I. Opening and Pledge of Allegiance – President Bob Eister welcomed us and recognized all MGVs that are Educators by having them stand. These Educators led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
a. Secretary Recording – Kathy Costa & Marie Belfast
b. Committee Chairperson Reports
i. Pam B – Co Coordinator Upcoming art series classes and what materials will be needed. Pam requested the need for greenery cut to 12-to-20-inch lengths for two upcoming holiday container classes in November. The classes are on Nov.8 and Nov.15. Materials may be brought to the office on the Mondays before the classes (Nov.6 and Nov.13). Please leave greenery outside of office to prevent any sticky sap in building. There will be another holiday centerpiece class in December. Pam also announced that Continuing Education Units Zoom programs are back and can be accessed by going to: go.osu.edu./MGVlearn. These are the 2023-2024 Hort. Happy Hour and Lunch and Learn Webinar Series classes.
ii. Community Outreach –Thresea H & Lois M –U – Thresea Harris said there has not yet been an announcement of a theme for this year’s Christmas tree decorations at the Fellow Gardens. If you are on her committee, please contact her to let her know by calling, not emailing. This year the tree will cost $70. She is planning to decorate on either Nov. 29 or 30.
iii. Hospitality – Peg Z- Please call Peg to sign up for food donations for next month’s classes. We were encouraged to take food safety course (especially new members). OQC class Info was on a handout at the meeting and is available online.
iv. Veterans (Building and Wreaths) – Al L, Chester K & Mike B. – Mike announced that the ceremony for the Wreaths Program will take place at 10am at the Canfield main cemetery on Rt 224. Please arrive by 8:30am to help put tags on the wreaths. Enter through the first drive and pull into the back where parking is provided. Al said they are still waiting on daffodil bulbs which will be planted near the Log Cabin at the fairgrounds. Chester said that a new roof has been installed on the cabin.
II. MGV Officers Business
a. Bob reported the initial 2023 September Recruitment & Retention MGV Open House was held at our OSU Extension office on Wednesday, September 27th from 3-5 pm.) We had 20 RSVP s and they all came to meet us. We also had 7 people walk in. Exit comments from the attendees were very positive. Thanks for all who contributed to making this event so successful. Bob informed us a retention call list will be sent out on October 23rd, just to give those that have the hours completed time to enter them into the Hands on Connect (HOC) system. Kristen needs time to review our hours entered into the HOC system. Those needing help entering completed hours can go to Hands on Connect help day. This is on Dec 12 from 9am-6pm. Eric approved IPM credit for reading IPM Vindy articles and the BY&G articles for our Continuing Educations hours.
b. Bob discussed the expectations, duties and qualifications of Committee Chairs and Officers for 2024 – A handout was provided at the meeting providing the duties of officers and committee chairs as well as qualifications for these positions. The offices of President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Communications Liaison serve for 2 consecutive years. Marilyn M. and her team is in need of new members to help with the state awards committee. Stephanie B. (Education Committee) requests all Education training kits be returned to the office if you have any of them.
III. OSU Administrative Report – Eric
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MGV Nominations will be taken at the November meeting. Voting will follow via an online survey.
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There is an online survey in your October Newsletter to submit topics that you would like education on in 2024. Eric needs Vindy articles. Eric reported that Spotted Lanternfly has been seen in our area. If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, notify the office. You will need a picture or the Spotted Lanternfly to verify it. Kristen is working on Power Point education, 101 and 102.
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Please continue to enter your hours in Hands on Connect, they are due December 31st. There is a Hands on Connect help day on December 12thfrom 9:00 am to 6:00pm.
IV. Misc. Items for Discussion
a. Discussion on OSU Approved MGV yard sign. – If you would like an OSU MGV yard sign, notify Jim M.
The sign would say “An OSU Master Gardener Volunteer lives here” then show the logo. Costs below quoted by one local printer. 24×18 Full Color Yard Signs (Double sided / stakes included) QTY 5- $15 each, 10- $12 each, 20- $10 each and 50- $9 each.
b. Field trips – Paula K would like to help coordinate some possible Day or Overnight Trips next year. Bus or POV? Maybe both.
What about private car pool garden tours? Pass to Education committee for full consideration and cost estimates.