WCEA Meeting Minutes March 5, 2025
WCEA Committee Meeting
March 5, 2025
Committee Members Present: Cathy Lookabaugh, Inez Lombardo, Robin Pinto, Ed Latham
Staff: Tara Wood, Gabby Brodek, Jason Palomo, and Rachel White. Missing: Lisa Hanscom, Nick McDonald
Secretary’s February Minutes:
Minutes were motioned for approval by Inez and Ed. Vote unanimous.
Treasurer’s Report:
T report motioned by Ed and Inez to accept with unanimous vote.
Staff Projects and Programs:
Rachel is rapidly moving forward on the ROOTS conference later in March. The budget for catering, hotel and honoraria will be ~$1,000. Revenues from cost sharing, and registrations. The county has provided $2,000 for program funds. Angie’s Kitchen for chicken wings, salad and Lasagna will cost $800; Other costs bring need up to $900. Vote to support ROOTS at $1,000 motioned by Ed and Inez is unanimous.
Rachel received a grant from USDA for $67,000 for a tractor safety online education course. Possible driving practice day too. Course is geared for teenagers to learn to run heavy equipment. Ed suggested to leave flash drives in local libraries for those participants who may not have internet.
Gabby was last week in Orono at an Education Conference about Science Friday.
There will be a Public speaking contest for 5 youth with 2 judges this Saturday. The State Speak Up will showcase in early April.
Gabby and Jason will be in DC at the Ignite Youth Conference and take 30 kids. Different areas include STEM, STEAM, Exploring Pathways, Ag Science, Healthy Living
Jason was at the Regional Youth Council in February on Space Trivia and Space Crafts. In March he led a hike at MCHT’s Long Point Preserve and sledding at DCC’s Winter Family Fun Day at Middle River Park.
He will be meeting with Bob Norman to explore risk management issues regarding security at airports.
Becka Whitney offered her resignation. She will still be a 4-H volunteer.
Recruitment Update:
No suggestions yet. Need someone to visit at the April meeting?
Annual Meeting Planning:
Dean Carter will be coming
Tara has requested the Reynolds Center on May 31 for a weather alternative; Inez spoke to Angie’s Kitchen : plans for sandwiches, coffee, tea and a dessert platter. 3 farms will provide local vegies, Inez hopeful that Penn and Cobb farm will make non-gluten desserts.
Kai Bowman, 4H Junior at WA, will be speaking at Annual Meeting
Norman Duzen Award:
No submissions yet
Volunteers of the Year
Kyle Winslow and Eric Jones
Next Meeting:
April 2, 2025; Meeting was adjourned with Ed’s motion and Inez’s second.