Del Mar Academy Environmental Committee meeting

Del Mar Academy Environmental Committee meeting

On Tuesday afternoon, after much fussing about whether there'd actually be a meeting, and my trying to find a ride, Kim from Jessie's husband's real estate office picked me up at the house. She drives a golf cart, a standard around here. A happy Texan born gal, with 3 boys and a girl (same same) was very kind to give me a ride. I was not looking forward to the idea of riding up on my own.

The Environmental meeting was under way when we arrived. The subject at hand was to have the elementary students prepare a response video to a You tube film: pickup3.org Here too, the children are at Del Mar, have kids who surf, and are environmental. The difference, I think they said, is that the kids in the film are Californian.


My turn. sigh. I found myself with less time that I thought I'd have and so tried to sum the past gardening life-time and the last year's planning into about 5 minutes. I left feeling let down a little, even tho a couple of the 5 people there were still enthusiastic about it. There was some doubt that a community garden was a good idea, and that it may let the children down. I agreed that gardening is difficult in this climate but there's hope as I've been to successful organic gardens. And expressed my concern of a year's planning going to waste.

The group were then asked to attend the parent's meeting, and I was asked if I wanted to use the kids' computer to go online. I was deflated. For 5 minutes. Kim came bounding in and told me the parents had just voted "yes" to the garden and would I come to arrange for a meeting of interested parties!

We meet Saturday at the Cafe de Paris playground so that parents can take their kids. From a little doom and gloom to Kapow! We're on. :)

I don't know how many parents might be interested, but this little group is gung ho about fund raising and planning. Now for planning a full-on meeting. Shouldn't be difficult, as that's what I thought I was walking into with this meeting. Doesn't hurt that it's outside, either.

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I just wanted to mention that the rest of the parents' meeting was about Del Mar's extending the offer of scholarships to the local community. Those that might not be able to afford to pay the school's monthly fee, can apply for this scholarship. I was pleased to hear about this outreach program. Their plans are to immediately find space in the downtown area, where there is need, to house a thrift shop. One of the parents will run the thrift shop and plans to donate 50% of the proceeds to the community and 50% to a scholarship fund. If there is money left above the scholarship amount used each year, that money will go to paying community members to work in the store. Items donated may include "the gear" ie: stuff that the average gringo might have like crocs and a lunch box. Those will be spirited away to offer to the scholarship recipients.