Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting

December 12, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance- President Pam Baytos opened the meeting and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Committee Reports

• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Thresea announced our Mill Creek Park Fellows Riverside Garden Christmas tree was decorated on December 4^th. Thresea told us the tree turned out nice and thanked everyone for their help. The tree will be taken down on January 2, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
• Veterans – Al Leonhart, Mike Beaudis, and Chester Kaschak: Mike announced the Wreaths for Veterans Ceremony was held on December 7^th. The ceremony was very nice, and the American Legion presented colors, did a 21-gun salute and played Taps. Carol Kirsch will be taking over the Wreaths for Veterans.

Administration Report

• HOC Help Day Wednesday December 18^th from 9 am to 7 pm Last Effort: Kristen will be available to help any of us who need help with HOC. You may want to bring your own device but there will be iPads available, if needed. Your hours need to be put in by December 15^th and all active members need to be recertified by December 31^st. To recertify, you have to sign off on Child Abuse, Integrated Pest Management, and Standard of Behavior forms. We want to maintain our Platinum status, so we need all active MGVs to recertify.
• Time to trim your trees and shrubs! We need Greenery for 12/17 & 12/18 classes. We need pine, cedar, holly, boxwood and other greenery for our last Garden Art classes. You can bring in your greenery on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday next week. If the office is not open, you can leave it outside. This also counts as Volunteer hours.

Old Business.

• New Chair people – Starting in January: Pam introduced the Chairs and Co-chairs of the committees for next year.
  • Bring One Take One (Exchange Only) – Bob and Marianna Eister
  • Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik
  • Community Outreach – Thresea Harris
  • Education – Karen Gates and Stephanie Hughes
  • Garden Workshop – Patty Kacenski and Jim Merva
  • Hospitality – Natalie Fraser and Peg Zeleznik
  • New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Marilyn McKinley and Gail Siembida
  • OSU Extension Grounds – David Burnham and Paula Kohler
  • Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague
  • Recruitment and Retention – Marilyn McKinley and Kary Shively
  • Veterans – Chester Kaschak, Carol Kirsch, and Al Leonhart
• Hours need to be completed and entered in to HOC by December 15
• Our Banquet will be January 9^th – Please RSVP to the office by December 23
• State Dues of $15 will be due to the office by Friday January 31

New Business

• Garden Workshop Topics– Patty Kacenski and Jim Merva: Jim updated us on the plans for next year’s Garden Workshop. If you are interested in presenting a breakout session, notify Jim or Patty. The date of the workshop will be April 12^th, and the title is “Gardening That Works for You”. Jim told us about the following plan for the workshop:
  • One Saturday workshop only, not two consecutive Saturdays.
  • We juggled the schedule a bit to add a third breakout session.  Breakout sessions will be 45 minutes each.
  • Registration is at 9 AM, but the Keynote session will start 15 minutes earlier at 9:30 AM.
  • Besides the breakout presentations done by the MGVs, alternatively there will be AM and PM Garden Art sessions and a walkabout (weather permitting).
  • A “save the date” will go out in January.
  • A flyer will be ready in February.
  • Committee members can sign up for volunteer duties in February.
  • Non-committee members can sign up for volunteer duties in March.
  • A Vindy article is already drafted but will not be finalized until the Keynote and Cap Note speakers are confirmed.
• Morning with the Master- Greeters needed. – Kristen announced we are going to start having Greeters for our Morning with the master’s classes. The Greeters will allow new MGVs to get experience in watching more experienced MGVs doing presentations. Two Greeters are needed to answer questions and give attendees packets on our upcoming programs, flyers and information on how to be an MGV. We may be able to start offering attendees drinks and snacks but are waiting on approval from the library.
• Recertify by December 31^st.
• We enjoyed a Christmas gardening poem presented by Marilyn.
• After the meeting, Kristen presented lead an activity to reflect on ourselves and the MGV program as a whole.
• Adjournment – Next Meeting: Banquet January 9^th!
• Reminders:
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • State Lunch and Learn started October 8
  • HOC Help Day Wednesday, December 18^th from 9 am to 7 pm
• Salem Public Library is interested in someone speaking on invasive plant in April or May. – Patty Kacenski and Kathy Martin

• Salem Historical Society- May 2025 Native Appalachia Plants. Contact Haley Shoemaker at 330-967-7249 or 306@osu.edu Stephanie Barkay

Submitted by Kathy Costa, Secretary

Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting
November 14, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

President Pam Baytos welcomed all, and Chester Kaschak led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Committee Reports

• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Thresea announced that our Mill Creek Park Fellows Garden Christmas tree will be decorated on Dec.4 at 10:30am. The theme for our tree is garden related which includes garden tools, seed packets. A few examples were shown at the meeting, if you want your garden tool returned, place an address label on the back of it.

Education – Karen Gates: Karen is putting together a presentation of the fig tree field trip and would             appreciate photos or videos if you were present. Send them to her asap.

New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Gail Siembida, Marge Greenisen, and Pinky Steffen: Pinky             announced that clean up was done and thanked Kathy, Natalie, and Carol for their help.

OSU Extension Grounds – Paula Kohler and Mike Beaudis: Paula thanked the grounds committee for        their help with fall clean-up. She will contact her committee by text for one more clean-up from 1-3pm             the week of November 18^th. Even an hour is appreciated. There are wasps in the shed so please be             careful when opening it. The shed also needs to be cleaned out at a later date.

• Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague: The clinic is officially closed now. There will be a clinic review on Nov.19 at 11am followed by lunch.
• Veterans – Al Leonhart, Mike Beaudis, and Chester Kaschak: Our Wreaths for Veterans Ceremony is Saturday, Dec.7 from 10-11am at the Canfield Cemetery 315 E. Main St. Please be there by 9:30am to help. The American Legion honor guard will attend as well. We need suggestions for a cemetery selection for next year. Please let the committee know if you have ideas.

Administration Report: Haley Shoemaker reminded us of the following:

• HOC Help Day Wednesday, December 18^th from 9 am to 7 pm à Last Effort. OQC (Occasional Quantity Cooks) training on the same day.
• Volunteer Opportunities at the end of the minutes.
• Time to trim your trees and shrubs! We need Greenery for 11/21, 12/17, & 12/18 classes! Please drop off at the office and thanks! Record your hours for this, too.
• 2025 signup sheet for Mornings with the Masters Library presentations was available. Let the office know if you are interested in presenting at one of these worthwhile community events.
• Kristen will be emailing the chairpeople to set up one-on-one meetings at the beginning of 2025.
• Please RSVP to the MGV holiday banquet by Dec.23^rd. It will be at A La Carte 6pm Jan.9^th.

Old Business

• Winter Holiday Donation: Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Items will be collected December 12^th at the meeting.
  • new in the package twin or twin XL comforters = 1 volunteer hour
  • new in the package pillows = .5 volunteer hours
  • new in the package twin or twin XL Sheets = .5 volunteer hours

New Business

• New Chairpeople – Starting in January
  • Bring One Take One (Exchange Only) – Bob and Marianna Eister
  • Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik
  • Community Outreach – Thresea Harris
  • Education – Karen Gates and Stephanie Hughes
  • Garden Workshop – Patty Kacenski and Jim Merva
  • Hospitality – Natalie Fraser and Peg Zeleznik
  • New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Marilyn McKinley and Gail Siembida
  • OSU Extension Grounds – David Burnham and Paula Kohler
  • Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague
  • Recruitment and Retention – Marilyn McKinley and Kary Shively
  • Veterans – Chester Kaschak, Carol Kirsch, and Al Leonhart
• Hours need to be completed and entered in to HOC by December 15
• Our Banquet will be January 9^th – Please RSVP to the office by December 23
• We are hoping to have the new committee lists out at the December meeting, so please sign up if you haven’t already.
• State Dues of $15 will be due to the office by Friday January 31
• Jim Merva and the Garden Workshop committee would appreciate ideas for topic presentations for next year’s workshop.

Closing

• Adjournment – Next Meeting: December 12^th
• Reminders:
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • State Lunch and Learn starts October 8
  • HOC Help Day Wednesday, December 18^th from 9 am to 7 pm

Volunteer Opportunities:

Please See Kristen if you are interested.

• Salem Public Library is interested in someone speaking on invasive plant in April or May.
• Salem Historical Society- May 2025 Native Appalachia Plants. Contact Haley Shoemaker at 330-967-7249 or 306@osu.edu

submitted by Marie Belfast, secretary.

Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting

October 10, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

• President Pam Baytos welcomed all and Mike Beaudis led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. We took a moment to remember MGV Eileen Novotny who recently passed away. She will be missed by all.

Committee Reports

• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Thresea announced that the Fellows Riverside Gardens MGV Christmas tree will be decorated the week after Thanksgiving. The date and time haven’t been decided yet. Thresea was acknowledged for her leadership in the successful summer Veggies and More events. Everyone that attends gains a lot of knowledge and has something to share.
• Education – Karen Gates: There was a field trip recently to a fig tree farm locally and several MGVs attended. They learned about the purple hardy figs and the sweeter white figs. Samples of homemade fig jam were very much enjoyed and appreciated by all.
• New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Gail Siembida, Marge Greenisen, and Pinky Steffen: Gail announced that in Lisbon they are working on clean-up of the pollinator gardens.
• OSU Extension Grounds – Paula Kohler and Mike Beaudis: Mike reported that there was a recent cleanup last week. Hydrangea blossoms will be saved for future upcoming craft classes. Please let the committee know if you want any other items saved before trimming begins. There was some concern about chemicals being used to treat the lawn on the OSU grounds. Kristen said that the Lawn Ranger Company comes routinely to maintain lawn.
• Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague: The clinic is winding down and the last day is Oct.31.
• Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson: Bob E. reminded us to please submit bios and your photo for the directory if you haven’t already done so.
• Veterans – Al Leonhart, Mike Beaudis, and Chester Kaschak: Mike said the placement of veterans Christmas wreath event is on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Canfield cemetery on Route 224.

Administration Report

• MGV Apparel is at the office, please pick it up.
• HOC Help Day Wednesday October 23^rd from 9 am to 7 pm – Kristen announced that HOC help day is open to all MGVs and interns to come in for help with HOC between 9 am to 7 pm if you need assistance. Kristen will be available to assist anyone who needs help. Letters were sent to anyone who had not met the required hours. Please come in for help if you need assistance. 50% of the MGVs have already met the required hours for this year. Unfortunately, hours for May and June of 2024 are missing for MGVs and interns that had been entered into HOC.
• Volunteer Opportunities on the back. – Please check the back for opportunities available for volunteer hours.
• Don’t trim your trees and shrubs yet! We need greenery for the 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. Branches 2 feet in length are needed, if possible. Volunteers are needed to assist with Holiday Containers on November 13 and November 21. If you want to volunteer for this, notify Kristen and bring gloves and pruners with you.
• Morning with the Masters is changing – Kristen announced these will be free programs held at Mahoning County libraries on gardening topics. We are partnering with the Mahoning County library for education from February to November of 2025. The library is the host and will do the advertising. The education is to be 45 minutes with 15 minutes available for questions. You can notify Kristen to print handouts for your presentation. You are permitted to take MGV flyers. There will be no sign-in sheets for the education. We are not permitted to take the name and contact information of attendees. It is expected that 10-30 people may attend. When doing a class, wear MGV attire. Power point can be used for a class and you’ll need to put the power point on a flash drive to do the presentation. You can partner with another MGV or intern for presentation. Notify Kristen if interested in doing a presentation at a library.

Old Business

• Winter Holiday Donation: Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Items will be collected December 12^th at the meeting. These items are for children and can have children’s prints on them.
  • new in the package twin or twin XL comforters = 1 volunteer hour
  • new in the package pillows = .5 volunteer hours
  • new in the package twin or twin XL Sheets = .5 volunteer hours
• Earlier Meetings in the Winter – meetings will remain the same
• October 24^th @ 6 pm watch party – Please RSVP. Pizza will be available.

New Business

Nominations for Committee Chairs – Kristen told us, anyone nominated will be notified of the nomination for their approval. To finish the nominations, Kristen announced that she will leave the nominations open for 2 weeks, until October 24^th. Kristen will send out the voting and committee selection via email.

Nominations for committee co-chairs were taken from the floor:

BOTO – no nominations taken from the floor

Canfield Fair – Jim Zelernik

Community Outreach – Thresea Harris

Education – Karen Gates and Stephanie Hughes

Garden Conference – Jim Merva and Patty Kacenski

Hospitality – Peggy Zelenik and Natalie Fraser

Pollinators – Gail Siembida, Pinks Steffen and Marilyn McKinley

OSU Grounds – Paula Kohler and David Burnham

Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague

Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister Carol Smith

Veterans – Al Leonhart, Chester Kaschak and Carol Kirsch

Closing

• Adjournment – Next Meeting: November 14^th
• Handout was given to us on Adaptive Gardening by Bob Eister.
• Reminders:
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • State Lunch and Learn starts October 8
  • HOC Help Day Wednesday October 23^rd from 9 am to 7 pm

Volunteer Opportunities:

Please See Kristen if you are interested.

• 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
• 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

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 23^rd 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 24^th @ 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 13^th.
• MGVs should look for the State OSU MGV Lunch and Learn series. It starts October 8^th. 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 10^th
• 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 23^rd 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

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.7^th 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 26^th. 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 10^th
  • We are looking for fresh, unwashed, donations picked the morning of August 14^th 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 28^th thru September 2^nd
  • Bending Oak Permaculture Farm on September 7^th 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

Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting

July 11, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

President Pam Baytos. MGVs acknowledged Pam’s return with a standing ovation and round of applause!!! Welcome back, Pam!

Committee Reports

• Bring One Take One – Ryan Emmet-Luchansky and Debbie Tominey: Ryan thanked Marilyn and Pinky for donating many plants from around their homes for the Aug.10 BOTO event. We are encouraged to start plants for this event as we still have time to get them established. Debbie reminded us that there will be Garden Art that day, too. We are invited to attend a crafts workshop on July 18 from 1 -4 pm at the office to help put together more items.
• Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik: Jim announced that a sign-up sheet was available and that he will be checking with those that have signed up to donate items. The theme is “Education”. Windchimes are appreciated, too. Kristen reminded us that if we sign up to help at the fair, we will receive a free entry ticket and may park at the office in the back parking lot. If you cannot attend and have signed up, please return your ticket/parking pass to the office and thanks. The fair is Aug.28-Sept 2. If you want to help with set up or take down, the dates are Aug.26 and Sept.3. Let the office know or contact Jim.
• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Thresea thanked MGVs that have attended the recent Veggies and More Monday night events. The next one is on Mon. July 15 at Todd Lane Jubilee Garden 6pm. Thank you to those that donated seed packets for the December garden tool MGV Christmas tree. We could use more seed packets. Please remember to make a festive garden tool for the tree.
• Education – Mariann Mannion and Karen Gates No report.
• Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris No report.
• New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Gail Siembida, Marge Greenisen, and Pinky Steffen: Committee is still weeding the area at the Columbiana Fairgrounds. If you can help, contact the members for day and time.
• OSU Extension Grounds – Paula Kohler and Mike Beaudis: A big thank you to Paula and those that have stepped up to help make the OSU grounds look so lovely! They are meeting July 12 8-10am again. On Fri. July 19, they need help spreading mulch from 8:30-10:30. If it rains it will be rescheduled.
• Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague: David said the clinic has been very busy especially with tick and Japanese beetle questions.
• Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson No report.
• Veterans – Al Leonhart, Mike Beaudis, and Chester Kaschak: Al will choose a date to work beds around the log cabin and then another time for planting.

Administration Report

• MGV Apparel- Some items are on back order. Kristen announced that if all of your order came in it was placed on back table. Partial orders received will be distributed when all of the order is filled. If anything is incorrect with printing on shirts let her know.
• Volunteer Opportunities are listed below. If you would like to present/speak and would like another MGV let Kristen know. Marilyn M. volunteered to attend with anyone that volunteers. Please review the many opportunities and let Kristen know if you can help.
• OSU Extension Building Update: The office has received new siding, and they are finishing up with a new roof. Please note that during the week of July 22 the parking lot will be repaved. The office will be open, and parking will be across the street. (All Week).

** Also keep in mind that there are multiple programs and events going on that the Extension Office is in charge of. We will get to your questions and concerns, but please give us time as summer is a busy season.

Old Business

• Winter Holiday Donation: We are thinking about making a donation to a local organization possibly in Jan. Some possible organization suggestions are Diaper Bank, Sleep in Heavenly Peace. If you have suggestions let us know.

New Business – Stephanie told us after the meeting we will have education on IPM for one of our required education hours.

Closing

• Adjournment – Next Meeting: August 8^th
• Reminders:
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • Villa Maria Field Trip: July 13^th (Contact Karen Gates at 727-492-8605)
  • Southside Community Garden Butterfly Festival -July 20^th Contact Lois for Questions: Lois is in need of new pollinator/flowering plants as some of theirs were lost to lawn mowing. The event is from 1-4pm at 112 Williamson Ave. She said they are always open for monetary donations! If you would like to volunteer, please contact Lois at 330-727-8340.
  • Spotted Lanternfly Training: August 1^st (See email from Candace on July 12)
  • Bring One Take One: August 10^th
  • Canfield Fair: August 28^th thru September 2^nd
  • We are looking for fresh, unwashed, donations picked the morning of August 14^th 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. Contact Anissa for any questions.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Please See Kristen if you are interested.

• Greenford Community Library – Saturday or Wednesday in the Summer: talk about native plants, may be interested in other topics and lessons for youth. Please let Kristen know if you would be interested to help.
• 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.
• Idabelle’s Gathering Place- 8/15/2024 at 12:30 pm. Careers in horticulture. Contact Haley Shoemaker at 330-967-7249 or shoemaker.306@osu.edu
• Salem Historical Society- October 2024 or May 2025 Native Appalachia Plants. Contact Haley Shoemaker at 330-967-7249 or shoemaker.306@osu.edu

Submitted by:

Marie Belfast, Secretary

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance – Stephanie Barkay opened the meeting. Al led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Marilyn told us that Pam only has one more treatment to finish with her chemotherapy. She has words of encouragement posted on her refrigerator. Pam continues to show her strength as she continues her treatment. She has been staying away from crowds to avoid any infections.

Committee Reports

• Bring One Take One (BOTO) – Ryan Emmet-Luchansky and Debbie Tominey – Ryan told us the cleaned pots are underneath the long table by the pest clinic. MGVs can use these pots to bring their plants in. Debbie encouraged us to make garden art crafts and to add our craft idea to the sign-up form. Ryan mentioned a workday could be set up for us to work together on some craft projects. The BOTO will be on Saturday, August 10 The plant exchange will be 9-10:30 am and the inside sale will be 9 am -12 pm. Volunteers should be at the extension at 8:30 am. We will set up on Friday, August 9^th 9-12. You can bring your plants in the day of our meeting on Thursday, August 8^th or Friday from 9-2. It will help if the plants are identified.
• Canfield Fair – Jim Z – No report
• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski – Thresea passed around a sign-up form for Veggies and More. Veggies and More are every Monday. The dates and locations are on the sign-up form. Lois encouraged more of us to sign-up for CityScape next year.
• Education – Karen went to Villa Marie. She told us they had flower and vegetable plants for sale. We will schedule a date to visit in July. The trolley for Mill Creek on June 25^th is full for the 3-4 pm time slot but the 1:30 pm time has availability. Let Karen Gates know if you are interested (727-492-8605).
• Garden Workshop – Marianna Eister and Jim Merva – They are done for the year
• Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris – Kristen has a sign-up form to bring in treats for Morning with the Masters.
• New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Pinky thanked those that helped at the Lisbon pollinator garden. Marilyn commented on how nice the gardens at Smucker House looked.
• OSU Extension Grounds – Mike Beaudis and Paula Kohler – Mike told us he was stepping down as co-chair of the OSU Extension Grounds. Paula will be the chair. Mike encouraged committee members to help. If anyone wants to be added to the grounds committee, let Kristen know. Paula will determine the jobs that need done and committee members can let her know the date, time and the job they will do to make the times more flexible for the committee members.
• Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague
  • Mahoning Clinic is Monday and Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm if you want to volunteer. Columbiana Clinic is Wednesday 12 pm to 3 pm.
• Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson – 4 people came to the Open House, and all were very interested.
• Veterans – Mike said this is his last year coordinating the laying of the wreaths at the cemetery. The next MGV to take over will need to find a cemetery in Columbiana or Mahoning County. Without extra funding, it has to be a cemetery in which only 100 wreaths would be needed for the veterans.

Administration Report

• Kristen told us she appreciated everything we do for the community. She also reminded us that the summer will be a busy time for the office; there are many different programs within the office, and she won’t always be in the office. Mondays and Fridays are the best times to reach her. If you call or email her, please give her a few days to get back to you.
• There will be some changes on Hands on Connect to hopefully make it more user-friendly for your hours. – Still to Come
• Please notify Kristen if you are interested in doing the following education:
  • Library Mini-Series – series in the fall: open to any gardening topic
  • YMHA – starting gardens for vegetables, may be in raised beds
    • Lowellville Park, W. Wood St., Lowellville, OH 44436
    • Norton Manor, 1400 Springdale Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505
    • Vasu Manor, 137 Roosevelt Dr., Campbell, OH 44405
  • South Range Schools
  • Greenford Community Library – Saturday or Wednesday in the summer – talk about native plants, may be interested in other topics and lessons for youth
  • Salem Area Garden Club – November 13^th: Pumpkin Floral Arrangement –Beth Sanders will be tackling this if anyone is interested in helping her.
  • Birds of Flight Native Pollinator Garden
  • Lincoln Plaza Project in Salem – help with trees and shrubs to beautify space
• Sign-up for Garden Art and Morning with the Masters – We need more helpers for Garden art Classes
• Marilyn told us she was presenting for the Beekeepers in Austintown on June 23^rd. If you would like to help her, let her know.

Old Business

• Winter Holiday Donation? If you have a place that you think could benefit from donations from the MGVs please let Kristen know.

New Business

• Kristen asked us to ask an intern to accompany you when you are doing community presentations to help them learn.

Closing

• Stephanie introduced tonight’s speaker – Jason Short presented Basic Bird and Spring Feeder/Yard Birds
• Adjournment – Next Meeting: June 13^th
• Reminders:
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • Soil Life by Bill Snyder: Tuesday June 25^th

Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting Minutes

May 9, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

• Vice President Stephanie Barkay welcomed all.
• Mike Beaudis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Marilyn McKinley reported that President Pam Baytos continues to keep a positive attitude during her recovery.

Committee Reports

• Bring One Take One – Ryan Emmet-Luchansky and Debbie Tominey: Ryan informed us that the committee held their first meeting this evening and passed around a volunteer sheet for the indoor plant sale. This will be held after the BOTO event outside. They are in need of more plant pots. Garden Art will have a display of items for sale as well. Debbie encouraged us to donate items such as baskets for the sale. The event is Aug.10.
• Canfield Fair – Jim Z: Peg Zeleznik reported for Jim that things are moving forward for our display which will have an education theme. Please save paper egg cartoons for the plant make-and-take project. They will need donations of wind chimes like last year for display. Plants needed for display are native pollinators, shade-loving plants, house plants, herbs/veggies. The next meeting is on May 29, 3-4pm. Call Jim’s cell if you have questions: 330-727-0780
• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Thresea announced that the first Veggies and More event will be on Monday, June 10 at Hope for Newport gardens. The last one is on Monday, Aug.19. The MCP plant sale is this weekend and the Holburn Herb Plant sale is this Sat. May 11 9-2 pm at the fairgrounds.
• Education- Karen Gates and Mariann Mannion: A field trip to Villa Maria will take place on Sat. May 18. Carpools for the event are to meet at OSU Ext office at 8:30am. If you are interested in a Trolley Tour of MCP at 3pm on Tues. June 25 let Karen Gates know (727-492-8605).
• Garden Workshop – Marianna Eister and Jim Merva: Marianna thanked all those who helped make the workshops a success. There were less numbers in attendance with more on the first day. Integrative pest management, fruits and gardening were of great interest to those who attended. The committee will review the evaluations of the events and she will email all MGVs that were involved in the workshops.
• Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris: Peg thanked all that donated to the recent MGV interns’ lunches. Food was great and enjoyed by all. The committee would appreciate appetizer food items for the upcoming Open House on June 4. Please bring donations in by 2pm that day. If you left food containers in the office from the lunches, they are on the back table in the large meeting room.
• New and Active Pollinator Gardens: Marge Greenisen announced that the Smucker House will be having a non-profit event on June 1st from 10-2 pm and would like volunteers to host an MGV table to answer questions from the community. She thanked us for ordering geraniums. If you ordered any geraniums, they may be picked up at her house on May 18. She will bring the rest to OSU EXT on Monday May 20. Gail Siembida said there will be a planting day on May 16 at 9am.  Pinky Steffen needs help in cleaning up the Columbiana pollinator gardens next Wed. May15. Contact her if you can help.
• OSU Extension Grounds – Mike Beaudis and Paula Kohler: Mike announced that they have had 3 clean-ups on the grounds and next week another from 1-3pm Wed. May 15. He thanked Mike McBride for a large donation of marigolds.
• Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague Mahoning Clinic is Monday and Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm if you want to volunteer. Columbiana Clinic is on Wednesdays from 1-3pm.
• Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson: Marianna reported for Bob E. that the time of the Open House has been changed and now will be 3:30-5:30 so more can attend. It will be held inside. A volunteer sheet was distributed for this event. If you can help let the committee know asap.
• Veterans: Al Leonhart said there is a clean-up scheduled this Sat. May 11 at the Log Cabin on the fairgrounds. Huntington Bank volunteers will edge. Mulching and planting there is TBD. Wreaths for Veterans will take place on Dec 7 at the Canfield Cemetery on Rt 224.

New interns were introduced.

Administration Report

• There will be some changes on Hands on Connect to hopefully make it more user-friendly for your hours. – Still to Come
• Library Mini-Series – The library would like to do a fall mini-series please let Kristen know if you are interested ASAP.
• YMHA – YMHA (Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority) sites are securing a grant to have a garden at a few of their facilities. They are looking for MGVs to guide them through the gardening process. If you are interested in helping at any of these locations, please let Kristen know.
  • Lowellville Park- W. Wood Street., Lowellville, OH 44436
  • Norton Manor- 1400 Springdale Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505
  • Vasu Manor- 137 Roosevelt Dr., Campbell, Oh 44405
• Rebel and Rescue – Rebel Rescue Plant Swap, May 18th from 11 am- 3 pm at Penguin City Brewery. Looking for MGVs to help man a table and flyers, expecting over 200 attendees. Please contact Kristen if you are interested in helping.
• South Range Schools – South Range Schools, that is interested in developing an apple orchard on their campus.
• Sign-up for Garden Art and Morning with the Masters

Old Business

• Sign up for education on Soil Life. Soil Life will be presented on June 25^th from 9:30 am – 11:00 pm for MGVs and OCVNs only.

New Business

• Winter Holiday Donation? Kristen asked MGVs to send her information about community groups that MGVs could donate to for struggling families and children during the holidays.
• Marilyn will be presenting about butterflies and moths at the Smucker House on June 17 at 7pm. If you would like to help notify Marilyn.
• Thresea asked us to make a festive decoration with garden tools and seed packets for the Fellows Christmas tree.

Closing

• Adjournment – Next Meeting: June 13^th

• Reminders:
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • Speaking Opportunities
    • Salem Area Garden Club 11/13/2024 @ 7pm – Pumpkin Floral Arrangement
  • Soil Life by Bill Snyder: Tuesday June 25^th

Stephanie Barkay introduced the speaker Attorney Keast, who did a presentation on Elder Care.

Submitted by Marie Belfast and Kathy Costa

Master Gardener Volunteer Minutes

April 11, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

Vice President Stephanie Barkay welcomed all and Al Leonhart led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Marilyn Mckinley reported that our MGV President, Pam Baytos, is doing well recovering from her recent surgery and has begun her treatments. She continues to keep a positive attitude and really appreciates our love and support.

At our March meeting, Stephanie B. gave away tubers and in one of the containers there was a garden trowel which she would like returned to her. Thanks for your help with this.

Committee Reports

• Bring One Take One:  Ryan Emmet-Luchansky
  • Thank you for the donations received to date. We are still in need of more pots, containers, tools, and baskets that are in good condition to be used for the BOTO on Aug.10^th. The first committee meeting will be announced soon for next month.
  • There will be a Herb sale on May 11 at the Canfield Fairgrounds sponsored by the Holborn Herb Guild.
• Canfield Fair – Jim Zeleznik – Peg announced the following for Jim: Theme is education and there are 8 areas of focus for the MGV space. Displays are coming together and help is needed from any MGVs willing to provide plants in the following areas: Native Ohio/ Pollinator, Container-shade loving or showy, House Plants, Herbs/Veggies. A sign-up sheet was available for this. Also, please save egg cartons (paper) for one of the make-and-take ideas. The next committee meeting is Wed. May 1^st from 3-4. If you would like to reach Jim with ideas, his cell is 330-727-0780.
• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski – Thresea announced that the Christmas tree for Fellows Gardens has been paid. The Veggies and More calendar will be put together in May. Congratulations to Lois as she has been nominated to receive the Athena Leadership Award.
  • Lois needs to know ASAP if you want to help with Cityscape Event June 1. T-shirts will be available for the first 500 signed up.
• Garden Workshop – Marianna Eister and Jim Merva
  • Sign-up sheets for the Saturday workshops were sent around during the meeting. Marianna has asked that those helping in the morning, show up no earlier than 8:15 am. There are still openings to attend the workshops. Marianna gave volunteers their written assignments. Volunteers see Marianna after the meeting for more details.
• Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris: Peg thanked the many MGVs that have contributed generously to our intern lunches on Tuesdays. Interns have really enjoyed the great food. The OSU staff is also grateful for the wonderful lunches as well. A sign-up sheet to help with the remaining lunches and morning coffees was sent around. If you can help let Peg know. Some MGVs have donated money to help with the cost of the food that other MGVs prepare. Thank you very much for your generosity. Peg suggested we consider appetizers instead of baked good donations for the next R&R MGV Open House in June.
• OSU Extension Grounds – Mike Beaudis and Paula Kohler – Mike thanked his committee for help with clean-up around the OSU office. Katie Shipka took photos at one of their last work sessions.
• Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague-
  • Mahoning Clinic is Monday and Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm if you want to volunteer, and Wednesdays in Columbiana from 12-3pm.
• Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson – Bob E. shared an update on our Pictorial Directory which will help us learn more about our MGVs and be able to connect with them, too. It is optional to answer the questions. Please send in your bio asap and photo as well. If you would like to review what you submitted please let Bob E. know. Thanks for your help with this project.
• Education– A tour of the Villa Maria grounds is being planned for May 18 with carpools meeting at the office at 10:15 am.

Administration Report

• Kristen told us that Lori sent a thank you note for her retirement party and gifts.
• There will be some changes on Hands on Connect to hopefully make it more user-friendly for your hours. – Kristen asked us to let her know if there’s anything she needs to add for a volunteer activity.
• Update on the Training Class – The interns’ presentations will be done on April 30^th and May 7^th from 9 am – 3:30 pm
• Library Mini-Series – Kristen announced that we have a partnership with Mahoning County Library. In the fall, we will be doing a mini- series at the libraries in the county.
• Sign-up for Garden Art and Morning with the Masters – There are dates available to help with hospitality and volunteer hours. Hosts are needed for Morning with the Masters.
• Apparel Order – Orders and Money Due April 15
• South Range Schools requested help with starting fruit trees. If you are interested, notify Kristen.
• Apple trees – Apple trees Golden Rush and Enterprise are available to purchase for $20. You need a crabapple tree for them to cross pollinate or you can purchase a Golden Rush and Enterprise for cross pollination.

Old Business

• Entertainment Event – Marilyn McKinley – Sign up sheet passed around. The event is on May 6^th at 5:30 pm and cost is $5. We will need 50 people to sign up. It is a music trivia event and pot luck.
• Marge Greenisen is taking orders for Smucker House geraniums. There are 5 colors of geraniums and cost is $1.50. You can pick them up at Marge’s house on May 18^th or at the extension office on May 20^th. Marge is taking orders until May 1^st.

New Business

• On June 25^th, a Mill Creek trolley tour is planned. The cost is $20 per person.

Closing

• Adjournment – Next Meeting: May 9th
• Reminders:
  • Training Class Starts Feb 20^th through May 7^th. You need to let the office know if you are planning on coming to the classes prior to coming.
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • Speaking Opportunities
    • Salem Area Garden Club 11/13/2024 @ 7pm – Pumpkin Floral Arrangement
    • The library would like to do a fall mini-series please let Kristen know if you are interested.
  • 24/7/365 Vegetable Garden – April 17^th @10:30-11:30
  • R&R Meeting – May 2^nd @ 6:30pm
  • MGV Trivia – May 6^th @ 5:30pm to 8:00pm (RSVP by May 1^st to 973-865-7441)

After the meeting, Stephanie introduced our speakers Cassandra Vallentini and Melanie from Direction Home of Eastern Ohio.

Master Gardener Volunteer Meeting

March 14, 2024

Opening and Pledge of Allegiance

Stephanie Barkay opened the meeting and Chester Kaschak led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Secretary minutes: Marilyn reported that our MGV President, Pam Baytos, is recovering well from her recent surgery and will begin chemo in upcoming weeks. Marilyn suggested that Pam would love cards and also it’s better to text than call as Pam does rest during the day.

Committee Reports

• Bring One Take One
  • We are looking for donations of pots, containers, and baskets that are in good condition to be used for the BOTO. Please drop them off at the office.
• Canfield Fair – Jim Z: Peg Z. reported that the committee had their first meeting and the second meeting is scheduled for April 3 (3-4pm). The theme this year for our display will be focused on Education.
• Community Outreach – Thresea Harris and Lois Martin-Uscanowski: Lois reported that the CityScape event will take place on June 1. The event takes place downtown and there are hundreds of volunteers. MGVs are in charge of the planting teams. This is a fun activity to participate in and if you are interested, please let Lois know by the end of March. She needs to know your t-shirt size as well. The first 400 volunteers receive t-shirts. You may send a text with that info to Lois at 330-727-8340.
• Education – Karen Gates and Mariann Mannion: Karen said their committee met before our meeting tonight. They are requesting any PowerPoint presentations that you have that MGVs may find helpful. Education kits are available to check out through the front office. The sign-up sheet will be near Candace. If you have any kits please return them to the office and thanks.
• Garden Workshop – Marianna Eister and Jim Merva: Marianna announced that the dates will be Saturday, April 20th & 27^th with the focus on education. Arts and crafts will not be sold during the Workshop. She thanked MGVs for volunteering to step up and teach break-out sessions. If you can help, there are a couple of “floater” volunteer positions open on April 20^th. Assembly of goodie bags will take place on April 19^th. There are four openings to help that day, too. Let Marianna know if you can help. Jim M. is handling the publicity. They are in need of breakfast type food for the event as well.
• Hospitality – Peg Zeleznik, Natalie Fraser, and Rhonda Harris: Peg requested food items for the Garden Workshop (coffee cake, muffins for a.m. and cookies for p.m.). Sign up for this was available. She encouraged us to take the Occasional Quality Cooks Training (OQC) online if we have not yet done so. Anyone wanting to bring in home-made items to any event must have taken OQC training or store packaged food is appreciated. There is a need to provide larger quantities of food for our current intern lunches on Tuesdays. We are providing for at least 35 now that the class size is larger and they are really enjoying the lunches.
• New and Active Pollinator Gardens – Gail Siembida, Pinky Steffen, Marge Greenisen: Pinky said they are waiting for warmer weather to begin cleanup of gardens at Columbiana County Fairgrounds. Marge announced April 9^th at 9am will be cleanup at the Smucker House grounds. Bring tools, tubs, bags to help with this. Make-up day is April 15^th. The Salem Area Garden Club meetings at the Smucker House are the second Wednesday of the month. Marilyn announced that Bee City in Salem is taking over the Waterworth Park pollinator garden and needs MGVs as consultants. They need people in garden for an upcoming pollinator week events the third week in June.
• OSU Extension Grounds – Mike Beaudis and Paula Kohler: The first committee meeting was on March 11^th. The March 20^th workday is cancelled. Mike hopes to meet every two weeks and suggests that volunteers bring tools to help with edging and weeding. He put in a request to replace the stones next to the OSU office sign.
• Plant and Pest Clinic – David Sprague: An intro and refresher training class is March 25^th 10-12pm. Canfield clinic will open April 1^st and Columbiana clinic April 3.
• Recruitment and Retention – Bob Eister and Bob Ferguson: Bob E. thanked the MGVs that are mentoring our intern class of 19 people. The next Open House will take place on June 4^th from 3-5pm (rain day June 18^th).  He suggests that station representatives focus on 6 key items of discussion (about a minute each). A bell will signal guests to move on to the next station. He requested that a flyer be placed in the Garden Workshop goodie bags to publicize the Open House. Bob reminded MGVs to complete their pictorial bio as soon possible.
• Veterans Committee– Mike Beaudis, Al Leonhart, and Chester Kaschak: The 2024 veteran wreath placement will be at the same cemetery as last year in Canfield but next year we will need another cemetery. If you know of a cemetery with no more than 100 veterans notify Mike. Al discussed that they are planning on removing and dividing plants around the Log Cabin.

Administration Report

• There will be some changes on Hands On Connect to hopefully make it more user-friendly for your hours. – Still to Come
• Update on the Training Class- 19 interns. Please let the office know if you would like to attend any classes so there will be enough food for lunch.
• Sign-up for Garden Art and Morning with the Masters: Please arrive by 5:30pm for 6pm Garden Art volunteering and 9:30am for Morning with the masters. Plan to stay for clean-up.
• 24/7/365 Vegetable Garden: April 17^th at 10am. Tim McDermot presenter. Let Candace know if you want to attend this free session for MGVs.
• Apparel Order Soon

Old Business

• Entertainment Event – Marilyn McKinley: There will be a fun music Trivia Event on Monday, May 6 from 5:30-8pm at our office. (not an OSU event) All are welcome to attend including spouses. Cost is $5 and appetizers are appreciated. Marilyn does need us to RSVP to her cell (973-865-7441). There will be door prizes! Teams limited to 4 people.
• Volunteer opportunities: Marilyn announced that she will be presenting four different programs and would love some help. If you are interested call her cell and let her know. Here are the programs:
  • March 20^th 7pm @ St. Michael’s on hummingbirds;
  • April 7^th 3:30pm @ North Lima 4H on pollinator plants;
  • April 17^th 6pm Boardman Library on Pollinators;
  • June 12^th 7pm @ Smucker House on Butterflies and Moths.

New Business

• 4-H Endowment Event – Basket: Due April 9^th: Event is April 13^th at Mr. Anthony’s and cost is $40. If you would like to be in charge of putting together a basket of donations for the event let Kristen know.
• Lori’s Retirement – David: Party is March 28^th and donations are to be given to David.
• Apple Trees:  If you would like to order an apple tree the cost is $20 and they will be shipped April 8th. Let Kristen know.
• Smucker House Geranium Sale – Marge Greenisen
  • Geraniums come in five colors and will be $1.50 per plant. Sign-up sheet in back of room – Orders due May 1st
  • Delivery will be mid-May. (May 20^th at office or arrange to pick them up at Marge’s home.

Closing

• Adjournment – Next Meeting: April 11^th
• Reminders:
  • Training Class Starts Feb 20^th through May 7^th. You need to let the office know if you are planning on coming to the classes prior to coming.
  • An Open House Retirement Party for Lori is being held on March 28th from 12-2 pm. Come wish her a happy retirement! If you would like, bring an appetizer to share.
  • Vindy Articles are needed! Still contact Eric.
  • Speaking Opportunities
    • Salem Area Garden Club 11/13/2024 @ 7pm – Pumpkin Floral Arrangement

Guest speaker: Highway Patrol Lt. Eric Brown gave a great presentation on traffic enforcement and answered many of our questions.

Submitted by Secretaries: Marie Belfast and Kathy Costa