriented sessions. Gene Lodgson has health issues and has not been able to commit to being a keynote speaker. Michael Szuberla of Toledo Grows , Georgia Kohart, the Food Editor of the Toledo Blade, and Brad Miller were suggested as keynote and/or session leaders. Please contact Andrew at beancreekfarms@yahoo.com with any suggestions or ideas.
Some suggestions for the local foods included tacos, chili over potatoes with cheese and salad, or a box lunch. Monique offered her brother who is a professional chef as someone who might contribute to the planning and/preparation of the meal. Lenore offered Zion Lutheran Church kitchen for preparation of a box lunch. Ed is going to see what the college will permit and will get back with the food committee.
Lenore informed the group of the John McCutcheon concert on Feb. 18. There will be a service at 5pm, followed by a dinner and the concert will begin at 7:30. Regular admission is $15 and $10 for students and seniors.
The next meeting will take place on February 14 at 6:30 in the McDougle room at NSCC.
Here is a contact list of those present at the January 10 meeting:
Lenore Doctor: doctorle@yahoo.com
Valerie Kinsman: Valeriekinsman@hotmail.com
Robin Weirauch: rweirauch@gmail.com
John Jemmott: kjemmott1@yahoo.com
Andrew Philpot: beancreekfarm@yahoo.com
Annie Crowder-Reynolds: annie.reynolds2@gmail.com
Matthew Spangler: realgoodfood4all@live.com
Monique Tressler: mo_tressler@msn.com
Susan Noblet: susan.noblet@toledogarden.org
Jaime Minch Nelson: friendship.farms@yahoo.com
Ed Singer: ed.singer@northweststate.edu
Dorothy Singer: djsinger54@gmail.com
Eating Local Foods Minutes
Meeting held at Stella Blues in Bryan, OH
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011
Attendees: Monique Tressler, Veria Frank, John Jemmott, Glen Frobel, Margaret Froble, JoEllyn Yoder, Sherry Fleming, Jamison Clark, Jay Budde, Barbara Budde, Luke Reynolds, Ann Reynolds, Ed Singer, and Robin Weirauch.
Lyndsay Grahm of Omega Meats was the guest speaker discussing the topic “Do you hire a stranger to do your animal abuse?”
Lindsay is a local meat producer and has written an essay on Animal Abuse and shared with the group some things he learned about the large animal operations and animal welfare.
Lindsay uses the following to define animal abuse: Too small space, many in small spaces, unnatural diets for the animals, always in the dark, and standing on concrete floors 24/7. Though there are many excuses to follow these practices, such as keeping predators away and animals are protected from the weather, there are many detriments as well. Many large operations advertise “Cage Free” but this usually consists of a large building with no windows, where the animals can roam freely within the building. Often, the animals are very crowded, with little room to actually move. “Free range” is another term used often, these animals may be allowed out of the building, usually within a very small fenced in area, that may be concrete or have a small patch of grass. Lindsay described the following practices in many megafarms:
Beef: antibiotics and hormones may be used, often cattle are grain fed (the natural food for cattle is grass). Animals spend their life on concrete floors, inside a building. The feed (grain) changes the chemical balance within the digestive system in the cattle, which increases the threat of e-coli. Grass fed cattle keeps a natural 0 ph balance, which is a deterrent to e-coli infestations. Slaughter practices can increase the possibility contamination. Smaller farms often do hand processing, reducing the risk of contaminated meat.
Hogs: Mega Farms hogs are often in tight pens, on concrete floors, and may have had their tails removed to eliminate them being bitten at. Antibiotics may be used to reduce infection.
Lindsay recommends that individuals do some research before purchasing meat products. Try to find out where the meat came from and the processing operations. Many smaller farms will allow you to come out and see the animals and explain how they are fed.
Minutes: Read by Veria. Motioned to Approve: Jamison. 2nd: Ann. There was no discussion or changes.
Budget Report: Robin. Balance $1588.77. The only bill outstanding is the bill for the shrimp purchased by Andrew for the conference.
Review/Recap:
Archbold Fall Festival:
JoEllyn reported that this event went well. She was able to pass out a lot of information cards.Sustainable Living Fair:
Monique attended and stated this was a great first attempt. There were many student created projects, including a solar powered water filtration unit. Other projects included wool dying and lip balm, hand lotions, and soap made from goats milk.Barn Fest in
Bryan: Monique reported that this event went well.Mother Earth News Fair:
Great speakers and good information reported by Andrew501(c) :
Monique reports that Andrew Philpot has agreed to be the statutory agent. Small changes are in progress to finalize the application for the non-profit status. Anyone who would like to review this just let Monique know and she will email it to you. Suggestions by attorney Ryan have been reviewed and some changes are being made, including taking out the fair sections, changing it from Fulton County to Northwest Ohio Area, and adding information to allow for our continued discussions through email. We hope to wrap this up in the next week or so.On-going:
Williams
County Alliance: Farm Directory: Williams County Alliance started this in 2006 as a pro-active response to stopping a large scale chicken factory farm in Williams County. By bringing ELF into the project, the directory can be expanded to other counties. JoEllen and Dorothy Singer will assist with this. This Committee would like a representative from each county to lessen the work and reach more producers as well as sponsors. Sponsors are needed to help defray the cost of publishing the directory. The group will meet within the next couple of weeks.Everybody Eats Conference:
Andrew has agreed to take the lead in organizing the conference, with Valerie providing her knowledge and experience. The planning stages include looking at who in the area can provide/share/help with sustainable farm practices. Topics are still being sought. Anyone who has the time who would like to help with this project, or has ideas for topics or speakers, please let Andrew or Valerie know as soon as possible. Dates are still tentative for the conference, with possible dates including March 31 or the first Saturday after Easter. Ed has reserved March 23 or 24th at NW State, but conference location is still undecided. (Valerie is still awaiting a response from a local church that might be agreeable to holding this event). Locally produced shrimp has been purchased.
New Business:
World Food Day:
October 16th. Truth in Labeling. For more information on GMO’s and the right to know what is in the food we purchase, check out the Responsible Technology website: www.responsibletechnology.org . All Things Food is a site for this event. The petition was available at the meeting for anyone interested in signing. It will also be available at All Things Food in Bryan.Advertising:
JoEllen shared with the group that Farmland News is interested in doing an article on ELF. Valerie or Andrew will be contacted about this. The connection between ELF and Black Swamp Food & Farm Co-Op, as well as the conference are some items that could be shared. Bryan Times did an interview with Monique about fair trade. ELF still needs someone who would be willing to contact local papers with information about ELF and the events we have planned.Upcoming Events:
Sauder’s Community Health Day:
Saturday, October 15th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Monique can use someone to sit with her and talk with people. She also encourages everyone to talk about local options at community events you attend that serve or will serve food.All Things Food Open House:
Saturday October 15th. 6-8 pmSauder’s Cooking Class at the village: Saturday Nov 5th 9:30 am – 12:00 pm TURKEY TIME
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday November 8, 2011. Please check out the website for meeting location.
Eating Local Foods Minutes at All Things Food in Bryan, OH.
Tuesday, Sept 13, 2011
Attendees: Staci Stevens, Monique Tressler, Annie Crowder Reynolds, Alanna Steinke, Ruth Hershberger, Lester Cook, Steven Johnson, Jane Clark, Doug Kinsman, Valerie Kinsman, JoEllyn Yoder, Jamison Clark, Ed Singer, and Veria Frank.
Thanks to Monique and Staci for holding the meeting in their new store, All Things Food.
Minutes: Read by Monique. Motioned to Approve: Annie. 2nd: Jamison.
Budget Report: none.
Review/Recap:
Black Swamp Food & Farm Banquet: Reported by Valerie: Food was great, good reviews as to why people attended. DVD with stories was entertaining. For next year would like to engage more non-producer assistance.
Senator Brown Rural Policy: Met with ELF members. Farm bill-wide perspective of comments from consumers, new and seasoned farmers. Members learned what is coming up, budget trimmings, GMO’s and subsidies. Budget trimmings will set farm bill for next year.
Defiance County Master Gardeners: Monique met with this group, Jane and Orville, officers of the group, discussed how hobbies can make a big impact in local produce.
Franciscan Earth/Summer Harvest Gala: active with supporting local foods in their regional area: no one was able to attend this event.
Other: Per Steve Johnson (from Michigan) CSA’s are the fastest growing farm organizations in the state of Michigan
Archbold Street Festival: JoEllyn discussed her meeting with the Chamber regarding the Festival and will be setting up at the Farmers Market. She will need fliers or information she can share with others about ELF during the event.
Barn Fest: Staci and Monique will be doing several exciting things at their store during this event and welcome producers to set up and promote their items in the store.
Sauder Classes: not going as well as hoped. Registration is still open and can be done through Sauder’s website. When classes are full, ELF will be contacted and Monique will contact producers.
Sustainable Living Fair: Ed has checked out their website (www.neisustainableliving.com) and may be sending students to this event. Planning is still in process. Check out website for more information.
Farm Directory-Williams County Alliance: There was much discussion during the last meeting about this. Dorothy Singer hopes to take on this project and hopes to include more local farmers. Sponsors are needed to defray the cost (estimated at $1.00/copy). JoEllyn will have a sign-up sheet at the Street Festival for donators and/or volunteers.
Everybody Eats Conference 2012: Andrew has generously offered to head up this project and will need assistance. The conference planning includes a full day of workshops and activities. Valerie discussed ideas from consumers about future workshops, including:
Land of 1000 labels
Art of Stir frying
Growing super foods at home
Genetically Modified Foods
Green cleaning
More ideas?? Contact ELF members.
Feedback from last year was reviewed, most workshops were more producer oriented than consumer oriented.
Shrimp: There is a aqua-cultural harvest operation in Whitehouse, OH. This hydroponic produces fresh water prawns. Monique will place information on this on the website. There was some discussion about picking up a couple of pounds of frozen for the conference. Harvest time is limited within the next week or so for the year.
Other: Right to Know Day, truth in labeling (www.responsibletechnology.org). You can also check this out for more information on GMO’s.
Upcoming Events:
Sauder’s Community Health Day: Saturday, October 15th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Monique can use someone to sit with her and talk with people. She also encourages everyone to talk about local options at community events you attend that serve or will serve food.
Mother Earth News Fair 2011 in Pennsylvania in September 24 & 25th. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. The trip would take two days. Andrew would like to arrange a car pool if others are interested in attending. More information can be found on line.
More advertising. Discussion centered on increasing awareness by advertising in local papers; such as Bryan Times for Farmland News.
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday October 11th, 2011. Please check out the website for meeting location.
Eating Local Foods meeting at Beancreek farm: August 9, 2011
The Andrew and Andria Philpot family hosted our meeting at their Beancreek farm: a wonderful setting and a good time introducing our group to family members and goats and poultry.
Thank you Andrew and Andria!
Present: Andrew Philpot, Andria Philpot, Tim Reynolds, Annie Crowder-Reynolds, John Jemmott, JoEllyn Yoder, Jay Budde, Barbara Budde, Doug Kinsman, Valerie Kinsman, Jane Clark, Jamison Clark, Monique Tressler, Ed Singer, Dorothy Singer
Monique called the meeting to order with some delicious local fresh snacks of deviled eggs and a salad.
First item of business: business cards are ready.
Monique then passed around a cutting board made locally as a possible item for sale at the new store front of All Things Food in Bryan.
There was some discussion of cooking classes at Sauder Village. Sauder Village has been positive about cooperating with ELF on this project. However, the attendance has been low.
Next item of discussion was the Williams County Directory with an idea to expanding it to include a five county area of NW Ohio. The current directory is an outgrowth of the Williams County Alliance which grew out of the local protest to the location of a large chicken farm in Williams County. Sherry Fleming is a contact for this organization. Some ideas considered for a forthcoming directory include:
Ø Ten reasons to buy local
Ø Definitions of organic, GMO, grass fed, free range, etc.
Ø Listing of producers and of businesses who use local products
Ø On line version
There was discussion of the boundaries for producers included in the directory. The group came up with this title: The Greater Northwest Ohio Local Food Directory with a listing of counties included and the qualification of, “as well as outlying areas”
October 15 is Sauder Community Health Day. ELF plans a table at this event. The event takes place from 10 AM – 4 PM
Andrew introduced the Mother Earth News Fair/Conference on Sept. 24-25 at the Seven Springs Resort. (SE of Pittsburgh) http://www.motherearthnews.com/fair/home.aspx He and Andria are thinking of going. See Andrew or Andria if you are interested in carpooling.
Another conference of interest is the ACRES conference in Columbus OH, December 8-10 this year: http://www.acresusa.com/events/events.htm
Ed Singer offered information on the August 19 Gala in Tiffin: “The Gala is a gourmet food and wine event that benefits the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center and Seeds of Hope Farm in Tiffin. The event celebrates local and seasonal cuisine by featuring the chemical-free, fresh produce, herbs, poultry and eggs from Seeds of Hope Farm.” http://felc.sfctiffin.org/farm/
Next item on the agenda was the Everybody Eats Conference on March 31, 2012. Andrew is looking for speakers. Some mentioned included an expert on Permaculture, and Paul Hagen. Contact Andrew with ideas.
The venue for this event is not yet reserved. Ed is going to check with NSCC. The kitchen there has been an obstacle. Valerie is looking into Evangelical Church. Dorothy will contact Holy Cross School in Defiance, or one of the old Catholic elementary schools.
Monique and Valerie are giving a presentation at the Friends of the Library for the Zonta Club April 12th @ 6 PM at the Defiance Library. This will be open to the public and local producers will be asked to set up booths and attend.
The By Laws are an ongoing project that will be sent out over email for review and suggestions.
Finally, the Black Swamp Banquet will be held on September 10 from 5 to 8 for a sit down meal at the Knierim Hall (behind the Outback store) in Arcbold. http://www.knierimhall.com/
There will be a list of foods needed for the banquet on the website http://www.eatinglocalfoods.org/Home
Carry outs will be $12 and dine in $15. Brian is coordinating the food. Producers are donating the food and more are being asked for food as well as for preparation. See the website for more information: http://blackswampbanquet.eventbrite.com/
The next meeting is Sept. 13 at 6:30 PM (see home page for meeting location)
Eating Local Foods (ELF) Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2011
Attendees: John Jemmott, Ed Singer, Linda Borton, Mel Borton, Staci Stevens, Monique Tressler, Jamison Clark, Annie Crowder-Reynolds, Julia Jarzcmbski, Veria Frank, and Andrew Philpot
Veria Frank read the minutes from the April meeting. Motion to approve: Monique. Seconded: Ed. Minutes approved.
Monique passed out copies of the bylaws and asked attendees to review. Ed had a question about the wording about when group meets versus board members, with a question about the yearly meeting and the regular meetings with members. At least three regular meetings a year will be held for all members, with the board meeting once a year.
Membership dues was discussed, with the possibility of $1.00 or $5.00 per year. Dues have been shown to increase member dedication. The group discussed the possibility of discounts on events for members who attend. For Bylaw purposes, no fees need to be set to approve the bylaws.
The EIN number is completed, but the articles of incorporation still needs to be done. This can be done before or after the bylaws are approved. Fees are: on-line application $125.00. Monique states that if the on-line application is not available, the fee could be up to $800.00 or more. Those who have questions or concerns can email Monique.
The group requests that Robin put the bylaws on-line on the website in a way that people can comment on them as needed and will be voted on at the June meeting.
Old Business: banquet “duties” placed on the website for review for future consideration.
Stella Blu, who catered the banquet from last year, is expanding and will be unable to participate in a future banquet at this time. The group discussed the possibility of holding a banquet at various locations; including the Barn Restaurant. John J. will check into this and report back. If the group decides to pursue this project, a leader and committee will need to be formed.
Additional ways to promote ELF, without the additional work of banquet planning, would be for members to continue educating the public about local foods, including promoting and supplying information about local producers to groups who are planning meals for their members and/or the community.
New Business: Sauder’s Village’s Shellee Murcao, food/cooking instructor, spoke with Monique and John recently about working together to promote local foods at Sauder’s cooking classes. The “Taste of History Food Classes” will utilize locally grown foods. ELF will supply a list of producers for each class being held and ELF members who wish to attend to promote ELF can participate for free. Supply fee for these classes will be $10.00, with an additional charge of $12.00 per person; $20.00 for couples for the classes. Robin and Andy will work with Sauder’s to create portals on each website for registration and ELF information.
Planned classes include:
June Our Daily Bread 6-9 pm loaf of white, loaf of wheat, & dinner rolls
July Everybody Loves Eggs 6-9 pm omelets, quiches, and custards
Pizza for Kids
Aug Simple Salads 6-9 pm greens, pastas, etc
Sept. You can can 6-9 pm fruits and veggie canniing
Oct In a stew 6-9 pm crockpot
Nov Turkey time 6-9 pm Thanksgiving dinner
ELF members will pay the supply fee if attending, but there will be no charge for the class. Members can be a voice for ELF and provide information about local suppliers. Monique will help with the list of needs.
These classes came about as many have lost the desire and/or knowledge about cooking.
Per John’s suggestion, Monique will have Robin list each class, request volunteers, and what produce is needed. Another possibility is that producers check the website and make contact with Sauder’s if they have produce to sell for that class.
Guest Speakers: Linda & Mel Borton spoke to the group on behalf of the Ohio Farmer’s Union and an event ELF has been invited to set up a table at. The event will be held either June 23 or June 30th at Northwest State. Four counties have been invited and Linda was excited to announce that many seminars will be held. Dignitaries including Senator Hite, will be attending. Table displays will be from 6-7 pm. Linda will email Robin with the date of the event and will need to know by May 24th if ELF will set up so she can place it in her brochure announcement.
Linda & Mel discussed the Farmer’s Union and their role in cooperation, education, and legislation for family owned farms. According to Linda, the farmer’s share of food dollars is about 20 cents on the dollar. There was some discussion on subsidies supported by Farmer’s Union. Ed pointed out that ELF works to build local communities, the same communities that are supported by the Farmer’s Union, with family farms accountable to those communities. A volunteer is needed to set up a display for this event, which will be held on a Thursday evening.
Brochure/Calling card. Julia was unable to complete the brochure due to incompatibility with her computer system with other systems. She was able to produce a couple of sample cards, which were passed around. The group decided to use the EFL card with the mission statement on the back, adding the logo-which will be emailed to her by Andrew-and changing the right side to read the month, time, and location of the meetings.
Andrew researched the cost of brochures and cards.
Qty brochures B/W Color Qty Cards Color
Concept Printers: 500 $77 $213 1000 $96 – two-sided
1000 $108 $276
Tomahawk: 500 $89 $274 1000 $75-two-sided
Monique made a motion to use the card instead of the brochure, this was seconded by Andrew, with all in favor.
Julia returned the EE Conference planning guide, which was given to Ed to keep at NW State.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting date: June 14th
Minutes taken by Veria Frank
Eating Local Foods Network Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Northwest State Community College
Welcome & introductions.
Attendance: Veria Frank, John Jemmott, Ed Singer, Julie Jarzembski, Valerie Kinsman, Renee Zimmerman, Jamison Clark, Jane Clark, Staci Stevens, Andrew Philpot, and Robin Weirauch.
Minutes from last meeting was reviewed and approved.
Review/Recap:
A. Soup Supper: An estimated 150 people attended the Soup/Salad Supper. Robin reported that income was approx $1056. Expenses were $589.00, leaving a profit of $467.29. Everyone seemed to enjoy the supper and the concert, comments were positive from attendees.
There was a loss for the concert organizer, Joe McCormick. Ed suggested that ELF look at contributing the tickets donated to the producers who attended. There were 13 exhibitors. The group decided to table this for now and wait to see if Jo requests assistance with expenses.
B. Black Swamp Local Foods and Farm Coop. Much work has been completed by this group. The website is being completed, bylaws have been reviewed and edited. Valerie states they would like to file prior to the conference on April 2nd and wondered if ELF had heard anything from Attorney Ryan Brieninger as to whether ELF paying for their filing fees would affect obtaining their filing and receiving a non-profit status at a later date. Robin is still waiting on an answer to this. It was suggested that perhaps another attorney could be contacted about this. It was decided that Robin will write out the question and Valerie will contact the attorney Black Swamp is using (Kelly Bok). If it is decided that there will not be a problem, a check will be written to cover the expenses.
Everybody Eats:
C. Budget report: Registration is open on-line with 23 registered so far. WMTR radio is doing an on-air interview to advertise the conference. Other advertisement includes the Toledo Blade and a Fox news interview.
a. Budget: Itemized expense estimate for conference.
i. Speakers $ 115.00 meals
ii. Speakers honorariums $1200 - $1500.00 for 18 speakers
1. OSU speakers, keynotes, mileage
2. $5.00 for meal was being built into the ticket price with $17.50 to pay speakers. Need 92 people to cover expenses, Goal is 150 attendees.
iii. $25.00 bottled water & snacks for speakers and $25.98 for name lables.
Jamison made a motion to accept the budget, Ed seconded, motion passed.
D. Elf Network Meeting. The group decided not to hold a meeting during the conference.
E. Conference Volunteers
a. There will be a taco bar, baked potato bar, and salad bar. People are needed to help with setting up & refilling the bar as well as helping with registration, greater/guide, workshop monitors, and clean up. A sheet was passed around for volunteers to sign.
By-laws: Not discussed at this meeting.
OEFFA: (Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association). Staci stated that this group is looking for a Toledo Chapter and wondered how it would fit in with ELF. Valerie, who is familiar with the group, stated that this group is more for growers/organic producers.
Other Discussions:
Ed requested assistance with his March 18th presentation. He is presenting for Green Grow the Gardens. Ed needs volunteers to talk about ELF. He suggested talking about the group or telling your own story about local foods. Valerie and Renee stated they may be able to help with this.
Renee offered to work the ELF table at the conference. Elf brochures will be updated by Veria and emailed for use by both Ed for his presentation and to be distributed to conference attendees.
A question was asked whether ELF cold work on something similar to the Williams County Producer Directory. There is a list of producers on the ELF website, but this may be something to take into consideration.
Next Meeting will be held on April 12th which is the 2nd Tuesday in April at NW State.
Eating Local Foods Network Meeting -
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 -
Northwest State Community College
Welcome & introductions.
Attendance: Veria Frank, John Jemmott, Ed Singer, Lenore Doctor, Jo McCormick, Julie Jarzembski, Monique Tressler, Annie Crowder Reynolds, and Robin Weirauch.
Introductions of members. Each was asked what “eating local” means to them. Answers included: close to backyard as possible, produce fresher and tastier, enables enterprising folks to grow more than they can use and share with community, sustainable, keeps the planet going, recycling (compost), supports local economy, part of a revolutionary act (change in how we act) and past family history of food additive allergies.
Minutes from last meeting was reviewed and approved.
Monique introduced the meeting as an open environment and used to promote the goals of ELF, as a group all input is needed to ensure a true group decision. Ed continued the discussion, stating some members have been in this group since its inception, others are newer to the group. The group was developed as a part of NW State’s E4s program. For those who would like more information on this, Ed will answer any questions.
Everybody Eats Conference and ELF are a separate unit from NW State and this will be reflected in next year’s NW State budget. Elf’s role for the upcoming conference: NW State will pay for the publicity, Valerie’s salary, as well as using the remaining amount of the Lewis grant (for student’s only) to help pay their registration fees. The use of NW State facilities are on an in-kind basis.
Other expenses will be honorariums, travel expense for speakers, food, speaker fees, publicity, and radio ads. The group discussed utilizing the Napoleon radio station, newspapers, and a possible spot with Heather Miller on Fox for conference. The Napoleon radio station runs farm reports, it was felt this would be a good way to reach farmers. Though information on the conference will be online, farmers may not utilize the internet for this purpose. Ed distributed a schedule and bookmarks for the conference and asked everyone to share and distribute. ELF hopes for 100-200 attendees. (100 is needed to break even)
There was discussion on whether ELF would like to meet during the conference, perhaps this would be a way to increase membership. With ELF volunteers working during sessions and during lunch, a meeting was tabled for now.
Volunteers are needed for the registration tables, food preparation, serving, and there was some discussion as to discounting conference price for those members who assist. In addition, Ed will check into the possibility of ELF members having badges to wear for identification for conference attendees for questions. A sign up sheet was passed around for positions needed for the conference.
Monique made a motion that volunteers fee for conference be set at $15.00 for volunteers with the ability to attend some sessions and participate in the meal between work duties. Lenore seconded, with one opposition from Julie, who felt if members are asked to work all day, they should be able to attend for free. Discussion centered on the ability to attend sessions and the meal, with actual working time being minimal. Vote taken, one opposed, others in favor. Motion passed.
Robin spoke with attorney Ryan regarding ELF’s ability to obtain non-profit status if it supplies $300.00 for the Black Swamp Local Foods & Farm Coop. Though Ryan did answer, his answer did not seem to fit the question posed, so she will once again contact him.
For the upcoming supper, things are going well. Food is coming in. Lenore still needs assistance with food preparation. She is hoping for 4 people from ELF to assist with preparation and clean up. Debra Beach from NW State will be doing a mini documentary on Friday, she will be meeting with producers and consumers.
Last: The website domain fee is due. Veria made a motion to approve spending $10 for the website domain name for one year, with Ed seconding. All approved, motion passed.
Meeting adjourned
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday March 8th at 6:30 pm at NW State
Submitted by
Veria Frank
- Elf’s assistance is needed for this event, to work with individual speakers in checking equipment, water, handouts, etc.
- Local foods will be needed for this event. Discussion also centered on asking vendors to set up booths.
- News Releases in local papers & radio
- Community calendars, radio station
- Mo will contact Brian to speak with Georgia Kohart
- Ed with speak with Jack Palmer@ Crescent News & Heather Miller/Fox Toledo
- Sherry will check with the Bryan Times and other Williams countypapers
- Robin will continue to maintain the website & update info as needed