Читать книгу Craig Lee's Kentucky Hemp Story - Joe Domino - Страница 6

The UKY report indicated that, on the basis of answers to questions about industrial hemp within a scientifically conducted and statistically significant survey, almost 77% of Kentuckians favor, to some degree, allowing Kentucky farmers to grow low THC industrial hemp as a cash crop, leaving only 23% of the population in clear opposition. –– Report on the Legalization of Industrial Hemp excerpt

All the preparation we put into PROJECT 23 had conveniently prepared us for the Turner Foundation grant proposal. While brainstorming on how the Turner Foundation funds could deliver the most impact, without reservation, I blurted out, “A nicer van would be nice. A van emblazoned with the text: Kentucky Hemp Museum.” On my cue, everyone peered through the window at my paint-peeled parked van, which did all the convincing for me. No one objected; they understood my Chevy van was never intended to serve as a long-term solution. Moreover, I knew that inscribing the words, “Kentucky Hemp Museum,” onto the van would not only present us better at events, but also enhance our visibility while on the road. The others didn’t bat an eye. Everyone knew, when given the chance, I’d give it my all. My suggestion was all Victor Mullens needed to complete the grant beautifully. Once Joe Hickey mailed the proposal to the foundation, none of us could stop fidgeting. Most of us, including myself, expected a polite let-down: “Sorry, but no thank you.”

Lo and behold, some CNN reporters, curious about our operations, phoned the Marion County Public Library and invited themselves to see the co-op’s headquarters. We joked that they wanted evidence our proposal wasn’t a hoax. We were thrilled to host them, yet fearful they’d get lost trying to find us. To our surprise, two Turner Foundation representatives promptly arrived dressed to impress. I presumed they were scouts on behalf of the foundation’s board. The entire scene was comical: two seasoned media professionals sitting around a cramped library table with a handful of hemp advocates. Everything went smooth. They were genuine about their interest and listened intently to everything we had to say. We must have impressed them because the foundation’s board approved our proposal for all the financial assistance requested. We were ecstatic—especially I, being that I was the designated driver for the newly-minted Kentucky Hemp Library & Museum Van.

Van: $12,000 | Photocopier: $3,000 | TV/VCR: $400 | Computer: $2,000 | Printer: $400 | Demonstration Materials: $5,000 | Staff Salaries: $25,000 | Operating Expenses: $6,000 | Administration: $5,380

Total: $59,180

Grant Proposal submitted to Turner Foundation Inc. December 19, 1994

Once the van was purchased, the first kernel on the pecking order was to completely refurbish the inside and out. The co-op upholstered the interior and seats with hemp fabric. In accordance with my request, the outside of the van boasted green decaled words:

“Kentucky Hemp Museum & Library”

The van was an immediate success. Once motorists glimpsed the van’s blaring insignia, their jaws dropped like magic. I always got a kick when I would see in my rim-view mirror, kids pointing and mouthing, “Lookie there! Is that a marijuana van, Mommy?”