A meeting of the Board of Directors, Officers, subscribers, and guests of Ohsawa Macrobiotics was held via Zoom video meeting October 22, 2022 at 10:07 a.m.
Carl Ferré, the Center’s President, chaired the meeting and Julia Ferré, the Foundation’s and Center’s Secretary-Treasurer, acted as Secretary for the meeting. The third Board member and first Vice-President, Bob Ligon, also attended. Nels Ferré, second Vice-President, was unable to attend. Having announced a quorum of the Board of Directors, Carl Ferré announced that the meeting could proceed with its business.
Herman and Cornellia Aihara, George and Lima Ohsawa, and Michio and Aveline Kushi were acknowledged for their work and all were asked to keep them in their thoughts during the meeting. Patrick and Meredith McCarty were acknowledged as founders of Ohsawa Macrobiotics.
Carl gave a PowerPoint presentation with the following news on slides showing:
1. the over 30 books in print currently – PDFs are available on our website (OhsawaMacrobiotics.com); print editions are available worldwide on Amazon.
2. recent covers of Macrobiotics Today magazine, published quarterly with subscriptions now free. We also send out Macrobiotic Connections monthly with current classes and online events. Sign up buttons are located on our website: OhsawaMacrobiotics.com.
3. a formatting change to Macrobiotic Connections, making two sections: Special Events such as the cruise or annual summer conference and Ongoing Classes for people who present classes each month. We also are looking at adding a Premium Section for a fee, and a section for other macrobiotic newsletters with links to them.
4. a change in the format of Macrobiotics Today in 2023 to one column instead of three. This will make it easier to read on phones and smaller screens. It also means the number of pages in each issue can be varied. And, we have many photo recollections that we plan to publish each issue. We return to 4 issues per year in 2023 and plan to change the Resources section to one size and one rate for all entries with the added features that each entry will have a photo or graphic and a direct hyperlink to that person’s or organization’s website.
5. our legacy work as we are going through 60 years of files, figuring out what needs to be saved. We will scan the important items and preserve them on our website. We also have many photo albums to go through. The cassette tapes are not as usable as we had hoped, although we have more to go through. Many thanks to Alice Salinero who sent us many excellent ideas for changes to the website we will make those as soon as possible. We are still looking for ideas on preserving physical items.
6. our fall fundraiser will begin in early November. We will send an announcement and ask that you give what you can afford to keep macrobiotic publications and related messages available to the world. Challenge grants are promises by one person to match your donation, thus doubling the value and ripple effect of your contribution. We are actively seeking challenge sponsors for this campaign. Note that we are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
7. ways people can help: You can become a greater part of our community by promoting our website and by: Providing feedback such as Letters to the Editor for publication or suggestions/comments not for publication. Visiting the new website and encouraging subscriptions. Contacting us via email with any new ideas, questions, or concerns. Together we can help people change their lives and help the macrobiotic community thrive.
Discussion followed on a range of subjects:
1. Mike suggested a regular column in Macrobiotics Today with active engagement on various topics with people submitting 300-500 word submissions.
2. Cynthia asked for clarification on print issues being available on the website. Carl responded that current issues are digital only but that older issues that had print editions are available on the website.
3. Elaine pointed out that there is an outdated fundraising page on the website that is confusing to people. Carl promised to correct it.
4. Gretchen suggested a regular “In Memoriam” section in Macrobiotics Today or announcement on people we need to keep in our thoughts.
5. Regina pointed out that Francine Harper, longtime French Meadows participant and helper passed away this year. Carl promised to add this information in the next issue of Macrobiotics Today.
6. Cynthia asked about resource directory listings and Carl stated that everyone currently in the directory will receive an email with the new format and pricing.
7. Chuck asked about the benefits of the new format for Macrobiotics Today and Carl responded with how it not only makes it easier to read on smaller screens but also will save much time to production.
8. Several people mentioned having more meetings and this idea was discussed. Carl said it might be possible to add a winter and summer Zoom meeting if someone wanted to host them.
9. Note: During the visiting time after the meeting was adjourned, Sanae talked about the way the Japanese group organizes their meetings with specific topics, rotating hosts, and paid participation by the general public. Carl said that we might be able to start with more meetings and rotating hosts.
10. Lastly, after the meeting, Cynthia called to let us know that Noelle Elliott passed away during our meeting time. We continue to send our prayers and positive energy to the Elliott family. Contact gomf@earthlink.net if you’d like contact information for the Elliott family.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:57 a.m. Following the meeting, people visited for over a hour, further showing the need for more scheduled meetings.
Carl Ferré from notes by Julia Ferré, Secretary-Treasurer
gomf@earthlink.net
