This Sat. July 26th, EPIC members met in Allenspark, CO. to catch up on current projects, share some time together and enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings.
The meeting began with a tasty breakfast and hot coffee from our Honduran growers. As the crowd settled in, Mary McKay ran through an update on various projects in 2007. Loren Raymond, EPIC’s president, gave an informative overview of EPIC’s 31 year history. Guest presenters, Gywneth Short and Dick Williams were both enthusiatic in their reports on their most recent visits to Central America. Gwyneth shared her impressions of La Semilla del Progreso and answered many questions on importing the perfect coffee bean. Dick Williams, EPIC’s treasurer, gave an update on Mujeres En Acción, a micro-lending program in Guatemala, and the Quick Books workshop he taught to 14 staff members.
Dick Williams guides a student using Quick Books
Paul Mckay was up next, sharing the May 29th, 2008 inauguration of the Casa para la Culture Maya in Guatemala. His Power Point presentation conveyed how very exciting the whole inauguration day was for all who attended. The photos gave EPIC members a sense of the importance of the various event that took place. These included a workshop on the “Farmer to Farmer” teaching methodology, a homage to Marcos Orozco Miranda, Father of Soil and Water Conservation for Central America, and the dedication of the Casa para la Cultura Maya.
When the meeting ajourned, all were treated to a fantastic lunch at the McKays and a nature walk to Olive Ridge. Geologist, Lauren Raymond and Birders, Becky and Bill Eeds, all provided fascinating lectures ‘on the spot’.
We all had fun at the meeting this year. Thank you for joining us.
