Opening and Pledge of Allegiance –
- Veterans led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Committee Reports
- Bring One Take One (Exchange Only) – Bob and Marianna Eister
- Save the Date August 9th
- Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik – No report
- Community Outreach – Thresea Harris – Thresea
- Veggie and More will start planning in April.
- Education – Karen Gates and Stephanie Hughes
- Stephanie told us the education kits are ready to be introduced, and they are planning to implement them.
- Hospitality – Natalie Fraser and Peg Zeleznik – No report
- New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Marilyn McKinley and Gail Siembida – No report
- OSU Extension Grounds – David Burnham and Paula Kohler
- David told us there will be an organizational meeting on the March 13th prior to the monthly meeting and a pruning clinic later, watch for updates.
- Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague
- They are working on winter projects.
- Recruitment and Retention – Marilyn McKinley and Kary Shively – No report
- Veterans Committee- Chester Kaschak, Carol Kirsch, and Al Leonhart
- Carol told us a meeting was held today. They discussed possible cemeteries. The committee is looking for a cemetery with 100 Veterans, probably Veterans of WWII or after. If there’s more than 100, there may be donations to provide wreaths for more or could split them between 2 years.
- Garden Workshop – Patty Kacenski and Jim Merva
- Jim gave us an update on the Garden Workshop. The workshop will be on April 12th from 9am – 3:30 pm. There will be 1 workshop. Flyers are available so take them and post the flyers in garden centers or other locations; A signup sheet was passed around. The committee had signed up for spots at the committee meeting and there are 26 openings available for MGVs to sign up. Jim said there will be 3 breakout sessions with 3 options each time. The Friday before, we will fill the bags we will give out at the workshop.
Administration Report
- There will be a training class in 2026 applications are available and due by December 5th. MGVs should get the word out so those interested could apply by mail or online. The cost is $225. There will also be an OCVN training class if anyone is interested.
- Pollinator Palooza – May 10th – Mahoning County Partners will be holding a native plant sale on May 10th from 9am – 12pm at 850 Industrial Rd, Youngstown. MGVs will be helping with this. This is a new event. If you are not able to be there the entire 4 hours, you can share your time with a partner and split the hours. You would need to communicate with your partner before relieving you, the information they need to take over. You can notify Kristen to sign up.
- Garden Art Set-Up – The 2025 schedule is completed and hosts are needed. At least 5 are needed for each Garden Art demonstration and 9 are needed for the holiday demonstrations. You can notify the office to sign up
- Morning with the Masters Update – The classes are filled with presenters and hosts. The first class at the library had 53 attendees. There are 2 hosts for each class. One of the hosts will take their box of information and flyers. Hosts will assist the presenters by letting them know how many minutes are left with signs. Kristen sent out emails to hosts and presenters.
- Flying High Series – Kristen is looking for MGVs to help with this series of education from April to August at the downtown farm. Contact her for more information
- MGV Hours Log, if needed – This form was developed to keep track of your HOC hours.
- OQC Update – There’s been a problem with the Occasional Quality Cooks training website. It is being worked on.
- Fruit Tree Pruning Clinic will be on April 5th at Whitehouse Farms by Eric Barrett, Chevula Motswaledi, and David Hull. If you have a class coupon, it can be used for this clinic.
New Business
- Move or Cancel October Meeting – The October Meeting will be on October 2nd, after a vote from MGVs in attendance.
- State Awards – The State Awards will be at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster on October 9th and 10th.
Closing
- Adjournment – Next Meeting: March 13th
- Reminders:
- Vindy Articles are needed! Contact Chevula at 1@osu.edu. Send Vindy articles to Chevula.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Please See Kristen if you are interested
- MYCAP Senior Center – Have new raised beds, want education on how to grow veggies and when to plant. March or April Timeframe preferably in the afternoon.
- Greenford Community Library – Open to any gardening topic including wildlife, pollinators, seeds, etc. Summer Timeframe for Adults and Children. Noon preferred.