Outagamie County Master Gardeners Association

Member meeting: Oct. 17, 2008

Program: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Our speaker, Jackie Johnson, gave a wonderful presentation on "A-Z About Herbs." It was obvious that she has spent a long time learning herb craft. In addition to telling us of their many uses, history and versatility in the garden, Jackie brought lots of samples for us to try.

With 44 members attending, the meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm and the minutes from the last meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s report Since we do have a generous reserve at this time, the Board welcomes any grant/donation suggestions/ideas for consideration.

The representatives for State and the Communications Committee reported nothing new at this time.

Education Report Kathy Baum talked about a new OCMGVA presentation for 2009: "Day of Discovery." A MG garden walk which will feature our own MGs' gardens, including: 

• Tom Brinkman - shade gardening
• Carol VandeBerg - irrigation/water
• Denise VanderZanden - pine tree disease
• Laurel Marchinow – roses
• The Community Gardens

The cost will be $5 and 2 cans per person. The money will go to the Community Gardens and the cans to the Salvation Army. The city has approved the permit for the event which will be the third weekend in June.

She also reported that 8 homes for Habitat for Humanity had been landscaped, including one in Nichols by Judy Peters. Larry will give us a report in November. Kathy showed some photos and these will be up on the Web site soon.

Project Coordinator Kate reported the new sanction form is on the Web site and it can be completed and sent directly on line. There are 7 projects for 2009 already, and early submissions are encouraged. Remember, projects have to be resanctioned each year.

Fundraising Carol said they need large pots for the plant sale. If you have some to donate, please contact her. Digging has started already and includes irises, Shasta daisies and Sundrops, etc.

Program chair and horticulture advisor were absent. 

Old Business

Dues  78 MGs have paid their dues and more were collected this evening.

Bylaws amendment The amendment regarding the boards’ terms of office was approved as follows:

1. That the membership at large proposes candidates and not a nominating committee.

2. Effective January 2009, elected positions to be effective for two calendar years and officers may serve up to three consecutive terms in whatever position they may be elected to.

3. It is further proposed that commencing January 2009, the vice president, executive secretary and one member-at-large serve a two-year term. The president, treasurer and one member-at-large would serve an initial one year and in 2010 move to a two-year term.

Election Larry Gadelewski has consented to run for VP and Chris Schaefer as member-at-large. Jean Ann Leuschow had initially offered to run, but would prefer the Fundraising Sale Committee. Elections will be held at the AGM next month. 

New business

The WNPR challenge grant took place this past week for the budgeted $1,000. They will bill the treasurer. Unfortunately owing to difficulty in contacting the right person, the challenge was not during Garden Talk.  However it was on Larry Mueller's spot, and several members did hear it.

The Gardens of the Fox Cities are looking for lots of volunteers for bulb planting which starts Oct. 20. They will be grateful for any time you can contribute. There are 35,000 bulbs to plant.

Janet Berry School would like a MG to head a new project for 6 beds. Contact Mary Learman for contact details.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Education hours - 1; Support hours - 1/2 plus travel time.

Next meeting: Nov. 20. Annual general meeting. 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Learman, president