December 2011 Meeting Notes

Attendees: Lucy Wilson, Alley Clark, Pam Berry, Jim Steffen, Julie Carda, Jack Round, Larry Krutz, Kay Stevens, Shelia Gardner, Judy Grace, Lance Brisbois, Brent Lubbert, Alley Clark, Greg Fripp, Tyler Markuson, Jen Valandra, Jason Valandra, Nancy Williams, Susan Whitfield

WELCOME and INTRODUCTIONS

STAY CONNECTED

Shared Commercial Kitchen Update:  The kitchen committee continues to look at potential space for the shared commercial kitchen. If you are interested in leasing kitchen space please complete survey posted.

NMEP Cooking Demonstrations:  NMEP has secured cooking demonstrations arrangements with OPS Head Start Programs and Charles Washington Library for the 2012. 

Knowledge Enhancement:

SARE Youth & Youth Educator Grants: Remember the deadline for SARE grants for Youth and Youth Educator is due January 12, 2012- http://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Types-of-Grants/Youth-and-Youth-Educator-Grant-Program

WHAT DO YOU KNOW? (Tell us what you want to discuss.)

Fundraiser: Hootenanny - Sunday, December 18, 2011, 6PM to 12AM, The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple Street, Omaha, NE 68104.  All proceeds benefits No More Empty Pots.  Many thanks to Lori Tatreau for hosting this event!

The Nebraska-Iowa Sustainable Growers:  The NE/IA Sustainable Growers are a group of local farmers looking to better understand the market and the demand for fresh, locally-raised, organic chicken.  If you are interested in helping them with this effort please complete their survey by logging on to www.local-chicken.com. 

Carver Grange of Omaha (CarGO): On January 3, 2012, Ed Luttrell, Washington, DC, President, National Grange of the Order Of Patrons of Husbandry, http://www.nationalgrange.org/about-us/, will be attending the George Washington Carver Grange of Omaha Project meeting to serve the group its charter membership. The Grange has a rich 145 year history of supporting family, community organization with its roots in agriculture. It provides members with the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential as citizens and leaders. This is the first Grange chartered in an urban environment in the state of NE.  On October 11, 2011, nineteen individuals attended the initial meeting to learn about the project.  These individuals became the charter members.  The goal of the CarGO Project is to expand hands-on applied STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and develop transferrable leadership skills in youth while cultivating an interest in food and related agriculture post-secondary educational opportunities and careers.  Youth ages 10-18 are welcome to join.

Local Food in 2012:  John Heaston, Editor/Publisher, Pioneer Publishing, POB 7360, Omaha, NE  68107, 402-341-7323 x123 office, is hosting a local food meeting at MCC on January 11^th, at 10:00 AM, with all involved with local food.  The first week of every month in his local paper called The Reader will be devoted to articles promoting the freshest crops, how they can be prepared and how they can help improve community health.  The meeting goals include:

1. To better understand the season and how best to report on it. What usually comes when?

2. To better understand how the different stakeholders in the local community work together through the season, so that we may better time and integrate our coverage.

3. To assist the local food community in getting its message to a wider audience is hosting

NEXT MEETING

• Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: Charles Washington Branch Library, 2868 Ames Street, Omaha, NE 68111, Room B

MEETING ADJOURNMENT