Members Meeting,
Meeting called to order:
No agenda
Under State Representative – should read 2008 journals, not
calendars
Pam Hagen reported the balances in the checking and savings
accounts, which are available to members upon request. We received a thank
you from Wisconsin Public Radio for our $1,000 challenge pledge donation.
Kathy Baum attended the “Face to Face” in
Susan Mahr is looking for different ideas for the mini fact
sheets. Email Susan if there is something you want more information on.
Newsletter from state – email Susan Mahr to receive
electronically. The education committee is having the new students sign up
right away to receive the state newsletter electronically.
The background check will be done immediately on the new students. Seasoned
MG’s will be checked in late 2008 or early 2009.
The Tri-State Conference will be three days,
Kathy Baum will be ordering the “Wisconsin Garden Journals” this
week. The cost is $13.95 + $2.00 shipping. If you would like one,
please sign up on the sheet being passed around.
Lynn Coffeen warned the members about donkey tail, which is a
spurge and is toxic to touch. So wear gloves and do not touch near
eyes. It is a small, soft, feathery plant that looks like a tiny Christmas
tree.
Lynn and Kevin sent letters to the families of our deceased
members informing them of our “
Kate Langner not present. However, she emailed members
letting them know that project sanction sheets are available on the
website. Fill out sheet, send to Kate and she will review and send back to
board. Once approved, Kate will post on website so if you need help,
members will know what’s available for service hours.
Karen DesJarlais announced that the brochures for the new
classes went out today along with the application form and our
Our workshops will now be in conjunction with the member’s
meeting. Upcoming meetings: January - bring your favorite
tools. Karen Syverson has a tool called cobra head. There will also
be seed catalogs. Paul Pelletterri will be at the UWEX on Tuesday, January
8 at
Carol VandeBerg not present (in
Colleen Reed – these things can now be taken care of on Web
site: your hours, yearly sanction sheets, monthly minutes with education
hours per meeting. For those without computers – after much discussion, it
was decided to continue as in the past to mail the newsletter to those who cannot
receive them electronically.
Kevin Jarek announced that the Land
Conservation is having their annual tree sale again. These are sold in
bare root bundles of 25. Kevin brought the instruction sheets for
ordering. Kevin told us that Denise really appreciated her tree.
A suggestion was made to purchase a video camera to record some
of the basic classes and post them on the website. Therefore, if anyone
needs continuing education hours, they may watch the class or listen to “Garden
Talk.” Kevin will do more research into the video recorder.
Kevin opened nominations. This means that anyone is allowed
to throw their hat in the ring or nominate someone else. Motion was made
to open nominations. Nominations were: President-Mary Learman and
Vice President-Meg Hunsader. Motion was made to close
nominations. Another motion was made to cast a unanimous ballot for Mary
and Meg. Approved.
Next meeting:
Meeting adjourned:
Submitted by Deb Neuman
Because
of the election, the November meeting counts as one service hour.
*************************************************************************************************************************************
Members
meeting,
Meeting
called to order:
The
previous meeting minutes were approved as read.
The
treasurer’s report is available upon request.
State representatives report:
Kathy Baum
announced that the state conference has turned into a
We also
need people to answer the phone and answer plant questions at the UW-Extension
office. This will be on a Thursday from May through August. Training for this
will be 1-day classes:
Lynn
Coffeen announced that the state has decided that rather than 12-week advanced
classes, it will be divided into two, 4-week sessions.
The board also
has decided that prep time for a presentation counts as service hours.
Educational projects will count as education service.
Lynn
Coffeen will be having a “WIMGA Face-to-Face” on March 29. Bring questions you
have to the March 20 members meeting.
The state
is working on revising the bylaws. This will clarify which and what hours
belong in the three categories: service, education or community service.
Lynn
Coffeen informed us that there are three states working on making national
requirements. Hopefully, in the next 5 to 10 years, every master gardener
organization across the country will have the same yearly hour requirements.
There are
now 609 MGVs getting the WIMGA newsletter on line.
Lynn
Coffeen said Susan Mahr wants us to be aware that the bees are in trouble.
Susan has much more info about the bees on the WIMGA Web site at www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/. Please take a look.
Education Committee:
Karen
DesJarlais forwarded her requests for more information and advanced classes on
the beginning class chapters in the binders at the UW-Extension library. When
asked, the members preferred to have these classes on Saturdays.
Karen also
informed the group that there will be a pruning workshop from
Project coordinator:
Kate Langner not present.
Program chairperson:
Meg
Hunsader announced that Jan Sommerfeld will be at the next meeting to answer
any questions about the Web site.
There will
be a bus trip June 18. It will be going to the 600-acre Boerner
Botanical Gardens near Hales Corners. There will be a guided tour of the
Village Terrace on
Fund-raising chairpersons:
Carol VandeBerg and Jackie Rickel not
present.
Communication chairpersons:
Colleen Reed
and Sally Jaeger-Alterkruse will now be co-chairing
the Communication Committee. They need someone with a good amount of computer
knowledge who knows how to use the Dreamweaver
software program to be a back-up person for the Web site.
The March,
April, May newsletter will be coming out soon. Ruth DeBruin
will be doing the mailing for those w/o computers.
The
calendar is on the Web site. This includes a lot of different information, such
as cancellations, upcoming events and who is in need of volunteer help.
They are
changing the name from mass e-mailing to bulk e-mailing to sound less menacing.
Kathy McCarthy and Judy Davis has volunteered to help
with these.
Colleen was
very proud to announce that three new members have already volunteered to help on
the Communications Committee.
Horticultural advisor:
Kevin Jarek not present.
Old business:
Greenhouse-
Kevin is going to make one last appeal to the village board before it is sent
back to the Herrieds.
New business:
Mary Learman
announced that we may have new sign-in sheets. All you have to do is check off
your name. If your name is not listed, write it in. Also, check to see if we
have your correct telephone number and e-mail address.
Also check
to see if you have a new name tag in.
Mary
reported the results of the award cumulative volunteer service hours: 1,000+
hrs – Kathy Baum; 750 hrs. – Cathy Schwieso; 500 hrs.- Carol VandeBerg and Ken Wegener; 250 hrs.- Colleen Reed, Meg
Hunsader, Dale Schaber and Rod Sternhagen;
150 hrs – Pam Hagen, Bernie Meyers, Judy Peters and Mary Learman.
Mary
reported that the Garden of the Fox Cities is looking for volunteers. They are
trying to keep the Web site updated for volunteer opportunities.
Budget: We
made about $1,200 on Garden Expectations. The budget proposal is on the back of
the agenda.
A question
was asked about general expenses. This was explained as money for unexpected
miscellaneous debts. However, if the budget has been exceeded and the expense
is over $100.00, it must be voted on by the members. The misc. includes things
such as, the beverages for general meetings, the potluck supper, etc.
Mary stated
that anyone is welcome to attend any committee or board meeting. Plus, ask to
see the checkbook to see where the money is going.
Mary and
Pam Hagan will be getting together every quarter to go over the expenses. Then
in 6 months, the board will review the budget to see if it is working. The 2008
budget will total $18,570.00, leaving approximately $13,000.00.
A suggestion
was made to give more grants - $500 each to tech UW-EX and
There is no
budget for the
A question
was asked about the UWX budget. This money is intended for demonstration gardens.
Rather than
being lumped with Community Outreach, a new category of “Sanctioned Projects”
is being considered.
It was
asked and answered that we are a nonprofit organization.
A question
was asked about the Charity item. It was explained as a challenge to other M.G.
counties.
Meeting
adjourned:
1¼ hours of education, ¾ hours of service.
Members
meeting:
Program:
Meeting called to order:
The
previous meeting minutes were approved as read.
Mary
announced that we have lost a valuable member, Bill Polley.
A floral arrangement was sent.
The
treasurer’s report is available upon request.
Lynn
Coffeen reported that the Chicago Botanical Gardens is offering horticultural
therapy training classes for MGVs. The classes teach
gardening to people with special needs, such as those with physical
disabilities. The cost is $50 per day. You may choose to attend any day from
May 15-Oct. 15. For more information, call 847-835-8250.
There is a new
Web site affiliated with the Cooperative Extension in which experts in 16 areas
offer answers to consumers on a variety of topics. A link to this Web site is
on our Web site, www.ocmga.net, and can be accessed by clicking
here.
The “Got
Dirt” program needs a leader. Basically, this person instructs teachers and day
care supervisors to teach children gardening.
The 4-day
multi-state conference is coming up. The cost is $150 before April 14 and $175
after this date.
There is
also a workshop on grape pruning. The cost is $60. If you would like more
information, ask
There will
be a background check on our members for the safety of children in our
programs. The extension will pay $2 per person.
Karen
DesJarlais announced that there is only about 1 month of the beginning classes
left. Last class is April 15. They are going to work on retention by having a
potluck. They will have the project leaders, who still need help, at the May
meeting. Tom Brinkman will demonstrate container gardening. Hopefully, meeting
more people with shared interests will make them more inclined to attend the
meetings.
The state
would like us to get more involved with the community. Consider helping
landscape with Habitat for Humanity and think about Arbor Day also.
They would
like to have a few education classes open to the public: one in July and
possibly one in August. Hopefully, one of them will be about diagnostics.
The
Education Committee is hoping to keep the Herrieds
involved as facilitators.
Some
members asked about having a class on using the laptop and PowerPoint for
demonstrations. Saturdays in May would work best for Kevin, who would be the
instructor. The Education Committee will discuss further.
Kate
Langner was not present, but if you have a project that needs sanctioning, forward it to Denise at the UW-Extension. An overview of the
projects is on our Web site and can be accessed by clicking here.
Meg
Hunsader gave us the heads-up for the upcoming meetings.
Meg
announced that there are about 10 seats left for the June 18 bus trip to Villa
Terrace, etc.
Meg asked
the group if they would be interested in an overnight trip to
Jackie Rickel needs volunteers for planting, yard-digs and plant
sale. Now is the time to start thinking about which plants you will be
bringing. Jackie brought posters to be distributed and the sign-up sheets.
Hopefully, the program for forms will be up and running by May 1. Then you will
be able to fill in the lines and print them off. If you would like to print
plant labels and you have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, click here to open the form and save
it on your computer.
Sally
Jaeger-Alterkruse announced that the newsletter
should be out early next week, due to a computer glitch. Ruth DeBruin has volunteered to do the mailing.
Colleen
Reed announced that there will be more variation in the newsletter due to two
more people on staff. There are also two more people doing e-mailing. The staff
has grown by four people.
A pair of women’s gloves were found at the conference. If you lost them, contact Sue Gremmer or the UW-Extension.
Kevin Jarek shared his thoughts that members of the OCGMA
underestimate their hours. He knows how much work goes into all our efforts. He
also suggested a book for everyone, “The 100 simple Secrets to Happy
People.”
Unfortunately,
he could get nowhere with the Grand Chute Town Board, so the greenhouse is a
no-go.
Kevin
explained that the UW-Extension would like a long-range landscaping plan for
the grounds, such as,
He reported
that the new class facilitators are doing a great job.
Greenhouse:
A motion was made to sell the greenhouse back to the Herrieds
for the minimum of $500 to the maximum of $1,000, since the Herrieds
have done so much for the association.
Budget: $19,630.
Mary Learman reminded the group that the Memory Garden Committee does not have
a budget. They ask for money as needed. Anything more than $100 must be
approved by members.
Chris
Schaefer brought up the fact that the state receives $560 from the dues, which
was not on the budget from 112 paid members. This was inadvertently omitted.
Budget approved.
Pam and
Mary review the budget half-way through the year and have printed copies in
May.
We need
help with the hoop house for the plant sale. If you can help with plans,
contact Judy Miller at jmi54911@aol.com
or 920-734-0615.
Sat., April
19 is Earth Day. Volunteers are needed to man the booth from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at the Habitat for Humanity Restore on E. College Ave. Volunteers are also
needed for the booth at the Garden of the Fox Cities annual Spring Garden
Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 17.
Chris
Schaefer needs 2 more people to answer telephone questions at the UW-Extension.
This is for 3 hours once every 6 weeks. There are many resources available to
give help. If you do not know, just leave a message for David Bauer. If
interested, contact Chris at 920-757-1403 or christo243@aol.com.
Chris also informed the group that the Burning Bush is now considered
invasive.
Project
leaders are involved to the April 15 new class potluck. Please bring info on
your project if you need help. New members will need hours.
Mary
Learman announced that one of her personal goals for 2008 is to bring the group
“Back to the Basics.” If you have any ideas that you think may be interesting
enough to bring more members back to the meetings, e-mail Mary at britmary7@yahoo.com.
Dale Schaber needs someone to take over the refreshments and
set-up. You can come at
Garden
Expectations recap. Kathy Baum expressed it was a great success. Kathy also
asked for ideas for future conferences. One idea was herbs, growing them and
using them in cooking. Someone suggested a hands-on session, but it was decided
the facility wasn’t large enough and there would be too many people. However,
we could have project seminars set up for our members. If you have anything you
are interested in or a certain speaker, let Kathy know.
Meeting
adjourned
1¼ hrs. education and travel time
1 hr.
service time
Members
meeting:
Program: Kathy Baum presented “New Perennials
for 2008.”
Meeting called to order:
Minutes: approved as read.
Treasurer’s report: is available upon request.
State representative’s report: Kathy Baum had nothing new to
report.
State representative-at-large
report: Lynn
Coffeen not present.
Education report: Karen DesJarlais announced that the
new students all passed. They enjoyed the potluck and learning about the
sanctioned projects.
Kevin Jarek will be doing a lawn demo the plant sale on May 31.
Lynn
Coffeen will be taking over the position of the Education Committee Chairwoman
starting in June.
They are
hoping to have an open house in July and August at the UW-Extension for the
general public. If anyone has any ideas for what should be presented for this,
please contact the Education Committee.
Karen wants
people to let her know how they feel about tying education to meetings.
The
Education Committee is still working on advanced seminars.
Project coordinator: While Kate Langer was not present,
Mary Learman announced that there are new projects listed on the Web site. Jan
would like every project chair to write a paragraph describing their sanctioned
project.
Program chairperson: Meg Hunsader gave us a line-up for
the summer meetings:
a potluck, so please bring a dish to pass.
has 15 acres of prairie and paths through her woods, plus a
pond.
Note: The
overnight bus trip to Seed Savers has been cancelled.
Plant sale chairwoman: Carol Vandeberg
announced that she had brought sticks, labels and flyers for members to post.
Carol reported that we will have fewer plants at cheaper prices this year. She
will use this year as a gauge for planning for next year. Carol also asked the
group if they would like a list of the plants.
Mark
Scherer volunteered to pick up the tent with his trailer, but needs help.
Carol also
brought the sign-up sheets for the plant sale. She would like the plants from
yards to be dug by May 15.
Thistledown
Nursery is giving us plants to sell on consignment, of which we would get a
percentage. They are having a Fairyfest on June 21 –
check their Web site.
Thistledown
is located on Hwy. 47 about 16 miles north of Black Creek, towards
Bonduel. Turn left at The Olde Plow Antique shop and go about 3 miles. The road comes
to a dead end and goes into their driveway.
Carol
reminded people to bring desserts or finger food for the plant sale.
Communications chairwoman: Colleen Reed reported that all is
going well with the newsletter.
Old business: Mary Learman announced that no one
has volunteered to take Dale Schaber’s place as
Hospitality Person. This involves coming early to pick up the key, setting up
tables and making coffee. If anyone can do it even one month, e-mail Mary.
Possibly they will make a sign-up sheet for this.
Web site update: Volunteer sheets and education
opportunities are all updated. There is a volunteer sheet for the herb garden
at GFC, for one week at a time.
Answering phones at the
UW-Extension: Chris
Schaefer still needs 1 or 2 more people to answer phones at the UW-Extension
office. This would be Fridays from
GFC festival: The Gardens of the Fox Cities
Festival is May 17. We are looking for volunteers to give 30- minute demos on
any subject of their choosing.
Earth Day: Since there were no volunteers, our
Earth Day plans have been cancelled.
While you are
there, try to take in the judging. The kids are proud of their entries. Kids
are also becoming more interested in our booth, so if you have any ideas for
handouts for them, please write it down for the next meeting.
Mary L.
asked everyone to make sure that their names, addresses and e-mails were
correct on the sheet before the new registry comes out.
The group
welcomed the new graduates with a round of applause.
If you
would like to attend Earth Day, it is at Habitat for Humanity ReStore on
Volunteers
are still needed for the MG booth for the GFC spring festival, and 11 people
are needed for the Garden Walk. Details are on the Volunteer Page on the Web
site.
A question
was raised about garden art at the plant sale. If you have something you would
like to sell, check with the plant sale chairperson for approval.
Kathy
McCarthy was asked to write an article for the newsletter on redoing old pots
to look like stone. She brought a beautiful example to show us.
Meeting
adjourned at
52 members
attended
35 minutes
service time
45 minutes education time / plus travel time
Members
meeting:
Program:
Meeting: called
to order at approximately
Previous meeting minutes approved as read.
Treasurer’s report: Pam Hagen presented the treasurer’s report, which is available upon request.
State Rep.: Kathy
Baum – reminder about the
raffle tickets for sale.
Education report: Karen DesJarlais – program planning for 2009 is just about
complete, but if there are any suggestions, please give them to her. The Open
House for July has been approved and speakers arranged.
Projects: Kate Langner – Check the Web site for the complete list. If your project
does not have details, please send them to Jan Sommerfeld for inclusion. We are
working on defining the how and what for sanctioning to help clarify projects. This
should be in place for 2009.
Programs: Meg Hunsader – June’s meeting will be at Meg’s. Dave Bayer will be
speaking about pest management. Details for July and August will follow.
Fundraising: Carol Vande Berg. Everything proceeding nicely for the plant sale.
Labels were available for the plants. A deal has been worked out with Thistledown
Gardens to sell their plants and the MGs will retain 30% of all sales. Remember to
keep track of all your hours – on the road, in the hoop house, on the phone, printing
labels off the computer, etc.
Communications: Colleen Reed – nothing new.
Horticulture: Kevin Jarek. Almost a year to the day, the “April” matter is resolved,
allbeit unsatisfactorily. Kevin thanked everyone for returning the evaluation sheets
to help his tenure.
At-large member: Lynn Coffeen – plans have been completed for redoing the
gardens at the UW-Extension and a
few volunteers are need to help clear out the old growth. The west side will be
replanted in time for the plant sale.
Old business: We have a new hospitality person. Thank you, Mike, and also a huge
thank you to Dale for all his great past service at the meetings.
Mention was made that several projects are still looking for volunteers, including the
Spring Festival at the GFC, the
The member list has been distributed by e-mail, and Kathy Baum will take care of
ensuring those without computer access get their copies.
Rod has extra copies of the instructions for rain barrels, so please contact him if
you would like a copy.
No new business at this time.
Meeting adjourned at approximately
48 members attended.
35 minutes Service / 45 minutes Education / plus travel time.
Submitted by: Mary Learman
Next meeting: June 19
Members
meeting:
Meeting:
Treasurer's report: Pam Hagen not present
State Rep's report: Kathy Baum not present
State Rep At Large Report: Lynn Coffeen not present. However Mary Learman
reminded us of the Conference July 19th. The cost is $150, plus
motel if staying the weekend.
Education Report: Karen DesJarlais announced that there will be a workshop
July 19th at the UWEX from
Project Coordinator: Kate Langer said that a few of the projects have been
sanctioned and they are posted. She especially wanted to draw attention to the
Habitat for Humanity as the houses that need landscaping are built the previous
year. These are on-going projects.
Anyone who has plants,
trees or shrubs to donate this cause would be appreciated. People are also
needed to head-up each house and teach the owners how to maintain their
landscapes. Anyone interested in this or who have vegetation to donate, please
contact Larry Godlewski at 920-450-1656 or e-mail him
at lgodlews@networkhealth.com.
This project will be great
publicity for the MGVA to let the public know our goals, what we are about and
how community-oriented we are.
Program chairperson: Meg Hunsader announced that the July 17 meeting
will be in Winneconne. We have been invited to visit the gardens of Sue Gremmer, and Barb Harrison and her friend. Sue has an
orchard and woodland and is having a wall built. A suggestion was made to start
the meeting earlier, probably at
The August meeting will be
at Judy Peters in Bonduel. Judy has prairie, woods and a pond. Bring more bug
spray.
If you do not have e-mail,
call Mary Learman or Denise at the UW-EX and they will keep you informed.
Fundraising chairperson: Carol Vandeberg not
present. However, she e-mailed Mary L. The plant sale grossed $17,354 + $30
from the Petersons.
Costs: Plants – $6,262, Printing - $88, Hoop house - $280, Pots - $544, Food - $25,
Misc. - $552, Soil - $418. TOTAL - $8,168.
Next year we will be adding
more herbs. Thistledown Nursery will be accommodating us with herbs and flowers
next year. This Saturday Thistledown will be hosting ”Fairy
Fest.” Bring the kids! There will be activities and flowers.
Communications chairperson: Colleen Reed reported that e-mails
and newsletters are going well.
Horticultural advisor: Kevin Jarek not present.
New business
Ken Wegener reported asking
Jim Beard of FVTC what would be on his Wish List. This would be a $1,000
Compost Tea-making Machine. Since we paid about $800 for the shade clothes for
the hoop house last year, a motion was made to donate $750 this year. However,
we did not have enough members present to vote.
It was decided to wait
until July/August/September meeting to vote. Hopefully, there will be enough
members present to vote in one of these months. Will send
e-mail to notify members of the situation.
The
Volunteer Opportunities –
Farm Tech Days in Greenleaf – Thurs July 17,
Marigold Mile, S.
The OCMGVA has purchased a
new labeler. If any member wants to borrow this, contact Colleen Reed.
Lucy Valitchka
wanted to know if David Baer was going to write for the
Mary L. said that the FV
“Women” magazine had a nice article in the May issue quoting her and Jackie
Johnson.
Mary L. said that if you
are doing just maintenance on a previously sanctioned project, this will probably
not be approved next year unless it is turned into a teaching project of some
sort.
Remember your mileage
counts on service hours. Count travel time to and from
meetings.
Meeting adjourned:
½ hour
Service; 1 hour Education.
Attendance: 26 members
Submitted by Deb Neuman, recording
secretary
Member
meeting:
Program: Judy & Ron Peters’ 160 acres of
woods, prairie, pond, waterfall and gardens.
Meeting called to order:
Treasurer’s report: For information on this report,
please contact Pam H.
State representative’s report: Kathy Baum and Kevin Jerek announced that David Bayer will be doing 3 advanced
sessions. These will be on Tuesday evenings at the UWEX. The cost is $25 for
all three and there is only room for 30 people, so get your money in soon. The
classes are:
Kathy B.
brought up the subject of the Emerald Ash Bore, which was brought here in
Chinese pallets. Kevin will bring more
info to the September meeting. Kevin also informed the “Emergency Director” to
make sure they hire competent people who can identify the Bore and tree species
after a citywide misidentification incident in
Kathy
received a Western Central Region Forest Pest up date, which she will have mass
e-mailed.
Bridget Staley
did not have her flower arranging presentation at the July meeting as she ran
out of time.
Kathy
announced that the potluck is being changed from October to September this year
so we will be able to enjoy the gardens more, when it is a little warmer.
This is
also a good time to remind members to get their hours and dues in by Oct. 1.
Kevin will
be informing us of the state guidelines for sanctioned projects at the
September meeting.
October
will be an herb presentation at the Gardens of the Fox Cities.
The Gardens
of the Fox Cities no longer has an executive director. It was also mentioned
that the
November
will be a general meeting and election of officers. An executive board
secretary is needed. Apparently, there
will be a lot of positions open on the board for next year.
Fundraising chairwoman: Carol VandeBerg
was not present. However, Kathy B. announced that she was able to order many
new species for the plant sale this year and will order other plants later.
Bridget Staley announced that the Seymour Fair Booth did a great job this year.
However, they could use a rotating carousel for the tri-fold pamphlets. They
now have to find a way to keep the fair info separate from the farmer’s market
information.
Program chairwoman: Meg Hunsader was not present.
However, Kathy announced that she made $577 on the bus trip. Will
have to write the estimated time of return next year.
Education report:
Karen Dickerell needed a speaker for Oct. 2.
Sally volunteered.
Kevin has
30 people for his July 19 Rain Garden Demo. People have been asking Kevin how
his tenure is going. He will have his third meeting on Sept. 15. He also
informed us that the average response for evaluation is 30%. However, Kevin had
a 40% return for agriculture and 80%+ for his horticulture master gardener
advisor.
New business: Kathy B. and a friend taught 6-80
year-olds how to build terrariums. Kathy submitted the bills to the master
gardeners and wrote a $60 grant under the “Seeds for Community Growth” to cover
the costs.
Kathy B.
has written a grant to Larry Godlewski (Habitat for
Humanity). The board had approved $2,000.
Larry has received the money from Calumet & Winnebago counties and
Affinity. However, there are 7 homes that need to be done. Kathy asked the
members to allow $400 per house with a total up to $2,800 – Approved. This will
allow us to purchase plants, help with installation and teach homeowners how to
maintain them. Teams of master gardeners will be needed to handle these projects.
This will be about ½ day per house. There can be several teams, depending on
the amount of volunteers. A question was raised about the price per family, but
since it is education, service to the community and good publicity for the
master gardener’s community service, it was decided it was the right thing for
us to do. Larry Godlewski has really done his
homework on every aspect of these homes and has reached out for help from
anywhere he could get it. For our part, only low-maintenance plants will be used.
Kevin
announced that on
Kathy
announced that Susan Richardson (Community Gardens Coordinator) has a new
project – Community Herbs. She has received a grant to put up an 8 x 16
greenhouse at
Kevin
announced that the executive board brought up the idea of purchasing a video
camera for taping basic classes, David Bauer’s advanced classes and posting a Web
cam for the Web site. Kevin will be looking into them.
Bridget
Staley shared that she did use red plastic under 2 of her
Kevin was
asked about the deep plowing at the Peters. He informed us that for agriculture,
you would use shallow topsoil plowing. But for nature plantings, you overturn
many different layers of soil. Plant winter wheat, let
the dirt settle over winter, then plant alfalfa and other deer feeding plants.
This variety of alfalfa only needs to be cut once or twice a year. For cattle, if alfalfa flowers, cut immediately or fiber goes up
and digestibility goes down, but this would be a different variety. For
deer it can all flower out because the first cutting wouldn’t be until May or
June for nesting birds.
Meeting adjourned:
Attendance: 23 members
30 minutes
service / 1 hour education / plus travel time
Member
meeting:
The annual potluck thank-you supper was held at the GFC on
Project sanctioning form: Kevin presented the updated form.
It should help simplify the process of presenting projects in 2009 and beyond.
Keep in mind that all projects must be sanctioned every year, and for your hours
to be counted, you must work on a sanctioned project.
If you want
to work on something, simply complete the form and send it in. If there are questions after the executive board reviews it, the
project coordinator will contact you.
One of the
goals for 2009 is to have a Web page for each project with before and after
photos. We have a camera, labeler and labels you can borrow, so start snapping!
It would be nice to have Show & Tell at our meetings too.
Elections: It is proposed the bylaws be amended
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 2 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 2-year term. The president, treasurer
and one member at large would serve an initial 1 year and in 2010 move to a
2-year term. By this method a minimum of three experienced officers would stay
in office, thereby achieving continuity and a smooth transition.
After 1
year on the board, any member may run for president.
All board
positions are open for re-election. Vice president, executive secretary and one
member at large are vacant. Meg Hunsader, Jane Lauer and Tom Brinkman have
completed their terms of office. Our sincere thanks for their valuable service
and contributions - they will be sorely missed.
The current
incumbents for president (Mary Learman), treasurer (Pam Hagen) and one MAL (Ken
Wegner), and recording secretary (Deb Neuman) are
willing to continue to serve. Position descriptions will be sent separately.
If you are
interesting in running or would like to nominate a member, please e-mail Mary
at britmary7@yahoo.com or call 920-739-9496.
The slate
will be presented at the October member meeting, and the actual elections take
place at the AGM in November. Terms commence January 2009.
Committee news: Karen DesJarlais is stepping down
as chairperson of the Education Committee, and will be replaced by Kathy Baum.
Lynn Coffeen will take over Kathy’s duties as state representative.
Dues: Many members paid their dues of $20
and took part in a drawing. If you have not paid your dues yet, these may be
sent to Denise at the UW-Extension office or directly to the treasurer, who
will also be collecting them at the October meeting.
Hours: are also due Oct. 1. You may submit
these to UW-Extension by mail, e-mail, or hand in at the October meeting. Since
the board needs to review and count them, please submit them as soon as
possible.
Habitat for Humanity: Looking for volunteers. New
graduates may team up with existing members for hours.
Paperless WIMGA newsletters: There are now 144 members in our
county. Only about one-third have signed up for the online letter. Before 2008,
16 members received the newsletter by email. Since February 2008, only 24 more
have signed up. This means that our group alone incurs all the costs associated
with processing, printing and mailing for more than 100 of our members.
Please help
us reach our goal of 90% participation by e-mailing Susan Mahr at
smahr@wisc.edu to add your e-mail address to the online database. In addition
to the newsletter, you will receive Susan's Scoop six times a year, and other
interesting and valuable articles periodically.
Meeting adjourned: at
Respectfully
submitted,
Mary Learman,
president
Member
meeting:
Program:
With 44 members attending, the meeting was
called to order at
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:
The cost will be $5 and 2 cans per
person. The money will go to the
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.
The meeting adjourned at
Education hours - 1; Support hours - 1/2
plus travel time.
Next meeting: Nov. 20. Annual
general meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Learman, president
***************************************************************************************************************
Outagamie
County Master Gardeners
Association
Member meeting: November 20, 2008
Annual General Meeting:
Highlights of 2008
-
With 112 paid members and as of
-
There were 35 sanctioned projects
-
A plaque has been placed in the
-
Survey results showed members were interested in
more advanced seminars
-
Garden Expectations had 118 attendees
-
Plant
-
Greenhouse didn’t materialize; we will maintain a
rose garden at UWEX instead
-
Our Website is up to date and user friendly, it’s
very clean and nice
-
Newsletter is now available online
-
Garden photos are posted on the Website by Jan
Sommerfeld
-
Public Seminars held by Rod, Cathy and Kevin were
well attended by 30 people
-
Landscape project for Habitant for Humanity, helped
local community gardens and a new project at Appleton West High Herb Program
Treasurer’s Report Pam Hagen reported checking and savings account
balances which are available upon request.
We are in the process of changing banks; new checks will have the MG
logo. Mary and Pam will start working on the 2009 budget.
State
Representative The State
Conference reported a loss of $10,000 because of poor attendance. Gas
prices and the economy were thought to be the major reasons. Members were
strongly encouraged to email Susan Mahr at
semahr@facstaff.wisc.edu to receive the State newsletter online to
help defray high costs of printing and mailing, and possibly avoid an increase
in dues.
Education Report Kathy Baum reported on upcoming programs;
Day of Discovery, Community Garden, Farm For Sharing at Farmer’s Market of
which seminars will be held the first Saturday of the month. This committee has
come up with ideas and will be passing them on to the vice president for
programs at monthly meetings.
-
January
- TBA (Possibly Phil Pelliteri on Entomology)
-
February
- New Plants with Kathy Baum
-
March/April
- Jim Beard’s Garden Design and Construction of Garden Design
Project Coordinator Kate, who was not present, is working on
sanctioning projects.
Program
Chairperson A thank you
was extended to Meg Hunsader for all her work on the bus trips and programs
that she organized these past years.
Fundraising - Plant
Communications Colleen Reed asked if there were any
comments or concerns regarding mass emails, and if the calendar on the Website
is being used, of which there was shown some interest. The newsletter is being
worked on now with 3 people willing to take turns doing it. Monthly meeting
minutes are posted on the Website.
Members At Large Ken Wegener reported that the Hoop House
is on schedule. Plugs are being potted up and volunteers will be needed to
water the plants. Tom Brinkman reported the downtown project is working well
with a good response for volunteers. Since his term is ending, Chris Schaefer
will be his replacement.
Horticulture
Advisor Kevin Jarek gave an interesting presentation (sales pitch) for a
new Tablet Notebook lap top with a 12” screen and a camcorder which would
double as a digital camera. A camcorder could be useful in taping educational
classes. The cost for both would be approximately $2,600 plus tax. Motion was
made and carried for the purchase of both. Because of the timing of prices
quoted, Kevin would purchase both items this week. The old lap top will be
retained as a spare.
Our thoughts were expressed to Sally who
is recovering from recent cancer treatments.
Special
Reports:
-
The
Herb Society took over the
-
Larry
Godlewski gave a PowerPoint presentation on
Affinity’s Habitat for Humanity Landscaping Project 2008. Seven homes were
landscaped in Waupaca, Outagamie,
-
Judy
Peters and Bridget Staley brought pictures from the Seymour County Fair and
reported there was a good turnout of volunteers to staff the MG booth as well
as good exposure and activity from the general public.
-
Rod
took a food prep course and will hold a venison processing session on December
6 at the UWEX for a cost of $7.50 per person. The venison is being donated.
-
Kathy
Heier said the new schedule for the Master Gardener
Class of 2009 will be posted on the Website when it is completed. She suggested
‘seasoned’ MG’s make the new class members feel more
like part of the group by including them in conversations.
Special
Thanks to:
-
Tom
Brinkman for the outstanding job he did while on the board.
-
Cathy
Schwieso for all the photos she has taken and for maintaining picture albums,
which can be viewed at the UWEX office. After 2008, photos will be posted on
the Website and can be viewed there.
-
Jan Sommerfeld
for the wonderful, user friendly Web site she initiated and maintains with
everything from pictures, to newsletters, to forms.
-
Mike
Turner for graciously taking over as hospitality chair, setting up the meeting
room, starting the coffee and the hot water. It was suggested that each MG
bring their own coffee mug or travel mug to the meetings.
-
Denise
Vander Zanden for all the many extra things she does
for our group.
-
Kevin
for whom we couldn’t function without. We are very lucky to have him as our
advisor. Kevin ‘aced’ his tenure meeting held recently by passing the first
time around, which is quite an honor.
Contact either Mary or any board member
with ideas, suggestions or comments as they are welcome anytime.
Election
of Officers Because all officers
were running unopposed, a motion to cast the unanimous vote was made and
carried. Congratulations to all the officers who are:
-
President,
Mary Learman
-
Vice
President, Larry Godlewski
-
Treasurer,
Pam Hagen
-
Executive
Secretary, Jane Lauer
-
Program
Coordinator, Kate Langner
-
State Representative, Lynn Coffeen
-
Member
at Large, Ken Wegener
-
Member at Large, Chris Schaefer
The meeting adjourned at
Next meeting: January 15
Respectfully submitted by Barbara Koehnke
(for Deb Neuman)
44
members signed in. Hour count is
Education 1/2 hr, Support 1-1/4 hrs plus travel time.