I. Opening and Pledge of Allegiance (President and John Schoeni, Veteran Volunteer)
a. Secretary Recording – Kathy C and Barb K
b. Committee Chairperson Bob introduced committees and chairs
i. Bring One Take One – Kristen & Eric
ii. Canfield Fair – Jim Z
iii. Community Outreach –Thresea H & Lois M -U – Thresea told us she sent out letters for Good Natured Partners and she’s working on a schedule for Veggies and More. Lois told us City Scape is always the 1st Saturday in June. Lois needs to know T-shirt sizes ASAP for those attending the City Scape event.
iv. Education – Stephanie B & Marge G
v. Spring Workshop – Marianna E & Jim M
vi. Hospitality – Natalie F & Peg Z
vii. Plant and Pest Clinic – David S
viii.OSU Extension Grounds – Mike B & Paula K – Paula K said they weeded the front and put down mulch. They also seeded grass where the tree was removed. Paula said Mike asks committee members to call him back when they receive a call to let him know who will be helping on the grounds.
ix. Veterans (Building and Wreaths) – Al L, Chester K & Mike B – Chester told us that Huntington Bank is taking care of the edging and putting down mulch at the Log Cabin at the fairgrounds. The committee will be getting flowers at the end of May or the beginning of June. He will notify committee members to help with planting. They will be using the cemetery in Canfield on Broad St. for laying of wreaths. Military groups take part in the ceremony. This is a very special ceremony for the community and families to honor veterans.
x. Pollinator Gardens – Gail S & Marilyn M
II. MGV Officers Items
a. MGV Intern Introduction– Bob welcomed and introduced the interns to the MGVs. Each intern participated by giving us information about themselves. Bob used this as an exercise in passive and active listening. The interns shared important childhood memories and favorite plants.
b. Spring Workshop – (April 22 & 29) Review – Eric gave us a recap of the Spring Workshop. There were 86 paid registrations for both days. The paid registration helps pay for technical expenses, annual dinner for two for the MGVs, incentives for MGVs, MGV T shirts and extra incentives for work in the clinic and Vindy articles. The 77 evaluations of the workshop marked all areas as outstanding or very good in all areas, except for 7 scores of average. 100% said the workshops were worth their time and they would attend again. Eric said we should make the following changes: do walk-about education only if weather is good, pay for MGV lunches and give attendees a garden art coupon. Marianna recognized everyone who helped to make the workshops a success.
c. New subcommittee (Member Recruiting and Retention) Meets in May – Bob told us about the plans for a new committee on recruiting and retention. The 1st meeting will be at 630 pm on May 23rd. The committee will look at ways to recruit people by having some open houses. We will also decide how to structure the committee and what to focus on to keep people involved.
d. Leadership- responsibilities of leaders and volunteers (Sign Up/Show up) – Members need to support their leaders. If you sign up for an event, then participate. Bob asked the MGVs to start thinking for 2024 about being an officer or chairperson of a committee, descriptions can be found in your Handbook. To be an officer, you would have to be a MGV for 2 years. Bob asked what are the qualities you want from a leader? Members responded with suggestions. He reminded us of the 6 Es of leadership: envision, enlist, embody, empower, evaluate and encourage.
e. Garden Art Monthly Series – (Contact Office to help)
f. Writing Vindy Articles – Pam B told us Eric needs Vindy articles. The articles do not have to be very detailed, but needs to be something people can relate to. For example, you could talk about gardening memories or experiences with family members.
III. OSU Administrative Report – Eric & Kristen
a. MGV Apparel Order – Kristen said the order and money must be in on Monday.
b. Volunteer Opportunities – Kristen explained that Morning with the Masters only needs two volunteers but Garden Art needs a lot of volunteers to help people make things. Some of the Garden Art classes (like the Holiday Centerpiece) needs 1 volunteer for every attendee. Please sign up to help.
c. B&O Riverfest on June 11th – Kristen told us they want a community table set up and staffed. If you are interested, please reach out to Kristen
d. Apple trees – Eric told us he had a limited number of Gold Rush apple trees for sale to our members at $20 each. If you want an apple tree let Eric know.