Also, when you are planning what you are planting for the season, please consider planting a section for the WIC program or donating a portion of your harvest. The donations last year were greatly appreciated. I will be at the garden building days on the 13th and 20th at 9am and in addition will be doing some composting and planning of the WIC plots - so feel free to join me and/or ask me questions.
All the best,
Erin

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Does anyone have a pick up truck or know someone with a truck that we can use to pick up wood chips on April 20th and April 27th? If so, we'll waive your plot fee!! (If you've already paid, we'll refund your fee).

To buy wood chips would cost us $900. So use of a borrowed truck to pick up the FREE wood chips from the Dept of Forestry would save us a lot of money!

Let me know if anyone out there has a pick up truck!

Ann

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2. Update on plans for building plots this April (12 in total)
New and renewal applications are due by March 15th with plot fee.
Erin reports that the timbers may not be available for plot construction from the city. Bruce will cost out at MEnards (current estimate at $12/15 per timber)

3. Update on fence - Taylor Nicks
2 out of 5 contractors showed up. Taylor is putting together a pack to email to possible contractors in the future which will include the different proposals for fencing the garden space.

3. Final garden calendar
We didn’t get to discuss in detail.

4. Plans to change by-laws:
- Vote on conflict resolution at the next All Gardener’s meeting
- (renewal of plots + fees in November)
- (only plot clean up will be those that aren’t renewed / cleaned by former occupant)

Emily will post these changes for all gardeners to view.

Returning gardeners - plot & fee deadlines.

At the end of November, one month after our scheduled plot clearance date, existing gardeners are required to have completed and submitted a revised plot application along with their plot fee ($50) in full, in addition to include any compost top off fee ($25 subject to change). Gardeners who do not return the application with agreed fee(s

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I will bring blank 2013 Plot Applications to this meeting.

Renewal fee is $50
Renewal fee + compost top off is $75

As always, if the price is too steep for you, reach out to Veronica Harrigan (hithere60647@yahoo.com) to make arrangements to pay a reduced plot fee.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MARCH 15TH. After that, we open plots up to newcomers!

ALSO: This year, we're asking gardeners to pay online or via check. It was difficult for our Treasurer to track cash payments last year. This year, let's make it easy for Gudrun!

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December 18th
Holiday Bonfire at Jefferson Park 4822 N Long 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Jefferson Park Chamber coloring contest winners awarded. December 1st

December 18th
Sing Along with 'Mighty Mo' Schurz High School 3601 N Milwaukee 6:30pm
Listen and sing along with “Mighty Mo” our beloved Pipe Organ, first played in 1935.
This beautiful instrument was featured in last summer’s national convention of the “Organ Historical Society” and is in
the process of being restored to its original condition.
An Open House featuring self-guided tours of the school will follow the sing-along. Come and see this historic treasure
listed in the National Registry of Historical Places. Equally historic, old- fashioned CPS Butter Cookies will also be for sale.
Suggested donation is $10.00 per family. Check our website, http://schurzhs.org for additional information
. Email SchurzAlumni@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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We want all members to have time to read and think about this document, […]

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Merchant Park Community Garden 11/19 All Gardeners Meeting

1. Financial report
$1380 balance

2. Update on land transfership of Merchant Park from the City of Chicago to Neighborspace
The City Council’s Housing and Zoning department passed the bill agreeing transfer of land. Formalities are underway which ensures the land is left open, in perpetuity.

3. Vote on new conflict resolution by-laws
Conflict Resolution - Who has the ultimate veto? The Executive Committee does. Addressed by point 2 (f)
Additional point 2 (h) is required to address what happens if the dispute is with a member of the Executive Committee. 2 (h) will add that any member of the Executive Committee must stand down while the dispute is in effect.
Action Point: Ann to add point 2(h) to the by laws
Action Point: Email the by laws and all changes to all garden members. Bring the changes in by-laws to the next meeting for a vote.

4. Committee updates:
a. WIC
The last harvest was in November and a total of over 200lbs was donated to WIC. We will use 2 plots next year.
b. Compost
The new tumblers are full and taking a while to reach maturity because of lack of water.
Erin suggested Lasagna gardening/sheet mulching as an idea for the garden borders along the guard rail. Possibility of making a pumpkin patch next year.
c. Water
There is 6 “ of water remaining in the water tank. Bob will investigate to see if there is anything we can do to stop it freezing.
d. Maintenance
Plots are all clear, with the exception of those growing over the winter season. Procedure needs working on to determine what we do with abandoned plots, write into the rules for next season. Plots may be better not cleared and raked over in the future, since they won’t be left exposed and the plants help maintain the soil structure.
Taylor is working on a plan for what to do with “creepage” next year, what system to put in place.
e. Planning & Construction
We have 38 out of a possible 50 plots built (50 was the original cap). Ann will aproach Bruce for help in costing fencing - 3 options:
1 - fence the entire garden around the guard rail
2 - number 1 plus fence the plots
3 - fence the plots in isolation
It was felt that the idea of a backyard for all requires us to maintain the space for a variety of activities and not just gardening.
f. Social
No updates
5. Additional Items

Avondale Mural Association are doing a great job transforming this public space. They are selling engraved bricks to become part of the space. To purchase a brick email AACommunitygarden@gmail.com or
Visit their facebook page to find out more
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mural-at-Addison-Avondale/136491123111933?fref=ts
A motion to purchase a brick as a garden (Merchant Park) was passed unanimously.

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Merchant Park Community Garden
Agenda: 11/19 All Gardeners Meeting

1. Financial report
2. Update on land transfership of Merchant Park from the City of Chicago to Neighborspace
3. Vote on new conflict resolution by-laws
4. Committee updates

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@ 8pm on Monday, 19th November at

All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church
4129 West Newport Avenue, Chicago, IL

Hope to see you there.

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@ 8pm on Monday, 19th November at

All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church
4129 West Newport Avenue, Chicago, IL

Hope to see you there.

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