Thursday, December 9, 2010
Season's Greening!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
So you think it's hard to be GREEN?
Hello - My husband and I were happy to see the information about recycling in the October issue of the Bay Village News. We have been residents here since December 1998 and have been doing most of the items mentioned since we moved in.
Initially we started out with a compost pile - 6 ft square, if not larger. We composted
We recycle all paper and cardboard. We do the plastic and glass recycling. We separate the pop cans and take them to the fire station for recycling - they donate the money to the burn units.
In the last few years we have also
We love to pass on our experiences to others who are interested in GREEN. Once you are in the habit of doing these things it is really not a big deal. Some of the local communities are actually going to be monitoring the "recyclables" that residents set out for recycling. We think that is a great idea. It might force people to take those few extra steps and start thinking about some of these issues.
Kudos to you for passing on the information to all of Bay's residents; if we all did our part we could really reduce what goes to the landfill.
Thank you - Suzanne & Jeffrey
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Gardens Under Glass--A Whole Lot More Than Gardens!

Last year after reading an article in Urban Land, Vicky Poole came up with the idea to utilize the empty space in the Galleria to support the local Food movement. “As we run out of land, why not utilize empty buildings and especially the Galleria as it lends itself perfectly.” The Civic Innovation Lab must have thought the idea would bear fruit, as she was awarded a start up grant of $30,000.00. Poole demonstrates different growing methods with the use of hydroponics, which uses water and nutrients instead of soil, aquaponics and conventional growing methods. Vertical growing is also an important demonstration, as urban agriculture is gaining popularity. So far she has had success growing vegetables such as lettuce, herbs, cucumbers, and currently has a nice crop of peppers on the way.
The ultimate vision for the initiative is to provide a neighborhood functional retail and business "ReSource Center" (opened in September), providing information about local food production, environmental sustainability, and green products and services to promote lifestyles that leave a much lighter footprint on the earth!
Vicky Poole will be the guest speaker at the BVGT meeting Tuesday, November 9th at City Hall beginning at 6:30 pm. Come and hear all about this innovative and exciting project!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
October Meeting Updates

Next on the agenda was an update by Bob Shields on the community garden. The harvest for the summer season was excellent and far beyond expectations. Current gardeners have until Oct 25th to renew for next year; after Nov 1, open enrollment will be on a first come first serve basis. At this time, current garden plots also need to be prepared for winter. The compost area is under development (as an Eagle Scout project), projected to be complete by the end of October. The main priority is the deer fence. The deer have breached the fence in the last month on a regular basis. The group is looking at various fencing options, and will need to meet with the city regarding the fence ordinances. One idea is to have a fence that is 6 ft tall, with a single wire around the top, extending the height to around 8 ft.
As we continue to look for ways to fund the community garden, a grant discussion by Ellie Bricmont and Brenda O’Reilly followed. Information and ideas were given for consideration in obtaining grants and Ellie suggested that we put together a Fact Sheet and a Wish List with all of our funding needs. Both of these can be placed in front of potential donators. Likely our donations will not come from foundations, which are currently more focused on providing funding for projects that benefit those in need, but private donors or merchants may be very interested in funding “Green” Initiatives. Anyone interested in making a donation can contact the BVGT at the below email address or the Mayor’s office at 440-899-3416.
The communications update included the Composting 101 postcard (being mailed to all BV residents the week of Oct. 25th); a laser print copy of the postcard that circulated and 3 sample layouts of the recycling sticker on display. The GT also had a message in the latest Mayors Quarterly Newsletter, the Green Scene, about recycling, composting and the Habitat for Humanity collection that took place Oct. 16th.
To request a complete word doc copy of our current or past minutes, email us at: bayvillagegreenteam@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Harvest Time

It’s finally the time to reap the benefits of all our hard work and effort. It is harvest time. But the anticipation has been worth the wait! The beautiful towering sunflowers welcome us and invite us to come inside. The height and strength of those golden beauties is always an amazement considering the seeds from which they came. They have provided dazzle and inspiration. Along with the sunflowers, the gardens have come alive with rich, luscious vegetables that tempt our appetites. We need only to take a leisurely walk down the garden paths and no matter which way we turn, our eyes can feast on various colors of the rainbow, from the oh so subtle pale of a yellow pepper to the deep purple of a perfect eggplant. What a delicious sight to see. Smiles are abundant too from the gardeners who tilled the soil, planted the seeds with a gentle hand and watered faithfully, all done with quiet anticipation of this time. Soon the late fall crops will begin a show of their own , but for now let us enjoy the many colors and mouth watering delights that await our picking. Ah, the sweet satisfaction of a job well done.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Semi Annual Review of the BVGT

This month’s Bay Village Green Team meeting was the semi annual review of GT activities to Mayor Sutherland. Beginning with the Waste Management Update, Brenda O’Reilly gave a report on Recycling in Public Places and the 24 recycling bins the team received, in the form of a grant from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District. Acknowledgment and thanks was given to the City’s
With regard to further recycling discussion, Bay currently recycles 50% of its waste—this is due primarily to a very successful leaf and brush pick up program. The leaf and brush is picked up by the city and is delivered to the
Bob Shield’s gave an update on the
Other discussion items that rounded out the meeting included: The Mayor being asked to consider a Zero Waste
Remember, anyone is welcome to join us at our monthly meetings. Make a difference, get involved and come to our next BVGT September 14th meeting,
If anyone is interested in receiving the official meeting minutes send an email request to bayvillagegreenteam@gmail.com with
Friday, July 9, 2010
Compost Seminar - July 20

Learn how easy it is to COMPOST at this
Join us on Tuesday, July 20 at
This event is being arranged in partnership with the Bay Village Green Team. Advance registration is appreciated.
For more information contact: Warren Remein at
Bring the entire family for an evening of education & start composting this summer!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Growth

Something happens when you plant a garden, something that makes you feel quietly happy and content.
The easy moving of the soil, watching the ground take different shapes and feeling it begin to soften in your hands. I imagine this is the reason children love to play in the dirt so much, it brings them comfort in some unknown way.
Before the planting begins you add much needed nutrients and the once dull, lifeless earth now becomes rich with promise. A neglected patch of land has been given new life. And, now because of you, and your steady efforts, growing will begin.
A place without purpose becomes alive with growth.
Seeds and plants you tenderly placed in the ground will now await the sun’s warm rays to nourish them to life. You see your creation and you smile with sweet satisfaction and quiet contentment.
A day well spent because growth has taken place in more ways than one.
Some thoughts shared by a Bay Community Gardener
Just a reminder that we will be having a Bay Community Garden meeting at the garden, this Tuesday, June 29th beginning at 6:30 - all are encouraged to attend.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Learn About Automated Trash Pick This Monday, 6/21
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June Meeting Minutes

Waste Management Update (Brenda O’Reilly)
Automated Trash Pick up will be discussed for the first time in Service, Utilities, and Equipment Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday, June 21st,
* Daniel Krieg gave a “
* Bay High Project Earth hosted the 3rd annual waterway clean up on May 15—in addition to collecting debris, the group pulled 300 pounds of garlic mustard (awesome!)
* The Abitibi paper retrieval bin information has been updated on the Recycle pdf that is on the city website. The Green Team encourages residents to recycle
* A Green Scene message will appear in the Mayor’s quarterly newsletter in early July.
* The Green Team has a grant from the SWD to print and mail postcards that promote recycling to all residents. The mailing and grant reimbursement application needs to occur by Thanksgiving. We will work with the city to create the most appropriate message based on where the City is with the review of Automated Trash Pickup.
The garden was opened on Memorial Weekend—61 plots are leased, 34 are planted. We have 2 churches interested in plots to grow produce for persons in need. This is a response from the community that is way beyond our expectations and we are extremely excited. The deer fence and water are installed thanks to the City Service Department. Bob Shields is planning to create demo beds (with 16 varieties of tomatoes). Many thanks to
* Warren Remein updated the group on a Compost Bin Seminar and
* The Bay Day’s Booth is ready to go for Saturday, July 3rd. We will set up at
MAKE A DIFFERENCE—
JOIN US AT OUR
TUESDAY, JULY 13th AT
Brief Business Meeting at
“Bottlemania” Book Discussion led by Pam DeFino
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Bay Community Garden Opens Memorial Weekend

Preparations for the
Currently the garden area has been tilled—twice! The city has also dropped-off leaf humus at the site available for use by all to further assist in the conditioning of the soil beds. Remember, only organic fertilizers and compost may be used in the community garden – NO chemical fertilizers. The water department has been working to install a water meter at the site but we cannot guarantee that water will be available for the first week or so. A couple rain barrels will be placed in the garden for water collection; however, some may want to bring their own water until a spigot is installed at the site. The deer fencing has been ordered and will be up within the next 2 weeks. Also, each gardener is responsible for bringing their own tools which would include a shovel or spade, a hand trowel and fork, an unsharpened pencil, a layout of what will be planted and of course seeds/plants. And, a large bucket is helpful for transporting the humus to your garden plot.
Many varieties of summer vegetables seeds, seedlings and organic fertilizers are available locally at Cahoon Nursery,
The garden will be open for soil preparation and/or planting this Memorial Day weekend. If you provided an email address when registering, you will receive an email informing you of your garden plot number no later than Saturday, May 29. Community garden volunteers will be giving a demonstration on Saturday morning, May 29th at
Thanks for making this a reality in
The
Friday, May 21, 2010
May 11 Meeting Minutes

The
The City has received approval from the SWD for a $927 grant to purchase indoor/outdoor recycle bins. The grant was written by the Green Team on behalf of the City. With the grant funds, the
Events Update:
· The Green Team sponsored a table at the Bike to School Safety Fair (April 29
· There was a Habitat for Humanity collection on April 15-17 organized by Jerry Jarc. Another collection will be scheduled in Fall.
· A book discussion on “Bottlemania” is being organized by Pam Defino from the Bay Library. The Green Team will be participating in the discussion, planned for Tuesday, July 13. The books are ready for pick up at the Library.
· The Green Team will have a booth at Bay Days—Saturday, July 3rd --from
· Garlic Mustard Pulls were held on April 26 (Cahoon sled hill) and May 1 (Wischmeyer Creek @ Wolf and Glen Park)—150 pounds of Garlic Mustard was collected!
· The Mayor will be attending the June 8th Green Team meeting
· We publish in the "Green Scene” section of the Mayor’s Quarterly Newsletter
The next message is being created, and is due to Maureen around May 31st
· The Green Team received a grant for $3100 from SWD for brochure & labels—this was announced at an earlier meeting. We will be meeting with Dan Galli & Dwight Clark to coordinate on the messaging for the brochure.
· There was some discussion on whether there would be any value to becoming a tax exempt organization—it is required when the grant applications are submitted. No decision was made—the benefits and requirements would need further research.
Join us for our next meeting Tuesday, June 8th @ City Hall--2nd floor conference room. Make a difference, get involved!