At the forefront of the meeting was the planning for the much-anticipated Open Farm Day. Members discussed their strategies to promote the event, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an active social media presence. A recent Facebook post was acknowledged, with members agreeing that regular updates would be beneficial as the event approached. The discussion also touched on the challenges of managing social media accounts, particularly with the transition to a new Facebook account and recovering the old one due to password issues. Instagram and TikTok were considered, though the consensus was to focus on Facebook and Instagram, especially after facing issues with Instagram due to its association with a .gov email.

Promotional efforts included featuring different farms on social media leading up to the event, with members expressing willingness to gather necessary information for these features. The Westfield News was set to publish an article the week of August 11th, with the commission considering the idea of featuring farms in various media outlets. Concerns about volunteer coordination were also raised, with issues surrounding access to volunteer forms due to email complications. There was a suggestion to reach out to local organizations, like the National Honor Society, for volunteer assistance.

The logistical aspects of Open Farm Day were thoroughly examined. The commission decided against producing a brochure due to cost concerns, opting for flyers instead. Members discussed distributing these flyers at strategic locations, including local businesses and community boards, to maximize visibility. Specific locations such as Tractor Supply and local coffee shops were identified as potential venues for flyer distribution. There was also a focus on signage, with members recalling the placement of large signs at strategic locations to attract attention from passersby, especially those from Connecticut.

Discussion about the event’s logistics extended to the preparation of promotional materials, specifically a passport project being developed by America’s Printer. This project aimed to update participants on which farms would be featured, though uncertainty remained about the inclusion of all farms. The need for original files for these materials was emphasized to avoid the difficulties of manipulating PDFs.

Volunteer coordination was a significant topic, with plans for an upcoming orientation. The location for this orientation had yet to be finalized, though the fire department was a preferred venue. The importance of informing volunteers about their assigned locations ahead of time was stressed, as it would enhance their experience and preparedness. Previous successful initiatives, such as a discount for seniors at farm hops, were noted, with suggestions to incorporate engaging activities like cornhole games during the event.

The commission also discussed various local agricultural initiatives, including farm tours for seniors and the possibility of utilizing SNAP benefits to purchase vegetable plants. A previous farm tour was highlighted for its success, with Firefly Fields noted for its accommodating setup despite inclement weather. Concerns about the availability of personnel at certain farms during the event were raised, with members emphasizing the need to ensure meaningful and interactive tours for seniors.