September 10, 2011 workday meeting minutes

October 5, 2011
by garden
3 min read

Ann Levine, who was chairing the meeting, announced that the Parks Department had provided the Garden with pavers for the areas devoted to water barrel storage, and thanked Kevin Lee and Victor Calise for their efforts in obtaining these supplies from the City. The installation of the pavers is a work day task.

Members were urged to support the composting event that is scheduled for October 13, from 6-8. The event will feature a guest speaker and free refreshments.
Another round of discussion was devoted to the possibility of relocating the composter to the rear of the east garden. Various suggestions were offered to mitigate the downsides of the present location. To make the composter itself more attractive, it was suggested that it could be decorated as part of a children’s art project. To improve accessibility at the entrance to the east garden, it was suggested that the platform under the composter could be refurbished and its footprint reduced. Further discussion was tabled until Jean Jaworek, chair of the compost committee, could be present.

Members discussed the option of replacing the Halloween Party with a Harvest Festival. The reason for doing this would be to provide an event with greater appeal to adult members who don’t have young children, and because there are so many Halloween events already. A suggestion was made that we aim to emulate the Harvest Festival done by the Bloomingdale Group. Noreen Whysel, a Steering Committee member, does web design for that group, and has contacts with that group who might be helpful in making suggestions for how we could do a similar event in the Garden. The consensus of the meeting was that the garden should present such an event, but that it would require too much planning to be able to do it this year.

Nikki Kowalski announced that the Garden had received an offer from a group called Green Guerillas to supply perennials and cover crops to the Garden. Members with requests should talk to Nikki during the workday, because the September 16 deadline for requests is rapidly approaching.
Members were reminded that they are responsible for weeding the area around their individual planting bed.

The condition of the fire hydrant from which we get our water supply was once again a topic of discussion. Earlier in the summer, some members thought it was broken, but it turned out that it was just difficult to operate. Now it appears to be really and truly broken. Kevin Lee will report the problem to 311 if he can’t get the hydrant working by the end of the weekend.

NK for the SC

Meeting Minutes May 14, 2011

June 1, 2011
by garden
2 min read

West 104th Street Community Garden

Garden Meeting/Work Day
Saturday, May 14, 2011

The members present voted in favor of authorizing a payment of $375 for labor costs to repaint the fence in the front of the east garden.

Ariel Behr reported that she had drafted rules for private events in the garden that correspond with the views expressed by members at the last meeting. In particular, the draft rules will require a $50 refundable deposit for events from members, and a $75 deposit from non-members, $50 of which will be refundable. Ariel will work with Kim Maitland to finalize the draft rules and event application process.

A member of the Citizens’ Committee for New York City appeared and presented a check for $290 to the Garden, which represents the proceeds of a grant for the community composting program.

The Port O San has been installed in the East Garden for the season. Melissa Glowski, the GT co-ordinator, explained that the application did not offer the option of requesting a wheelchair accessible toilet this year and none were available.

Melissa said that she has been following up with the City to get the damaged tree branch in the west garden removed and to deal with the retaining walls in the east garden.

Janice Vrana has stepped down as the contact for Farming Concrete. Barbara Garson volunteered to take on the assignment.

Members were reminded to remove pots from the east garden; in particular, the pots on the stage in the east garden should be removed.

Members who were present voted to keep in place the plastic and metal flamingos that are in the communal flower bed that runs along the front fence. All other personal items must be removed from community beds.

The water barrels in the east garden will be moved next to the Port O San to relieve the pressure on the retaining wall.

The DEBNA Plant a Thon on May 15 was announced, as was an electronics recycling event on May 21. (See previous news item for details).

A musician will perform in the Garden on June 21 as Part of Make Music New York. Kristen will provide further details.

The next garden workday is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15 from 6-8pm.

Meeting Minutes April 9, 2011

April 10, 2011
by garden
4 min read

West 104 Street Garden April 9, 2011 Workday Meeting Minutes

The meeting was chaired by Ann Levine

Ann announced that free seeds supplied by Green Thumb were available for distribution to members

Jean Jaworek discussed the enhancement to the Garden’s composting efforts this season. In particular, the Garden has received a grant from the City to make the composter available to the broader community as a source of “green inputs.” Jean’s plan is that this material will be collected during open garden hours. Jean will be preparing information sheets for members of the garden and the broader community about this plan.

Ann relayed two requests by the new co-chairs of the East Garden communal beds committee, Mary Kelly and Janice Vrana. The first request was that the front fence of the east garden be painted to match the fence in the west garden. This was approved in principle by the members present, although no expenditure of funds was proposed or approved for this purpose.

The second request was that the butterfly bush on this side of the garden be removed. This proposal was amended by the members present, who approved that the bush be cut back severely, and that efforts be focused this season on keeping the bush properly pruned to limit its size.

Ann announced that the City;s new rule prohibiting smoking in public parks applies to the Garden. Melissa Glowski explained that the city was working on signage regarding the new policy, and that the plan was to rely on peer pressure for enforcement.

An extended discussion occurred of proposed changes to the rules governing private events that take place in the garden. The consensus of the meeting was that a deposit be required for such events, which would be returned if those responsible for the even cleaned up after themselves. The consensus of the meeting was also that this deposit be large enough so that the danger of forfeiting it would be effective in encouraging those holding events to clean up after themselves, and that the fee structure should require a lower deposit amount from Garden members and a higher deposit from non-members. Ariel Behr offered to draft a revised proposal that took these views into account for further discussion at the next meeting.

At the suggestion of Joy Chang, the new membership co-ordinator, it was agreed that the Garden application would be amended for next season to permit members to opt out of having their email addresses provided to the Garden membership by way of appearing on the membership roster.

The members present approved the posting of a small sign that provides information about the small sculpture that has been installed in the West Garden.

Shane Nye and Melissa Glowski explained that efforts to obtain a Port O San for this season are underway.

Nikki Kowalski promised to distribute the updated list of committee assignments to the membership by email later in the day.

Ann announced that individuals who were moving out of an individual garden bed, either to relocate to another individual bed or to leave the garden altogether, have until April 18 to remove their plants from last season’s bed.

Ann announced that no personal flower pots could be used for growing things in the Garden either in the aisles, along the fences, or on the fences. The co-chairs of the East Garden communal beds, which has a number of this type of pot left over from last season, will be working to remove them.

Ann announced that that the inventory committee, chaired by Janice Vrana, had bought new plastic watering cans because the price of new metal ones was prohibitive. Members are encouraged to buy used metal cans in good shape for the Garden if they find them at flea markets, etc.

Paul Froelich announced that the Herb Garden Committee would be meeting later in the day to discuss what would be planted for this season.

The maintenance committee agreed at the request of the members to paint the red wheel barrow that is peeling.

The next workday meeting is on Saturday May 14, 10am-12pm.

Meeting with artist Monday evening! Flea Market Fundraiser Saturday 18 September!‏

September 13, 2010
by garden
2 min read
1 Comment

Dear Gardeners,

We had a very productive meeting today despite the early clouds. Thank you to all who participated; and it was nice to have such a healthy turnout of 28 gardeners, not including the beautiful Keohane girls who cleaned up countless piles of pulled weeds.

Anna Lise Jensen will be hosting a meeting with the artisit Norbert Attard Monday evening (Sept 13) from 6 to 7 pm in the hopes of deciding on an art project to install in our garden. Anna Lise and Mr. Attard are hoping for some collaboration with the gardeners and would very much like to have some creative input from our community. And and all who are able to attend are encouraged to do so. Mr. Attard will only be in the city for a week and is very keen on installing a piece in the garden. We will try to have a proposal emailed to everyone by Tuesday in order to get a vote in favor or not with enough time for the artist to actually install his work. You can view his website at http://www.norbertattard.com/biography.pdf

Also, a flea market fundraiser has been organized by some friends and neighbors of the two families affected by the recent fire. It will be at the garden next Saturday the 18th from 11 to 6. Please feel free to bring baked goods and/or items to sell, or contact Lillian Jeanpierre for more information at bjorglil@peoplere.com. We did collect contributions for Christine Barrow at the meeting today. Anyone who was unable to contribute and still wishes to do so can mail directly to Christine at 635 Central Park West, #6G.

Thanks,
Mary Kelly
for the steering committee

6/17 Garden Mtg Recap‏

June 21, 2010
by garden
4 min read

Dear Members,

The meeting on Thursday was a really productive one. Thanks to all the members who turned out on both the 9th– when we worked after the rain–and on the 17th. A bench was built, communal beds were cleaned and earth was moved (!),

Thanks in advance to all the members who couldn’t make it who will perform their make up tasks in the next 2 weeks.

Here’s an overview of the meeting.

A BUDGET. With the growth of our membership and our healthy coffers the idea that we should begin to keep a budget was well received. We plan to have a working template ready for the 2011 season. So far we have 2 volunteers who will help us devise the budget. Any other volunteers are more than welcome and are encouraged to contact a Steering Committee Member to do so. In the meantime, SC members plan to work with their respective Committee Heads to develop sketches of the financial needs for each committee.

The issue of testing the WATER TESTING in the runoff tank on the W/S for growing vegetables has been pursued by SC Member, Nikki Kowalski. She has found that Rutger’s Univ. seems to be @ the vanguard of the issue and that the testing of the water requires repetitive and costly analysis to be considered conclusive. At this point, Nikki intends to approach Green Thumb to see if they may be interested in funding the analysis. In the meantime two of the water barrels on the W/S will carry only hydrant water and will be labeled as such.

FARMING CONCRETE. Those lucky enough to have attended the short meeting on the 9th–when it poured promptly @6pm–heard what Annette Jochum had to say about this organization that measures food production in NYC Community Gardens. On Thursday, the membership voted to give it a go. By dint of our relatively large size, it is likely that we would qualify for a federal agricultural subsidy. FC coordinates the collection of the data. Find in-depth info @ www.farmingconcrete.com

Starting in 2011 the membership renewal form will carry a new choice for committee participation, GARDEN SUPPLIES. This may be of particular interest to the avid gardener, raring to go at the beginning of the season or, for folks who are often out of town in the summer. What it will entail is making an inventory of garden supplies such as tools, watering cans et al. It will coordinate procurement of needed items and see to the repair of equipment such as watering cans, wheel barrows, hose, etc. in a timely manner at the beginning of the season.

Repair of footing for the ROSE ARBOR is under consideration. At present various materials are being considered for repair.

SPECIAL EVENTS Committee tasks will be managed by individuals on an event-by-event basis. Alan Tenney is covering the musical events. Lou Ludyny will handle the Halloween Party. Margaret Dabney will handle the July 4th Barbeque & she’s looking for volunteers to help with the event. We look forward to any persons who are interested in pursuing educational speakers regarding aspects of gardening, food production, etc… The door is also open to anyone who would like to manage a new event or, events that have been held in the past such as the Autumn Harvest Festival. Kindly contact a SC Member to volunteer.

CAR CARAVAN committee still needs members for occasional assignments

Removal of the SMALL PEACH TREE after peach season. This runt is relatively non-productive and in the way–esp. with the new rain collection barrel system that is coming soon to the E/S garden. Members voted to cut it down.

Our next meeting is on Saturday July 10, from 10-12am.

Garden Work Dates 2010

April 23, 2010
by garden
2 min read

Dear Gardeners,

It was nice seeing you on Sunday and thanks for a productive meeting. We wanted to let you know the dates for the 2010 Work Days/Evenings:

Saturday, May 8 10AM-noon
Weds, June 9 6-8PM
Sat, July 10 10AM-noon
Weds, Aug 4 6-8PM
Saturday, Sept 11 10AM-noon
Saturday, Oct 2 10AM-noon
Sunday, Nov 14 1PM (season wrap-up meeting at Schneider Apartments)
-rain dates will be scheduled as needed

As outlined in the Garden Reminders, Rules and Regulations:
Monthly meetings/workdays: Members are required to attend meetings/workdays held from March until November. If members cannot attend they must contact the Steering Committee for individual projects. Members who do not regularly attend workdays, or who do not make alternate work plans with the committee members, may be asked to give up their beds.

We are also having a Work Day this Saturday, April 24 to help the Maintenance Committee (10am) finish rebuilding the beds in the West Garden removed for the wall reconstruction (including the construction of 2 new beds). We will also finish work on the new beds in the East Garden and start filling them with topsoil. All levels of handiness are welcome. Contact Jean Jaworek jeanmike2@mindspring.com

In addition, the Community Garden Committee will be meeting Saturday, April 24 at 2:30pm to relocate plants from the future site of the water harvesting system. Contact: Suzanne Charle suzcharle@gmail.com

Information on Committee and individual bed assignments will be coming soon.

If you have any questions, please contact Alan at alan.tenney@gmail.com.

-W. 104th St Community Garden Steering Committee

7/8 Workday Summary

July 13, 2009
by garden
4 min read

Dear West 104th Street Gardeners:

Wednesday’s work evening was very well attended. We covered a number of issues, among them: 1) the status of electrical access in the garden, 2) the addition of new garden plots, 3) addition of benches to the west side of the garden 4) the soon-to-be installed ballot boxes (one each on east and west sides) and 5) a ballot was held to accept or reject Sue Archambault and Alan Tenney to the Steering Committee and, 6) the need to put out the Open Garden sign when one is monitoring.

Establishing Electrical Power in the East Garden
Jean Jaworek spoke about having been referred to an electrician used who works for the Jewish Home for the Aged (W 106th), Singer Electric. Singer is going to make an on-site evaluation and deliver ideas about how to secure power for the garden.

New Ballot System
Alan Tenney and Susan Archambault will design and install weather-resistant balloting boxes in both the west and east gardens.

New Garden Plots
Peter Bazeli led a discussion regarding the pros and cons of the 2 proposed plans for new garden plots to accommodate people waiting for plots (currently on the waiting list). To paraphrase, both versions involved the use of area along the southeastern area of the eastern garden. One included using space behind the sheds, the other did not. Plans were handed out for reference. Gardeners’ discussion was lively and included the issue of whether it was practical to have 4′ beds without more than one–in some cases–aisle access. Another major consideration was whether or not the area behind the sheds was a good choice for new beds because of limited growing light and the projected need for those spaces to be used for storage purposes.

Several constructive ideas were offered. For example, the use of stepping stones was suggested in instances where access to a deep bed is limited. This idea was embraced by the majority and Peter agreed to include in schematically in the final sketch.

After a lively debate for some 20 minutes the plan to install new beds along the fence only, was approved unanimously by those in attendance. Thus, this will be the plan that is offered to the entire membership by paper ballot as soon as the new system is in place. There will be paper ballots available in the east and west gardens for 2 weeks from the date they are made available. Please know you can vote by proxy if you know you will not be here. The balloting will take place in both the east and west sections of the garden (see new ballot system above). If the Membership approves the plan, it will then be submitted to Green Thumb for approval.

New Garden Benches for West Garden
Penny Donnenfeld and Susan Yarnell have volunteered to procure new benches for the west garden seating area. They will report back with their progress.

Susan Archambault and Alan Tenney were voted unanimously to the Steering Committee.

Using the Open Garden Sign
Monitoring members were reminded to put out the Open Garden sign during their shifts.

Work ReCap
Thanks to the 30-odd members who were able to attend the meeting on Wednesday, we accomplished a lot. We weeded the rose garden; the gravel paved meeting area; the gazebo bed and tree wells on the east side; mowed the lawns and transplanted plants. The grassy fringe around the garden plots and communal beds was whipper-snipped.

On-Going Tasks
Robin Mace volunteered to pick-up grass seed and fertilizer from Home Depot. Jean Jaworek said the maintenance committee would attend to the reinforcement of the fence and the rat hole on the West Side. Frank and Jean will be launching the rain collection project to involve runoff from the gazebo roof to barrels opposite those already in place on the east side in the next few weeks. Lou volunteered to ask Larry to touch up the Open Garden signs.

If you couldn’t make it….
kindly notify me at jvrana@verizon.net for a make-up assignment.

Watering
Now that the rain has diminished and we can expect warmer temperatures (?), don’t forget to water your beds and the communal beds–if you have a few extra minutes.

October Workday/Winter Wrapup

November 2, 2008
by garden
1 min read

The Saturday Oct. 18 workday was one of our most productive!

Garden members:

1. Pushed wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of soil up the hill from the East to the West garden, where it was deposited in communal beds and spread over the main and maze lawns. The East garden beds and lawns were treated as well. The dirt mountain is now just a hill.—This was hard labor! Special thanks to the mountain movers. (Also to the anonymous “promoter” who pinned a sign to the hill, “Potting soil–$1,” before the Fall Festival.)

2. Cleared, cleaned, and reorganized the shed in the East garden, which had gotten to be a jumble. Much needed housekeeping.

3. Decorated the garden with hay bales, old and new dolls, skeletons, a spider, pumpkin and ghost balloons, etc. for the Fall Festival. Seasonably scary.

4. Put together yet another bench. Hurray.

Thanks to everyone who pitched in that Saturday –and to those who worked on the mountain by themselves the week before.

There’s a lot more to be done to close down the garden for winter.

Come out this weekend; the weather is gorgeous!

The Steering Committee

Notes on Sunday Work Meeting

September 11, 2008
by garden
2 min read

Hi Gardeners,

We had a good turn out for Sunday’s meeting and workday. Thanks to all of you who were there and those who emailed! We covered a lot of ground during the meeting (summarized below). During the work session members finished putting together the benches and weeded the communal gardens on the East side. On the West side others (enthusiastically) uprooted and cut up a dead bush, spread dirt left by Law and Order, uprighted plants beaten down by the rain and wind in the communal bed, and weeded the lawn. A good day’s work!

The next meeting and workday is Sat., October 18.

Cheers,

Ann Levine
For the Steering Committee

DECISIONS AND PLANS:

· Theft. Rather than install surveillance cameras (as one member suggested), we will put up a sign in each garden saying: “Do not pick anything! This garden is under surveillance.”

· Moving the stage: We decided to form a subcommittee to investigate what would be required and different possibilities, as well as the pros and cons, to present to garden members on/around our November meeting. *** Volunteers for the committee needed—esp. people with experience in garden design or staging and those with a special interest in this decision. Alan Tenney will be the organizer. Please send RSVP to me (Ann): Siswi@aol.com.

· Dirt. The West garden needs soil badly. Decision on whether to purchase or to collect ourselves, from the Central Park supply, postponed until we have prices. (Ariel is researching this.)

· Electricity. Instead of purchasing a generator for use in construction, etc., we will contact The Bridge about paying them for using their outlet.

· Fall celebration. There was some confusion on the calendar. We will hold one festival on Sun. October 26, possibly combining a flea market, Halloween party, and music. (Details up to Events Committee.)

· Garden expenditures. For purchases up to $200, members should get permission in advance from the Steering Committee. Expenditures over $200 require the membership to vote.

Notes from Wednesday Garden meeting

June 14, 2008
by garden
6 min read

Hello gardeners!

Many thanks to all you who showed up for the work meeting Wednesday eve, and those of you who emailed. The work session was incredibly productive: a cracker-jack team replaced rotting boards in the gazebo, others mowed lawns, separated rocks from dirt, tied roses and raspberries back, Sarah Kavka and her daughter, new members, worked on expanding the herb garden, with more plants to come, and so much more. Bravo to all.

For those of you who are eager to help out but couldn’t make the session, we’ll send out a separate email of things still needing done. Meantime, please be sure the plants in the communal gardens are watered.

And please support upcoming events: On Saturday, June 21, the garden will be filled with music in a celebration of the summer solstice, all part of Make Music New York. It starts up with a session for kids at 11 a.m. with Vita Wallace, a member and classical musician who will lead kids in a session with instruments they make themselves, followed by jazz (1-4) and classical music (4-5.15).

Again, thanks for your support. Below, you’ll find condensed updates from various committee heads — please take time to read, if you weren’t at the meeting.

All best,
Suzanne Charle’ for the Steering Committee

Budget:

Marcia Berry, Jean and Alan Tenney will be getting together to create a template for the future. Anyone interested should get in touch with them.

A vote is being taken on Julia Soledispa’s proposal that the communal gardens be given $150 each (for a total of $300). Votes sent to Mary Kelly by those who weren’t at the meeting by June 21 will be added to those at the meeting. A decision will be announced soon after the deadline.

Committee updates:

Communal gardens:

A few reminders: In both gardens, please do not store personal seeds (which might attract rodents).
Please don’t store personal gear in the sheds.

If you want to work on the communal beds or put something in the beds, please see the heads of the committees (Lou Ludyny in the East Garden; Julia Soledispa and Suzanne Charle’ in the West) and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. Each section of the garden has a ‘chief gardener’ who is overseeing that section.

During heat waves, please everyone take time to water a part of the communal gardens–deep, so the roots go deep.

In the East Garden, rocks were separated from the dirt, which has been spread out. Please help bring the remaining rocks behind the sheds in the garden–ask Lou if you have questions.

Herb garden:

Larry Lewis and Florice Peterkin are heading the effort. Please work with them.

Raspberries are beginning to come into season–you might want to have your kids taste a few.

There are still some spots that need herbs–please consider buying a plant of your favorite herb and asking Florice or Larry where is best to plant.

Sarah Kavka, a new member, is establishing a beach head in the vinca minor section, so there will be even more herbs.

Compost:

In each garden there are places to put your green material (pls., no weeds and no sticks or branches.) There is a marked garbage barrel next to the composter in the East Garden, and a cage at the back of the shade garden in the West Garden. This material will eventually be shredded and put into the composter.

Please, no food or kitchen scraps, which will attract rats.

Lou will show those interested how to use the composter.

Events:

1) This Saturday, the Flea Market takes place. Julia is the head.

2) Next Saturday, Make Music NY, with free music in the garden, starting with a children’s program at 11. Please contact Rolando if you know musicians who want to play.

3) A Fall Festival planned for Saturday October 18th. This will incorporate flea market, maybe music, apple/pumpkin sales, all in garden. It will replace block party (too complicated) and perhaps Halloween party…to be determined.

4) There will be Jean’s Can-Can (Jean?) holiday/carol event sometime in December.

5) Proposing MayDay party for opening garden season in Spring, with maypole dancing…

Garbage:

Please remember to take out all picnic garbage, food containers and dispose of outside the garden so we don’t attract rats.

Please take out all large boxes that you might bring in.

Lawnmowing Committee:

We have one usable mower and are keeping it in the West Garden shed. A new mower will be bought soon. Please be sure to clean off the blades after you have used the mowers, so the blades remain sharp.

Please don’t cut the grass too short during heat waves.

Membership and monitoring:

Pam Wax has been doing a great job, and has almost completed the membership and committee lists. Some people will be asked to be on other committees, that don’t have enough people. Monitoring times need to be honored; if you can’t, it’s your responsibility to find someone to take your place.Please be sure that you have signed up for two monitoring days. Kitty Crooks has the schedule.

Pruning:

Janice will be pruning the street trees in front of the west garden once the weather isn’t so hot.

Rose Committee update:

Lucille notes that committee has be resetting the maze, and branches have been tied up.
We will be attaching new signs shortly, and fertilizing all plantings when first blooms
have finished to set up repeating cycles on all.

The roses have been particularly bountiful this year. Please take time to smell our roses.

Repairs Committee:

Frank and Jean and their crew repaired rotten floor boards in the gazebo. The shed in the West Garden still needs to have a broken screw drilled out before one of the door can open. Repairs of beds continue apace.

Tree pits:

Alan Tenney has been in touch with the contractor Rob Hoover, who will be building the tree surrounds. Unfortunately, the work has been slowed by a (I hope) mild eye injury to his assistant. Rob hopes to have the tree pits installed by the end of June. Alan will maintain a dialogue with Rob and keep you updated.

Water Barrels:

Only the people on the water barrel committee can fill the water barrels. Please see Lou or one of the other water barrel committee members for instructions if you’re interested in being able to access the hose and fire hydrant.

Website update:

Noreen Whysel, the grand creator of the website reports:

URL: http://www.west104garden.org
Blog site: http://west104garden.wordpress.com (used for news)
Photo site: http://flickr.com/photos/26803601@N05/
Calendar site: Pending, probably will be GoogleApps, since we already have an account there.

We would love more pictures of recent events, photographer & people/subjects identified.

If anyone wants to write a blurb about annual events, the memorial rose arbor or fireman’s plot, let Noreen know.

We also had a request to put in an article about organic composting and pest control, but we don’t have any details. Please send along if you have the information.