Month: June 2024

MGV Minutes for June 13, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance – Stephanie Barkay opened the meeting. Al led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

  • Marilyn told us that Pam only has one more treatment to finish with her chemotherapy. She has words of encouragement posted on her refrigerator. Pam continues to show her strength as she continues her treatment. She has been staying away from crowds to avoid any infections.

Committee Reports

  • Bring One Take One (BOTO) – Ryan Emmet-Luchansky and Debbie Tominey – Ryan told us the cleaned pots are underneath the long table by the pest clinic. MGVs can use these pots to bring their plants in. Debbie encouraged us to make garden art crafts and to add our craft idea to the sign-up form. Ryan mentioned a workday could be set up for us to work together on some craft projects. The BOTO will be on Saturday, August 10 The plant exchange will be 9-10:30 am and the inside sale will be 9 am -12 pm. Volunteers should be at the extension at 8:30 am. We will set up on Friday, August 9th 9-12. You can bring your plants in the day of our meeting on Thursday, August 8th or Friday from 9-2. It will help if the plants are identified.
  • Canfield Fair – Jim Z – No report
  • Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski – Thresea passed around a sign-up form for Veggies and More. Veggies and More are every Monday. The dates and locations are on the sign-up form. Lois encouraged more of us to sign-up for CityScape next year.
  • Education – Karen went to Villa Marie. She told us they had flower and vegetable plants for sale. We will schedule a date to visit in July. The trolley for Mill Creek on June 25th is full for the 3-4 pm time slot but the 1:30 pm time has availability. Let Karen Gates know if you are interested (727-492-8605).
  • Garden Workshop – Marianna Eister and Jim Merva – They are done for the year
  • Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris – Kristen has a sign-up form to bring in treats for Morning with the Masters.
  • New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Pinky thanked those that helped at the Lisbon pollinator garden. Marilyn commented on how nice the gardens at Smucker House looked.
  • OSU Extension Grounds – Mike Beaudis and Paula Kohler – Mike told us he was stepping down as co-chair of the OSU Extension Grounds. Paula will be the chair. Mike encouraged committee members to help. If anyone wants to be added to the grounds committee, let Kristen know. Paula will determine the jobs that need done and committee members can let her know the date, time and the job they will do to make the times more flexible for the committee members.
  • Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague
    • Mahoning Clinic is Monday and Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm if you want to volunteer. Columbiana Clinic is Wednesday 12 pm to 3 pm.
  • Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson – 4 people came to the Open House, and all were very interested.
  • Veterans – Mike said this is his last year coordinating the laying of the wreaths at the cemetery. The next MGV to take over will need to find a cemetery in Columbiana or Mahoning County. Without extra funding, it has to be a cemetery in which only 100 wreaths would be needed for the veterans.

Administration Report

  • Kristen told us she appreciated everything we do for the community. She also reminded us that the summer will be a busy time for the office; there are many different programs within the office, and she won’t always be in the office. Mondays and Fridays are the best times to reach her. If you call or email her, please give her a few days to get back to you.
  • There will be some changes on Hands on Connect to hopefully make it more user-friendly for your hours. – Still to Come
  • Please notify Kristen if you are interested in doing the following education:
    • Library Mini-Series – series in the fall: open to any gardening topic
    • YMHA – starting gardens for vegetables, may be in raised beds
      • Lowellville Park, W. Wood St., Lowellville, OH 44436
      • Norton Manor, 1400 Springdale Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505
      • Vasu Manor, 137 Roosevelt Dr., Campbell, OH 44405
    • South Range Schools
    • Greenford Community Library – Saturday or Wednesday in the summer – talk about native plants, may be interested in other topics and lessons for youth
    • Salem Area Garden Club – November 13th: Pumpkin Floral Arrangement –Beth Sanders will be tackling this if anyone is interested in helping her.
    • Birds of Flight Native Pollinator Garden
    • Lincoln Plaza Project in Salem – help with trees and shrubs to beautify space
  • Sign-up for Garden Art and Morning with the Masters – We need more helpers for Garden art Classes
  • Marilyn told us she was presenting for the Beekeepers in Austintown on June 23rd. If you would like to help her, let her know.

Old Business

  • Winter Holiday Donation? If you have a place that you think could benefit from donations from the MGVs please let Kristen know.

New Business

  • Kristen asked us to ask an intern to accompany you when you are doing community presentations to help them learn.

Closing

  • Stephanie introduced tonight’s speaker – Jason Short presented Basic Bird and Spring Feeder/Yard Birds
  • Adjournment – Next Meeting: June 13th
  • Reminders:
    • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
    • Soil Life by Bill Snyder: Tuesday June 25th