WCEA Minutes – January 2025

WCEA Committee Meeting
January 8, 2025

Committee Members Present: Nick MacDonald, Lisa Hanscom, Inez Lombardo, Robin Pinto, Ed Latham;

Staff: Tara Wood, Gabby Brodek, Jason Palomo, Jen Lobley, and Rachel White, with Guests Kirsten Tenney and Lucy Zwigard

Missing: Cathy Lookabaugh and Becca Whitney

Kirsten Tenney and Lucy Zwigard:
Community Partners Lucy and Kirsten presented on their work with the Washington County Food Council. They have both worked with Healthy Acadia. The Food Council is a statewide network with 260 members that is an action-based coalition that increases access to healthy foods for this county. They have regular meetings in Milbridge, UMM and Cobscook Institute. Presently running a Machias area community supper at the Congo with hopes of expanding elsewhere. Trying to raise money for a freezer to expand food storage at the Food to School Institution. They will be at the Eastern Maine Roots Conference on March 22.

Jen Lobley:
Jen presented on the need for new WCEA committee members and how to encourage them to join.
They should be residents of Waco, older than 16.

Minutes:
Minutes were motioned for approval by Lisa and seconded by Inez and Ed. Vote unanimous.

Treasurer’s Report:
No Changes

Machias Savings Bank CD:
Nick with Jonathan Alley from MSB moved the CD to 7 months at 4.5% until renewed at a regular rate.
The CD now has a value of $82,000. Tara shared that the CD funds were originally set aside as a building account. Now that we are in the O’Brien house, those funds can be used for building upgrades and other (landscaping) needs in the future.

Staff Programs:
Gabby reported that she is working on a public speaking program for kids called “Speak Up” and her
“Science Friday” program.
Jason submitted 8 names for “Ignite by 4-H” that will be held in March. He is working on a pottery class
under Schoodic Arts. He is planning a hiking trip with Cathy and MCHT to Boot Hill in January.
Rachel was setting up a poultry seminar in August and needs volunteers for the Roots Conference in
March.

County Budget Update:
Tara invoiced the County for an appropriations check.

Building Renovations:
No progress since the ground is frozen.

Annual Meeting Planning:
Subcommittee of Gabby, Nick, Robin, Tara, Inez, Rachel, and Jason formed. Meeting later in January.

Norman Duzen Award:
Tara will send out criteria. We will meet in April to choose a final candidate.

Next Meetings:
February 5, and March 5, 2025

The meeting was adjourned with Lisa’s motion and Inez’s second.