Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting
December 11, 2025
Opening and Pledge of Allegiance – Pam opened the meeting, and Chet led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Committee Reports
- Community Outreach – Thresea Harris – Our tree at Mill Creek is decorated and will be there until January 7th. Thresea thanked Lois and Val for helping.
- Hospitality – Natalie Fraser and Peg Zeleznik – Peg asked us to sign up to bring food for the classes for our 2026 MGV Training Class. The classes will start February 10th through April 28th. We have 21 applications, so plan on 30 that will eat. We always show great hospitality to our new trainees.
- Veterans- Chester Kaschak, Carol Kirsch, and Al Leonhart – Carol told us the wreaths were placed last Saturday. She said it was a great ceremony to honor our veterans. American Legion Post 574 provided the Color Guard. Students from West Branch High School assisted, and Mason Brown performed TAPS. Kristen thanked Carol and her committee for the great job in planning the ceremony.
Administration Report
- I still need speakers for Morning with the Masters Series – Kristen needs more speakers for the library presentations. You can speak on any gardening topic. It can be a fun, light-hearted topic. It only needs to be 1 hour, which includes 15 minutes for questions. You can do a presentation with PowerPoint or you can use props.
- RSVP for the FREE Occasional Quantity Cooks Class on December 18th 10 am to 12:30 pm at the Office
- RSVP for the Banquet due December 19th – You can notify the office by email or phone call.
- Recertification in HOC due December 31st – If your recertification is not done by December 31st, you will become inactive. Also, this is part of winning our Platinum MGV group designation every year.
- Volunteer and Continuing Education Hours are due December 31st, but enter them ASAP
- $15 State Dues need to be turned into the office by January 31st. Checks payable to OSU Extension – You can pay by cash or check and you can pay at the banquet.
- If you need a new name tag let me know ASAP! – Kristen told us she is going to order name tags next week, so let her know if you need one. Also, let her know if you want a magnetic, lanyard or pin.
- The Extension Office will be closed December 24th through January 1st for Winter Recess – Kristen will not be available by email this week.
- Stephanie Hughes’s son passed away, please think of her and her family at this time.
Old Business
- Holiday Donation Vote for 2025: Youngstown Blue Coats. Bring your donation items to the office anytime we are open until Monday, December 15th. You can gain the following hours for donating certain items:
- 2 hours – Adult Coats, Boots, Tents, Sleeping bags
- 1 hour – blankets, kids’ coats, tarps
- .5 hour – 2 pairs of gloves, 2 winter hats, 2 pairs of heavy socks
- These items can be dropped off before 4:30pm on Monday.
- Pam introduced our officers and committee chairs for next year.
New Business
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest – Doreen won the Ugly Sweater Contest.
- There was a drawing for MGVs who have recertified, and there were 3 winners.
Closing
- Adjournment – Banquet January 8th doors open at 6:00 pm
- Send articles to Chevula at 1@osu.edu.
- 2026 Meetings – Social time 6:00 pm, Meeting starts 6:30 pm at the Mahoning County Extension Office
- February 12th
- March 12th
- April 9th
- May 14th
- June 11th
- July 9th
- August 13th
- September 10th
- October 8th
- November 12th
- December 10th
Alex Kennedy presented education on Colors and Team Building.
Submitted by Kathy Costa