Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2025
Opening and Pledge of Allegiance: President Pam Baytos led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Committee Reports
- Bring One Take One (Exchange Only) – Bob and Marianna Eister: Marianna announced Aug 9th as the date for this event. There is a committee meeting on June 12th @ 5:30 pm in the small classroom before the regular monthly meeting. The BOTO exchange with be moved inside if it rains. The event will be announced at the upcoming Spring Garden Workshop. Plant and Pest Clinic table and general info table will be set up as well as coffee and drinks.
- Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik; Committee members will meet March 31st 5:30-6:30 in large classroom.
- Community Outreach – Thresea Harris: The first Veggies and More tour is Monday, June 2nd at 6 pm at Flying High (Greenhouse). Other summer Monday events are in planning stage.
- Education – Karen Gates and Stephanie Hughes: Karen said there is a spreadsheet with PowerPoint info if you need that info. A spring field trip to the lavender gardens in Ellsworth is being planned. Karen has put together a PowerPoint/Video of last year’s field trip to the Fig Tree farm and will present it after the June meeting.
- Hospitality – Natalie Fraser and Peg Zeleznik: Peg announced there is a sign-up sheet available for the upcoming Spring Garden Workshop. Breakfast snacks and lunch desserts are requested (Lunch is being provided by the Extension Office).
- New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Marilyn McKinley and Gail Siembida: no report
- OSU Extension Grounds – David Burnham and Paula Kohler: David said the committee met before the main MGV mtg and they will meet again on March 24th @ 2pm. The committee would appreciate any plant donations for the OSU grounds. Please notify Paula or David if you have plants to donate to the extension gardens.
- Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague: There will be two training meetings for the clinic both sharing the same information. Dates are March 25th or 28th from 10am-12pm.
- Recruitment and Retention – Marilyn McKinley and Kary Shively: no report
- Veterans Committee– Chester Kaschak, Carol Kirsch, and Al Leonhart: Carol announced they will meet April 10 @ 5:30pm in the small classroom.
- Garden Workshop – Patty Kacenski and Jim Merva: Jim said there is a meeting on March 20 @ 1:30 pm in the large classroom and he will provide a list of volunteer sign-ups and their descriptions. The event is on April 12. The day before on April 11 @1pm they will set up tables and put together goodie bags. Vindy article was in the paper and we are asked to share the event on Facebook and anywhere else. Flyers are available at the office. Door prizes will be given at the event.
Administration Report
- There will be a training class in 2026 applications are available and due by December 5th. Applications are available in office and fillable on-line.
- Garden Art Helpers: sign-up sheet in back. Remember to enter your volunteer and educational hours to qualify for a free class.
- Flying High Series: If you are interested in speaking at one of the events let Kristen know. Please note that there is no power or screen so there would not be powerpoints used.
- May: Transplanting from Growers to Your Garden
- July: Common Pests in Your Garden (Maybe use the Pest Cards)
- August: Harvesting
- Salem Historical Society – Native Appalachian Plants in May 2025 – Stephanie Barkay
- MGV Hours Log, if needed: MGV hours sheet was available on back table
- Fruit tree Pruning Clinic: April 5th at the White House Fruit Farm at 2pm. Other fruit tree clinics will take place in Mineral Ridge (Flying High) and at the Hope for Newport Veggies and More Tour. We are hoping to schedule on at St. Pat’s Orchard.
New Business
- PowerPoint Presentation Class: Let Pam know if you are interested in getting help in making a PowerPoint presentation. If you have a presentation and would like to practice presenting it and/or get advice on your work let Stephanie Barkay know.
- Lawrence County, PA Symposium on Gardening: Kristen announced the event is on April 5 9am-3:30pm. It will be similar to ours and a fee is required. More info on-line. https://extension.psu.edu/your-best-garden-ever-symposium
- CityScapes Event: Lois said there is a breakfast on March 21 at 8am but you must register by March 15 online. Look for more info on their website. https://youngstowncityscape.org/
- Tulip Experience: Whitehouse Market this spring
Closing
- Adjournment – Next Meeting: April 10th
- Reminders:
- Vindy Articles are needed! Contact Chevula at 1@osu.edu.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Please See Kristen if you are interested
- MYCAP Senior Center (Northside) – 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.
- East Rochester Garden Club (Columbiana) – Pruning for landscape flowers on 9/16/2025
After the meeting, Jas Matalik presented a program on permaculture entitled “Regenerative Gardening- Growing the Way Nature Does”. He works in Liberty at the Bending Oaks Facility.
Submitted by Marie Belfast, Secretary