September 2025 Meeting Minutes

September 15^th LIFE5b Meeting

6:00pm at Boehner Pond Campground in Malvern

Attendees: Jessa Bears, Shad Swanson, Laura Ferguson, Julie Wagner

Call to Order at 5:58 pm.

Approved last month’s minutes.

Treasurer Report

Andrew Nostvick will be stepping down as treasurer. Discussion on renewing CD for an additional 6 months. J. Bears will make Facebook post seeking volunteer bookkeeper for LIFE5b.

Recognition

Fundraising Update

Will need to follow up with Damian Rothmeyer to find out if he is still planning to be the fundraising chair. LIFE5b is planning to send out letters this winter around the holidays to request donations from sponsors.

Action Item Follow-up

Thank You Notes – L. Ferguson sent thank you note to Stephanie Page after August meeting to thank her for her help during Shendig.

Food Box Statistics for the fundraising letter – this is an opportunity for LIFE5b to highlight how many community members have been positively impacted by the food box programs. Decided to include hospital box numbers in addition to the free box program.

August meeting minutes have been posted on website.

Old Business

Greenhouse Donation – Seyler Farms is wanting to donate a 30 x 30 greenhouse to LIFE5b. LIFE5b would be able to sell this greenhouse as a fundraiser, if there is interest out there. The greenhouse does not come with end walls and needs new plastic, which could cost around $150. If there is someone interested in purchasing it, Seyler Farms might be willing to transport for a price. S. Swanson to follow up on this. Discussion on including the price of transport in the sale price. Discussion on listing the greenhouse for $3,000, or best offer.   

Hospital Boxes – J. Wagner reported that more surveys are needed to include with the hospital boxes. Funding for the hospital boxes ends in December.

Shendig fundraising – J. Bears reported we should have numbers tonight.

LIFE 5b boxes – S. Swanson reported that there will likely be none this week.

LIFE5b apparel – hoodies and long sleeve t-shirts from Jena Bowers. Hoodies will be sold for $25, sizes small – XL, and $35 for 2X – 5X. The cost of the hoodies for LIFE5b will be $15 for sizes small – XL and $25 for 2X – 5X. Long sleeve t-shirts will be sold for $20, cost to LIFE5b will be $15. J. Bears will post direct link on Facebook for purchasing.

Shenandoah School Local Produce – Shenandoah school is unsure on how to proceed, and they will update us if program moves forward. As of now, no action will be taken.

Rotary Club Lunch – September 16^th at noon in Shenandoah at the Elm Street Grill. S. Swanson and J. Bears will be speaking.

Women, Land, and Legacy Conference – March 7, LIFE5b will present from 10:45am to 12pm. Potential topics include high tunnels, farmers markets, producing food for schools, farm to table, etc. J. Bears, S. Swanson, and L. Ferguson are each planning to speak. Tentative plan is to have J. Bears speak about the history of LIFE5b, S. Swanson will speak on the food box program, and L. Ferguson will brainstorm on topic ideas. Ferguson’s ideas include high tunnels, other conservation practices being used on the farms, farmers markets, partnerships, etc.

New Business

Goat Pumpkin Carving – This will be a fundraiser for LIFE5b. Price was decided at $20/ticket. This event will be on October 11^th at Sycamore Ridge Small Farm from 2pm-4pm. Will ask about pumpkin donations from Jack & Tiffany Donnely, Beaver Bottom farm.

Date and Location for Planning Meeting – this will be a private meeting for LIFE5b members, not open to the public. Meeting will take place at 3 pm on November 2^nd at Julie Wagner’s house.

Hog Purchase – LIFE5b will plan to purchase a hog from Aaron and Erica Lantz to butcher and freeze and use for food emergencies over the winter. Cost was approximately $600 last year, and we are expecting it to be a higher price this year. J. Bears made the motion to approve up to $1,000 for purchase of the hog. S. Swanson seconded the motion.

Important Dates:

·         September 16^th: Rotary Lunch

·         September 21^st: Sycamore Ridge Goat Yoga

·         October 11^th: Goat Pumpkin Carving

·         November 9^th: Herb Class – Shad will lead class, will go over growing and dehydrating.

·         November 14^th: SW Iowa Local Foods Summit, Logan, IA

·         2^nd week of November: Food boxes end

·         November: 2026 planning meeting

·         January 9^th – 10^th: PFI Conference. Discussion had to offer scholarships to producers first, then the general public. LIFE5b has budgeted for 3 people. S. Swanson will reach out to LIFE5b producers before public advertisement.

·         March 7^th – WLL Conference in Malvern.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:04 pm.

Next meeting October 20^th in Villisca.