WCEA Committee Meeting
\nFeb 3, 2025<\/p>\n
Committee Members Present: Nick MacDonald, Cathy Lookabaugh, Inez Lombardo, Robin Pinto, Ed Latham; Staff: Tara Wood, Gabby Brodek, Jason Palomo, Lisa Phelps, Kerry Chasteen, Becca Whitney, and Rachel White, and Guest: Tora Johnson. Missing: Lisa Hanscom<\/p>\n
Tora Johnson Director of Sustainable Prosperity Initiative SCEC
\nTora\u2019s role is to encourage resource dependent communities in WaCo to become sustainable. Tora uses GIS and mapmaking to examine land and water issues. She is working with Machias on the Upper Machias Bay Master Plan that is trying to understand the consequences of sea level rise and to resolve flooding problems, a collapsing dike, an imperiled wastewater treatment plant, the health of the clam fisheries, and a badly damaged Sunrise Trail in the downtown area. She works to stabilize lobster and clam fisheries and to develop energy independence and grid resilience for many communities.<\/p>\n
January Minutes:
\nMinutes were motioned for approval by Inez and Ed. Vote unanimous.<\/p>\n
Treasurer\u2019s Report:
\nTara reported that we had few January expenses, that there was still no check yet from county appropriations. She suggested that Nick, Tara and Lisa meet before April to discuss the budget. T report motioned by Robin and Inez to accept with unanimous vote.<\/p>\n
Staff Projects and Programs:
\nGabby reported that she is working on a rocketry program inspired by one student\u2019s interest; an independent entrepreneur for flyfishing, her own professional development, a judging workshop for meat rabbit program and more 4H public speaking.
\nRachel is setting up for the ROOTS conference in March, needs sponsors and organizers; looking for local produce for Angie\u2019s Kitchen to use; and developing a mailing list for an email newsletter on Downeast Ag issues.
\nJason is working with the regional youth council and met with other local groups across Maine and Vermont. Working with Somali and Latin teens on planning for their futures; planning a Family Day in Milbridge with Hancock Coop Extension; planning for Winter Family Fun Day with Downeast Coastal Conservancy at Machias; considering a trip for kids to Washington DC but concerned about immigration
\nchallenges.<\/p>\n
Recruitment Update:
\nNo suggestions yet. Inez suggested Main Street Business as a possible speaker and potential member.<\/p>\n
Building Renovations:
\nKerry said that facilities management is still working through contractors to plan initiating sprinkler system project.<\/p>\n
Annual Meeting Planning:<\/p>\n
Tara has not yet been able to book the Reynolds Center for a weather alternative; working on quotes for food.<\/p>\n
Norman Duzen Award:
\nTara has sent out announcements and criteria. Need an alternative award to pens for volunteers.<\/p>\n
Lisa Phelps:
\nAnnounced that this was her last official WaCo meeting as program administrator and liaison. She will still be supporting 4H and overseeing Gabby and helping Tara.<\/p>\n
Next Meeting:
\nMarch 5, 2025; Meeting was adjourned with Robin\u2019s motion and Ed\u2019s second.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WCEA Committee Meeting Feb 3, 2025 Committee Members Present: Nick MacDonald, Cathy Lookabaugh, Inez Lombardo, Robin Pinto, Ed Latham; Staff: Tara Wood, Gabby Brodek, Jason Palomo, Lisa Phelps, Kerry Chasteen, Becca Whitney, and Rachel White, and Guest: Tora Johnson. Missing: Lisa Hanscom Tora Johnson Director of Sustainable Prosperity Initiative SCEC Tora\u2019s role is to encourage […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15356","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n