Meraki Meeting took place on Zoom, October 6, 2026, 7-9pm
Attendees: Elise (Facilitator), Deb (Ingathering), Marion (Notetaker/Outgathering), Andrew (Vibe Checker), Tasja (Timekeeper), Bee, Blair, John, Shelagh
Meeting form
- Choose roles (Ingatherer, Facilitator, Notetaker, Timekeeper, Vibe Checker)
- Ingathering
- Briefly review How We Roll
- Summarize previous meeting notes
- Gather new agenda items
- Set order and time for items
- Attend to agenda items
- Schedule future meeting(s)
- Evaluation
- Outgathering
Published Agenda:
Opening Circle at start of Sunday dance - (Hudson not present so item tabled)
Code of Conduct Report - Bee
Retreat Report - Elise
Additional Agenda Items
Update on sharing sound equipment - John
Where Can We Dance - Feedback round on Lyman Moore Middle School
Retreat Feedback round - Elise
Update on sharing sound equipment - John
The plan to share equipment with Open Flow Contra Dance is now "put to bed." John tried to reach Alex with a contract but there was no response. John is happy to let this plan go as it entails considerable hassle for PCD in packing up our equipment in a way that would facilitate sharing. Will revisit if Alex gets back in touch. Note: The issue will be moot if PCD moves to South Portland Middle School.
Where Can We Dance - Feedback round on Lyman Moore Middle School
The generous space for dancing felt great to many. The poor sound quality and echo was noted, though there was a general consensus that having space balanced the poorer sound.
Other issues for some: the florescent lights, the urinals in the all-gender bathroom, no natural light
One observation: there seemed to be less contact dance than at Beth El. Is this true? If so, why? Perhaps we are less on top of each other in the larger space?
Note from John: The sound quality will be similar at S. P. Middle School - it is not a space built for high fidelity - but there will be more natural light.
Retreat Report - Elise
67 Attendees. Super positive responses over all. A survey will go out on October 7.
Finances: Total income: $21,210.92 . Total cost: $22,531.83 PCD contributed $1,320.91
Sliding Scale breakdown:
Scholarships: $190 x 4
Supported: $250 x 14
Covering $300 x 2
Covering plus donation: $350 x 41
Covering plus donation: $400: 1
Supporting: $450 x 5
Note: Medomack charges per person, including both room and board. They only charge for actual attendees, so we could give full refunds for cancelations.
Spring 2027 Retreat:
The current Retreat Committee, Elise, Kiara and Nev, do not have the capacity to find an alternative to Ferry Beach for a spring 2027 retreat.
They did have good conversations with Ferry Beach but it is clear that the food situation will not change. There is a question in the survey about whether or not people would like to return to Ferry Beach in spite of the food.
Discussion: Might we be able to rent a cottage and use that to cook for specific dietary needs? Committee thinks it may be possible but there is no capacity, in the main kitchen or the cottages, to cook for the entire retreat.
Retreat Feedback Round - Elise
Food: Excellent quality, prepped & served by professionals with care. Having open access to leftovers was generous and friendly. Family style serving great success, no lines, easy to mix it up and sit with new people
Snacks: Good mix of things, ample, a request for more nuts
Cabins: Appreciated the privacy and sense of spaciousness. A pleasure to walk to and from. Excellent night sky. Would not want it to be too much colder. A few items found broken in one cabin
Dance space: Great, loved the opening sides in the good weather.
Environment: We traveled from all over to be there, it felt like a real destination. Felt immersed in nature - the lake is lovely, contained (though some still prefer the ocean).
Retreat Committee: wonderful organization and care for us all. HUZZAH!
Code of Conduct Report - Bee
Survey: 87-100 responses. Committee is compiling the results which will be given to the Review Panel in the next two weeks.
Documents: Are underway and will also soon be ready to share with the review panel - once the survey notes are incorporated.
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