Friends of BRING Minutes From Previous Meetings June 11, 2008 March 11, 2008 February 7, 2008 January 3, 2008 December 12, 2007
		LATEST MEETING MINUTES August 13, 2008 Thanks to all who attended the Friends of BRING meeting on Wednesday August 13th. FOB welcomes Bill Whatley, a new volunteer and welcome addition to the group.  Barb Shaw reported on the living roof project. She hopes all sedums will be planted this fall. Sue and John Orbeton are working on the doors for the garden fencing. It is a huge job and they are plugging away at it. Sue revealed she is a story teller. She and Cris Bisch and Barb Shaw are going to prepare a story for the September BRINGfest. Lani Timm gave a report on the resource library. A list of books was distributed to all Eco builders and is available to the public. There is also a take one and leave one rack for paperbacks. Cris Bisch reported on her BRING your own bag program. She is collecting shopping bags from different stores and will add a canvas label showcasing BRING on each. They will be sold at BRING. Dianna Bressler reported on the BRING fest, the vendors and lunches program. She, as always, is keeping volunteer records up to date. Bill Whatley reported on the new recipe book that he is creating for BRING, and the questionnaire he is developing. He will work with Dianna on that. Rick Diggs was nominated for the Trashbusters award and is, as usual, a major presence at most BRING events. BRINGfest will continue to feature Bernie’s Toe tapping band, but we will also ask Craig Einhorn the classical guitarist to play. Rick asked for more items for the bake sale and several volunteers offered to provide them. A book sale will be held at the September BRINGfest to be coordinated by Sue, Barb and Cris. Barb will look into a puppet show for that time.   A UO Environmental studies  student needs volunteer hours. It was suggested that she do book synopses, work with the educators or work on the floor in organization. A project working with inventors and putting up an interactive exhibit was suggested in replacement of the Rube Goldberg fest. It was also suggested that student volunteers (seniors who need their hours to graduate) work in painting, (Sue will oversee) at the home show booth, cleaning jars in the jar room, putting together a story of recycling (Cris will help them) and to be part of a traveling exhibit.  3 Volunteers for each football game are needed. We have volunteers as follows: Aug 30 1. Bill 2. 3. Sept 6 1. Bill 2. 3. Sept 20 Bill, John, Sue Oct 11 Cliff, Cris, John, Bill Nov 8 John, Bill Nov 15 John, Bill Lani will let me know which games she wants to work.  Sue and Rick volunteered to work with the Center Point Students this semester. They will do a 9-week project with 3 classes of high school and middle school students.  Cris will start ambassador training in the fall. CVALCO will be publicizing our tours.  There is space in the upcoming master recycler program. Lani and Dianna are interested.  Lani will help with a monthly volunteer newsletter. It will advertise current needs as well as related volunteer information.  The next meeting will be a party and meeting with lunch (provided) at Rick’s house on September 17th at 11 a.m. It will be informative and fun as we will get to see how a master recycler and trashbuster operates…in addition to meeting the chickens and seeing the way Rick generates electricity and gardens!  Thanks to all the who attended. Remember to call me if you have ideas, suggestions or comments. Michele 606-9093 June 11th Friends of BRING and Ambassador Meetings: Thanks to all who attended the Wednesday meetings at BRING. Following is a recap. We welcome new volunteer Alex P., who is a U of O student and is giving time this summer to some projects at BRING. The mural event is Thursday the 12th at 3:00 at BRING. Cris Bisch found a wonderful guitar player (Craig Einhorn) to play for the mural fest. The BRINGfest is scheduled for June 29th with set up from 10-11 and breakdown from 4-5. There will be re-art vendors, a bake sale, an open mike and music sessiion as well as warehouse sales. The resource library is up and running. A list of most wanted books is forthcoming. The workshop for the musical instruments was attended by Alex and Michele. A number of wonderful instruments were made and are on display at the gallery. It was suggested that we involve kids in the workshops and have them involved in the parade. It was suggested that the educators line these people up or at least make the initial contact. Ambassadors met after lunch. Julie explained how the new mission related to BRING and what she saw in the future for BRING. Many wonderful suggestions of projects that could happen here were shared. Wanted is someone to take on making Reuse Recipes with kits and possibly sell them. (It was suggested that we have a DIY recipe site on the website as well as paying BRING memberships. We would also like people to give DEMOs at the BRINGfest prior to offering a workshop. Another suggestion was to develop written pledges (for recycling or reuse or BRING related actions) for people to sign. It was suggested that BRING volunteers develop an Action of the Season (month, day) that exemplifies ways people could improve the planet. It was also suggested we have a list of “Factoids” that would show people how what they use affects the planet (i.e. a plastic drink bottle.) It was acknowledged that a PR person would be valuable to BRING as well as someone to maintain a membership site online. It was suggested that we meet once a month both evening and during the day to accommodate all volunteers. Michele will survey all current volunteers as to which works better for them in order to justify 2 meetings. The volunteer coordinator thanks everyone for their fabulous input. I hope I didn’t miss too much—this seems like everything. The next meeting is scheduled for July 16th at 11:00. Respectfully submitted — Michele Piastro March 11, 2008 Friends of BRING met on March 11th for their monthly potluck. 12 members were present. Brandon Pettiti was the guest speaker and educated the group on Deconstruction projects for BRING. Volunteers learned what was involved in deconstruction and how they might be able to help out. It was suggested that when items unrelated to building salvage were involved, that FOB host a yard sale or other event to dispose of the items, hopefully bringing in a profit to the organization.  Volunteer members updated the group on projects they were involved in: Barb Shaw –green roof progress and the lining material, Lani Timm-phone and reception, June Strain-the BRING float for 4th of July in Creswell and for the Eugene Celebration, Dianna Bressler on the Looking Glass School chair project and the art gallery opening, presentation and sale, Chrystal Emiry on the community corner project and literature needs, Rick Diggs on Make it and Take it Workshops, the rain barrel and denailing projects, Maggie Rainbow on Make it and Take it Workshops, crafts projects and reuse of materials that were landfill bound. Upcoming needs were discussed and signup sheets were passed around for the following:  • Earth Day Booth on April 19th : volunteers for the BRING booth and the combination BRING/Mecca booth • Spring into BRING sales: bake sale, workshop assistants, greeters, arts exhibitors, lunch for musicians and volunteers, publicity, the Last Chance Sale Carts, • Spring Mulching Party • Make it and Take it Workshops (Audubon Birdhouses, Cold Frames, Rain Barrels, bicycle Cart, Pallet Strap baskets, Toll holsters and knee pads The new community Corner exhibit put up by the City of Eugene’s Green Building department is in place and will be featured at the NW Ecobuilder’s monthly meeting. It will be held in the gallery and will include a presentation talk and slide show. Approximately 50 people are expected to attend. Volunteers will be present to host,set up and take down.  Volunteers were invited to participate in a tour of Short Mountain and the Central Receiving Station on March 27th. This is an opportunity for volunteers to enhance their education on BRING’s outreach. Ambassadors were invited to a luncheon/training on March 19th. They will participate in a tour of the site and work on developing focused tours.  Brainstorming suggestions for tour groups to visit BRING’s gallery and warehouse included an invitation to the Red Hat Society to have their meeting in the Gallery for a tour with tea.  Other projects discussed or in the works with volunteer involvement include the Springfield High Art Class mural project for the Administration Building, decorative fencing and projected displays for the Garden of Earthly Delights, a 4 week scrap/ sculpture class, an exhibit by the Eugene City Inspection Department on allowable reuse of windows and doors and how to meet higher energy efficiency ratings, several new Make it and Take it Workshops involving BRING materials (tile/tray trivet for Mother’s Day and lampshade glass candle holders).  The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be a luncheon on April 15th from 12 to 1:15.  February 7, 2008 The Friends of BRING monthly meeting was held in the newly opened administration building at BRING. The potluck (Holiday on Rice) attracted a good turnout of dedicated volunteers and new faces. Damien Czech, the manager for the central receiving station spoke on the activities and sale of materials from the dump, Bernie Charlebois provided wonderful fiddle and guitar music and Barbara Shaw coordinated the meeting and BRING challenge.  Discussed were the training on the 22nd of this month for gallery docents, the field trip to Portland, the green roof project, the mural on the administration building, the Looking Glass School project, the care of the Transitions Students, the Last Chance Sale and upcoming volunteer needs including a project scrapbook and calendar sale. FOB welcomes new and existing volunteers to join in supporting the Planet Improvement Center and working to make a difference in conservation efforts in our community.  Maggie Rainbow  won the doorprize for the most original use of the letters BRING…Buy Recycled Invent New Things! The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 12 at 6 pm as a St. Patrick’s potluck. Details upcoming.  January 3, 2008 The FOB meeting was called to order at 10:30. Attending were Lois Litvin, Barb Shaw, June Strain, Carolina Anderson, Jo Rogers, Meaghan Weidenheft, Rick Diggs, Hal Peterson and his grandson, Steve Uhle and Julie Rogers. Education director Jo Rogers told about the public she serves in recycling education. She explained what she did in the classroom and how she was contacted. Warehouse Manager Greg Manning explained some of his goals and how volunteers might get involved. Some of his suggestions follow:  • Access the dumpsters of establishments like BiMart for recycling at BRING  • Encourage volunteers to remind establishments of a tax writeoff and pickup service for donations. (Volunteers make good networkers and can get out the word)  • Create items made from recycled materials, host demonstrations and put together information on what BRING does. Suggestions from the volunteers included:  • Support legislation to make dumping or throwing away valuable items illegal or at least carry a fine. • Educate businesses that we will come and get their waste.  • Make a kit for recycling which volunteers could give ou. Julie noted that contractors were not likely to recycle because of the cost. Steve mentioned that with positive reinforcement (a BRING certified ecobuilder), perhaps more would be encouraged to recycle. It was mentioned that PSAs are effective as are bumper stickers. The idea of a last chance sale was discussed with ideas like buy one get one free, half price sales, a discount at a planned time, exchange days, giving stuff away at events., or a fixed price for all you can carry. Make BRING a part of the behaviour reportoire of the public, encouraging them to stop by BRING first, perhaps offering free coffee, punch cards, frequent buyers cards, contractors cards, or low income buyer discounts. Discussion about publicity included monthly specials, going around to venues dressed up and promoting BRING, going to senior centers, sending out fliers, newsletters, etc. Julie mentioned that bringing in people and giving tours is one of the most effective venues. Carolina mentioned that seniors ought to be educated about recycling their items at BRING. It was also mentioned that volunteers could go to estate sales etc and ask people to give their stuff to BRING. The Rental owners Association was mentioned as a great contact. Ways to raise money were discussed, including bumper stickers with slogans such as “Take it or Bring it to Bring?” Also mentioned were bake sales, yard sales and car washes. Meaghan spoke about the Home and Garden Booth and asked for input. Volunteers thought that artistic displays would help as well as furnishing interesting seating, that could also be used and sold. How-to demos and craft projects as well as statistics on prevention of waste, recycling and how to reuse were also suggested. It was mentioned that 3D displays were most effective. Members were supportive of a Last Chance Sale and willing to be involved in that and volunteer their time to man a wagon on that day. It was suggested that there be a poster and sign up sheet for people interested in the HOME and GARDEN show to get committed volunteers. Volunteers suggested a 6pm potluck meeting next to see if it brought more volunteers. Holiday on Rice (Chinese New Years) was the suggested theme and will be coordinated by Barbara Shaw. Volunteers asked for more speakers and asked for Damien to be next. The meeting was adjourned at 12:05. Door prizes were awarded to attendees, with the grand prize being a lovely poinsettia rescued from the dumpster. Thanks to June for bringing tangerines for the group. December 12, 2007 Our first FOB (Friends of BRING) meeting was well attended on December 12 at 9 am at the Planet Improvement Center. The meeting was coordinated by Ali Abbors, a Graduate student at the U of O. Julie Daniel, Executive Director of BRING gave a brief overview of BRING’s mission and history. Sonja Snyder, Capital Campaign manager, explained some of BRING’s financial successes and volunteer needs. Attendees introduced themselves and shared their interests. A brainstorming session brought forth many ideas that could benefit BRING and the promotion of recycling. Rick Diggs provided delicious homemade cookies and Caroline Anderson prepared a beautiful holiday display with hot pizza, homemade muffins, cookies and healthy fruit and veggies. The meeting was concluded at 10:30 with door prizes for all! The next meeting is scheduled for 10:30 to 12:00 on Thursday, January 3rd. Our agenda will include choosing projects we want to take on, highlighting upcoming short and long term needs (painting party beginning of January, Home and Garden show late January, etc), with reports from people working on projects. Guest speaker will be Greg Manning, Warehouse Manager of BRING. Following are some of the many ideas discussed at the meeting. • Host School workshops (how to use tools and build from recycled materials) • Create Educational displays and classes • Create recycling displays for the museum of art • Create Re-use demonstrations • Highlight uses and ideas for different salable items monthly • Promote recycling and publicity on public TV, Or. Life, Thurs recycle night • Advertise: stop at BRING before you go to the dump! • Target media to highlight recycling projects and what BRING takes in. • Create portable displays for businesses, parking lot sales, crowds • Ensure BRING is a welcoming HELLO community • Add creativity to Home and Garden show booth • Educate Contractors, builders: bring stuff to BRING • Promote the image of BRING and educate the public about BRING. • Remind people and businesses to take their stuff to BRING. • Post notices and advertising that tell about BRING so they will shop here • Host a recycle fashion show (competition?) • Host Craft fairs of recycled projects • Host Tour of homes and gardens-great publicity and fundraiser • Promote Make it and take it workshops, • Encourage more volunteer help to pick stuff up at sites and people‚s houses. • Make stickers that say “we recycle” or “Take to BRING” • Research organizations like BRING and link to BRING’s website. • List items on Craigslist. • Create a picture board of people’s BRING projects. Thank you all for your interest and support. Please invite friends to our meetings—together we can make a difference. Call me with your ideas and thoughts on this format. We can always use suggestions to ensure our meetings are productive and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing you soon! Respectfully submitted, Michele Piastro (606-9093) copyright© 2001-2008 BRING Recycling. All rights reserved.