Minutes of January 7, 2009 Brooksville Friends and Neighbors Meeting

Minutes of January 7, 2009 Brooksville Friends and Neighbors Meeting
Present: Judy Madson, Harry Madson, Doug Cowan, Edson Blodgett, Sally Blodgett, Tim Semler, Lydia Moffat, Lake Larson

Moderator: Doug Cowan

1. Transportation Survey Results

460 surveys were mailed out with 49 responses. 55% of respondents said they would use community transportation. Blue Hill was the favored destination by 93% with Ellsworth at 41%. 79% said they would be willing to provide transportation either occasionally or weekly. The desire for community transportation is relatively evenly split between North, South, West Brooksville plus Cape Rosier/Harborside. Grocery shopping was the most common goal followed by banking and medical appointments. Two thirds were interested in a community gathering to discuss this issue further. There will be further discussion with Chuck Lawrence at Tradewinds concerning possibility of a Tradewinds bus The Brooksville website has a “bulletin board” to indicate rides offered/needed. The transportation committee would like a small Healthy Peninsula grant to continue their work.

2. 
   Brooksville trails development
   

This topic was deferred to the February meeting. There was discussion of

VolksMarching – community walking events with hiking directions.

2. 
   Community Support for young individuals and Families in Brooksville
   

There was continued discussion about the desire for increased community

support for the Valley of the Stars community and Open Mic in West

Brooksville. This is an important community resource that brings together

families of all ages in a chemical free environment to enjoy music, poetry, etc.

The barn will need renovations that could become a community

supported undertaking with people of all ages participating. The group has

also applied for a Healthy Peninsula grant through Brooksville Friends and

Neighbors to develop a strategic plan going forward.

2. 
   Brooksville town website
   

The website now has most of the town policies and ordinances online with the ability to download applications. Feedback is welcome. The website is at: www.brooksvillemaine.org. Free dial-up internet access is available to all Brooksville residents who sign up before January 31, 2009.

2. 
   Improving Home Efficiency to Reduce Energy Costs
   

Ralph Chapman is offering two free presentations on improving home

energy efficiency. The first presentation will be held at Reversing Falls at 4

p.m. on Sunday, January 11 for local building trades professionals. The

second is on Sunday, January 25 at 4 p.m. for homeowners, landlords, tenants.

2. 
   Bubble Up
   

Discussion concerning mentoring programs with older Brooksville residents to

learn and maintain Brooksville history, plus apprentice programs with local

Brooksville building trades professionals, artists, craftpersons, etc.

Submitted by Doug Cowan