Well, good evening everyone. Um, this is a work session of the Southwick Agricultural Commission. It is 7 o'clock on July 23rd, 2025. We have a um a quorum with myself, Bert
Hansen, Zack Barnett, Jess Parker, Jen Bernier, Jen Whoops, >> and Sur. >> So, >> thank you. Yeah. Lot of lot of >> Do you have any submitting? Okay. >> You got everything.
>> I grabbed everything. >> Good. >> Okay. So, just kind of jumping in wherever. >> Did you guys see the Jason Southwood? >> Yeah. >> Lots of good stuff in there. >> Yeah. It's um
>> this has an Yeah, it's the July issue. So, it has ad. Sage is going to put the ad on the website which we did last year. >> And then um the article about
um open farm day which I did and then there's Deb's third installment of her agricultural landscape. It's kind of cool the way she did it this time. She's driving around >> farms, you know, farms that she that
used to be there and people she knows and it's kind of good. And then they put in um Southwoods put in an editor saying, "Hey, if you have enjoyed the series and would like to visit the farms, go to open farm day." >> Awesome. Oh, I like that. Very cool.
>> Nice uh segue. >> And then uh Westfield News on the 15th. We got like most of the front page. >> Yes. >> So, uh
>> that's neat. That's so that's good. So, >> all good stuff. >> Um, let's see the um Oh, Zach did the Facebook post. >> Yeah, I need to keep doing them. >> Yes,
>> I might miss myself. >> It's hard to keep up on is >> a way to set up like automatic things. I mean, so if you know you're going to have an event, you can set up. It's been a minute, but I used to do it on a >> Okay.
>> Riding club p riding club page. >> And I know that there's a way to do it so that you if you have an event coming, you can like set preop populated posts so that they'll go out on certain um time frames. I can I can I still have access to that account, too. So, I should be able to find it.
>> You access to this account. >> Well, that's enough. We're gonna talk about which account I'm using. the the newest account is actually linked to our designated adcom.gov email. All you have to do is type that
into Facebook and then say forgot password, send it to the actual mail to get the to recover the password and then you have full access and you can just add everyone to the Facebook account to the new account. It's just I I unfortunately forgot how to get there
again and it's kind of I kind of have a lot going on. So if you could take care of that one, it's very >> Your old account though has like half most of the town following it. The new account doesn't have like anyone following. >> We don't have a a main access and that
will eventually get blocked by Facebook because no one can access the main account. That's the problem we were having before. That's why I'm trying to that's why I established the new one so we don't just get one day we just don't have access anymore and it gets deleted. Then we'll have nobody. Well, I'd say we I say we start working on that the new
account after Farm Day just so we can get the publicity out. >> Yeah. >> To more people. >> Yeah. Can you guys get into the old account though? Is that what I'm >> I'm I was like an admin to it so they have full control. >> Oh, okay. Good. Yeah. Yeah. You can even
when you do post just say like we're moving towards like this other you know so then we can kind of like segue into the new one link to the new one but post on I mean essentially we could post on both for the time being until we
>> but I can look into it too maybe because I reactivated I'm the sole owner now I don't know. >> Yeah because it was deactivated. >> Yeah I clicked on it and it said do you want to react? Sure. Okay. Well, great. If you could, you know, >> Yeah, I'll look into this and
>> Yeah, I can I can help. >> Yeah, I can add you to it. >> Yeah. Okay, perfect. Um, and then last time we talked about having other like Tik Tok, Instagram, you know, does anybody want to try that?
You already have if you already have an account, maybe we can just use >> Instagram. If you have a Facebook account, I thought we had an Instagram account. Sage, can you open one? >> We do have one. And um the problem is they don't like the fact that we're using a.gov email, so they keep flagging
it. So, I do not know if it's even active anymore. >> Okay. >> Um they really don't like.gov. So, I don't know what the heck the problem is. Um, Tik Tok, I wouldn't waste time yet because that's actually transitioning. That's about to become a >> they're making a new US version for
September, >> right? >> So, when the new version comes out, then maybe, but I wouldn't worry about that right now because gathering a following is useless. It's not going to move the stuff over. It's going to start over again. >> So, we just be shooting ourselves in the foot. >> I mean, that there's too many rumors out
there to know, but that is a possibility. And because of the possibility, I say hold off until they come out with a new app. >> Otherwise, you're just wasting time. >> Yeah, that makes sense. >> We do have a Instagram. >> It's ag
Southwick. This is the official Facebook, but it says official Facebook page of the South. It must be tied to our Facebook. >> Yeah, that's that's the one I was talking about. And there's I mean there's no post on it, but I don't know how uh
>> get access to this to to >> access to the Facebook account that'll have access to that. I guess >> yes. >> Okay, that's good. >> As many people who want access. >> Yeah. I I was actually so gonna try to do
that, get everyone on the list, but at the time that I had access and we didn't have new members yet and all this other stuff and we kind of had too much going on. >> Well, we have two followers, one being me. So, >> all right.
>> Okay. >> Let's see. Uh go back on the newspapers for a minute. Uh so we're going to have another article in the Westfield News the week of um August 11th. So the week just before the the event obviously. Um
so do do we think maybe what weekly on Facebook, Instagram? I mean is that >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Especially like leading up to the event. I don't know if we have to do that keep up weekly, you know, in our more offseason time, but >> Right. >> Yeah. leading up I would say from here
on out. Yeah. >> Three weeks or whatever. >> Yeah. >> Are we going to feature a farm each one? Like um >> I was trying to find time to do that. >> Yeah. If I find them I'll send them to
you. Um I thought I kept kept a copy >> like every time I saw one I thought but if I find them I'll send you >> They're on Facebook. >> They're actually I think they're on the old account. >> Yeah, they are. >> Oh, okay. You can you can probably blow them up. >> Copy and paste it.
>> Yeah. Okay. That >> Okay. And I mean it's only three weeksish, so couple of arms. >> Yeah. Do one at another. >> Yeah. Yeah. Right. I think that's what Angie was doing. I think like every three days. >> She was really good. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. She got her back. >> Oh. Um, Bert, I need the contra contributors list so I can put that on the website and also the media outlets we used so I can give everyone credit at the same time when I update everything.
>> I'm I'm going to do this like Friday or Saturday just because I have a migraine. It was supposed to be today, but I'm no condition. >> Oh, that's too bad. >> I I I was going to skip the meeting, but I'm like I missed way too many as it is, so I said screw it and you know, I'm here.
Are you at home or are you on the road? >> Oh, no. I'm in a hotel in in complete misery. >> Oh, sorry. >> New Hampshire, though. I'm not that far. I'm New Hampshire. >> Okay. So, yeah. Okay, that's civilized.
>> Whatever. I shouldn't have said that. Um, let's see. So, then Sage, have you gotten any um volunteer forms filled out on the website? Well, the problem with that is the uh everything goes to the email the A
email. So, I mean I don't have access right now. So, whoever does should actually look and see if we did. >> I haven't any >> Do they come in on your phone or check them at home? I check my home on laptop. >> Yeah. >> Um it was funny because I didn't I try
to check it every couple days or so and I didn't check it for quite a while. >> Yeah. >> And it was nothing. few few Zillow uh updates. >> Yeah, that's cool. >> I would definitely check with the school for the National Honor Society since
they uh they were helpful last time. >> Yeah, we have we had we had uh seven that were interested. One had to uh cancel because he has to work and he can't get out of it. >> But um >> yeah, so work on that.
>> Did you get my message? >> Yes. as I was crashing. I'm like, "Oh crap, I can't drive the car." No crashing. >> I have to wait till it >> Yeah. >> gets up above 70 and it was down to 52. It just bottomed. Just as I was getting ready to go, I'm like, "Yikes, man." Shoveling crackers now. It'll go
too high probably. But it does it at least three or four times a week. >> Oh, no kidding. >> Yeah, they can't regulate it perfect. They can only do the best they can with the pump. So, I'm glad we're here.
>> I just hate it when it does that. >> Uh let's see. So, oh, the passports are underway at America's Printer. They're in California. They're the ones that Marissa found and they've done it the past few years with they're working on
it right now. Um >> they have the updated farms on there. Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Well, I'm sorry that not a good question because I'm I'm just assuming that they are. But yeah, I have to I was just looking at my presentation for the volunteer thing. I have to
really do some work on it to update it for >> you. Always check because actually our ad in Southwoods includes uh Second Eden. >> Oh. >> So I told them, >> please take that off for next time. >> Yeah. >> When they sent the file to to me and I
sent the sage, they they took it off. So it'll be correct on the website. Okay. >> Did you hear back from Marissa? >> No, not yet. Not yet. And um Eningga is going to ask Marissa if she wants to take photos again. >> Okay.
>> This year >> we don't have like an email from last year. Files we need. >> They're not um they're all PDFs. There aren't really files that that I can manipulate. Um, so
anyway, uh, solid scan through >> they always want the like with the farm trail brochure I talked to them about. Um, they always want the original files. >> Where's that done in? >> What format is it done in?
>> I don't know. >> I think they PDFed mine. Yeah, >> I think he puts it in PDF when he because I hand him the computer and he >> they might build him like word or >> but I think he Yeah, I was gonna say I think he puts it into a PDF >> after >> and then sends it manipulating PDFs is a
little tricky. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't know what he does with it after that. >> The printing files are there's different layers of >> info and there's >> Yeah. vectors. >> Yeah, there's the best. Are >> you talking about the brochure?
>> Yeah, >> I have it on Word here. I don't know how I have it, but >> the farm trail brochure. >> Uh open farm day brochure. How is that? >> Oh, yeah. That's from last year. We decided this year not to do that. >> Not to do that one. Okay.
>> Because we didn't think we needed a, you know, flyers and a brochure. The brochure was expensive. Wires reprint here at Found also. >> Yeah. And speaking of which, so there's a bunch near each of you and there's a a whole page version and then there's
this little mini handout version. So if you guys could um >> Okay. >> Yeah, you should take a few locations and get get flyers there and we should of course get them to all the farms that are participating. >> So like a like a pack of them like a little bit. Okay. >> I know Tractor Supply is always good
about handing stuff out. >> Yeah. Do you know the folks there? I don't know. Really? >> Yeah. I didn't go there last year, I think. >> Probably did. >> I think Dan might have. >> Oh, Dan. Okay. >> You heard from him? >> No. Oh, he has a baseball game tonight. >> Haven't heard from him in a while.
>> Yeah. And he wants to again be at Solex. Okay. >> During farm day here. Okay. Let's see. trans on that, but I thought we would.
>> Yeah. Okay. And there's also a list. This actually goes back to last year from all the places we could potentially put it from Marissa. We probably won't get to all of these, but we could um uh in the next day or so, let me know
which ones you can do. >> Just those. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Is that all you have? >> Uh that's all I have right now. Um, so what I've been I've done the library and uh town hall the clerk's office and then
downstairs also and I've been trying to like post the full page one and I put a little stack of the little >> people can take them summer house have that board too like when you walk in that you can post things. >> I think they took it down.
>> Oh, did they? >> I haven't been here in a long time but it used to be there. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um, I don't >> think is on the list here. >> One of the businesses said they took it. I know there's one in the back hallway
of IBS, but to the bathroom. >> I put one on there, but you know, um, but yeah, I don't remember seeing one because we were there last month for the farm up. I don't It's possible. It's possible that they, but some people let
them put it just on the glass, you know, too, like um O'Reilly's did. They're like, "Yeah, she'll put it." Yeah. >> Well, there's the both coffee shops now, too, in town, >> right? >> Kongan
Cafe and then Drift, I think, is the new one. >> Yeah. Y the Daily Grind at the um >> and Farmers Farmers Insurance changed their name, I think. >> Yeah. Something different. I don't know if the same company or same >> It's the same people.
>> Oh, the same people. Okay. They changed name. Okay. >> Okay. >> And of course, once we put these flyers around, we got to check in every, you know, week or so to see if they're still there. >> That's true. That's true.
>> Uh let's see. which makes me think of this the signs, the the big signs like you saw at the historic I was like, "Hey, that >> I put one at the corner of um 57 and 1020, you know, near Grisill. I put the
one at the historical society. I put one in front of the community garden because um >> when there's a lot of traffic on Mortin Road, most of it's from Connecticut." >> Yeah. Oh, going to Graby. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. Over to go shopping. Yep. >> Yep.
>> Um, yeah. Actually, I was I was walking, this is a year or two ago, and I I just sort of counted the cars and trucks that went by. A third of them were mass and twothirds of Connecticut. >> Interesting. >> Yeah.
>> So, um, so actually, uh, Zach, if you could, Inga would um, all those signs are in the little shed. >> If you're facing the back of the building, there's a green garage door. to the writer's little shed. All our signs are in there. If you could pick
those up and and take her to your house and then Eningga will get them or she said she's you guys are close by or something. >> So, she could easily >> Can I grab it tonight? >> Sure. You want to work with her? Yep. Um, >> is it locked? >> It's not during the day. I don't know if they lock it at night or not.
>> Um, what was I going to say? Oh, I need one. Uh, leave one there because I got permission to put one on the front lawn. >> Oh, cool. >> That's great. Yeah. I don't think we did that last year, did we? >> That's interesting.
>> Yeah. >> Well, people do read I mean, I read the signs >> figuring they must be important if they're on the >> Exactly. >> on the town hall. >> Taxes. >> Yeah. >> I see tax. It was funny because you put that one
down at near Grisill and the EDC has this giant big banner about this >> sufficient bloom contest. Our website looks kind of small >> next to that. But anyway, >> it's there. >> It's kind of advertising too cuz it's
going to be like picked the winner's going to be picked up. Just going >> back there. >> Yeah. >> I don't know where they're going to pick it though. from what location or if they're just gonna not sure.
>> And I don't know, are you guys noticing any extra flowers around town? I haven't really noticed much. >> I mean, I took my Christmas tree lights down. >> Did that when I was mowing the lawn, I was like, "Wait a second. I have a
Christmas tree slates though. >> That was yesterday. >> Going to have to put them back up. >> Yeah, you're already halfway there. You might >> Christmas in July. >> One time as a teenager, I thought I was being real helpful and I took the ones
down at my family's house in like October. >> Oh, goes, "What the heck?" >> He just put them up, right? Well, you tried. >> I just put up the yearly lights so I don't have to take them down. >> Oh, there you go. That works. Hey,
that's smart. >> See our house so no one sees our house. I don't on the outside. >> Sage here. Zach, do you want to put a sign on your front lawn? >> Sure. Um, I also want to put a sign at Granville.
>> Oh, yeah. That would be right. Right. Right. because they have a lot of traffic that comes from outside of town, too. And if they know it's there, they'll come to town. >> Just remember, it's a half hour each way. >> Um, do you want me to take one for the
sunflower field now? Because there's already a people going there for sunflower. >> Yeah, great. >> I've been there three times. >> Yep. That's my point. I can just put it over there now. And then >> a lot of golfers go through there now,
too. A lot of traffic. I go down there every day. I mean, I go down. I don't know if you want me to put it because I go down there every day. >> Okay. Well, that works. >> I'll beep next time. >> Yeah. I didn't realize that. That's
funny. >> Yeah. In the White House, it's like sat back. >> Oh, cool. >> I props it. >> Oh, nice. I kind of wonder if we can put a sign in front of like Tractor Supply or IBS or something to get the other side of the road. >> Not a bad idea coming in from Westfield.
>> Yeah. I mean, they do go to I know that they have their own fair, but we stole from last time. We'll steal from this time. >> Yeah. >> They're not happen on the same day, are they? >> They same weekend. >> Oh, boy. We pick a We pick a good weekend, huh?
The only weekend the weekend the farmers wanted. So >> yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Gota tend to the farmers. >> Doctors probably let us put a sign up last year the day of or the night before. Although if they want it up for a whole month, though.
>> Good point. Good point. >> It doesn't hurt to ask. >> Let's see. Okay, let's see. I talked to Eningga a little while ago, literally. He's on our way open from the Brooks.
Wanted to check in. Yeah. So, he is willing to again uh put together those uh items in the the farm bags, little tool kit kind of things we put at each location. Um >> I brought an example of the but I know
she works hard on it, but this is an example of the >> I Okay, >> I have 50 of them. >> Yeah, those are nice. But these are the ones that we actually put stuff in and we give them back at the end of the the the day, right? That's right. Oh, okay.
I mean, it's the same thing, but I mean, hers are nicely decorated, too, right? >> Yeah. They're grocery store tote bags. Okay. >> They do have kind of farm related scenes on them. >> Okay. Well, that's better. >> Yeah. >> But, um, if we ever need them,
>> I have 50 of them. But yeah, I I actually realized they're decorated like farm, you know what I mean? So that's that's good. >> Yeah, >> that's great that she's able to do that. So yeah, >> that's huge. >> And she wants to be sure we take an
inventory of waterproof tents and tables. Waterproof. You thinking about last year, >> I have one. >> If it rains, I'm going to be upset. It didn't matter how waterproof things were last year.
>> Push it through the side of the >> um >> I have one table I can um let somebody use. I mean we used a table at the last calibrace. I mean I I can do calibrace again. >> Okay. >> Because I just talked to Donna at the >> Yeah.
>> Um uh at the farm hop. Um but she's not doing the maze this time. Um the cool thing she did though was she um she gave 20% off to the seniors when they arrived. It was pretty Yeah, that was pretty awesome. They had little coupons.
I was like that was so sweet. Like it was really cool. So um but yeah, she was um she's doing the ice cream and the corn but we were trying to figure out something else and we're like hey what about cornhole? You know we could set up something >> and we were just talking about that. It
was just a thought but for people but I don't know like do we give out prizes or we just let people just >> throw I mean yeah >> just fun yeah >> you know just have fun [Laughter] >> the other thing is I talk to
>> let me borrow yeah >> but so something fun people can you know stay and like enjoy >> so the uh I think Diane has a kids size one. We're looking at like the little >> Oh, okay. Yeah.
>> You know, and then I have an adultsiz one. So, >> that's what we're thinking. Anyways, >> if we have that I don't know if I even need a table, but cuz we're going to be underneath. I don't need a tent. Does anybody else need tent? You You guys
probably need tents just in case. >> I have an easy up and a table, so I both >> Oh, okay. >> So, I think we can cover. At least >> I don't know where I'm posting. >> I don't have a spot yet, which is okay. >> Yeah. Um, well, how about the baby
shower, though? You thought >> it's the next week. So, >> you thought you might not be >> It's going to be Yeah, I don't I have no idea. >> We're running We're going like full tilt trying to get things at our place cleaned up. >> Sure. >> As people are, you know, calling, texting me with, "We're coming. We're
coming. We're coming." out my crate. All these creep. >> Then uh yeah, I have a couple of tables and Wita has 10 tents, I think. >> Oh, wow. Okay. Oh, wow. >> That's a lot. >> I think we have plenty of tons.
>> I I have different size tables. I mean, I have lots of plastic pop-up tables. >> Oh, yeah. >> I mean, because we have we're going to for the shower. I've got three six-footers that are at my house. cuz my daughter's going to bring one another one. And then I've also got a 4ft one,
two two of the like two foot ones, but they're the Costco plastic ones, you know, with the metal legs. >> So, I have tables if people need tables. I I can certainly share tables. >> So, how many places do we need a tent at
the So, Blossoming Acres, right? Probably one. >> Yeah, they use a tent. Um, Calibri doesn't Coward Farms probably, right? Coward Farms needs one because it's outside. >> So, >> I'm trying to think what they did last
summer. They >> I think because they had that porch Greg Dy from EDC was I think he was on the porch. >> Oh, okay. >> But I'll check. >> And then tobacco farm and sunflower stand. Definitely. Yeah. Right.
>> Yeah. And I think with Bside Farm, you know, Tom, I'll check in with Tom. >> They're doing one of them. >> Yeah. Yeah, they have. I believe they have like everything. >> Oh, okay. >> Firefly has everything, too. >> Oh, cool. Yeah, she's she was well
prepared at the last farm. She was awesome. >> Um, Granville Scoop, I think. Um, when uh when they were up there, they needed a table, I think. Yeah. Was out. Yeah,
there's a tent. >> They're not. >> What? >> Which corner am I looking at here? >> Oh, yes, they are. Scoop. >> Yeah.
Be Oh, I thought you were saying scoop. No, no, no. Bees. >> Where did Bezai go? Oh, damn it. >> Okay, forget it. Don't take these. >> Oh, >> yeah. When you mentioned Bez, I was like, "Wait, what?"
>> I just thought they weren't doing it. I was like, >> I thought Tom said you wouldn't want to do it at one point. >> Maybe that's why. >> I know it was a 5050. Are >> you sure they were going to do it? >> Did anyone confirm
I haven't, you know, since the last meeting that Tom was at, which was a couple meetings ago. >> Um, >> okay. Well, is everyone else not on here? >> I'm looking at last year and compare. Yeah,
>> because when I update the site, I kind of want to know, >> right? >> Well, plus they'd have to be on the passport, >> right? >> Making the passport. >> I'll double check that when I get home. I >> should we have put Dwight Arnold tobacco
farm? >> It's okay to >> Oh, just Okay. >> Yeah. >> And then sheep pasture sunflower stand. But it's okay to do that. that really is a tobacco farm of the Arnolds >> at this point.
>> He's the only one that actually is a whole tobacco farm. >> Oh, >> cuz cuz Robert E. Arnold Farm leases their land and any tobacco stuff they do, the tobacco seed I think is under Johnson
Brook Farm. >> So I think they're the only Arnold left. >> There's no Gib Arnold. There's no chick Arnold, you know. I mean, that's that's Dwight's. There's no Arnold anymore. His farm was gone. So, and then Roberty Arnold. So, he is the only Arnold left.
>> Wow. >> That's still tobacco farming. >> Yeah. Wow. Okay. Um >> looks like just that one other than second Eden. So, >> yeah, they >> which we knew. Yeah. >> Everything else is
>> I talked to them twice. Couldn't I couldn't talk him into it. >> I think she's been doing when I talked to her for the interview, she was away at the time. She's been doing a lot of traveling. >> Um and being gone like all week.
>> Um well, she works for the pipeline, >> right? >> So, wherever they're working on. >> Yeah. >> Oh, wow. >> And um >> I think she drives heavy equipment or something for the pipeline. Oh, she told me she's been working like 60 hours a week, >> right? Because I But I think they're
away. I don't think they're close cuz she said she when I did interviewed her, they she wasn't coming home until the end of the week. >> Yeah. Let's see what else. I think I think that's pretty much it.
>> So just table the flyers redone. >> Um >> well >> oh yeah >> with them first and see if they're maybe maybe it was something that you knew that you didn't know. >> Know something that you don't know. >> Right. >> Maybe they're okay. >> When you get the new flyers, can you
send me some so I can bring out to the scoop? >> Sure. because I know they like to plaster their walls with them. >> Okay. >> Yeah, they had them inside and outside.
>> Their brochures went in like two days and I gave them like three bundles of them. >> If it didn't rain, I swear we would have had so much traffic coming from the other side. It would have been ridiculous. >> Oh, I'm sure. Well, I'm gonna be there
for a birthday party. So, I need to restock at night. >> Uh let's see. Unless did mention here. Uh she points out that and during orientation it's going to be important
to encourage adding farm farming related personal touches and on around the registration table. >> Oh, like stickers for the kids. Yeah, >> we did stickers for the kids or something like that. >> We have a bunch left over from last year. She got some some more. So cool on
stickers. >> The kids loved it. It was great. >> Hopefully more. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. >> Yeah. >> Okay. It's coming together. You know, there's a lot of we're moving parts here. I'm
going to um I'm going to be away for the weekend. Leaving tomorrow morning, coming back Monday. I'm going to Maine. >> Nice. >> A long weekend. >> Nice. Awesome. >> And I'm not taking my laptop. Good. >> So, we'll have my phone of course. Um,
>> for volunteers, do we know do we have any idea of what we've got? >> We don't really Yeah, Zach got too. Um, my wife has reached out to Suffach and both Westville Big Wise. >> Oh, okay. Y
>> tell her thank you for us. >> Um, you said you had some volunteers from the National Honor Society. We have six. >> You have the list from last year, right? >> Yeah. >> Do we reach out to them again? >> Yeah. Yeah. Which I've been meaning to do. I just said maybe I'll try to do that.
>> I think I'm on that email chain. Do you want me to take care of that? >> If you would, that would be great. >> Then I'll just say, "Hey, the the orientation is on the 9th, which if you can come, I know you said you had a birthday party. >> It's okay." Um, it's in the morning and I don't know if we set up a location for
that yet. >> We haven't cuz I want to try to get the fire department again. >> Oh, yeah. I know that the smoke I mean now we have comfy chairs but >> but it was a good location you know >> be good if some of the volunteers that came before who come back because now at least they know so even if they had to
go to one of these locations like >> without one of us there then at least they could manage that >> well that's the thing I think they like the idea of choosing where you're going to go at the orientation so that they know cuz we didn't have that planned at the time
>> um and they're like do you know where we're going to be staying and we're we weren't sure because we're going to have one more meeting at that time. >> But if we know where we're going to be stationed and where they will be or where they're needed, then that would be better for them to know then, you know, because it's like a week before.
>> That was one of the points I was going to bring up tonight just to try to add that in. Um, but I can I can put an email out. >> That'd be great. And just as a >> hey, here comes one day. Hope you can help us out again. Uh, >> we can send another one obviously when you know the location and you know maybe
a couple two or three might not be bad to get >> and then I'll just put TBA for the orientation place. Yeah, right. Until we find out where it is. Okay. All right. Yeah, I would definitely do that. >> Well, and when you I mean if you have an
idea, do you know ahead of time approximately how many people come? Do they do they respond to you or do they just show up? >> Did last time >> 25ish Yeah, we did. And we um I think somebody donated some donuts. >> Big gift card. Oh, yeah.
>> Yeah. I was going to make something. >> Yeah. >> We needed the donuts. I had a couple of those kind of like >> fruit breads or tea cakes or whatever. >> Um >> and I can bring juice or whatever. Um that's not a problem. And we have um downstairs near uh conference room three
in the sort of lower level. We have a lot of cups and napkins and that kind of stuff. >> That's the other thing they did at open I mean farmhop. They actually donated water which was very helpful after the farm after Climb View because it was dusty and the seniors had to walk a
little bit through the barn to get to the thing and >> Okay. the nurse actually the town nurse or something or >> or the senior center nurse or something that was she's like I have a bunch of donated waters. I'm like there you go. >> I was like wow that was awesome cuz I
brought a few but I didn't bring >> that many >> but they were very grateful. So that's another thing we have to think about is waters during these hot days of >> you know but I'm sorry I didn't mean to take away but >> No, that's okay. But like thinking of donations >> that before I think we decided against
providing water is >> this was for farm hop. Sorry. Yeah. I apologize. >> Off track. Sorry. >> But yes, we >> thought would be >> well if you I maybe just for the volunteers if they're stuck. I mean do they remember to bring stuff? I don't go
anywhere without a drink, you know, myself, but some people forget. >> I guess we could have emergency reserve or something. I mean, I always have water at the house. Always, you know, bottle water. So, if they need >> more tap, so >> yeah. So, so we tap
>> I know how to test water samples now. I can do that. >> So, if you need your water tested, I >> have I have the town. >> Okay. >> So, definitely that's why you should probably check mine.
Sorry. >> It's probably the only town I drink water ever is is here. >> Yeah. So, >> it's I don't mind the tap water. I heard my glass water. So, >> Oh. >> Oh, there you go. >> I love my well water. It tastes so good. >> Oh, well water. Yeah, there you go.
>> Well water's the best. >> I was going to say well water in Southwick is very similar to Southwick water. All the only difference is the little bit of chlorine they put in now. >> Right. Yeah. Florida. >> So yeah, I can send that email out before this weekend.
>> I think we voted by Florida. >> So I'll send it out before this weekend to every because I remember being part of that chain. Y >> and so I I'm pretty sure I still have that um email with everybody on it. So and I have the list too in here somewhere.
>> Okay. And I remember there was I think there were two because we had a bunch of volunteers and then we got a bunch more. So we >> That's right. Oh, that's right. sent it I think to everybody. >> Y >> I'll probably put one together and just let Yeah. Okay. >> Awesome. Thank you very much.
>> No problem. Yeah. >> Any you know like I know you you do a lot and everybody does their you know has their own thing that they're doing. I'm like if anybody needs anything you know I'm definitely a able to. I know I'm going through a lot with school but
>> I can do that. I could be male. Is there a way we can help get her reimburse won't let me do the next one if I >> he's like you need one I'm like you know >> I actually have
so I have a receipt >> like an official >> for this one you had a receipt >> I have a receipt for this one >> we went to village was good >> oh yeah >> although most of everybody's orders were but yeah I have a receipt so will this
help >> I don't know >> so many I didn't hear how many >> but I also huh >> how many >> we had uh 10 people >> yeah and 12 total but um >> but yeah it was me and the driver was the 12 people so yeah 10 people it
increased since the last time it was double yeah >> must feel like a lot of the gifted caliber you see >> yeah for sure um >> so and then I gave her the dollar tip, right? >> The driver's lunch. >> Yeah. >> Right. Okay. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. I mean, I'd like to do like a petty cat. >> Can you do that? >> I don't know. I want to talk to >> I I think I'm we both money into it from the gift account, right? >> Yeah. >> Cuz the next one is August 5th and then the one after that September 9th. So 160 total.
>> Yeah. It's coming up quick. >> And that's why I was mentioning it last meeting to try to >> get the money up. Yeah, I agree. Yeah, I did it for these two times because it shouldn't happen, but you know, now I have a actual document. But >> how do you chart? How do you say
something about the tip? You know, it's like a cash tip. I don't >> Yeah, I know. I mean, can I ask Cara to maybe make a receipt or something? I hate to ask the person I'm giving the tip to. >> You know what I mean? Like,
>> can I have a receipt for that? I mean, like a donation to something, you get a receipt for tax purposes. >> Yeah. So, it was two different drivers because she's trying to switch to give them opportunity. So, I hate to bring up the farm day again. Sorry. I mean, farm. Sorry.
>> I appreciate you bringing our assistant keeping work, >> right? Yeah. Like, $160 later, guys. >> Paul's not happy. won't be allowed to return back >> or he'll be over there like
>> Just kidding. But yeah, >> all money. >> We'll we'll get that straight out, J. >> Okay. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Appreciate. I mean, it's not much, you know, for the for the event. It's a huge deal for the seniors, you know. So, it
is if it wasn't working, I'd be like, you know, let's not do it anymore. But more and more people are signing up for it. And it's awesome. >> Yeah. So, >> um, well, I think we're I think we're pretty good on farm day for right now. And I'll quickly put together some some notes
from tonight so >> so we know what we're doing. Uh, so let's talk about the farmhouse. >> Okay. >> Um, yeah, it was also I've I made an email, a PowerPoint presentation for the first farm hop. I was just I forgot to
add the second farm on there. So, I'm going to send it out to everybody so they can see I'm going to send it out to like everybody like Cara and everybody involved. Um, but I also think at the end of the thing, I'm going to put something in the Southwoods, you know, just to say, "Hey, this is what we're,
you know, doing and this is they enjoyed it thoroughly." And something for Cara to put in her newsletter, too, because she has a she's really good about doing her newsletter, but we're not good about getting her the information in time. But this is our first year, so we're like >> it's it's hard. But she's been very um
supportive and very helpful. And so together combined is a great event. So um it timing is great too. Um so we set off at 10:00. Bus fills up 1010
and then we go to the first one. Um the first one was so the first farm this week was Klein View and so that was a little bit ways it wasn't far but it was like we were decide trying to decide which way to go so we kind of took a
wrong way but we ended up there. Um there's two roads you can go, you know. >> So, and then um you know, Holly was saying, you know, I talked to Holly before then and she was like all prepared. She's like, I'm going to have she set up chairs for them and everything and it was great, you know.
Um she said park in front of the barn, but that wasn't really great for the bus because um >> she had to back it all the way out because the trailers were in the way. But it was she did a great job. She was fine with it. She had no problem with it, you know. Um, but they did a show.
They did an Acrobat show. Um, and then they did a horse show. Like the young kids did like a little play >> and I got pictures and videos and stuff. Um, the young kids did a play and the older kids that were showing off what
they learned so far in the camp. So, it was really cool. >> Um, there was a ton >> summer camp, right? >> Yeah, there was a ton. There was um even little ones that didn't get involved. But yeah. >> Um and then they brought the horses to
the seniors um you know to pet and stuff, you know. And then you could of course you can pet them on the way back, but the horses were like right there in front of them like what's going to happen here. I'm responsible. Okay. I don't know. But yeah, so it went well.
So it was good. But um yeah, it was that was like but um but yeah, they're they're trottting. They're jumping on over things and it was >> so good though they got that the kids got to >> entertain some seniors which is a you
know a nice interaction. >> It is actually they don't have a chance to do that often and it was great and they were all in it was they were into it. Yeah. So um and then we went to um Calibris after that um and good timing.
So it was like 45 minutes 45 minutes and then at that time it's just about lunchtime and I leave it up to them. Hey, where do you guys want to go today? You know, cuz the first one we already had summer house on there and everybody liked that one. It was five people,
>> you know, but this one they're like see I like village. Hey, let's go to village, you know. Um, so we went there and I had to call ahead and I almost forgot to but they had it was empty. So it was it was good. So they were just opening up so they
>> but um and then after that >> but yeah so that was good. Um and then you know everybody's on their own for lunch or they could decide one of the times to just go back to the senior center and just do lunch there too. I I but usually when they're out they like
to be out you know so >> big day event. >> Yeah. Exactly. And yeah 45 minutes at each farm is a good time. >> It's been like really it's a good amount like where they can relax and they can take it all in. And then I kind of like
at the at the stables I was like okay I I checked my time. I'm like okay if I stand up then I'll be like you know thank you very much and that's kind of ended it. Um, but Holly did a lot, you know, she was like, it was awesome. >> So, yeah, she was able to do her
presentation that she wanted to and she talked about the history and stuff like that. >> Nice. Farmers are really stepping up, right? >> Yeah. Well, when we went to Calibri, it wasn't a presentation, which I thought there was going to be, but there wasn't a presentation. Um, but they gave an
awesome discount of 20% off. It was like a a special coupon just for them. you know, and I think she gave me the coupon the discount too when I bought those. >> But um yeah, so I mean um >> well my sister said they just rein they
upped the >> SNAP money that people get. Oh yeah. >> Um you get a thing under HIPP. It's a it's a for the farms to use. >> Oh. and they accept it >> and so does
>> raise and um they had cut my sister's back to 20. It's a single person thing. It had been 40 and she said they just upped it again to 40. >> Oh, okay. >> So, what they do is when you go there, >> it's great. >> If it's farms, you know, like vegetables
or even she got plants for the garden. >> Oh, nice. that she put in and you can use the hip thing and what they do is they take it off your snap and they put it back on your snap. >> So, but it keeps track of it that way. >> Yeah. >> And so for people, right, who are on
SNAP, it's nice and I'm sure we have seniors that are on SNAP. >> Yeah. I'm not sure, but yeah. >> Um, >> but they do take it up there. >> That's great. >> Which is a nice >> Absolutely. >> And you can use it for vegetable plants. >> That's great. Yeah. The other thing I me I didn't mention is when I when I take
off for the when I I ask the driver if I could just say a little thing. So I say something about us and then I just say this is one of the ways we collaborate with the senior center you know and cara and kind of like we kind of just want to
like help our farmers thrive and things like that you know. Um, so I do a little thing for, you know, about the icon and then I go into going about going into about the farms. I I read their history online, you know, I I I couldn't find
anything on Klein View. So, I'm glad that Holly did something cuz there, you know, I couldn't find anything on their website. But then I did a history thing on Calibri cuz I've been there before and I had it, you know, so I on our way
there, I just read it to them and, you know, they kind of enjoy that, you know. So, it's got it's a tour. I got to say something, you know. >> Can't find can't have a tour without somebody talking, you know. But the first one was awesome, too, because it
was pouring rain. Um, and uh, Firefly Fields was set up like perfectly. They had all the goats and everything in the garage for us. It was awesome. >> I was like worried cuz I was like, I don't have enough umbrellas, you know,
to go around. But she was set up for success. It was great. And then, um, then we went to um, uh, where' we go? We went to Where did we go after that? Oh, we went to Coward Farms after that and they actually Yeah, she she did amazing there, too. She walked them around,
showed them the events and all, you know, everything. It was great. So, as long as they know we're coming, they they actually get into, you know, >> it's awesome. Yeah. So, but yeah, it's great experience.
Uh, well, we're doing sunflower >> and tobacco. >> Tobacco. >> Yeah, both at the same time. >> I don't know if you guys knew. Is somebody going to be there? Like, does I think >> always there? >> Well, would he? >> But he's never there.
>> He's not going to be around. I wouldn't imagine unless he >> could something. >> Unless you >> Okay. I don't know who these You'll have to maybe introduce me to that or something like maybe get the number. >> So, we're going to go because I wouldn't
I don't know nothing so about tobacco or anything. >> Carrie runs the sunflower. >> Oh, okay. >> White's awful information tobacco if you down. >> Yeah. During the week though, right? >> Yeah. It's a Tuesday. >> Gonna be a hard time for
>> you get 10 minutes. Honestly, >> if he walks by, like you said, if it's a nice day, >> if he knows ahead of time, maybe. >> Yeah. >> Well, I had a comment from a senior when I mentioned that we were going to do that farm at one point of these and then he's like, "Well, what are we going to do? Look at them." You know, like, so I
was like, "That worried me." I was like, >> I mean, on farm day, Dwight took all day long. >> Okay. Folks will tell you everything. >> Well, that's awesome. I don't know if we could set that up, though. His tummy is just like going to like August August
and that's going to be >> at that point. >> Yeah. Yeah. They're picking already shade. >> So he might be up down in the barn >> potentially. He's not in the barn that much. >> First time we did farm day. First year we did it. I interviewed him while he was running the machine.
>> Yeah. He could find out like >> he he can walk and talk >> depending where we at. We can find out like where he's going to generally. >> Okay. Maybe give him my or I'll take his information and then and then Karen too.
That would be awesome. And then I'll >> Oh, >> okay. Okay. >> I have it here. >> Okay. >> Maybe they're in the list of emails that I got somewhere out there. Uh we had a list, but >> Dwight Dwight seemed like
Dwight seemed into it. Yeah. Oh, good. Okay. >> I'm sure he wouldn't be opposed to it. It's just >> if I give him a week or so just to say, "Hey, it's only about I mean, I don't think we're going to be spending 45 minutes at that." Maybe if they wanted
to pick some sunflowers. That's probably going to be less of a time, but then we're going to Blossoming Acres after that. >> And she usually does like pick some. >> I don't I think she was doing that this year, too. I usually She usually cuts some earlier in the day. I don't I haven't really been over there.
>> Oh, I think I haven't seen a vase. Usually she has >> But she might, you know, be able to do that. So that >> Oh, they don't have to go in. I can't imagine them walking through the >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm saying like if she, you know, if they have some cut for them.
>> That's a great idea. Okay. >> Now, I've been there a couple times and there's a little sign that says nice flowers at the orange cone. And the orange cone is like >> 200 ft. >> Yeah. That's a when I saw how long of a walk it was. I mean, everybody was fine.
Um, you know, but they they were really they had the horses to look at. Yeah. You know, and pet on the way, you know, and stuff like that. So, >> yeah. Have some, you know, >> have some like pre-cut for them probably. >> I'm just glad that Yeah, that's a great idea. >> Yeah. Thank you, Zach. Yeah. Thank you
for >> Okay, perfect. Yeah, I'm sure I do. Thank you. Yeah. And I'll call them ahead of time and then see. >> Yeah. >> And then we'll go to And then Do you think um Lanita will be there probably that um
>> on a Tuesday? >> Yeah. >> Usually it's not it's not a market day. So >> Oh, okay. >> on Thursdays and Saturdays. >> Okay. >> Might be a little like about about Dwight. You know, he's there, but where is >> Right. Right.
>> Well, when he sees a big man coming in, he's just here. Town of South Council of Aging is not much of a talker, but one of the other girls is usually in the kitchen. >> Yeah, I'll let her pick somebody if somebody wants to do a little
>> Right. There's enough people there that have been working there forever. >> Yeah. >> That >> I don't think there would be a problem >> with somebody speaking if if she wasn't around. >> True. True. >> There's lots of people there. >> Yeah.
just something for them to look at or whatever and you know. >> Yeah, that's Mark Tuesday. Mark, my Mark is off on Tuesday. >> He has a Tuesday off so he won't be there. >> Okay. >> He's a big talker either, but >> yeah, >> he's worked there for 20 years, so he
does know the business. >> Oh, that's Would he do it just for one day? >> Well, I know that's that's his day off. >> Oh, okay. >> That's his day off. Um, so the one thing I worry about is bringing the seniors to a place where you're just purchasing stuff. Like I like to add a little
something to it, you know, and um my Paul and I went there cuz they offered us cuz we're part of the CSA um they offered us free um herb plants and I got a lot of them which was good. It was part of like hey they're end of season but they had a back area that was nice
too, you know, part of the greenhouse area. So >> they have the perennials coming behind them. >> Yeah. So it was like kind of like through the back but you know show them around and stuff depending on how far they can walk and who's there. Yeah.
>> Well and they've got I mean they do have the cows. They have beef cows now >> and they have the pigs >> but they're they are out in the back. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I can let her >> I was I was always amazed at people.
They just love to look at like pigs. >> When I when I had the people come up >> from my class, they came up and we had piglets at the time. >> Yeah. >> Everybody was just fascinated with the pigs and I'm like, they're not that fascinating. >> They're all at least 200 lb now and
they're not at all f My husband would tell you they're not fascinating at all. They're annoying. >> You say that because we have a seasonal camper in Connecticut. So, we were at camp this past weekend and they were doing a pet the pig event >> on the beach where like these people
came in. I guess this pig's famous. I don't really know, but I guess he was in a he was in a movie or he was in a TV series pig >> and all the kids got to pet the pig and it was like a whole big thing. But I was just like it it does like >> they're not even nice to pet. >> People don't even see >> their their hair is regret that like not
everybody has the opportunity or >> I suppose but they're not they're not comfortable to pet. Their hair is bristly. I didn't really want to pet him, but I did. >> I mean, when you're okay, but nobody wants >> My daughter found it amusing. But
>> Lindsay had baby ones at at the at the Firefly when we went. They're all little just like >> Well, she has the pot belly littleer ones anyway, so the babies are even smaller. >> Yeah. So adorable. Oh my gosh, it was awesome. >> They get unadorable really fast.
>> But that's about it. Looking forward to when they're wrapped nicely in the freezer. >> Yeah. So, that's about it for farmhop. I mean, >> I wonder if there's any possibility that the seniors could take a hay ride to get acres
>> depending on how much you have to step up. >> There was one gentleman that goes to has been to both of them and he has a cane. So, um, >> they did build better, uh, Josh built better stairs a couple years ago. >> Okay. And stuff
>> because they didn't used to be great. Um, >> yeah, I can ask her and see. >> Well, she'd probably call Mark in because he does the hair rides. Unless she did it herself, the two that usually she does it and Mark does them. >> Okay. >> She does it one for him to >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I don't know if that would be too much for her doing it twice, you know,
but that would just be for a tour, you know, but hay ride would be kind of cool. I don't know. >> Well, it would be fun, too, because they could take a hay ride by the flower field by the pigs, the cows. She's got horses out in the pasture there, too.
>> There are they've got beehives. >> Oh, that's cool. >> Out in an electric fence area. So, I mean, as you pass by, there's lots of things to see. >> Yeah, I mean, >> it's bumpy. That would be >> the roads are bumpy in the back. So, it is very bumpy. But
>> it would be >> Yeah, I'll have to ask her. But I mean there I mean these are people just like going on tours and stuff so they're able to walk and get >> that down or just say it. >> Yeah. >> Tell everyone ahead of time. Are you able to do this? >> Right. Right.
>> You don't have to get on the hay ride. They can stay up front. >> Sure. Yeah. Exactly. Yep. >> Do that. >> So, yeah. Oh, thank you Jen. >> Yeah, no problem. >> It's exhausting for me at the end of the >> Hello, everybody.
>> My name is I wear my badge, too. The badges you making. I I do it all up. It's great. I need a shirt next time, though. >> Okay, just kidding. >> We should just parade. >> But yeah. Um yeah, actually she was part
of the Holly is part of the farm parade too because she does a 4 and stuff. So, it's pretty cool, you know, I learned about that, too, you know. But, yeah. Um, but yeah, all in all, it's a great experience. It's good for me, you know. I just I I it's a great collab
collaboration that we, you know, we're working on with the master plan, too, you know, as part of that. And, you know, so yeah, we work on the team on the high school next year maybe. You know, that'll be kind of cool. But, >> so, but yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. No problem. I I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. So, do do we do you want to pick where you want to be for for the farm open farm day? >> Do you have a like a section that somebody that isn't covered that has
isn't covered by somebody? >> Is there one farm that's not going to be covered? Um, >> probably more than one because we don't have as many members like active members that we do farms. >> I know. Yeah. Yeah. So, Zach, where are you going to Well, Her and I both were
at Arnold's last year, but I could go somewhere else if you need me to. Okay. Live right there. So, it kind of makes sense. >> Yeah. If Josh is off because remember the first year >> then he like helped talk to the people because there were so many. >> But you guys crop
>> we didn't. So, it's all going to be I sure hope that >> but sometimes he doesn't always he's not as big as what you know. So, sometimes he can have some time more time off. So, >> okay. So, that's that. And I'm covering Kyler Bree. Um, are you going to be at a certain location or usually are you
going to be the >> floater like emergency? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um, so you can pick any of us >> this um, so Coward Farms isn't open. They're just there to show people
around, right? It's like not an open. So they're they do a tour for people or they tell people about it. green houses all down but they're available Christmas trees and >> right yeah so any of those you know
>> we need someone at firefly or fire >> stage are you doing firefly are you still there >> think so >> yeah I'm I I'll probably do firefly again >> cool okay >> I mean I could do cowards they're right
down the street from me so it's not far it's the closest farm to me if they need somebody there. >> Yeah. >> Um or Blossoming Acres. Who does Blossoming Acres? >> Lita. Lita. >> Okay. Well, I didn't, you know, >> send volunteers there.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, we'll need volunteers at the um historical society, so farms, Pine View. >> Dan's going to be at the state be at uh so >> Oh, so okay. Sorry. Um, I should write this stuff.
>> Going up at Granville. >> Um, >> you want to be at the ice cream? >> So, you'll be at Coward Farms. >> If they need somebody there, that's fine. >> That'd be great. Yeah. Yep. >> Pretty covered then. >> Yeah. Um,
>> a couple of we need someone at Cole View. >> Uh, View sounds like >> I think I think I'll do that, right? >> Yeah. Okay. Dana. I figure they would too. Yeah.
>> Um, so Blossoming Acres, she does. Uh, Southwick Historical Society is the only one. >> Yeah, they they have a couple of their dosent. >> Oh, okay. >> We need somebody >> like a representative. So, okay. >> Or volunteer. Okay. Right.
>> So, we can have one of the vol so helping out this year. >> Uh, I don't know yet. Um, >> so depending on the volunteers, we can have a volunteer at each spot if we have >> both two shifts, remember? >> Oh, right. Okay. >> So,
and we had a bunch of I think bunch, you know, pretty good size group from >> So, we're doing 10 to >> get some of those to come back plus new ones. That'd be great. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> 10 to 12 and was it was the shifts again? Sorry. >> I think it's
>> 10 to one. Was it 10 to one? One to four. >> One to four. >> One to four. Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. I don't not for us. We're excluded from that. We have to work all day. >> Okay. So, um >> Yeah. Well, Dan wants to be at Solex all
day. >> Do we We need So, um >> And if be bite farms. >> Yeah. >> Right. Maybe. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'll test him as soon as we get on here and see see what's >> I don't know.
>> I remember he was talking both ways. So, >> um >> maybe we didn't screw up. >> The person who did grandma with Angie last um his name Connor. No, it wasn't Connor. It was um he was really interested in volunteering for us. He
was at the orientation. >> It was a young gentleman. Oh, the Kelly from >> um My god, I forgot. >> Yeah. Um he was from the um National Honor Society. >> Oh, okay. >> Um >> yeah, >> I want to say Connor, but I don't think
that's his name. I'm sorry. I feel bad. Um but maybe we can have him do the Granville Scoop again. So, we need um a volunteer at the Grand Scoop and the Southwick Historical Society. Last year I got a call saying um that
somebody didn't show up for their shift. >> Um so and that's when I think you helped out I think at the or something something happened where they they were okay after. So I'm not sure >> but so what happens if something
>> like that happens you know >> we may have to like >> you know leave. >> Yeah. So if we have like a double up um we can have like a backup just in case go to another location or something >> and hopefully we'll have two or three in
each location. So we got >> Yeah, that would be great. Um so 10 so the volunteers can pick either either shift. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. and then so I think we're covered
for people other than the volunteers get Sue Rosa to volunteer. Oh, you know, that's a thought. Yeah. Yeah. Uh, speaking of that, um, I've been including Sue on our agendas and everything and she she said she likes to
try to come to the meeting. She can't tonight because there's set there's a 4 fair >> at Big E this coming Saturday. >> So, she's there setting up today and then there's, you know, there's that 4 activities, but on a Saturday, it's a
fair that anybody can go to. It's in the Mallerie Arena. >> Nice. >> So, FYI, want to take the kids over there, Zach. Or >> now that you think about it, >> I wish my kids were more into it. >> I'd like to get at least one of them in
the forage. >> Okay, so this is So we had >> You rented a pony for my daughter's birthday. >> She didn't want anything to do with it. >> No. >> Oh man. >> Yeah, it was crazy. We had a lot of people from Big Y last year. I have a
whole list in front of me. >> Robots and all sorts of thing. I think >> I think we thought a robot. >> Okay. I was say to him >> Yeah, I'll I'll send it to everybody.
Hey. Hey. >> We know you volunteered before, >> Lucas. Lucas carrot. >> Yeah, Lucas. He was like really into it and he helped Angie that day. >> He wanted to he wanted to join like >> at one point. Yeah. when I was talking
to his grandmother, um she she said he's really like very into um ecological things and gets annoyed when you know people are polluting and wasteful and he
you know he feels very strongly about that. >> I do too. >> Oh, I do too. But you know, you don't always find that in a kid. >> Exactly. It's so true. But he's very Yes, he's very focused on that.
>> They're letting me do a field study. I'm doing a field study class for the environmental science degree and they're letting me do it on property at Dino. I love that. It's like really cool. So, I'm testing their soil. >> You find something bad. >> Yeah. According to them, I
in school, too. Yeah. But yeah, today I did soil, you know, right? But no, they they keep playing pretty that's where I want to work someday. So that's what I'm working up to. So but they keep things really tight, you know, really really good. But it's pretty cool. It's taking up a lot
of time, but it's pretty cool. I love it actually. But >> but yeah, we So we have all the people's information here. I'm glad I brought my computer, but um we had a lot of people last year. So I'll send out the email to everybody and see what we get and then
we'll go from there. And um did did you need help working on the location too for the uh or do you have a contact for the orientation? >> Yeah, I can I can email um the chief. >> Okay. Yeah, that'd be awesome. Okay, so
for now I'll just put TPA to be announced and then >> and what time did you want it? Like 10 >> I think we said 10 to 11:30. >> Yeah, wasn't that long of a thing, you know. I still have the presentation which I'll update and I'll send out to you guys. Just have to update the farms
and everything. >> Other than that, I think we're good. So, um, Eningga is going to take care of the bags um and all that. That's awesome. >> That's very cool. >> Yeah. >> Can you think of anything else that
we're missing? >> I feel like we're missing >> like Yeah, I know. >> Right. There's something there. >> Too easy. Right. We worked hard on this last tool. >> Yeah, it's becoming a welloiled machine. >> I know. Well, there you go. Okay. >> Twice, you know. So, we, you know, we
>> we kind of know what we're doing. >> Thanks for putting out the signs that it looks great there. I mean, it was the first thing I noticed when I crossed the border over there. It was pretty cool. Yeah. So, I was like, "Hey, I know that day." >> But yeah, so I don't think
>> Okay. >> Can't think of anything else. Um, real brief note on the community garden. We have uh two new gardeners there that rebuilt the the gate >> compost and I didn't even realize that
they rebuilt the gate by the well. >> Oh, they did too. Yeah, >> do we have their names or we can give them the Oh, >> um >> Diana Chang and um >> that's very sweet. Christian
Shurmer or something like that. >> That's a good question. >> I'm not sure. I have to look at their registration. If they are, they should join the account. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Do we have their emails? >> I have their phone numbers.
>> Oh, cool. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, >> in fact, I already texted them about maybe taking over being caretakers of >> Wow. Okay. I haven't really been able to do it. >> That was really nice of them to do that to take that out of their, you know,
because it did need updating. >> Yeah. >> And how about our water project? Did you ever try to pull the water up? >> Yeah, we did when we were there. Um, >> battery up there. Oh my god. Right.
>> Do we need the compost >> with the stickers or whatever? >> Well, it's better be down at least. >> Okay. Unless people just want to fill buckets folk. I know they make a spot for it some
somewhere. >> Oh, for the big things. Yeah, my son's got spets on his. >> He has the big plastic things. He he built a a nozzle that has a crank hang and then then it's got a a a hose
faucet. He just I don't know, pieced it all together, glued it all together and inserted it. So he has I hook a hose to ours. >> Okay. >> And I just turn it on and it >> lets me I mean it has to be gravity fed, but it it does work. >> We put it at the top of the hill. So
>> yeah, it does it does work um to do it that way. And it is faster than >> Yeah, you ask him where where he got the various pieces. >> He's got it down probably at IBS or Vector Supply. >> Okay. >> If somebody wants to see it, they can come up and take a look at it. I mean, I've got he's got a couple of different
configurations. He's got one now that he has on the top because he puts one of them on the back of our RTV and he straps it on and takes it down and he's dug two pits that are like six or seven feet deep in
a low spot and they fill up with water. And so then he goes down there and he's got a pump and he just puts the pump out the top and with a like a big submersible fire hose thing and he pumps it into there and he brings it up and puts it up on the hill and then it just
gravity feeds down into the two that are near the onion field where I can use them. >> That's great. >> Um efficient. >> Nice. Yeah, >> works fine. And then when he wants to water things, he's got it. So he puts the pump on and it gives it enough
pressure that he can run sprinklers. >> Nice. >> The little ones he's got like he can run three when he's got the pump going. >> Oh wow. >> Out of the tank >> if he wants to broadcast uh >> Yeah. >> water. >> A gas pump. >> Any of the >> gas powered or
>> Yeah. Yeah. Just a gas powered one he got at Tractor Supply. But that's how he moves water around. >> Um, and it seems to work. My sister said she sent you pictures of the >> she Yeah, she did. >> The depot the depot court.
>> Oh, yeah. Is that doing well? >> Well, she's they had like four other people signed up and then they ended up with one other person other than her. So, she's been filling them all. She's got stuff everywhere. I mean, and she's
getting vegetables like crazy out of it. That's great. Um >> maybe you'll over actually the uh David and I went over because the last three beds she had done two and then Scott had seagull had done one and there were
three still open and she's like they had a meeting and she's like I'm giving the last call. Anybody else want to put some things in? Well, one person had was going to but then they couldn't cuz they had surgery and so that was that. So she said she took the tarps off because
she'd kept them weed-free that way. >> Oh, >> and David brought our mediumsiz tiller over and ran the tiller in and she's like, "Whoa, that was because the when uh Ron tilled it, it mostly just took up the grass. >> It didn't really get down."
>> So she's hacking away, you know, in there. But it was >> when David went over, he did it in both directions with the down in it went. And she's she was like out the next morning planting more. And >> nice. That's great. >> She's got everything planted out there. She's actually got a section. She's
putting perennials. >> She puts some raspberries in. She puts She's like, "What the heck? Nobody's going to care." >> I know, right? >> But are they eating the product that they're >> She is. She's eating. And Scott's eating. He's got some some coming out of
his garden. >> Actually, I had some kale out of hers. She planted a different variety and it was so delicious. I I like kale, okay? But she planted one that was exceptional and um I mean you could eat it like lettuce. >> It it was really quite yummy. And then
of course she can't find the seat package. She can't figure out what the heck the name of it was. I'm like I would plant this next year. Um because it was such a good, >> you know, a good kale. And um so yeah, she's been I actually had she had a well the day we tilled she gave us a little
zucchini, a little yellow squash cuz ours weren't in yet. And um and a little eggplant that she had she's had cucumbers. She's, >> you know, had all kinds of stuff. So she's >> it's it's rolling. She's And then she does she has herbs and she's got she put
some raspberries that she got free. Somebody gave her some. Yes. >> So, she's got quite a sizable and the people from the house in the back that are >> um I don't know if it's a >> Oh, yeah. >> It's a mental health project. >> Yeah.
>> Elderly mental health project or it used to be. And she they come over all the time to look at her vegetables and stuff. They'll come over, talk to her, and >> something new. That's great. >> So, but yeah, she's been she's out every day just about in the garden out there.
Yeah, it's keeping her keeping her sane. >> That's good. >> She's good. She loves it. >> That's great. >> That's a big garden for for one person. >> And you were there, too. Oh, okay. >> Yeah, cuz the pots are what 10 by 10
>> and there were there were eight of them >> that were 10 by 10 >> and she's Scott has one and I think she's got six of them going right now. >> Yeah. But she's got pumpkins, watermelons, she's planted everything.
>> I'll have to stop by. It's quite Yeah. And I'd love to see I can't see it from the road cuz trying to see it, but >> it's closest to Phelp's house >> on that side. And it's way in the back. >> Okay. >> You have to walk quite a distance out there up on the hill. >> Okay.
>> But it's um >> That's cool. >> She's producing like crazy out there, so she's happy. And you know, we said, "Well, maybe next year others will see. you know, um, but she, yeah, Steve Brzinski was going to do it and but then he had had surgery and he wasn't
recovering as quickly, so he didn't, >> uh, >> you know, he said, "You bet you better just not I better not do it because I won't be able to get out because you got to be able to walk up there, >> right?" >> True. >> You know, to get to it. But, um, yeah, it's
going good. She happy. >> That's awesome. >> Very good. That's awesome. Um, should we wait on those flyers to >> Yeah. >> Uh, until we wonder if we could text him or something,
>> you know, I should have done that before. >> I don't remember him saying that he wasn't going to be part of it, but I wasn't part of all that communication. It's >> like a conversation where like up in the air, but >> it was definitely
I mean, I know the family had fun last year, even with the rain. >> Yeah, they did. Yeah, that's an area that would need a tent and a table and all that stuff, right? >> Yeah, it probably does. >> I think >> I feel like we're covered with the tents
and the tables. Yeah. So we uh well has the porch probably going to be in a porch but maybe have a table because we're going to have like a sign in not a sign in but you're going to like we're probably going to do that thing where we're going to >> do the sports. >> Yeah.
>> Way better than taking more information that we did the first year. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So like their name and >> where they're from. >> Where I just where they're from and how they heard of it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Oh, right. Yeah. Yeah. Cuz we're doing >> You have sheets in the room. Did you do
you have like sheets that everybody get to sign up instead? >> That's what's going to be in the >> And then you do you do passports. >> Yep. Yep. I think they're you know stickers. >> Do that stickers.
>> Oh yeah. I even Wait. Uh I kept mine. That's from last year. um never sunk to me. >> But now we have um we're official now. I don't know if you have one yet. Uh the um
>> Yeah, I have mines. I just saw >> mine somewhere. >> It was given. It was little lanyard >> so we'll have to make one for you. >> Yes. Official name. >> Oh, that's right. >> Yeah.
I did I was at an event u David's uh 50th high school reunion was this past weekend up at the Lake George sportsman club and a woman came up and I hadn't seen her since then. She actually had come as with a friend to my open day
that I had at the >> um and she came up and and she's like I just have to tell you I love your articles. >> They are really good articles. you know, I wasn't expecting that to happen. That's awesome. >> She's like, "It's so great to read the articles." And she and she said, "I just
wanted to tell you how much fun I had." >> It's great. It's It's very good addition to the Southwoods and I know people are reading them. You know, it's >> Well, I was at the concert uh last Wednesday and I had another woman I know, Diane Janette, came up to me and she said, "I've been reading your
articles." She said she's lived here a long time, but >> she didn't know the histories of all the farms, so she she was she liked it. She said, "I've learned a lot of things from your article." >> Great addition. >> Yeah, that's what you're there for. >> Absolutely. >> But it's nice to know that, you know,
people are >> Yeah. >> reading it. Yeah. >> Well, I see before you got here, actually, we were saying it's kind of cool the third one how you just kind of were driving around. way to get all the I wanted to touch on farms that I couldn't get them to
respond and so I thought how can I do that I thought just I'll talk about what I know I'm on a tour just tooling around you know which we did my husband and I did go out because I'm like >> I got to see what some of these farms are up to and so we just took a winding
drive one day about an hour you know we drove around town and we're like oh you know that it was more about like who is building what and what are they doing out there but we hit a few roads we hadn't seen in a long time. So, I knew enough about what people were doing on the land that I could write the article
and feel as though I was being factual enough because I was observing it, >> you know, of what I was seeing. So, >> very cool. Yeah. Little aspect from it. Yeah. >> Well, try to make it different each time, >> right? >> You know, so that it wasn't the same. It was it was a kind of a different view,
but >> I guess they'd had um Carol Karen said they had had good response to it, so that was >> Oh, excellent. That's great. >> That was a good thing. >> Yeah. Very good. I can't say anything bad about it. Like it's very very cool.
Very >> well. And we could do some other things, you know. I I could do them because she said if I wanted to write anything just to say so, >> you know, because they are always looking for writers. And um apparently
it works okay for how I write. They are fine with that. And um but I was thinking we could even do one next year kind of like I did for the classes. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Where >> maybe get people, you know, started and
and maybe do one, you know, an article on planting your garden. An article maybe on starting your seeds. Do another series >> for people that might be interested. Oh, maybe you could do a tour around Southwick on >> as
>> you write it and then you present it. I don't know. That'd be kind of cool. >> Would you be the tour guide? >> I will. Okay. Right in there. We'll come up. >> I like that. Yeah. >> I just think I talk to B about maybe if
we have time in the spring >> have the seed plant have a seed planting, >> right? an event where we actually invite people to plant seeds because they did that at my at my daughter's town. >> They had a free thing and they got
people who donated seeds and used pots and they got some, you know, it didn't cost very much and they did a day where people came up and actually put in their their starts um and got things going for their pots or their gardens or whatever and they had a seed starting
>> event. And I mean they have a town of maybe 2,000 people and she said it was mobbed. >> People were in and out. It was, you know, one of those things. You came in, you did what you wanted, you left. But it was it was a great thing. They did it outside their community center um which
is an old fire station, tiny little fire station, and they did it outside and it they had a great turnout for it. >> That's awesome. Um, and it was sponsored by their community center um that they did it. But I thought the a commission could do something like that in the
spring when it's time to start, you know, because we have the seeds at the library. So, we could have, you know, library seeds that could help with that. And, um, you know, I think that maybe in the spring if we could get something
rolling so that we kind of help people along maybe. Maybe after the farm forum or something that'll be something we can look look at, you know. Yeah, >> cuz the farm forum is our next big thing after that. >> But I thought, well, if we did articles and then had an event where we did, you
know, seed starting and >> get people kind of >> I like that idea. Yeah. >> You know, like a community event and it just would have to be someplace that we could get messy but undercover, >> you know. I mean, it could be we have the pavilion
at there's a pavilion. Isn't there a pavilion on at Priy Park? >> Thought there was a little pavilion. No, >> there's a there's >> Well, oh, you don't think it's there anymore? I don't know. I don't go to Griffy Park anymore, but you know, I'm
thinking we could find some place to >> maybe do it where people could come in. And >> I was I'm pretty sure now I take my daughter. >> I was going to say it used to be in there years ago. of some structure over there. >> Yeah, >> I would walk under it though. >> Oh,
>> but you know, if we could find someplace free that we could do it, >> um, you know, that we could put it on. >> Yeah. It would be a cool event to have get people in, you know, maybe thinking about growing
food and >> um >> that's a good >> nothing quite like teaching them where their food comes from, >> showing people or having an event like that because that would be like a family event and that's a good thing because then you've got kids but you've also got adults that are helping their own adults
are helping them. Yeah, we could definitely put it on on the count like something to talk about after the farm for like work on that. That'd be like a great great idea. I like >> Well, because it could be any age. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> That wanted to >> something the family could do together,
you know. >> Right. Right. And actually, I think I have tons of um we got them. They're in my shed. Um, but like the I don't know if they're six-packs or if
they're bigger than that, but I had a whole bunch of stuff Mark brought home years ago from somebody some greenhouse had had a fire or whatever and a lot of the stuff they had cleaned out or whatever. And some of them were a little melty, but they it was just made them so you couldn't sell
in them. But, you know, I mean, that kind of stuff, we could probably get enough people to donate when they had the plant exchange at the library. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. >> There was a lot of stuff that came in >> there. You know, people donated pots and
seeds and all kinds of stuff. So, >> um, you know, it might be a good thing to >> when people are getting itchy in the spring, you know, by usually we start ours a lot of ours in like March and April, depending on what we're starting,
>> right? >> Um, okay. >> Put it on a 2026 list. How's that? >> Oh, man. Um, well, it's 8:30, so I think we could probably uh have a motion to adjurnn in
a minute. Let's uh take the flyers and everything and >> Okay. >> If they're wrong, put them in the recycling. >> Oh, okay. So, you'll let us then if Yeah. >> Yeah. Because then we won't you won't have to do that because you guys are going away tomorrow, right? Yeah. Okay.
>> I'll take some of these back. What would you call that? Like a a landing planting. >> I think they they called it a seed starting workshop. >> Okay. >> Seas start. >> The first time they had it though, but
she couldn't believe how well attended it was for a little town like that. >> And then >> and there and my daughter's got her garden growing like crazy up there with you know stuff they started at the seed starting thing. My garden >> it's not doing well. I you know what I
went away for July 4th >> and that was pretty much the nail on the c my garden. >> Mine was so slow this year for 4 days that just is too hot. >> All the rain we got in the beginning really >> it slowed everything down for us and the >> except my tomatoes. My tomatoes about
cucumbers are like dying. Something ate the zucchini I'm eating. >> Oh no. >> Yeah. on my leaves look really good. Everything is tiny. I think I've got a yellow a yellow squash I can pick. >> But um everything just it took so long. The only thing I've had lots of is hot peppers.
>> Um the peas were small and they were it wasn't a great crop. But now everything is lush and they're and everything's blooming. So I'm expecting all of a sudden I mean I must have 50 little teeny cucumbers and I've only got I've got like 18
cucumber. Yeah, we eat a lot. >> Yeah, we eat a lot, too. >> Very sad about that. >> Um, but lots of blossoms and lots of little things, but we haven't really been eating as much out of it as we I mean by we're a good two to three weeks behind where we normally. >> I'd say about two weeks I'm going to be
overrun with tomatoes. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah, it'll be sauce time. Be sauce time. >> My wife likes making sauce. So, >> yeah. >> Oh, there you go. >> So, if we go to these places and we see them. So, we haven't really picked on where we're going to be putting these things, but I go by Millie's all the
time. So, put some at Millie's and But yeah, um I guess if we see them there, then we don't have to we'll try >> Chinese. >> Yeah, exactly. So, we'll probably like try to tag team all of these places, but
like it's like on the history. >> Somebody went somewhere and filled in. If you just send it in the chain on the text, tried the >> Yeah, it didn't work out. Yeah, >> it didn't matter though. It's like
>> they go. Yeah, they >> go. So, if you see a place you want to put one, just put one. Yeah. >> Is the town hall going to be I mean the town sign going to be having it up there. Okay. >> I thought we do. >> Oh, yeah. That's right. Yeah.
>> It's one of the best places for >> I know. Everybody goes there. >> Yeah. You got to go there. >> Cool. up until >> Yeah. Well, yeah. >> I think we got this everybody. >> Okay. Um, I did send a text to Tom. For some reason, it didn't get delivered,
but now, but now it has been, but I'll let >> Okay. So, motion. I'll make a motion to adjurnn. Okay. All those in favor? Okay.