Month: April 2024

MGV Minutes for April 11, 2024

Master Gardener Volunteer Minutes

April 11, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

Vice President Stephanie Barkay welcomed all and Al Leonhart led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Marilyn Mckinley reported that our MGV President, Pam Baytos, is doing well recovering from her recent surgery and has begun her treatments. She continues to keep a positive attitude and really appreciates our love and support.

At our March meeting, Stephanie B. gave away tubers and in one of the containers there was a garden trowel which she would like returned to her. Thanks for your help with this.

Committee Reports

  • Bring One Take One:  Ryan Emmet-Luchansky
    • Thank you for the donations received to date. We are still in need of more pots, containers, tools, and baskets that are in good condition to be used for the BOTO on Aug.10th. The first committee meeting will be announced soon for next month.
    • There will be a Herb sale on May 11 at the Canfield Fairgrounds sponsored by the Holborn Herb Guild.
  • Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik – Peg announced the following for Jim: Theme is education and there are 8 areas of focus for the MGV space. Displays are coming together and help is needed from any MGVs willing to provide plants in the following areas: Native Ohio/ Pollinator, Container-shade loving or showy, House Plants, Herbs/Veggies. A sign-up sheet was available for this. Also, please save egg cartons (paper) for one of the make-and-take ideas. The next committee meeting is Wed. May 1st from 3-4. If you would like to reach Jim with ideas, his cell is 330-727-0780.
  • Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski – Thresea announced that the Christmas tree for Fellows Gardens has been paid. The Veggies and More calendar will be put together in May. Congratulations to Lois as she has been nominated to receive the Athena Leadership Award.
    • Lois needs to know ASAP if you want to help with Cityscape Event June 1. T-shirts will be available for the first 500 signed up.
  • Garden Workshop – Marianna Eister and Jim Merva
    • Sign-up sheets for the Saturday workshops were sent around during the meeting. Marianna has asked that those helping in the morning, show up no earlier than 8:15 am. There are still openings to attend the workshops. Marianna gave volunteers their written assignments. Volunteers see Marianna after the meeting for more details.
  • Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris: Peg thanked the many MGVs that have contributed generously to our intern lunches on Tuesdays. Interns have really enjoyed the great food. The OSU staff is also grateful for the wonderful lunches as well. A sign-up sheet to help with the remaining lunches and morning coffees was sent around. If you can help let Peg know. Some MGVs have donated money to help with the cost of the food that other MGVs prepare. Thank you very much for your generosity. Peg suggested we consider appetizers instead of baked good donations for the next R&R MGV Open House in June.
  • OSU Extension Grounds – Mike Beaudis and Paula Kohler – Mike thanked his committee for help with clean-up around the OSU office. Katie Shipka took photos at one of their last work sessions.
  • Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague-
    • Mahoning Clinic is Monday and Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm if you want to volunteer, and Wednesdays in Columbiana from 12-3pm.
  • Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson – Bob E. shared an update on our Pictorial Directory which will help us learn more about our MGVs and be able to connect with them, too. It is optional to answer the questions. Please send in your bio asap and photo as well. If you would like to review what you submitted please let Bob E. know. Thanks for your help with this project.
  • Education– A tour of the Villa Maria grounds is being planned for May 18 with carpools meeting at the office at 10:15 am.

Administration Report

  • Kristen told us that Lori sent a thank you note for her retirement party and gifts.
  • There will be some changes on Hands on Connect to hopefully make it more user-friendly for your hours. – Kristen asked us to let her know if there’s anything she needs to add for a volunteer activity.
  • Update on the Training Class – The interns’ presentations will be done on April 30th and May 7th from 9 am – 3:30 pm
  • Library Mini-Series – Kristen announced that we have a partnership with Mahoning County Library. In the fall, we will be doing a mini- series at the libraries in the county.
  • Sign-up for Garden Art and Morning with the Masters – There are dates available to help with hospitality and volunteer hours. Hosts are needed for Morning with the Masters.
  • Apparel Order – Orders and Money Due April 15
  • South Range Schools requested help with starting fruit trees. If you are interested, notify Kristen.
  • Apple trees – Apple trees Golden Rush and Enterprise are available to purchase for $20. You need a crabapple tree for them to cross pollinate or you can purchase a Golden Rush and Enterprise for cross pollination.

Old Business

  • Entertainment Event – Marilyn McKinley – Sign up sheet passed around. The event is on May 6th at 5:30 pm and cost is $5. We will need 50 people to sign up. It is a music trivia event and pot luck.
  • Marge Greenisen is taking orders for Smucker House geraniums. There are 5 colors of geraniums and cost is $1.50. You can pick them up at Marge’s house on May 18th or at the extension office on May 20th. Marge is taking orders until May 1st.

New Business

  • On June 25th, a Mill Creek trolley tour is planned. The cost is $20 per person.

Closing

  • Adjournment – Next Meeting: May 9th
  • Reminders:
    • Training Class Starts Feb 20th through May 7th. You need to let the office know if you are planning on coming to the classes prior to coming.
    • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
    • Speaking Opportunities
      • Salem Area Garden Club 11/13/2024 @ 7pm – Pumpkin Floral Arrangement
      • The library would like to do a fall mini-series please let Kristen know if you are interested.
    • 24/7/365 Vegetable Garden – April 17th @10:30-11:30
    • R&R Meeting – May 2nd @ 6:30pm
    • MGV Trivia – May 6th @ 5:30pm to 8:00pm (RSVP by May 1st to 973-865-7441)

After the meeting, Stephanie introduced our speakers Cassandra Vallentini and Melanie from Direction Home of Eastern Ohio.