Minutes - January 15, 2009

Southwest Olympia Neighborhood Association
January 15, 2009 Minutes

The January 15, 2009 meeting of the Southwest Olympia Neighborhood Association (SWONA) was called to order at 7:10 p.m. at the home of Barb Day, 1025 Plymouth St SW, with ten members present.

President Diana Renison presided.  Members introduced themselves.
Ed Esbeck announced that Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will continue to welcome meetings of SWONA. Future regular meetings will be at the Church.
Joni Schlarb announced that the SWONA bank balance was $769.15 with $95.00 on hand.  Joni Schlarb moved that SWONA pay a bill for postage that Bethany Weidner had incurred. Motion was seconded and approved.

Derek Valley report on Olympia Kiwanis Club appeal: On behalf of the Olympia Kiwanis Club, Derek Valley asked SWONA members to find more vegetable garden space. He reported that the Kiwanis garden at Kaiser and 11th supplies 6½ tons of vegetables annually to the Thurston County Food Bank. That is 70% of their vegetable supply. Because of the present economic situation the need has increased. Derek proposes that SWONA members have spots to raise veggies or that there be a Neighborhood Association garden spot to supply the Food Bank. There was discussion of possible sites, including the Garden Spot on Caton Way, which is a stop on SWONA’s Walking Park. Diana will talk to neighbors to see if they have garden space for veggies or fruit. (Kiwanis don’t do fruit, but the Food Bank does). Derek said the Kiwanis Club has grant money for seeds.
Barb and others reported on the New Years Eve Party. It was cold and rainy but the Fire Department wouldn’t allow the fire at the intersection of 6th and Plymouth because there was no permit although the Police had okayed the event. However, it was a good, neighborly, bonding experience and we did have candles to warm our hands. At midnight about 20 members sang Old Lang Syne, wished each other Happy New Year, and went home to warm up.
ITEMS FOR ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA MARCH 19:
Loraine volunteered to make posters to publicize the meeting.
1. Derek will report on Kiwanis garden project. Discussion of potential garden spots.
2. Diana suggested we line up resource people who specialize in different vegetables-squash, potatoes, etc.
3. Joni told of an 80 year old who wrote saying she needed help when she was snowed in. Should we form a good neighbor group to help folks like this?
4. Diana telephones folks who don’t have e-mail to inform them of meetings. She wants someone to volunteer to take over for her.
5. Election of officers. Vice-President and Secretary are elected in odd years. Terms are for two years. Diana has been President for two years and will not run again. Barb has been reinstated as Vice-President and is willing to serve again if elected.  Loraine has been filling out the Secretary position and is willing to continue if elected. Joni is the Treasurer.
6. Ed Esbeck questioned what provisions have been made to maintain the Walking Park spots. This will be on the annual meeting agenda.
7. Loraine suggested that provision for maintenance should be a part of all SWONA project plans. She cited the native planting on 11th Avenue between Plymouth and Thomas. The strip was planted by the City with a Grant obtained by SWONA. It was supposed to be low maintenance but it is not. Barb agreed. The City does some maintenance but who is responsible for regular upkeep?

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.

Submitted by Loraine Snell, SWONA Secretary