Meeting Notes May 21/26

Esquimalt Men’s Shed

Thank you to all who attended.

Present were:

• Levi Chase
• Gregg Eligh
• Jan Woo
• Pete Kerr
• John McWilliams
• Roger Jennings
• Pat Olson
• Doug McLeod
• Rob Harris
• Ian Horridge
• Nick Valinoti
• Scott Binch
• Graham Hayes
• Layton Engwer

Welcome to Levi, Scott and Nick; each attending the shed for the first time.

In shed business:

Rob H reported on preparations for our appearance at VicWestFest, June 6th. 

The info package from the fest organizer has yet to arrive.

Things known;

• Pete will bring a pop up tent for our booth, as well as a 6 foot table and cover. Thanks Pete.
• Doug will bring a 6 foot table, cover, shed information sheets, and polished stones for sale/display. Thanks Doug.
• Roger will bring 3-D printed key fobs and small toys. Thanks Roger.
• Shed signage, the mason bee houses, robin nest platforms and their information sheets will arrive from our shop – to be assigned. 
• Pat will share the mason bee information sheet with Rob ASAP Rob for printing. Thanks Pat.
• Rob will get robin nest platform info sheet from John H. Thanks Rob.
• Doug will email the sign up link again; please sign up. Thanks Doug.

Thank you Rob for the update. I look forward to the day.

Doug updated progress on our plan to build several cornhole sets for Esquimalt Seniors Association. The shed will construct 6 boards, materials supplied by the seniors association. Build date to be scheduled. Thanks Doug.

Layton updated the repair cafe plan;

• We will NOT do the repair cafe on June 20th as proposed, due principally to low volunteer numbers.
• It is proposed that we resume organizing in the fall.
• Review of, and voting on, two shed logos resulted in the adoption of the more recent design, with a minor update to the text.
• Layton proposed that the shed focus on developing our profile in the community, and attracting members.
• Another point made; that we do more stuff. Building, fixing, moving

Thanks Layton for your report.

Doug is missing an apron last seen at the KMS BBQ May 9th. It is likely still at KMS. 

Doug proposed the shed buy aprons for use at KMS and elsewhere, suggesting commercial laundries as a possible source. Thanks for the suggestion Doug. I hope that the apron surfaces.

Esquimalt Mutual Aid has asked our help to move their food pantry from its initial location on 1166 Heald Friday at noon. Several have volunteered to help. Thanks fellows.

John M spoke with the owner of U-Pak (on Viewfield Rd in Esquimalt) while at KMS a couple weeks ago. From that conversation came the possibility of the shed solving a problem he has; auction lockers.

These are left items, which he now has to dispose of, at his cost. 

We kicked around the possibility of the shed dealing with the stuff, and selling what’s saleable, disposing of the rest as necessary. A beautiful dream!

The need for a space in which to sort items, store items, and sell items jumps up as the key to the arrangement; that, and labour, as well as cost of disposal for trash, of which there will doubtless be reams.

If we are able to solve the problems as they arise, we have opportunity to generate continuing sales revenue. Such revenue will support and sustain the shed, as well as help in qualifying for grant money from Men’s Shed Canada.

I sent a message to our man recently, but have not heard back.

Thanks Nick V and others for interest in the idea.

Doug gave an update on a sale of tools organised by the Sidney Men’s Shed, and the Shoal Centre. Their proposal is to donate to our shed any tools remaining after their May 23rd sale.

On discussion it was clear that few, if any, of the tools listed are appealing to our group.

Thanks Doug, and all, for considering this.  

Vic West Community Association asked John M for a cost sheet for their proposed food pantry build. John M has, by this writing, passed along the info.

Doug M, John M and Brian H will discuss a June date for the upcoming AGM and report back. 

Thanks again to all who attended.

If I err, please point out the correction.

Best regards,

John McWilliams