April 8, 2021 – MGV Meeting
Presentation – Pettiti’s, Noelle Clark presented on Rain Gardens. She was invited to speak and introduced by Keri.
The meeting began 7:26, after the presentation. There were 31 on the zoom meeting. Reports given as follows:
- Kathy King’s last day was today. She will be leaving for Florida to scout of snowbird accommodations for winter. We wish her well and a long, happy retirement!
- Grounds – Mike – Yesterday a grounds get together of about four took place. 5to 6 plants were moved, areas were mulched. Next week we will try to do wood chips fence. The property line needs investigated. Lowe’s is a preferred vendor meaning discounts and free delivery. The committee is putting together a supply list.
- Pollinator Garden – Donations have increased, including a portion of a multi-faceted donation from a family trust to be shared with nutrition. May be able to get a benches, picnic table, and pollinator vines to replace the hops. Sheila and Marilyn have been working with Eric and Mike to get the plan together for expansion. New plants are coming from the OSU pollinator project (Denise Ellsworth). Thus, topsoil will be added soon with plants arriving in two shipments – the last week of April and just after May 5.
- Victory Gardens – MGVs have been sorting. We thank them for all of this time!! The seeds will help with community and victory gardens.
- Clinic – Dave – The virtual clinic ended a couple weeks ago. We are now back to two days per week – Mondays and Thursdays from 8-10am. There were many inquires, 8-10 today. Three people at a time are allowed in. A clinic refresher class will be held April 20th.
- BOTO – Pinky – The date of August 21st has been set. Emails have been sent to committee members. Please check your email then respond. The date could also serve for a plant sale. The sale could be held in the “new” back room. We need Garden Art to sale. Parking overflow to be determined. Pinky and Pam will talk about a possible ‘yard sale’ addition to the event. It could be done along with BOTO for increased cooperation.
- Jr. Master Gardeners – Kary – Soil samples have been sent and group is awaiting results. Many samples have been sent for analysis.
- Smucker House – Marge – The Federation of Women Club is busy cleaning up the grounds. A 4H club is helping with weeds and mulch.
- Salem Gardens are moving along. They are developing a handout to help get the word out on activities and goals.
- Office Update – Vindicator articles are still needed. 400 (ish) words. Great feedback is received from Vindy readership. 4,700 are signed up to receive our newsletter. An expanded presence on social media is being investigated. 400 packs of milkweed have been sold at $2 suggested donation per pack.
- Local Flavor & Community Gardens – Valeria – We have been working to put in raised beds at The Dorothy Day House. It has been hard to garden because of the thistle, therefore the need for raised beds We are usually there Tuesday’s 9 to 12 with lunch provided. Broadway Boys have been helping. More examples of successful city gardens are needed. YNDC and Reverend Macklin have been contacted for input in how to expand this area.
- Good Natured Garden – Pat Fuller will again give tomatoes and peppers. Registrations are open to any group in Youngstown.
- Miscellaneous – New VMS system not ready. Eric will send out form to record hours on. Eric and Kristen have begun training on new system. Eric will attempt to get an exemption allowing an in person meeting for May.
- Requests – Continue Zoom meetings after things open up to accommodate members who are unable to attend in person.
- Reminder, the in person fruit tree pruning clinic is April 17. Talk to Eric if you want to volunteer.
- Wrap Up & Open Discussion on What Blooming in your Yard?!
Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
Meeting Facilitator – Eric Barrett
Next Meeting March 11th at 6:30PM
– Carol E. Smith, Acting Secretary MGV