Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting
May 8, 2025
Opening and Pledge of Allegiance- Chester Kaschak led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Committee Reports
- Bring One Take One (Exchange Only) – Bob and Marianna Eister – No report.
- Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik – Kristen announced the committee will meet Tuesday, May 27 at 5:30 in the office.
- Community Outreach – Thresea Harris –Good Nature Gardener Partners program applications are due May 23rd. The Veggies and More Tour will start June 2nd and will be every Monday night at 6 pm. Anyone interested in helping with the Cityscape’s event may still do so, however, they have run out of t-shirts.
- Education – Karen Gates and Stephanie Hughes – Karen announced that you may pick your own bouquets of lavender at Sandy Creek Ventures from 10-12pm on the following Saturdays: 6-21,6-28,7-5 and 7-12. Their address is 9336 Mapleton St. SE, East Canton, OH 44730. If you are interested in doing the trolley tour of Mill Creek Park on May 20 from 3-4 let Karen know asap.
- Garden Workshop – Patty Kacenski and Jim Merva – Patty thanked all who helped with this event. It was very successful.
- Hospitality – Natalie Fraser and Peg Zeleznik – No report.
- New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Marilyn McKinley and Gail Siembida – Merabeth (Pinky) reported they are working at the Columbiana County Fairgrounds weekly, removing thistle and weeds.
- OSU Extension Grounds – David Burnham and Paula Kohler – David said the committee has been busy cleaning, pruning, and mulching the grounds. The old shed was emptied out, and a new shed was set up with all the necessities. He thanked the committee members and requested cardboard of any kind be donated for the next project, which will be discussed in an upcoming email. The Extension grounds look great, and a big “thank you” to this committee was given.
- Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague – Questions are flowing into the clinic and David welcomed all to help on Mondays or Thursdays from 9am till noon.
- Recruitment and Retention – Marilyn McKinley and Kary Shively – No report.
- Veterans Committee- Chester Kaschak, Carol Kirsch, and Al Leonhart – Carol reported that for the next two years the North Georgetown Cemetery veterans’ graves will receive wreaths. This year’s event will take place on Dec.6. Donations of $10 per wreath would be greatly appreciated. Donation forms are available in the office.
Administration Report
- There will be a training class in 2026 applications are available and due by December 5th. An R & R open house will be planned after the fair.
- Apparel Order- Orders will be placed on 5-9. If you haven’t paid for your order, payment must be made before orders are placed.
- Pollinator Palooza – 2 more helpers needed for this event on 5-10 from 8am till 12:30pm. See Kristen
- Pollinator Garden Clean-Up – Let Kristen know if you can help pull weeds in our pollinator garden this upcoming week. (not on a rainy day)
- Good Natured Garden Partners- See Kristen for info.
Old Business
- MGV Conference Scholarship
- To be considered for the scholarship, you must fill out the application entirely and submit it by May 15th at 5:00 pm. The event is on Oct 9&10 at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster.
New Business – Marilyn McKinley thanked all for the support, love, cards, and flowers at the recent passing of her husband. She was deeply touched, and the kind words have really helped her and were very much appreciated.
Closing
- Adjournment – Next Meeting: June 12th
- Reminders:
- Vindy Articles are needed! Contact Chevula at 1@osu.edu.
- Save the Date:
- Veggies and More: Monday Nights, June through August
- BOTO (exchange only): August 9th
- Canfield Fair: August 27- September 1
- State Conference (Awards): October 9-10 at Secrest Arboretum
- Wreaths for Our Veterans: Dec 6th
Volunteer Opportunities:
Please see Kristen if you are interested
- East Rochester Garden Club – Pruning for landscape flowers on 9/16/2025
- Way Station Columbiana – Gardening Tips May 22nd and June 26th
- Threshold Garen- Variety of demos and hands-on activities needed throughout the summer
After the meeting, Chevula presented “Writing Basics for MGV” and encouraged us to send ideas to her before writing articles for the Vindy to prevent duplications.
Submitted by Marie Belfast