MGV Meeting Minutes
June 09, 2022

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

Bob Eister, president, opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. welcoming us.  Stephanie Hughes led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. There were 29 attendees at the onset of the meeting.
Six new 2022 MGVs in attendance were asked to stand and introduce
themselves: Shirley H, Diane R, Kathy M, Deborah P, Cindy H, and Jim M.
Recognized June birthdays included Carol Smith, Jim Zeleznik, Patty
Kacenski, and Judy Rodkey, we sang “Happy Birthday” to them.
Bob announced that the following members are facing health issues: Diana Holzer and Chester Kaschak; Eric mentioned Hugh Earnhardt. Members were asked to keep them in mind and sign circulating get-well cards.

Speaker Intro (VP – Stephanie B)
Stephanie presented the second hour of the two-hour mandatory annual training for MGV IPM recertification.
Stephanie also reminded us that annually we are required to have:

• 2 CE hours on Invasive Species
• 2 CE hours on Integrated Pest Management
• 2 volunteer hours regarding backyard and local foods
• 2 volunteer hours regarding environmental horticulture

For today’s attendance, we can take 1 hour for IPM CE, 1 volunteer hour
and our travel time.

 Secretary Recording – today will be Cindy H. and Jim M., both MGV
interns. Bob reminded anyone speaking today and at future meetings to identify themselves for the purpose of note-taking. Thanks for your cooperation.

Committee Reports

Bring One Take One – Pinky S. reported:

This year’s event is scheduled for August 20 at the OSU Extension Office, and plans are to work the event the same as last year. Members are asked to identify now the plants they can contribute to and make plans to bring them in.
Pinkie has pots and labels (cut blinds) she can give you.
Members are also asked to bring in used garden items for sale. Lillian Q. reported that garden art left over from the Spring Conference will also be available for sale.

Canfield Fair – Carolyn Fankhauser & Rhonda Harris

Rhonda reported: The outer gardens and flowers for the center garden are planned. They are requesting yellow and white potted flowers for
this year’s fair theme, “Bringing Sunshine and Tranquility into Your Gardens.” White flowers will be used in the center display, and yellow flowers (like sunflowers) will be placed along the outside of the floral display/decorations.
Please plan to help by loaning your pots of flowers for this big event.
If you need pots, contact Rhonda; if you need soil, contact Carolyn.

Community Outreach – Marie B, Kary S & Theresa H

Kary reported that several MGVs participated in Youngstown CityScape’s annual beautification efforts, Streetscape, in downtown Youngstown on June 1. They were among hundreds of volunteers planting flowers, mulching, and making other springtime improvements in the central business district.

Patty K. reports that Junior Master Gardeners are working well together. Their garden is planted and growing well.

Education – Stephanie B., Eileen N, and Marge G.

Marge reported: Two trolley tours are available at Mill Creek Park, the
public tour is less expensive. The tour bus seats 12, and 13 people have signed up. The cost is $10 for adult Mahoning County residents (nonresidents $12), $7 for seniors (age 60 and over), and children (12 and under). Payment is due in advance to Marge. The date will be July 19 or 26. If more are interested, contact Marge. Times could be 1:30 or 3 p.m.

Marge also mentioned the Perennial Post events:  field trip, 9 to 11 a.m. on July 22; Coffee with Clara, Hostas, 9 to 11 a.m. June 17; Coffee with Clara – Daylilies, Phlox, Echinacea, 9 to 11 a.m. July 22. Six people have expressed interest in the Evening in the Garden event. Marge suggests that those 6
get together to settle on a mutually agreeable night.

Garden Conference — Marianna, Stephanie H & Marilyn M
The conference was a great success, thanks to all that helped.

Hospitality — Natalie F & Peg Z
Natalie had nothing new to report at this time.

 Plant and Pest Clinic — David S
David was not in attendance tonight and sent a message that the clinic is going well and thanks to volunteers.

OSU Extension Grounds — Mike B
Bob led with a comment that the grounds look great and everyone applauded. Mike reported there will be a two-hour work session from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15. Volunteers are encouraged and welcome.

Veterans (Building and Wreaths) – Al L, Chester K & Mike B
Mike reported that the date for the cemetery wreaths is December 3 at 10 a.m. at the Eckis Cemetery in North Jackson. Enough funds are available to cover costs. Wreaths will be obtained through Tractor Supply.

Administrative Report – Eric & Kristen

Eric announces that articles are needed for the Gardening pages in The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle. Lillian Q. said she has an article for Eric to review.

Kristen made available pots of Fountain Grass as door prizes tonight.
Jim M, Mike B, and Patty K accepted them.
Kristen also offered for anyone to take potted Parsley from outside the
back door.

• Volunteer Opportunities (Garden Art & Veggies and More Tour)
  Kristen reminded us about the Garden Arts classes and provided fliers for us to post where available. Classes are held at the OSU Extension Office.
  The events start at 6, volunteers should report by 5:30 and can earn 2 volunteer hours, plus travel time. There is a sign-up sheet tonight for the Veggie and More tour, formerly Local Flavor. A flyer was passed out tonight showing all dates and locations. All events have hosts, but any MGV can attend without signing up.
  The Canfield Fair sign-up list is also available tonight.
• MGV Merchandise Order — Kristen was taking payments tonight at the meeting. Payments are due June 13. Kristen has a few members she needs to hear from to clarify their intended order.

Business and Discussion

• Community Outreach Opportunity – VA Follow-up. Bob followed up with the VA and passed that contact information on to Eric for further consideration. Eric was asked to determine “what is next.” He will evaluate and inform us.
• Bio and Pictorial Directory
  Marilyn is awaiting short bios for the newsletter. Please email yours to Marilyn. Candace will contact us for bios and pictures from members to complete the MGV directory. Kristen will email the finished directory to the membership.

Planning

Pollinator update and pollinator week activities.
Marilyn reported,
   Pollinator week is the last week of June.
  • Monday, June 20 Eric will be speaking from 5-8 at Waterworth
           Park, 882 E School Street in Salem
  • June 24 from 6:30 until 8 there will be a speaker discussing “Bees and Trees, at the Smucker House, 220 S Broadway, Salem.
   • Friday, June 25, there is a pollinator open house at the Burchfield House 867 E. Fourth St., Salem.

The Columbiana Fairgrounds in Lisbon will be developing a pollinator
garden.
Lois Martin O. reports there is a Pollinator event in Conneaut from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 25. She is driving and has room for three others. Contact her if interested.

 

Meeting was adjourned.

 

Submitted by:

• James Merva and Cindy Hixenbaugh