Tuesday, December 9, 2008

2008 November Minutes

Minutes of the November Meeting

Charlotte Council of Garden Clubs

November 11, 2008

At 7:40 pm, Mary Beth Collins called the meeting to order and thanked hostesses Lynn Lytle, Lenlee Corish, and Pat Lookabill for delicious refreshments. Dixie Spivey welcomed visitors Louise Hoard (coming for her third visit), Susan Hooper and Carol Glasshoff (from the Sardis Woods Garden Club) as well as Bill Kelly and Michelle Lee. 

Program Co-Chair Brenda Dills introduced Natalie Veres and Cassie Parson of Grateful Growers Farm in Lincoln County and Dean and Jennifer Mullis of Laughing Owl Farms near Richfield. Natalie began by showing a WBT news clip that had highlighted Grateful.  Grateful Growers is a producer of farm raised pastured chicken, eggs, and pork from Tamworth pigs, an old-time breed; they also raise ducks and turkeys grown without synthetic chemicals. Their motto is, "Eat Well, Feel Well, Do Great."  Natalie emphasized the importance of individuals being involved, both locally and on a state level, in the plight of small family farms since big agriculture has the ear of our representatives in the legislature.  Grateful Growers sells at these farmers markets: Denver, Charlotte Regional, Matthews, Davidson, and the Tailgate Market in Dilworth. 

Jennifer and Dean Mullis of Laughing Owl Farm operate a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) as well as selling at local farmers markets. Last year, for $600, subscribers received 24 weekly deliveries of fresh locally grown produce. CSA "shareholders" pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and the farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season.  Jennifer explained that members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests. 

After a motion by Dixie Spivey and a second from Judy Powell, members approved the minutes of the October meeting. Treasurer Dixie Kelly reported a beginning balance of $14, 406.41. Total deposits were $175.15 and total expenses were $87.01. The ending balance on 11/11/08 is $14,494.55. 

Mary Beth asked members to please put their names on their recipes and submit them to Dana DeBellis. Cookbook Co-chair Jennifer Warner needs volunteers to help store cookbooks. 

Under new business, members unanimously voted once again to sponsor two students (one from North Mecklenburg HS and one from CPCC) for the Davidson Horticultural Symposium. Sponsorships are $85 this year. 

Lara Barnett announced that remaining items from the Farmers Market were on the table for members to purchase. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

 Respectfully submitted,

Pat Lookabill

Recording Secretary


 

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