MOMCC Report from the Agricultural, Gardens, Foodways reported by Gail Richardson, Historic Foodways Supervisor, Sauder Village
Date: March 9, 2018
Resource Group Chairperson and Reporting Person: Gail Richardson
Number of people attending 13
Summary and topics discussed:
Mushrooms: Has anyone on historical sites cultivate or collect them? The discussion talked about the past 120 years as related to mushroom use, mushroom hunting, and conditions of the soil, social statics in the community. Deb Reid reiterated about variations by different immigrate groups as well as New Englanders with meadow management concerns. Discussion followed about the identification of mushrooms and that some sites are not allowed to cultivate them at their site. A program with school groups, educating them not to eat mushrooms on their own was suggested but Tom Brehmer countered that with perhaps not mentioning mushrooms.
Conference Session discussion: The session “Invasive Species-What is the Big Deal” which some members attended was discussed. Diane Nickels commented the word invasive is always talked about as “bad” but that we as immigrates brought them into America for good reasons. We did not consider the future consequences to the land and native species. It was discussed how [managed] bees are not native to America.
Gluten Free Foodways Programming: Ann Bircher asked everyone about foodways programs dealing with gluten free allergies with children. Anyone had any issues. Michael Murray commented that at the Three Rivers site they use Spelt flour and Rice Flour when doing their camp cookouts for those who are hyper-sensitive.
Resources: There was a discussion on where to go to find needed resources. Suggestions included: Local History, newspapers, primary resources, coming to Momcc conferences, certified master gardeners programs, which you could also incorporate into your site, 4-H groups and FFA (they often need community hours), your county extension offices, state and federal departments and organizations.
Michael Murray from the Three Rivers site asked about resources to help get certified regulations processors for Halal and Kosher inspectors. They want to start producing meats for event restaurant chefs. Bob Quist suggest Dept. of Health (consumer), Dept. of Agricultural (processing), Sustaining Farming Assoc., Organic Farming Assoc., Individual Accommodated Groups, Extension Offices, Sustainable Food groups-food associations.
Management Concern: Diane Nickel talked about her sites concerns with communicating to various staff. They have 17 staff that only do mail while all other staff uses the Facebook page, email, and texting. Various staff prefer various forms of electronic communication. She is concerned that due to the wide types of communication preferences used, not all correspondence/information is getting to all staff members. Mike Murray suggested the need to have one main top down communication style that is then backed up with other secondary types. Manager(s) must monitor the communication to make sure everyone is getting the correct information.
