Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Technology question: Meal system

[Lynn Nadeau / Maraiah (welcome]

At RoseWind (Port Townsend WA) we do this very low-tech. The bulletin- 
board sign-up form gives a place to write in the date, cooks, and  
menu, then a list of members and frequent meal guests. If you're  
coming, circle your name; if you're not, cross it off. Add a note if  
you will have guests. If cooks choose to, they can send out an email.  
I often phone people who haven't indicated one way or another. Often  
they say, "Yes, I forgot to sign up." This gives me a more accurate  
count to aim for, in terms of food and of spending.

And I know from experience that several people will phone or show up  
at the last minute. So I factor in a few extra servings, if the budget  
($3.75 per adult diner) leaves me room to do so, which it usually  
does. If I"m not sure there's enough, I tell the last minute caller,  
"Come at 615, not 6, and see what's left!"

This system has worked pretty well for us for some years.

Maraiah Lynn Nadeau
www.rosewind.org
Check out the beautiful two storey dome that's for sale.