March GANA meeting and potluck

Date: Tuesday, March 9
Time: Potluck begins at 6:30pm, with meeting to follow
Location: Ann's house, 134 N Overhill

Topics: Blooming Neighborhoods Celebration, 6th Annual Plant Share, GANG updates - lots to share, Bypass Expansion Project, Upcoming Events

Neighbors Present: Jelene Campbell, John and Jessica Gaus, Ann Kreilkamp, Al & Kathy Ruesink, Jane Spearman

Blooming Neighborhoods Celebration - Jane did the table last year, but due to her pregnancy will not be able to do it this year; neighbors agreed it was still important to have a table and that we will do it; Jane will let Vickie know that Green Acres will participate again this year. Part of this event is the three awards, all of which come with $100 prize for the winning neighbor/neighborhood. This is a great way to get match money for Small and Simple Grants. We will have nominations for at least two of the three categories.

6th Annual Plant Share and Neighborhood Clean Up - Jelene will host the 6th Annual Plant Share on Saturday, May 22nd. Neighbors also agreed that we would continue with last year's idea and do a neighborhood clean up following the plant share. More details on both will be circulated later.

GANG - Instructors for the 2nd year have been chosen and Ann has secured a grant from ARC to cover their fees; a SPEA class is partnering with the GANG to build a compost system and to address other issues of the GANG; Ann is working on possible grants from Bloomington in Bloom; Ann is working with the city to address liability issues and how they limit the ability of community gardens to flourish; the GANG will be featured as part of the City's Parks and Rec Department's Garden Tour; GANA has been contacted by Stepping Stones about opportunities for collaboration and this is being worked on.

Bypass Expansion - The project is scheduled to be let on May 12. The mayor addressed the bypass during his State of City Address. The project will start at the west end, near Kinser Pike and work its way east; it could be 3 or more years before ground is broken near Green Acres.

Upcoming events - The 10th Street Mobility Study findings will be presented Thursday at 5:30 at Monroe County Public Library. Immediately following and also at the library will be a showing of the film "In Transition 1.0" sponsored by Transition Bloomington.

Jelene's band will be having a CD release party on April 23; details to come later.

The April meeting will be Tuesday, April 13 and will be kindly hosted by Jane, 2611 E 5th Street. Potluck begins at 6:30 with meeting to follow.

respectfully submitted by me :)