Community Outreach Committee Meeting Notes
Community Outreach Committee Meeting
May 22, 2023, 7:10-8:10 pm
Attendees
Bruce Black, Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Leslie Morris (Chair), Renate Rikkers,
Storms Reback
Unable to attend
Debbie Francis, Jim Brunner, Rick Fornoff
Notes/Next Steps
Discussed the following scheduled/planned events
Living with Black Bears June 13, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at East Asheville Library
Presentation by Ashely Hobbs, Special Projects Biologist, NCWRC
Storms is writing an article about bears for an upcoming issue of the Mountain Xpress, which should generate interest in our program
We will not produce a poster as we think turnout will be high (we already have 56 reservations) and the library has limited space
Leslie purchased a bear puppet and we will sell $5 raffle tickets at the event
Christina and Scott will handle website and social media marketing
Christina will organize sign-in table with NCWRC giveaways and membership info, sell bear stickers and raffle tickets
Renate and Chris will assist in greeting and getting attendees to sign in
Chris will introduce Ashely and pitch raffle sale to benefit HCCA
Susan and Frank will take photos
Pie Contest July/August date, Sat/Sun afternoon at Haw Creek Commons (fundraiser)
Renate will arrange a meeting with Barbara Swell to seek her advice; Leslie and Christina will also attend
Christina will ask Barbara about Rick interviewing her for an article that we could use in event publicity
Chris will check available dates with Haw Creek Commons
Organize 10 to 15 donated pie submissions
Sell tickets for $10 each or free entry to those submitting a pie
Fall Community Yard Sale Sept 16, 8 am to 1 pm at Groce UMC (fundraiser)
Chris will ask Amy to update the flyer
Christina will begin marketing in early June and post to craigslist
Chris will ask board members to drop off items for the sale to Leslie
Chili + Soup Cook Off Oct/Nov date, Wed/Thu 6 pm to 8 pm at Haw Creek Commons (fundraiser)
Chris will check available dates with Haw Creek Commons
Jim has contact with Melt Your Heart (gourmet grilled cheese food truck)
Rick will repeat his Haw Creek Hidden History presentation
Organize 10 to 15 donated food submissions
Sell tickets for $10 each or free entry to those donating food
Reviewed the following potential events—currently on hold
Haw Creek Hustle (fundraiser) Jim and Storms will be meeting with Emily
Haw Creek Heritage Festival (fundraiser)
Community Conversations
Masters Park Hike
Discussed other items
Renate shared her spontaneous participation in a Conversations Circle hosted by the Baha'i, an international spiritual community that has a chapter in Asheville. They base their conversations on the Baha'i teachings of connecting all people, cultures and races. This group meets weekly with universal conversation topics and it might be a good model to look at for organizing HCCA community conversation meetings. She will talk to the facilitator the next time she attends. For more details see www.meetup.com/meaningful-conversations-asheville/.
Renate mentioned the documentary film maker Paul Bonesteel, who has lived in Haw Creek for 20+ years. She will ask him if he might be willing to introduce one of his films followed by Q&A at a screening for HCCA, perhaps America’s First Forest: Carl Schenck and the Asheville Experiment or The Mystery of George Masa. For more details see www.bonesteelfilms.com.
Rick agreed to prepare a story about Charlene Noblett that can be posted on our amazing residents web page and possibly as a news story—target date June 16
Christina suggested we consider conducting a poll in the fall to ask residents what types of events HCCA should sponsor in 2024
Next meeting Monday, June 19 at 7:00 pm
Community Outreach Committee Meeting
April 24, 2023, 7:10-8:15 pm
Attendees
Bruce Black, Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Leslie Morris (Chair), Rick Fornoff, Storms Reback
Unable to attend
Debbie Francis, Jim Brunner, Renate Rikkers
Notes/Next Steps
Reviewed the following scheduled/planned events
Spring Community Yard Sale May 6, 8 am to 1 pm at Groce UMC
Received 22 reservations for 28 spots—a total of $420 (event goal is $500)
Leslie will ask HOAs to post flyer; also post at library, grocery, tailgate market, etc.
Leslie will mock up existing banner and place at Groce
Christina will promote via email and ask Scott to post to social media on Wed 5/3
Leslie will prepare street signs for placement Thu 5/4
Christina will email participants with day-of details Fri 5/5
Christina will provide Leslie with detailed list of sellers 5/5 (including any unpaid)
Christina, Leslie, Renate and Frank will price donated items at Leslie’s house 5/5 at 11 am and pack items in Frank’s SUV; include bags and wrapping paper for buyers
Leslie will check in vendors, assign spots, and collect any unpaid fees
Leslie, Christina and Renate will set up and sell bake sale items, bear stickers and memberships at info table; Chris will provide HCCA banner and brochures
Bruce and Storms will set up and sell donated items at HCCA table
Frank will direct traffic/parking; vendors should park in the lower parking lot
Chris will ask board members to donate items and baked goods, volunteer at event
BearWise Presentation June 13, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at East Asheville Library
Presentation by Ashely Hobbs, Special Projects Biologist, Wildlife Management Division, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Chris will confirm library location
Rick/Christina will prepare description details for website and social marketing
Leslie will try to secure a donated stuffed bear, which we can raffle off at the event
Christina will set up and sell bear stickers and memberships at info table
Pie Contest July/August date, Sat/Sun afternoon at Haw Creek Commons (fundraiser)
Rick/Renate will reach out to Barbara Swell to see if she would assist with the event and be a “celebrity judge” and ask her about potential dates in late July/early August
Chris will check available dates with Haw Creek Commons
Organize 10 to 15 donated pie submissions
Sell tickets for $10 each or free entry to those submitting a pie
Fall Community Yard Sale Sept date, Sat 8 am to 1 pm at Groce UMC (fundraiser)
Leslie will secure a Saturday date in September with Groce UMC
Chili + Soup Cook Off Oct/Nov date, Wed/Thu 6 pm to 8 pm at Haw Creek Commons (fundraiser)
Chris will check available dates with Haw Creek Commons
Jim has contact with Melt Your Heart (gourmet grilled cheese food truck)
Rick will repeat his Haw Creek Hidden History presentation
Organize 10 to 15 donated food submissions
Sell tickets for $10 each to be a taste tester and vote for the winner
Discussed the following potential events
Haw Creek Hustle (fundraiser)
5k run following Haw Creek graduate parade route (New/Old Haw Creek loop)
Jim will lead event and follow up with Emily (Sarah’s contact) who might help
Storms will contact DOT to clarify regulations regarding road closures
Family Festival (fundraiser)
A family-friendly festival (like the Groovin on Grovemont concert series in Swannanoa) with live music and food trucks
Storms will call Parks & Rec office to inquire about using the ballfield
Community Conversations
Rick is willing to lead—can be arranged on short notice if needed
Masters Park Hike
Rick is willing to lead—can be arranged on short notice if needed
Discussed other items
Storms drafted a design for a Haw Creek banner that people could hang outside their house (like the ones seen in West Asheville and Montford) to show neighborhood pride and support HCCA. He estimates the production cost at about $900 for 100 banners and thinks we could sell them for $30 each. Storms will confirm the cost to produce 50 banners and Chris will ask Amy if she can improve on the design. Investment to be discussed/approved at the May 9 board meeting.
Rick agreed to prepare a story about Charlene Noblett, using Susan’s draft, that can be posted on our amazing Haw Creek residents web page and possibly as a news story
Community Outreach Committee Meeting
February 15, 2023, 7:00-8:00 pm
Attendees
Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Leslie Morris (Chair), Rick Fornoff, Susan Michael
Unable to attend
Jim Brunner, Debbie Francis, Pam Seale, Renate Rikkers
Notes/Next Steps
Reviewed the following scheduled/planned events
Game Day 2/19 2 pm to 4:30 pm at Haw Creek Commons
Promote via website, email and social media
Susan organize games and snacks
Annual Board Meeting and Election 3/14 7 pm at East Asheville Public Library
Chris will organize agenda, identify expert to speak about local real estate issues such as trends, infill and zoning, introduce Neighborhood Services Specialist Meredith Friedheim and Community Engagement Manager Kristina Israel, invite East Asheville CRO Carrie Lee to attend
Chris will lead effort to recruit new board members to fill at least 4 seats
Christina will ask Scott to create an event flyer, organize membership table, provide on-site signup, sell bear stickers
Explore raffle option and potential prizes to raise funds (donated gift certificates from Creekside, Pennycup, Whale Outpost, etc.)
Promote via newsletter, website, email and social media; ask HOAs to post flyer
Leslie will organize dessert social
Spring Community Yard Sale 5/6 8 am to 1 pm at Groce UMC (goal is to raise $500)
Chris will ask Amy to update flyer with new date
Promote via newsletter, website, email and social media; ask HOAs to post flyer
Leslie will reach out to past sellers to secure participation
Leslie will ask Meghan if she’s interested in organizing a kids table
Leslie will ask board members to donate baked goods and volunteer at event
Leslie will mock up existing banner and prepare street signs for placement Sat 4/29
Christina will organize info table, assist with bake sale, sell bear stickers
Chili + Soup Cook Off April date 6 pm to 8 pm (fundraiser)
Leslie will ask Groce about a Thursday date in April
Rick will repeat his Haw Creek Hidden History presentation
Organize 10 to 15 donated food submissions
Sell tickets ($10 each) to be a taste tester and vote for the winner
Promote at annual meeting and via website, email and social media
Community Conversations
Rick will look at potential spring dates
Need to expand promotion to encourage attendance
BearWise Presentation by NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Rick will reach out to NCWRC about potential March or April dates
Determine location
Haw Creek Hustle (fundraiser)
5k run following Haw Creek graduate parade route
Christina will follow up with Sarah about her contact (Emily) who might help lead this event
Fall Community Yard Sale (fundraiser)
Leslie will secure a September date with Groce UMC
Discussed other items
Buncombe County's proposed 2043 Comprehensive Plan, which includes rezoning to allow denser development around the periphery of Haw Creek: Chris and/or Barber Melton will meet with CAN representatives in March
Potential for a Concert/Family Fun Day with musical performance, food trucks, games, face painting, etc.
Susan is working on two food-based events to raise funds for the Haw Creek Commons
Rick suggested posting the Bullman Park baseball game schedule to encourage local attendance
Interviewing/sharing stories of amazing Haw Creek residents
Prepare and post article about Charlene Noblett
Review list of additional folks to interview that Debbie previously provided and determine next steps/timing
Next meeting TBD
Community Outreach Committee Meeting
October 25, 2022
Attendees
Chris Pelly, Debbie Francis, Leslie Morris (Chair), Renate Rikkers, Susan Michael
Unable to attend
Christina Maggi, Jim Brunner, Pam Seale, Rick Fornoff
Notes/Next Steps
Summary of recently completed events:
9/27 Community Conversations: small turnout of 3-4
10/4 Candidates forum: 50+
10/8 Community yard sale: Grossed $443, $330 from 22 vendors and $113 from bake sale
10/8 Invasive plant cleanup: 35 volunteers, although most not from Haw Creek as they were recruited by Greenworks
10/20 Environmental Program: 15 in attendance with good information and interaction
Upcoming events:
10/30 Fire Safety program at Haw Creek Fire Station. HCCA to take photos of families with firefighters on fire trucks. Dogs too. Goal is collect contact info for Haw Creek families.
11/10 Public board meeting at St. John's Church, 290 Old Haw Creek. Short public board meeting followed by Haw Creek History program by Rick. Need to begin publicity asap. Leslie organizing dessert social. Christina organizing membership signup table.
12/8 Community holiday party at East Asheville Library (confirmed today). We have the large room from 6pm to 9pm. Renate to talk with Jim about his family band possibly performing. Dessert social.
Potential future events: to be scheduled post-holidays
Game Day
Community Conversations
Bear Wise Presentation
Concert/Family Fun Day
Other actions:
Welcome Wagon for new residents. Leslie, Susan and Debbie to meet to strategize establishing this program using new HCCA brochure.
Next meeting: Monday, Dec. 12, 2022
Community Outreach Committee Meeting
August 30, 2022, 7:15-8:20 pm
Attendees
Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Debbie Francis, Susan Michael
Unable to attend
Jim Brunner, Leslie Morris (Chair), Pam Seale, Renate Rikkers, Rick Fornoff
Notes/next steps
Reviewed the following scheduled/planned events
Community Conversations 9/27 7 pm at Haw Creek Commons
- Debbie will post on NextDoor (Haw Creek, Sondley and Bull Mountain)
Community Yard Sale 10/1 8 am - 1 pm at Groce United Methodist Church
- Chris asked Amy to update flyer with Susan’s contact info
- Susan will consult with Leslie as needed
- Susan will communicate with vendors from June to secure participation
- Susan will ask Phil to provide notification of receipts received
- Susan will confirm reservations and share flyer so sellers can forward to their circles
- Susan will mock up existing banner and prepare street signs for placement Sat 9/24
- Susan will sort out coffee options
- Susan will ask board members to donate baked goods and volunteer at event
City Council Candidates Forum 10/4 7 pm at Evergreen Community Charter School
- Chris will meet with Evergreen staff to review/confirm event details on Fri 9/2
- Chris will follow up with two candidates re participation, four are confirmed
Invasive Plants Workshop 10/8 10 am - 12 pm at Haw Creek Park: Greenworks educational program with kudzu/ivy removal by volunteers
- Renate will secure program details for posting on website/social media
- Post request for volunteers as part of event announcement
Environmental Program 10/20 7 pm at Haw Creek Commons: Reducing plastic pollution with MountainTrue and Haw Creek Adopt-A-Storm Drain with RiverLink
- Renate will secure program details for posting on website/social media
Haw Creek Fire Station Program 10/30 2 pm TBC at Fire Station 12
- Christina will follow up with AFD staff to confirm date and program details
HCCA Public Board Meeting 11/10 7 pm (6 pm board business portion)
- Chris will confirm Haw Creek Commons or Library location
- Discuss board business prior to public portion of the meeting
- Chris will prepare/deliver HCCA updates
- Rick will prepare/deliver presentation on Haw Creek history
- Christina will organize membership sign-up table
- Need volunteer to organize dessert social
BearWise Presentation by NC Wildlife Resources Commission date and location TBD
- Rick will reach out to NCWRC about potential dates and agenda details
Community Holiday Party date and location TBD
Game night at Haw Creek Commons—Jan 2023
- Susan will work with Sarah Hess to outline event details
Concert/family fun day at East Asheville Library or Haw Creek Park—Spring 2023
- Musical performance, food trucks, games, face painting, etc.
Discussed other agenda items
Make connections with local groups and/or table at local events such as the tailgate market, PTA, Haw Creek Commons, etc.
- Chris will follow up with PTA re collaboration opportunities
Identify volunteer to manage calendar of events HCCA is hosting, promoting, endorsing, or otherwise wanting to share with Haw Creek residents
- Christina will follow up pending launch of new website
- Christina will set up a Google calendar for HCCA board/committee access pending new Gmail account
Interviewing/sharing stories of amazing Haw Creek residents
- Chris will include article about Charlene Noblett in newsletter if space allows
- Chris will provide past interviews for posting to new website
- Debbie will create a list of additional folks to interview
- Christina will ask Renate for ideas
Oversized map of Haw Creek Valley for display at events
- Chris has secured 11x17 laminated map
- Chris will investigate making a larger poster board map
Next meeting Tuesday, October 25
Community Outreach Committee Meeting
July 26, 2022, 7:00-8:45 pm
Attendees
Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Leslie Morris (Chair), Renate Rikkers, Rick Fornoff
Unable to attend
Debbie Francis, Jim Brunner, Pam Seale, Susan Michael
Notes/next steps
Reviewed June 4 yard sale, which was successful with gross income of $364.50
Discussed and agreed to move forward with the following events:
Environmental Program 9/19 or 9/20 7pm to feature reducing plastic pollution and invasive plants with MountainTrue and Haw Creek Adopt-A-Storm Drain with RiverLink
Renate will confirm speakers availability and Creekside Taphouse location
Community Conversations 9/27 7pm
Rick will confirm date with Haw Creek Commons
City Council Candidates Forum 10/4 7pm with Evergreen Community Charter School
Chris will follow up as needed
Community Yard Sale 10/1 8am-1pm
Leslie will confirm date with Groce United Methodist Church
BearWise Presentation in October by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Rick will reach out to NCWRC about potential dates and agenda details
Haw Creek Elementary School Fall Festival a Friday in Oct/Nov 5-7:30pm
Chris will reach out to the school about HCCA and broader community participation
HCCA Public Board Meeting 11/10 7pm featuring Haw Creek history and dessert social
Chris will confirm date and location
Rick will prepare a presentation on Haw Creek’s history
Christina will prepare membership renewal material
Haw Creek Fire Station Program
Christina will follow up with station staff for CoA approval
Community Holiday Party in December
Date and details TBD
Chris will talk with Jim about the possibility of the Walker Family Band performing at a courtyard concert at the East Asheville Public Library on a Sat or Sun evening
Leslie and Chris volunteered to make connections with local groups and host a HCCA information table at events such as the tailgate market, PTA, Haw Creek Commons, etc.
Christina will ask Krista Gamble to manage HCCA calendar
Christina will schedule an interview with Charlene Noblett for Susan and Rick as the first in a series of articles featuring Haw Creek natives (request old photos)
Chris will follow up with the city to secure a large paper map of Haw Creek that can be laminated and displayed at events
Next meeting August 30, 7:00 pm
Community Outreach Committee Meeting
May 12, 2022, 6:30-8:10 pm
Attendees
Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Jennie Brunner, Jim Brunner, Leslie Morris, Pam Seale, Renate Rikkers, Rick Fornoff, Susan Michael
Unable to attend
Debbie Francis
Notes/next steps
Chris and Christina co-chaired the meeting and Chris will work on securing a permanent chair for this committee, which will focus on activities and events
Everyone agreed that there should be a separate committee to focus on communication issues (website, social media, membership, etc.) and Chris will add this item to the agenda for the board to discuss at its next meeting
Jennie shared that her family is involved in several upcoming musical events, which HCCA will promote on its website
- 5/22 at St. John’s Episcopal Church: Student violin recital
- 6/4 at Black Mountain Center for the Arts: The Walker Family Band
- 6/18 at St. John’s Episcopal Church: Fundraiser to benefit Save the Manatee Club
Everyone agreed to supporting a community yard sale on a Saturday morning in June
- Leslie will check available dates at Groce United Methodist Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church and the ball field
- Jennie will organize a musical performance
- Renate will try to secure food and/or ice cream truck participation
- Chris and Christina will organize publicity/outreach efforts including signage
- Christina will organize a HCCA membership table
Chris will organize a City Council candidates forum, which will be co-sponsored with Evergreen Community Charter School and held in early October
Renate will try to find out how events in neighboring communities, specifically Black Mountain and Swannanoa, are organized and financed
Jennie and Jim will explore holding a “game night” event with music at Haw Creek Commons
Leslie and Rick will explore holding a “get to know your neighbor” event where people are invited to get together to have one-on-one conversations
Chris will explore holding a “courtyard concert” event with a food truck at the East Asheville Library where there is ample parking
Susan will take the lead in interviewing Haw Creek natives with interesting histories with the goal of sharing their stories on the website and/or in the newsletter
Christina will email members and schedule the next committee meeting
Agenda items for the next committee meeting
- Hold a family-oriented event featuring local musicians, food trucks, games, face painting, etc. in Haw Creek Park during the summer or early fall (additional parking at Creekside Taphouse and the East Asheville Library)
- Participation in National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie, held annually on the first Tuesday in August