Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting
Opening and Pledge of Allegiance
- Pam welcomed everyone and Chester Kaschak led us in the Pledge.
- Al Leonhart announced that the Vindy newspaper had a wonderful article about Chester, his life and service to our country, and all the activities that he continues to volunteer in and support for our military and our community including MGVs. Congratulations to Chester.
Committee Reports
- Bring One Take One – Ryan Emmet-Luchansky and Debbie Tominey: Debbie thanked all MGVs that helped make the BOTO a great, successful event. A thank you note from Ryan was passed around as well.
- Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik: Jim thanked all 50-60 MGVs who stepped up to make our exhibit and work at the fair. It was truly a group effort.
- Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Thresea thanked all MGVs who interacted with the community at the Veggies and More Tour Monday night garden events. She said our Fellows Riverside Gardens Christmas tree will be decorated the week after Thanksgiving. Please decorate a garden tool for the tree.
- Education – Karen Gates: Karen announced that the trip to Perma Culture Bending Oak was canceled and rescheduled for Tues.Sept.24 at 2 pm. Please email Karen if you want to go. (kg1023@gmail.com). Karen is waiting for more information to plan a trip to the fig farm nearby. The information was sent out on 9/16.
- Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris: Peg said food for the Morning with The Masters is next on the committee’s agenda and thanked Natalie for our meeting’s delicious cookies.
- New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Gail Siembida, Marge Greenisen, and Pinky Steffen: Pinky announced that the next grounds cleanup is Thursday, Sept.19 at 9am in Lisbon.
- OSU Extension Grounds – Paula Kohler and Mike Beaudis: Paula thanked all on the grounds committee for their help. When the days cool down the work hours will increase from 2 hours to 3 or 4. After the first frost, a cleanup will be needed. More to come for this committee.
- Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague: David said the clinic will continue through October. The clinic volunteers recently had a nice get-together for lunch.
- Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson: Bob E. said they are focusing on getting bios and photos from this year’s interns. Please send photos to Bob and bio info to Pat Murphy.
- Veterans – Al Leonhart, Mike Beaudis, and Chester Kaschak: Al announced that the Veterans Wreath Project is on schedule and Chester was honored on 9-11.
Administration Report
- MGV Apparel is at the office, please pick it up.
- Nominations for Committee Chairs at the October Meeting – During the October meeting, there will be nominations for chairs of our committees.
- HOC Help Day Wednesday, October 23rd from 9 am to 7 pm – Kristen will be available all day from 9 am – 7 pm to help anyone who needs HOC help. You can bring your computer or use the Extension office’s iPad.
- If you have any photos from any of the events, please send them to Kristen or Candace so that we can save them.
- Volunteer Opportunities on the back.
- Kristen told us the library mini-series has started. Kristen asked MGVs to notify her if you are interested in presenting a topic at one of Mahoning County Libraries. This will phase out the Morning with the Masters.
- Don’t trim your trees and shrubs yet! We need greenery for Garden Art Series for the Holiday Containers and Holiday Centerpieces. If you have pine, fox head, cedar, hydrangea heads or any other plants with greenery or branches with berries please wait to trim them for the classes if possible.
Old Business
- Winter Holiday Donation – A vote was taken to pick one of the causes for us to make a Christmas Holiday donation. The causes are listed below. Sleep in Heavenly Peace received the most votes. Kristen will contact them for more specific information about donations. It is optional for MGVs to donate.
- Children’s Hospital (Books)
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Twin Bedding)
- MCAP Diaper Drive (Diapers)
- Pregnancy Help Center (Diapers and Formula)
- Veterans Haven (Canned or Packaged Meat)
- Vincent DePaul (Soup Kitchen)
- The Community Kitchen (Soup Kitchen)
New Business
- Earlier Meetings in the Winter? – The vote was tied on changing the meeting time. Please vote here: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eez5hT3gAlRtpGe
- State Awards – Marilyn provided information printed information on the State Awards.
- Raising State Dues in 2025 – $15 instead of $10. This is set by the state.
- October 24th @ 6 pm watch party – There will be a Zoom on the winners of State Awards for the State. It was suggested we could bring a covered dish.
- Paula told us there are plants left from the fair. Please take them home.
- Beth told us dried flowers are needed for her presentation on November 13th.
- MGVs should look for the State OSU MGV Lunch and Learn series. It starts October 8th. Please visit: osu.edu/mgvlearn
- Pam announced that after the meeting Kristen will do an informative presentation titled All Eyes Are Needed: Spotted Lanternfly.
Closing
- Adjournment – Next Meeting: October 10th
- Reminders:
- Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
- Beth Sanders is looking for donations of pumpkins and dried flowers for her speaking event. If you have any, please contact Beth at 330-369-3385.
- State Lunch and Learn starts October 8
- HOC Help Day Wednesday October 23rd from 9 am to 7 pm
Volunteer Opportunities:
Please See Kristen if you are interested.
- Library Mini – Series for the Fall: Open to any gardening topic. Please let Kristen know if you would be interested to help.
- YMHA Starting Gardens. Please let Kristen know if you would be interested to help.
- Lowellville Park- W. Wood Street., Lowellville, OH 44436
- Norton Manor- 1400 Springdale Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505
- Vasu Manor- 137 Roosevelt Dr., Campbell, Oh 44405
- Birds of Flight Native Pollinator Garden. Please let Kristen know if you would be interested to help.
- South Range School would like help with a school apple orchard. Please let Kristen know if you would be interested to help.
- Boardman Schools would like help learning to graft fruit trees. Please let Kristen know if you would be interested.
- Salem Historical Society- October 2024 or May 2025 Native Appalachia Plants. Contact Haley Shoemaker at 330-967-7249 or 306@osu.edu
Submitted by Marie Belfast and Kathy Costa