January 14th 2021 – MGV Meeting
- Pam presided over the January meeting in the absence of Carol Smith, who had another commitment. A recertification e-mail will be sent out to ask members to recertify after the MGV/VMS site gets “reset.” This has been a challenge because we thought we were moving to a new system, but that will not happen until July 1. Please be patient with those working with the hours (VMS) system. It is appreciated!
- Eric submitted the new totals for membership for 2021. There are 64 active, 11 interns and 13 emeriti MGV members. This is the FINAL number for 2021. The state only recognizes the active members for fees, awards and related activities. If you have any changes in email and cell phones please call before we send out the new listing (email to moff.1@osu.edu).
- Pam said a notice will be sent out on the next MGV chat date we will be having on February 23rd at 1:00 pm. Lori will be sending an email to all members for sign ups for all the committee work. We still need chairpersons for Field Trips, Publicity, Garden Art Series, and Mentoring New MGV’s committees, along with a secretary to fill in for Rick who is leaving soon. Kristen’s doing Zoom presentation classes on January 26 at 10:00 am and February 23rd at 3:00pm.
- Eric is calling for MGV members to submit more articles for the Valley Grows Section of the vindicator. Even if you have only enough words for part of an article you might give Eric a call to see if you are on the right track to finish it. Kristen will be sending out a list of classes that the community might be interested in having an article written about. Pam submitted we are always looking for new ideas for MGV classes.
- Dave said the virtual clinic is still running through the winter months every two weeks on Thursday. They had five questions today which is pretty good for January.
- Need ideas for a new cemetery site in Mahoning County for the Wreaths for Veterans Program. The ideal location would be around 100 veteran grave sites, recent burials so families can be involved in the 2021 ceremony, and the possibility of a partnership to take over after two years. Let Mike Beaudis know of the contact person for the cemetery if you have a cemetery in mind.
- Pinky talked about the Bring One Take One / Shrub Sale. The event will be in August, depending on the pandemic. We have a license to have a plant sale. We will be having it at the extension office in the big back room and outside – with both events planned in conjunction, but maybe at different times. Pinky will lead the efforts!
- Marilyn suggested we should work on state awards for our area because of the amount of successful MGV events coming out of Mahoning County compared to the rest of the state. Need to get a committee together to explore ideas.
- We will be working on Community Outreach with the Pollinator Gardens and Smucker House in Salem when the weather breaks this spring.
- Kary has some plans for a Three Sister Garden for the Jr. Master Gardeners this year. Kristen said we are having the 1.50 child abuse Zoom training classes on January 21st and February 9th. Any volunteers for the committee would be greatly appreciated, please let Kary know. Any MGV working with a youth program MUST attend the in person training.
- Kristen suggested that anyone writing an article for the Vindicator would also be able to teach a zoom class using the same material. Eric suggested that he and Bill Snyder could do a “Stump The Expert” Zoom seminar.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm, next meeting February 11th
-Rick Patterson MGV Secretary