Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Held in the LeRoy Township/Village Hall
In Attendance: Absent:
*Karen Cool Amy Jo Prater *Brian Cool, co-chair
*Dan Massey *Betty Strunk, clerk *Mark Baker
*Elise Schlaikjer, chair *Julie Keefer *Dave Fisher
Betsy Erickson Amanda Sutherland
Runo Lorentzon Shannon Lindquist
* denotes committee member
Elise called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
Julie made a motion to approve the September 19, 2007 minutes. Karen supported, motion carried.
Elise went over the treasurer report. The FM has $3044.77 in the bank, $2533.12 was the total deposits for this past year. Expenses paid out so far this year have been $1885.71. There are still outstanding expenses. Karen made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, Julie supported. Motion carried.
Fair Trade coffee was sold at the last few FM’s, breaking about even. It was noted Styrofoam cups were used last year but plans are to use paper cups in the upcoming year. Customers bringing their own cups will get a discount on coffee. All disposable cups will be recycled.
Elise reported Stacie said the Razzasque Committee could not donate any money to the FM this year as their expenses were greater than normal. Karen informed us Brian talked to Stacie, offering to help build their shed that will be located on the LeRoy Garage property. In exchange, we would be able to store a few FM items in the shed. So far, no response.
Shannon notified us that Gary Edstrom, street commissioner for the village, informed the village board there were items missing from the garage; shovels, brooms, etc. Asked anyone attending the FM to keep an eye out for any problems. Also noted - the door is not always locked.
Elise read a letter from Robert Miller saying the Amish could not support the FM because of the music and dancing. Discussion followed.
1. Reminded of some reasons for the FM: support local farmers, build community, educate.
2. Some possible solutions:
a. Do away with music.
b. Have music at a later time, after Amish left the area.
c. No change.
d. Have music every other week.
e. Put music away from the vendor area.
Dan made a motion that in 2008, the FM replace music with recreation and educational programming. Julie supported, motion carried.
Betty made a motion for Elise to ask Mr. Miller for a commitment from the Amish to attend the FM every week as long as they have produce in exchange for the FM not having music or dancing. Karen supported, motion carried.
Shannon volunteered to be a member of the FM committee and was accepted. She is very interested in incorporating Project FRESH into the LeRoy FM. She feels this will help bring in younger families and give opportunities to educate as Project FRESH can offer information/demonstrations on canning, freezing, food safety and nutrition. Shannon is particularly interested in child nutrition.
Some suggested demonstrations for the upcoming year are:
1. herbal vinegars, oils, ointments
2. soap making
3. cheese making
4. Sheep to Shawl
5. cider making
6. woodcarving
7. cow milking
8. story sharing
Suggested events, possibly held in the new park with coffee/refreshments (suggested working with LQL committee):
1. music groups
2. dancing demonstrations
3. potlucks
Elise stated the need for volunteers to deal with new enterprises.
Elise and Amy Jo will send thank-you cards to anyone contributing at the FM, i.e. musicians, demonstrators, and vendors.
A special thank you to Amy Jo for all her hard work pulling together the musicians.
Karen volunteered to put an A-frame sign in LeRoy midweek prior to the FM announcing the upcoming demonstration for that week.
Amy Jo suggested not having a demonstration on recycle day to help eliminated congestion and dust.
Elise read a letter she composed to the Osceola County Community Foundation. The FM received grant money from the Foundation for the last two years. The letter included items purchased and how the FM is progressing.
Elise put out information and magazines for anyone to take. Also provided information on upcoming workshops.
The next meeting date will be February 12, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. in the township/village hall.
Betty made a motion to adjourn, Julie supported. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Submitted by Betty Strunk, secretary __________________________________________
Minutes approved ______________________________________