Corporate Records

Meeting Minutes: January 2015

Dear Board Members,

I found myself disappointed at the end of 2014.  We held all 11 events and an extra hive build, and people seem to approve of what we are saying, but I see no progress in people adopting these techniques that we are pioneering.  There is slow progress in people becoming involved in the bee safe neighborhood program but no evidence that these neighborhoods will take the next step.  I think we need to reevaluate the holding classes approach and I will make suggestions below.

Financially, we got through a whole year without me putting in any money .  I have attached the 4th Quarter and 2014 P&L statements.

Some thoughts:

1 - Would it be a good idea to get together as a board in the next month or two?  I could certainly use some help with my inspiration. Maybe if we each state some times and dates that would work?  A sunny afternoon might be nice.

2 - I have experienced a set back with the plans for the lot on Eldridge, which may turn out to be a blessing.  The County tells me that a vacant residential lot can not just be used as a garden . . . who knew?  However, that got me thinking about going ahead and building on the lot.  That would mean that we could put in a food cell and still use the property for plant propagation once the building is complete.  I am meeting with an architect this Friday and I will keep you advised.

3 - I heard back from the Denver Permaculture Guild and it looks like we will be cosponsoring at least three events.  Sharona Thompson and the event planning committee set them up and Adam and I are finalizing the details.  Tentatively, there will be a hugelkultur demonstration at the Grow Haus February 28, a presentation of the Principles of Community Design on March 28 at Earth Links, and a couple of events on plant guilds in May.  I will see how I can fit in a pitch or two for the plant propagation cooperative at all of those events.

4 - I am intrigued with the new Denver Tool Library and hope to follow up with them on the possibility for collaboration.  I think they have a workshop space and it may be possible to hold chicken coop or hive builds through them.

I hope you approve of what I am proposing and that if you don't you will express your concerns.  I am open to ideas on what kinds of events could engage more people in our work.

As always, thank you for improving our habitat,
David Braden
Executive Director
Living Systems Institute