August 25th, 2020

Weekly Wednesday Treats for the Construction Crew
 
Since June, Haystackers have been bringing treats to the construction crew on our site. Coordinated by Christie and Katherine, a link to sign up was posted, and right quick, 3-months were spoken for. Even out-of-towners have participated with funding treats. Some of the comments on the sign-up show that HH “community” feel, from providing chorizo breakfast burritos, to “homemade goodies by my mom” to a cohouser celebrating her own birthday with cupcakes for the crew because “building our future home is the best present I could ask for.” Nice!
 
Thanks to the community, both locals and out-of-towners, who have so far signed up and provided yummy treats for our crew. The construction crew is very appreciative and so touched by our efforts to provide treats for them each week that we received a thank you card from them.
 
Looks like the holiday months are the next months to snag—what would be the right treat for Election Day? Someone among us has just the right idea…
 
 
 
Construction Excitement
 
A path was just made from the commons to the garden. The first run was from east to west, but a Haystack formation was encountered, thus, we now have west to east.

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​Historians (Already) Needed
 
We have a request for volunteer/s to consider being our Haystack Heights Historian/s.  Christie had the fun idea that HH should have a historian to make some sort of chronological book of photos of our journey to this point and going forward. Until now, most of our photos have been digital and on Facebook or Slack. Membership discussed this and thought these photos should not be just in cyberspace, but they belong in a physical "paper" album for all to see. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please contact Christie or Katherine W. via Slack or email.
 
Shop Report
 
•    Upstairs interior to be painted off-white for maximum brightness.
•    Exterior paint colors TBD to allow community input. If painted this year, it will need to be within the next two months in consideration of weather.
•    Naming of building, upstairs and downstairs TBD to allow community input.
•    Shop policy: Nearly complete, need some input regarding minimum ages and supervision requirements of minors.  Railing on deck is nearly complete.
 
 
Garden Report
 
The last two years the deer seemed to have benefited most from the garden, but this year, the two-legged mammals are seeing lots of success. Despite deer damage our garden has been very productive this year and has grown more than we can possibly eat ourselves. 

 Successes!
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*Lucious growth where green manure cover crops were planted late last summer.
*Bumper crops of Santa Rosa plums, garlic, onions, apricots, poppies, zucchini, leeks and kale.
 
On the ground we have 11 exploring baby quail with both parents watching, the mom scurrying on the ground the dad perched above nearby. In an urban area with many free-roaming cats, this also counts as a garden/sanctuary success!
 
Thanks to the faithful core garden team who continue mulching for beauty and reduced maintenance! 

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