Lords Point Pollinator Garden Committee Meeting Notes

Tuesday, July 8th, 6:30PM

Members present
Jon and Joan Dodd, Jim Walsh, Edie Morren, Mary Richardson, Rosanne O’Hara, Liz
O’Hara, Betsy Lawrence, State Lawrence, Eliza Reed, Ashley Shawyer, Anne-Marie
Kavulla

Clarification/Land Owned – During the meeting Jon and Joan shared that the LPPG
land is actually much larger that we have cleared. In fact, it is four lots that extend down
Wolcott Ave. There are six lots between the corner of Wolcott/Hopkins to the house on
the corner owned by Don Murphy, and we own four of them. Jon felt that we might own
all six, but in reviewing the donation, he has confirmed that we own four.

Recap of Grand Opening Event (July 5th)

The Grand Opening was a wonderful celebration, with great attendance. The sign
(donated by the Dodds and created by the Drakes) was well received and overall
feedback was very positive.
Immediate/Upcoming Plans: Block Party – July 19
Two event signs will be used for the table, however, the LPA treasurer has shared that
Venmo and other online payment tools cannot be used for donations. As a result, we
will only accept check or cash.
Event theme/logo featured on sign: “Let It Bee”saved over from 2024 Block Party.

LPPG Table Setup
Create a prominent LPPG sign for the table.
Include a glass jar for cash donations and checks.
Display a range of sponsored plant options with different price points.
If specific plants or small trees are unavailable, they will be supplemented with similar
alternatives. (Mary R)
Have physical samples of each plant type to show what donors are supporting? (tbd)
Seed Pins (Joan)
Total: 300 seed pins in butterfly, flower, and heart shapes
Cost: $120 – Donated by Dodds.
Selling price: 2 for $1

Consider pre-planting one as a sample to help visualize the outcome
Include funny quotes/sayings on display (Anne-Marie to brainstorm)
Eliza to look into stamping bee images on pins
Seed Signage (Eliza or Will):
Signage needed in 8.5; x 11; format
To include specific flower types in seed mix

Proposed Volunteer Shifts for LPPG Table
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Set up to begin at 4 Joan, Rosanne, Edie etc.)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
(Volunteers to sign up for shifts – schedule to be confirmed)
Table Setup (Start: 4:00–4:30 PM)
Eliza will bring one table, tent/canopy if needed
Mary will provide additional tables of varying heights for plants
Jon and Joan will bring folding chairs/any additional card tables as needed
Table to be set up at a comfortable distance from the sound system for easier
communication
Donation Jars – Two
• Will accept cash and check

Plant Sale
• Mary will manage aspects of the plant sale at the LPPG table
• Sponsored plant display (see earlier notes) to help drive donations

Body Art Station
• Artist: Anastasia Kavulla and Guest
• Setup: Near the check-in table, especially active at the beginning of the block
party
• Supplies: Jon and Joan to bring a card table and chairs

Strategic Alignment & Financial Review

The group agreed to pause and assess to ensure all actions align with the overall
strategy and branding (steering committee was formed for this)
Emphasis on thoughtful progress and intentional decision-making as the committee’s
vision evolves.

Finance/Account/Balance Review – Led by Ashley
• LPPG is aiming to transition from the shared community account to its own
separate account.
◦ Debit card available.
◦ Working toward financial independence from community
account.
◦ Will look into what the LPA may or may not be giving us ($)
◦ Set up under Pam, Maureen, and Ashley’s names (Note:
LPPG is not yet an official nonprofit entity).
◦ The account is personal due to the lack of a Tax ID number.
◦ Certification needed from the Town of Stonington before
proceeding with nonprofit setup.
◦ Will inquire further at the upcoming LP Association meeting.
◦ Having a formal account would support future grant
applications, such as for removing invasive species
(phragmites etc).

Block Party Financial Prep
Need to prepare “kiddie cash” – small bills ($1s and $5s) for change.
Donation jar (big mason jar) will be used with a “Give what you can” for body art

Next Steps/Action Items:

Watering Schedule & Garden Maintenance
• Eliza will send out an email to recruit more watering volunteers
• Schedule runs in weekly blocks (Sunday–Saturday)
• Water as needed, check rain levels at volunteer’s discretion
• Rain barrel is currently full; Ashley monitors water level regularly

Plaques for Raised Beds
We are holding off on this for now, pending the branding review and agreement
Communication
Discussion opened about identifying a better communication platform for the group
(suggestions welcomed)
Anne-Marie to create a comprehensive shared google drive/doc with all files, agenda
items, signup sheets/schedules, events etc.

Ongoing Maintenance of garden
• We will continue to weed, water, mow, trim…
To Pause for Now
• Adirondack chairs – although available wholesale, better to hold off until we have
a updated master plan
Agreement to pause major expansions and refocus on alignment with overall strategy
Emphasis on seasonal adaptability and working with the natural flow of the land

Pending Education Event: Bruce Feldman
• Bruce has offered to do a garden talk ($100)
Committee to decide on timing
Anne-Marie to contact Bruce to confirm availability
Questions about Wi-Fi or hotspot access for the event
Promotion of PG (Pollinator Garden):
• Begin promoting the garden more widely after completion of the branding outcome

Create and manage a spreadsheet listing:
• Individual names, Assigned roles, Event dates, Clear deadlines, Defined committee
leads
• Need to clearly define roles and subcommittees, especially for:
◦ Education events (e.g., “Friend or Foe” series)
◦ Garden maintenance
◦ Communications to and with LP board and community members

Volunteer Notes
Consider recruiting individuals outside the committee for watering and light maintenance
tasks

Strategy/Branding
State and Will delivered a 30+ page PowerPoint presentation to help provide thoughts
and a process toward long-term branding, marketing and vision examples
The committee will meet, work through the process and then come back to the LPPG
committee with thoughts and recommendations
Committee: Jon, Joan, Eliza, Will, Betsy, State

Strategic Considerations
• Land/Lot is larger than publicly perceived
• Future educational themes can include:
Evolution/importance of pollinator gardens

◦ Impact of insecticide (e.g., Roundup) on pollinators
◦ Teaching children and adults importance of environmental
stewardship

End of Meeting: Next LPPG meeting August 13th at 630PM