LAKE NEIGHBORS
Hi! GREAT meeting -- strong turnout. The positive, open and involved energy everyone is bringing makes it a pleasure to keep going forward. Intros had a few new folks and many old timers -- also an official guest (Jennie Gerard who is the Chief of Staff to Dist. 2 Councilmember Pat Kernighan -- Jennie encouraged open dialog and contact with her for the Lakeneighbors (her email is jgerard@oaklandnet.com & phone is 510 238-7023).
FIRST…our next several meetings (there are a few changes!):
JUNE 6th (Sunday 6:30pm)- Lake Neighbors Mtg...SPECIAL LOCATION will be our "annual meeting BBQ" and will be on East 17th street between 3rd and 4th Avenues at Garden 17 (AKA: G17)! This is just one block from Luckys.
JUNE 29th (Tuesday 6:30pm)--Lake Neighbors Mtg @ Regen Church on the corner of 3rd Ave & E. 15th
JULY 25th (Sunday 6:30pm) @ Hector & Sasha’s 1704 3rd Ave. at E.17th (right across from Lucky’s)
AUGUST 17th (Tuesday 6:30pm) – Lake Neighbors Mtg @ Regen Church on the corner of 3rd Ave & E. 15th
This meeting we really just focused in on the Alternative Currency Project that is being run by Devin who has done a lot of work on looking into this for our neighborhood and he gave us a very good presentation that sought to orient and educate us so we can make some decisions as a group to begin some trials to see how this can work here.
He began by showing a video (I think this is on our website, by the way). We can take this in stages and start use of this now in a way that can allow for it to grow. Later if it is established it is a possible back up that will allow us to still function should an emergency arise.
There are 3 major methods of Alt. Currency out there being used successfully by other communities/neighborhoods. They are 1) Ithaca Hours Model which is one of the longest running methods (several decades) and is roughly 1hr = 1 bill = $10 avg (more or less)....then there is 2) A model used by 4th Corner Exchange where we could either use physical bills with serial numbers or keep a database tracking virtual currency earned by trade or work/service done...and then there is 3) Bernal method -- this is most easily started because it is a sticker that is put on existing mainstream currency that is recognized by participating local businesses etc. that can be spent in our community...
We talked about the downsides and risks around costs and also about counterfeit -- etc...but the trust factor and change in paradigm and philosophy here is so different from mainstream that it tends to happen much less it is not hoarded. We have to structure it in such a way that it keeps flowing within this neighborhood and doesn't get sent out and lost to our "flow" here...also being electronic will be problematic in a serious emergency/blackout.
No set decisions were established at this early point -- next steps are polling people and local businesses to see who is "in" -- we need a critical mass of about 30 or 40 to have a good start. It was said we would have to have a concise explanation on what we use to increase the success of it.
Please contact Devin (you can email me and I'll forward it to him) with your interest and ways you would like to participate! He's accumulating a growing group now...this could really happen. Pretty interesting and exciting -- and not to mention a big undertaking on Devin's part -- thank you Devin!!!!! Nico is joining in with him to help. One other person is considering it also.
That's mostly it for the moment on that -- we had Andy join in as our new OPD contact. It was noted that it has been some time since we have had them join in on a meeting and that it would be a good idea to have them come to our next meeting or one soon after.
COMMUNITY GARDENS REMINDER
CSA (produce) Boxes are now available arranged by Betsy from Shooting Star CSA… About the Farm: You may have met Lily and Mat at FRESH. Everything in your box is grown on Shooting Star's farm in Fairfield, and is organically grown. The 2010 season begins the week of May 24th and goes through the week of November 30th. Pick-up is expected be at Regen's Community Center, 215 E 15th, on Tuesdays, from approx. 4pm - 8pm. Membership rates are: Full Harvest Season, 28 weeks, $616 ($22/wk,Can be made in two payments of $308), Half Harvest Season, 14 weeks, $322 ($23/wk), 4 week sessions, $96 ($24/wk). Betsy is organizing a list of half-shares (split a box with someone) and CSA subs (when full time members go on vacation). Contact betsy.tyler@gmail.com or 803-566-1771 & let her know if you're interested in sharing or subbing.
EVENTS UPDATE
June 5th "Town Funk" Block Party from 12 noon to 5pm -- has evolved into a pretty dynamic event. Make sure you drop by -- free food, BBQ, local artists & musicians...great music - a tribute to Michael Jackson for part of it...over on Park Street next to Woody's (across from The Parkway).
The events are great opportunities to get the word out about any of our other projects or other things each or all of us have going on. Let Betsy know if you want to see about announcing anything at any of these!
Remember to get involved and contact this group in any way you are able with your thoughts and needs and ideas and spread the word because it is working...stay awake, involved, strong and positive.
Much Friendship,
Sasha
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