Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting
August 8, 2024
Opening and Pledge of Allegiance: President Pam Baytos welcomed all and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Committee Reports
- Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Thresea thanked all the MGVs for attending and supporting the Monday Veggies and More Program. Those present are always learning something new. She will have info about our Christmas tree decorations at the next meeting in September.
- Education – Mariann Mannion and Karen Gates: Stephanie Barkay announced an upcoming field trip visit on Sept.7th at 11am to the Bending Oak Permaculture Farm. Karen has more info which will appear in the next newsletter.
- Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris – No report
- New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Gail Siembida, Marge Greenisen, and Pinky Steffen – Pinky told us the Columbiana County Fair Board was happy with the pollinator garden at the fairgrounds.
- OSU Extension Grounds – Paula Kohler and Mike Beaudis: Paula thanked the mulching crew and those that put a brick border around the flower bed surrounding OSU Extension sign. She said they will have one or two more cleanups before the fair.
- Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague – No report
- Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson: Bob E. said he and Pat Murphy are still working on the MGV Pictorial directory. Please submit your photo to Bob and bio to Pam, if you haven’t done so already. We want to make sure everyone is included.
- Veterans – Al Leonhart, Mike Beaudis, and Chester Kaschak: Al announced there would be a meeting before the fair for those helping with the veteran’s cabin grounds. He will get in touch with them when he has a date. Al is not sure when the mums will be delivered. He will let the committee members know when the mums will be planted. Mike said the wreaths are ordered and paid. Next year we need a different cemetery for placement of about 100 wreaths. The cemetery can be in Mahoning or Columbiana County. Kristen announced that a letters are sent out by the office every year asking for donations. If you know of a business that should be added please contact Candace.
Administration Report
- MGV Apparel: The MGV apparel orders were picked up at the meeting. If there are any problems with the quality of the apparel, let Kristen know so she can have it corrected.
- Volunteer Opportunities below: Kristen went over the volunteer opportunities. Let Kristen know if you are interested in any of them.
- OSU Extension Building Update: The roof, siding and parking lot has been completed. Thanks to Mike and his team for upgrading the sign, it looks awesome.
Old Business
- Winter Holiday Donation? Let Kristen know if you have any ideas of a group that we can contribute to their cause. We are thinking about doing this in December around the holidays.
New Business
- Bring One Take One – Ryan Emmet-Luchansky and Debbie Tominey: Ryan told us the committee met earlier today. She said the art work and the plants are extraordinary. She thanked everyone for their hard work. When you come on Saturday morning, park across the street at the fairgrounds. If you want to buy anything at the sale, wait 45 minutes after the sale starts to give the public the chance to shop before we purchase anything.
- Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik: The committee has decided on the display. Let Jim know if you won’t be able to bring any plants you were going to bring. Set up will be on Monday, August 26th. Jim and other MGVs will be there at 8am to set up the framework for the display. MGVs to set up the remainder of the display can come at 10 am. The time slots for volunteering at the fair is filled except for a couple openings. There is a QR code for the exhibit. There will be a make-n-take using egg cartons.
- The fair packets were given to MGVs who had signed up for the fair. If you just signed up, your packet will be available on Monday. The packets include the fair tickets and parking pass. If you signed up but are unable to volunteer, let Kristen know and return the parking pass and tickets.
- Conference Awards – Marilyn told us State Awards will be on Zoom this year. We could have the Zoom at the extension office for MGVs and possibly have a covered dish.
Closing
Pam introduced our speaker Pinky Steffen. Pinky’s presentation was on Jumping Worms.
- Adjournment – Next Meeting: September 12th
- Reminders:
- Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
- Bring One Take One: August 10th
- We are looking for fresh, unwashed, donations picked the morning of August 14th for the Garden Art Vinegar Class. Herbs loosely wrapped in paper towel and slid into an open Ziplock labelled with the name of plant and from whose garden it came. Please place inside back kitchen fridge by 3:30pm. Herbs needed: Organic garlic, Organic lemons, Spicy red pepper, Mild red pepper, oregano, thyme, basil, purple basil, rosemary, sage, bay leaf, marjoram, mint, lemongrass, lemon balm, chives, tarragon. The flowers of many of these would be great! I am so thankful for those who donated last year, and those willing to donate this year.
- Canfield Fair: August 28th thru September 2nd
- Bending Oak Permaculture Farm on September 7th at 11 am. Contact Karen for details.
- 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.
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.
- Idabelle’s Gathering Place- 8/15/2024 at 12:30 pm. Careers in horticulture. Contact Haley Shoemaker at 330-967-7249 or 306@osu.edu
- 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