Green Sanctuary Committee Meeting November 7, 2006 Attendance: Tom Swigart, Sandra Smith-Gill, Marney Bruce, Dave Hutchins, Chris Hodge, Dick Menzer, Rev. Walter Braman Minister -------- Rev. Walter attended the meeting to meet us, get an idea of what we are doing, and to give his views. Mainly, his input was to keep doing what we are doing, and worry more about actions than certification. He suggested talk to the congregation in several ways before they vote on whether we should apply for Green Sanctuary certification - Q and A sessions on Sundays, friendly forum, and Unison. Action Plan ----------- Sandi attended the Program Council mtg. where the certification action plan was presented. There is general agreement with the plan, but we need to work more closely with the worship committee. Also at the PC mtg, the need for new members for committees was discussed. We should talk to Sharon DiMaria, the new membership person. Wildflower Garden and Landscaping --------------------------------- Marney and Dick have met with the teen group about landscaping, adopting a wildflower plot, bird boxes and other educational items. The teens will be adopting a plot. We need to have a sign in the narthex showing the plots and the adoptees. Should we name and/or dedicate the meadow? Adopt-a-road trash pick-up -------------------------- The last yearly pick-up will be November 18th. Watershed Projects ------------------ Tom and Eric Kindahl attended the tree planting restoration project sponsored by the Save the Bay folks. 1000 trees were planted by about 100 volunteers along a stream on the property of a dairy farm. There will be more plantings in the Spring. Tom is on their e-mail list and will pass on more opportunities when he gets them. Retention Pond -------------- Marney says good native plants are growing in the meadow! Energy ------ Dave talked about the Chamber of Commerce Electrical co-op. This will save the church money in the long run. We will start with a 3 year plan. Appliances --------- We talked about getting energy star appliances to save electricity. It is not certain whether commercial grade products such as the big freezer are energy star certified. Maybe we only need a smaller freezer? Marney would like to talk to the BOT about this sometime.