I. Opening and Pledge of Allegiance
(President Bob Eister and Veteran Volunteer Al Leonhart). Bob introduced and welcomed Bessie Anderson, MGV Emeritus to our meeting. She has served us for many years and was very active as a MGV.
a. Secretary Recording – Marie Belfast & Kathy Costa
b. Committee Chairperson Topic Discussion
· Community Outreach – Lois Martin-Uscanowski & Thresea Harris
Thresea announced that the Good Nature Garden Partners begins in May, Veggies and More program in June and Fellows Riverside Gardens Christmas tree information will be given in November.
· Education – Stephanie Barkay & Marge Greenisen
No updates
· Spring Workshop – Marianna Eister & Jim Merva
Marianna announced the names of several speakers for the upcoming workshops. She encouraged us to sign up on the various clipboards where help is needed for these two Saturday Garden workshops. Help is needed for desserts (a.m. and lunch), garden art, parking, and with goodie bags for both sessions. Those MGV’s not present may call the office to help with the workshops. Dates are April 22 & 29. Jim showed the beautiful flyers that will be distributed in the community announcing this event. It will be publicized in the Vindy newspaper and garden clubs as well as Facebook. He said we can reach 52,000+ people by sharing the postings on Facebook.
- Hospitality – Natalie Fraser & Peg Zeleznik
Natalie reminded us to sign up to bring in food for our Tuesday MGV’s intern lunches. Sign up and take the FCS Occasional Quantity Cooks Training (OQC) online to bring food items that you have prepared. Anyone may bring in store bought food.
- Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague
Mahoning County clinic services begin April 3 and Columbiana County on April 5. David announced there will be a training at the end of March (date to be determined).
II. MGV Officers Items
a. MGV Training 2023 Class & Events– Hospitality needs MGVs to sign up to bring food for the training class.
b. Garden Workshop – (April 22 & 29) Signup- Hospitality has sign-up sheet for us to sign up to bring in food for both days of the workshop.
c. Mentoring Program – Mentees were assigned, and we had a meet and greet. Bob asked us to raise our hand to identify the mentors. Bob told the MGVs if they want to find out more about the mentoring program, they can talk to any of the mentors for information. Bob said more members will need to volunteer to be mentors for the next training class.
d. Suggested Idea – new subcommittee (Member Recruiting and Retention) See Handout. Bob told us he was suggesting a sub-committee on Recruiting and Retention to add to an existing committee, such as Community Outreach. He asked us to read a handout he prepared. Discussion resumed after having read the handout. Bob asked us how we could increase our recruiting and support each other. Bob asked us to remember how many people started the training classes we were in and if anyone missed those who did not graduate as MGVs. We should be asking them for feedback on why they chose to not progress. He also provided examples of some ways we could better support our members. There was some discussion about how to recruit. One proposal was to hold an “Open House” event 3 times per year. Another proposal discussed was offering programs with more children being involved in gardening. We discussed the activities we have going on now that involve children such as Good-Natured Garden Partners. There was also discussion about the reasons we stay involved and we all need to tell other people about our MGV program to help with recruiting.
Bob suggested that we form this committee to address these critical needs. A small group of interested MGVs can determine what we can do better, and structure a sub-committee of volunteers to improve our ability to recruit, retain, communicate and support each other. Bob suggested that MGVs send them cards. Bob stated that this is another example of how we can communicate and support each other. Bob called for a vote by individual ballot of approve or disapprove the suggestion for the new sub-committee. He asked those who approve and wish to serve on the new committee to place their names on the approval ballots. The new group will review any comments or concerns that may be written on the ballot too. After the meeting, Kristen complied the results 31 votes for the new subcommittee and 4 votes against the new subcommittee.
*** If you are interested in helping with the recruitment and retention, please contact Kristen***
- Correction – Bob said after careful consideration and review a designated time will be established other than during MGV regular meetings to Meet and Greet interested visitors.
Reminder -The pre-meeting time was originally set up as a social time. Limited space is available in the office and meeting space must be reserved on a first come basis by the office staff. We can’t have too many meetings at the same time or critical input will be missed in our planning and communications. Please keep in mind that the office has offered to set up Zoom meetings for committees.
III. OSU Administrative Report – Eric & Kristen
i. Please read your newsletters. Kristen has sign up sheets for hospitality for the training class, Morning with the Masters and the garden art series. For the Morning with the Masters, the first 2 people to sign up to be a hostess can attend the class for free.
ii. Per the Handbook on page 8 for incentives. Your first 10 volunteer hours after the required 20 volunteer hours can earn you a free class. If you believe that you have earned a free class, please let Kristen know. The 10 hours must be verified through Hands on Connect.
iii. Applications for Awards are due on April 30th. Marilyn told us we are applying for state awards in 6 categories.
IV. Adjournment of Admin Meeting – Education meeting follows.
(Eric presents available teaching kits)
Reminders:
- 2023 Streetscape Kickoff and Press Conference- Tuesday, March 21stat 8 am
The public Library of Youngstown: 305 Wick Ave. RSVP by March 14th, https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejnb9yqcc73ab708&oseq=&c=&ch= MGV’s will be going as a group. Please register if you can attend.
· Mike B, chairman of the Veterans Committee, is asking for our members’ help in finding a new cemetery to place our wreaths on this year.
· Mahoning Plant &Pest clinic starts on 3 April and the Columbiana clinic starts on 5 April. There will be a clinic training class at the end of March.
· Vindy Articles for Eric
- Garden Art Monthly Series-Begins April 5. Garden Art Series-“Pocket Size Flower Press” (Contact the office to sign up to help).
- Mornings with the Masters-Series begins March 14 “Seed Starting” with Peg (contact the office to sign up to help).