Outagamie County Master Gardeners Association

Member meeting: February 19, 2009

Speaker Dennis Prusik on Phenology: 6:30 - 7:40 p.m.  Dennis gave an interesting presentation on Phenology which is the scientific study of how plants and animals shape their lives intimately to the local seasonal weather. His basic five points were: 1. Outdoor observations; 2. Keeping a journal; 3. Gathering good information; 4. Read and review notes; 5. Use the information and share it. Dennis had his Wisconsin Nature Calendar available for members to purchase.

General Meeting: 7:55 - 8:25 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 7:55 p.m. by President Mary Learman. The minutes from the November meeting posted on the website were approved and seconded.

Treasurer’s Report - Pam Hagen reported account balances which are available upon request.  Payment for the March 7 Garden Expectations can be made at tonight’s meeting, as well as past due member dues. Pam noted there were several members who hadn’t paid their dues yet which were due October 2008. This causes a problem with the insurance along with having to write and send out several checks to state when members are delinquent. Possibly in the future, those in arrears may be contacted by email to avoid all the extra work.

State Representative - No Report

Education Report - Kathy Baum reported on upcoming programs;

·        Garden Expectations Conference - March 7. More members/guests are needed to attend. Cathy Schwieso has posters and brochures members can take with them and distribute. Meg Hunsader will be taking names for dessert donations for the conference. Please email her with your preference of bringing bars, cakes, breads, etc.

·        Tom Wentzel has started the Appleton Farmers Market seminars. These are free seminars held on the first Saturday of the month beginning February 7 through December 5. The months of April, May and June will be held at the Appleton Public Library, the others at City Center. Members are encouraged to attend. 

·        Pruning and Fruit Grafting workshops - March 18. Information is on the OCMG’s calendar.

·        Day of Discovery - June 20. Tom Brinkman reported that he will be asking for volunteers closer to the event, which is held 3 weeks prior to the Shelter’s Garden Walk.

·        Chicago Botanical Gardens bus trip - June 18. Meg is accepting reservations for this trip. The bus has 55 seats to fill. It was noted that because June 18 is a regular meeting date, it will be decided later whether to hold our meeting a week before or after this date. 

·        Upcoming meeting programs scheduled are:

-        March/April - Jim Beard’s Landscape Design Part I and Part II.

-        May - New Plants with Kathy Baum

Project Coordinator - No Report   

Fundraising - Plant Sale - Plant sale is coming along very nicely.

Communications - Deadline for newsletter submissions is Friday, February 20. The timing is short and the Communications Committee is working on more advance notice for articles in the future. All upcoming events, workshops and conferences are now posted on our website’s calendar.

Horticulture Advisor - Kevin Jarek reiterated the March 18 Pruning and Fruit Grafting Workshops. Reservations are being accepted from Master Gardeners until March 2 and if there are openings after that date, the workshops will be open to the public. On April 18 Kate is looking for someone to collect soil samples at Fox Valley Tech from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Old Business - New name tags have arrived.

New Business:

·       Budget - Mary presented the updated 2009 budget. Motion was made, seconded and carried for acceptance.

·       Website Calendar Renewal - The general consensus is that people are using and liking our calendar. A motion was made, seconded and carried to renew the contract with a 5-year renewal of $389.

Goals for 2009

-        Welcome new members and get them to feel comfortable; learn at least 5 new people by name and face

-        State requires each chapter to keep their by-laws current

-        Develop a Jr. Master Gardener group or work more with youth/schools

-        Offer better communications by sending out a monthly one-page bulletin to members with reminders of updates and up-coming events

-        Sanction form submissions are to be followed through; if you haven’t gotten a response about yours, resubmit and be sure to use the newest form available on the website

-        A draft of guidelines is being made for electronic voting

Library - Mary has organized the library with the addition of about 40-50 new books. Anyone can access the library at the UW Extension office.

Special Thanks to Karen DesJarlais for arranging this month’s speaker and to Mary Learman for her work in organizing the library.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Next meeting: March 19 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara Koehnke (for Deb Neuman)

38 members signed in.  Hour count is Education 1-1/4 hrs, Support 1/2 hr plus travel time.

 

 

Outagamie County Master Gardeners Association

Member meeting: March 19, 2009

Speaker Jim Beard on: 6:30 p.m.  Jim presented his Landscape Design Part I stressing the three basic principles in the process of design. 1. Interview: Talk with the client and find out the wants and needs. 2. Program: List the components, patio, garden type, etc. 3. Base Map: Measure site to be landscaped.

Before the program began, Rod Sternhagen demonstrated how to cover up rain barrels to make them more appealing. Interested members can contact Rod for the name of the person who makes the stands and paraphernalia.

General Meeting: 7:55 - 8:25 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 7:55 p.m. by President Mary Learman. The minutes from the February meeting posted on the website were approved and seconded.

Treasurer’s Report - Account balances are available upon request. Some expenses will be coming in from Garden Expectations and the Plant Sale.

State Representative - Lynn Coffeen

October 2-3 will be the WI Annual MG Conference in Wisconsin Dells at the Ho-Chunk Hotel; September 16 the Upper Mid West Conference in Rockford, IL; April 27 Garden Stories.

Education Report - Kathy Baum

·                Garden Expectations Conference - The day went smoothly with about 140-145 in attendance.

·                Day of Discovery - June 20. Tom Brinkman reported that there will be an organization meeting Wednesday April 25 at the Extension Office. Interested members are welcome to come.

·                Tom Wentzel reminded members of the Appleton Farmers Market seminars held in April, May and June at the Appleton Public Library, the others at City Center. Members are encouraged to attend. 

·                Emergency Shelter Garden Walk - Kathy passed out sheets on the gardens featured. Contact Kathy if you are willing to help out at this event.

·                Chicago Botanical Gardens bus trip - June 18. There are about 12 seats left.

·                Green Gay Area Nursery bus trip - May 23.  Ten more people are needed to sign up to get a bus of 25.

·                Upcoming meeting programs scheduled are:

-        April - Jim Beard’s Landscape Design Part II held in the Ag Building at FVTC.

-        May - Kathy Baum will do a PowerPoint presentation on new plants held at the Gardens of the Fox Cities.

-        June - Because of the bus trip to Chicago, there won’t be a meeting.

-        July - Jessica Wickland will host the July meeting which will be held at Oberstadt’s Nursery in Readfield.

Project Coordinator - If you have a project and haven’t gotten a response, please resubmit another form on paper.     

Fundraising - Plant Sale - Carol VandeBerg passed around signup sheets for the plant sale which will be held May 30. Members should start thinking about what plants from their gardens they will be donating.

Communications - Colleen Reed reported the spring newsletter is on the Web. Members are encouraged to submit their own articles anytime to Colleen.

Horticulture Advisor - Kevin Jarek

·                         A letter from APICS was received regarding Earth Day being celebrated on April 22 with a request for a donation.

·                         Pruning Workshop which Kevin narrated turned out well.

·                         Information on My Father’s Garden” held April 1 at Bubolz Nature Center was handed out.

·                         People will be needed to answer phones at the Extension office on Fridays.

·                         Kevin received praise for his work from the dean on his tenure.

Old Business - Hours with other associations can amount to 5 service hours a year for each project but the projects need to be sanctioned and represented by a Master Gardener Volunteer Association member.

·              Gardens of the Fox Cities has an event next Tuesday from 2-7:00 p.m. that will be similar to a trade show set-up with the various volunteer opportunities available. 

New Business: Seymour Fair - The Outagamie Fair will be held July 19-26 in Seymour. Contact Bridget for volunteer hours in blocks of 2 hours or more. OutagamieFair.com can be accessed for the forms needed for entry if showing produce/flowers.

Special Thanks to Kathy Baum and her committee for another successful Garden Expectations. Jim Beard thanked the OMGA for our support. Experiments are being held in the Hoop House but we can bring our plants in anytime.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Next meeting: April 19 6:00 p.m. at the FVTC.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara Koehnke (for Deb Neuman)

41 members signed in.  Hour count is Education 1-1/4 hrs, Support 1/2 hr plus travel time.

 

Outagamie County Master Gardener Association

Member’s Meeting

 

April 16, 2009

 

Program:  6:25 p.m. Jim Beard – Landscape & Design Part II – Fox Valley Technical Institute

 

Meeting Called to Order:  7:50 p.m. by President Mary Learman

 

Amendments and Additions to Agenda and Minutes:  None

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Pam Hagen not present.  Mary Learman reported a balance of $30 203.00.

 

Project Coordinator:  Kate Langner not present.  However, Chris Schaefer reminded project leaders that if their projects are on

going in 2009, they need to be re-sanctioned.

 

State Board Representative:  Kathy Baum reported that there was a face-to-face at Hancock.  Their objective is still to promote better communication between the State Representatives and the members.

 

WIMGA-at-Large:  Lynn Coffeen not present.

 

Education Chair:  Kathy Baum announced the upcoming programs for meetings:  May at the Gardens of the Fox Cities with Kathy Baum presenting new plants for 2009; June no meeting; July-a trip to Oberstadt’s Nursery ;  August-possible presentation by Aaron Klockzien, location undecided; September – Potluck Dinner. 

 

Garden Discoveries: Tom Brinkman brought sign-up sheets for attending and sign-up sheets for volunteers.  They will need 15 volunteers for each location on June 20th.  Tom praised Cathy Schwieso for getting a lot of information, signage, tickets and great brochures.  Kathy B. asked people to forward the ads to family and friends by internet.

 

Fund-Raising Chair: Carol VandeBerg said that there was an e-mail problem.  Not everyone received the 4 page list of plants and label template.  There will be copies and labels at the UWEX.  Carol also brought in the volunteer sign-up sheets and flyers.  The plants are all growing well.  The herbs are all organic.  The plant budget is $12,000.  Volunteers are needed for planting and potting for the sale.  Do your own potting about 3 weeks before the sale so they have time to recoup.  Kathy Baum has soil.  If you need help digging, call Carol.  Volunteers are needed to help, any time you have extra time.

 

Communications Chair: Colleen Reed reminded the members that if they have an article for the newsletter, it is only about a month until the next one comes out.

 

Horticultural Advisor:  Kevin Jarek mentioned how nice to was for Connie Polley to come in and tell how much our Master Gardener’s group mean to Bill.  Connie also offered the members to come and dig out what they would like of Bill’s plants as she is selling the house.  She told us of what a comfort our “Memory Garden” is, as Bill is not buried near the area. 

 

Kevin congratulated Ken Wegener and his volunteer crew on getting all the plugs in the Hoop House. 

 

Kevin announced that OCMGA had 6,237 volunteer hours and just under 5,000 support service hours.  The national volunteer rate is $19.00 per hour, which means we have contributed the equivalent of $94,620 to the community. 

 

Kevin reminded us that the OCMGA will be 10 years old in November. 

 

He also brought an article from the 1981 Farm Progress Days in Kaukauna at which time he asked for a round of applause for Cathy Schwieso for her hard work as Historian. 

 

Besides Kathy Baum presenting at the May 21st meeting, Kevin invited Tom Jack to speak on the Emerald Ash Boer.

 

Outagamie County has received the honor of sponsoring the “2010 Farm Days.”

Page 2,

 

General Items:  Rod Sternhagen spoke as to how other groups he belongs to make other donations in the community, such as, fishing trips for children with cancers, toys for children’s hospitals and Friends of High Cliff.  Anyone is allowed to apply for a grant for any community service.

 

A motion was made that the new class members of April must complete their 24 service hours and 10 educational hours by October.  The service hours may consist of all maintenance hours for the first year only.  Motion was approved.  They may go to any public garden or nature conservancies such as the Payne Art Center or Payne Garden Center to help with their hours.  However, the classes they just finished count as their education hours.  These must be from the sanctioned project list. 

 

A motion was made that the new students may take all 24 service hours as maintenance.  Motion approved.

 

A motion was made to accept the electronic procedure be voted into the bylaws.  Motion approved.

 

Meeting adjourned:  8:18 pm

 

½ hour service hours

1 ½ education hours

 

Attendance:  49 members

 

 

Outagamie County Master Gardeners Association

Members Meeting

May 21, 2009

 

6:30 Program:  Tom Jack gave us an update and valuable information on the Emerald Ash Borer.

 

Meeting called to order:  7:00 PM called to order by President Mary Learman.  Mary announced that there is no June meeting.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Pam Hagen not present.  However Mary L. reported that everything was going well with the Treasury and Pam will be giving an update soon.

 

State Representative’s Report:  Lynn Coffeen told us that the state conference is coming up.  The cost is $69.00 for a room at the Ho-Chunk Hotel.  All the info is on the WIMGA website, even the registration forms.  Lynn brought raffle tickets.  They are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.  They have a homemade, full size quilt with Master Gardeners on it, a framed stained glass hanging, plus many other prizes.  Remember… travel time counts.

 

Lynn informed us that the State is working on the by-laws.  It was decided that a 17-year-old could take the classes if they are 18 by the time the classes end.  Also, a parent or guardian must take the classes with them.

 

She could use volunteers for watering the Rose and Memory Gardens.  Even if it is just one week or a couple of weeks spread out.

 

Mary Learman thanked Tom, Peg, Kathy & Tammy for the fine job they are doing with the new classes.

 

Education Chair:  Kathy Baum informed us that she attended a Garden Walk last Tuesday. 

 

Kathy gave us the line-up for the next members meetings:  July:  Oberstadt’s Nursery.  Jessica Whitman will give us a tour of the gardens and pointing out the plants that do well in our area.  She will also talk of the task of running a large nursery.  August:  At Bernie Meyers.  The subject will be ponds, as she has acquired some critter damage to her pond.  We are hoping that Aaron Glockstein will be there to talk about maintenance of ponds and possibly show us how to fix Bernie’s damage.  September:  Pot luck at the Gardens of the Fox Cities.  October:  Mary Stewart – the Orchid Lady. November: AGM.

 

Project Coordinator:  Kate Langner reported that we now have 44 sanctioned projects listed on the Web.  She also has a few more submitted and waiting for approval.  This should give volunteers plenty of opportunities for service hours.

 

Kate announced that the Board is discussing ways to extend service hours by doing maintenance in public gardens.  This would be like the Gardens of the Fox Cities or Community Garden.

 

Fundraising Chair:  Carol Vande Berg gave an itinerary for the plant sale.  Thursday:  will be putting up tables.  No tents this year.  Friday:  Will need volunteers to help move plants at 8:00 am.  Tuesday – Thursday will be pricing plants.  There are 3,000 plants this year.  You can bring plants on Friday.  If they are labeled, take them to the staging area where they will be priced.  If you have a more valuable plant, let them know.   Labels & sticks are at the UWEX.  Unsold plants will be for sale at the Garden Walk at Carol Vande Berg’s house.  After that, they will be at Kathy Baum’s house.

 

Tom Brinkman is in charge of the Garden Discoveries, an educational garden tour,  June 20th from 10:00 am – 4:00 PM  Brochures will be at every garden.  He asked for additional volunteer help.

 

Kathy Baum is heading the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Cities Garden Walk on July 18th. 

 

Cathy Schwieso has made great ads and flyers including both of these events.  Members - please take these and post them wherever possible.

 

Mary Learman asked for volunteers to help put Historian Cathy Schwieso’s photo albums together so they can be posted on the Web.  If anyone else has pictures of these events, please submit them.

 

Communication Chair:  Colleen Reed not present.  Mary L. reminded everyone that if you have an article for the newsletter, it should be submitted by the 30th.

 

Horticultural Advisor:  Kevin Jarek passed out flyers on a composting clinic at Heckrodt Nature Center in Menasha on Thursday, June 11th from 7: - 8:00 PM.  Connie Glasheen, owner of Kindred Spirits Organics in Appleton will be the speaker.  Kevin asked for a volunteer to set up a table with compost info to attend this event.  Good ol’ Mary Learman and Karen DesJarlais answered the call.  This event is free.  Call 720-9349.

 

Kevin also asked for help at the crops and vegetable building at the County Fair in Seymour.  This would be for the 4H club.  Times needed:  Wed., July 22nd, 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM and Thursday, July 23rd 9:00 am – 12:00 PM.

 

Members have raised questions about the Treasury.  Kevin is going to do an article for the newsletter explaining the where and what this money is used for.

 

Mary Learman reminded the group that there is no June meeting. She also asked that if anyone knows of any upcoming events that would be of interest to the MG’s to Email Mary, britmary7@yahoo.com

 

Meeting adjourned:  7:30 PM

½ service hours, 1 ½ educational hours

Attendance:  40+

 

Program:  7:30 PM. Kathy Baum gave a power point presentation of Great Plants for 2009.

 

 

 

                                    Outagamie County Master Gardener’s Association

                                                                  Members Meeting

                                                                     July 16, 2009

 

Program:  6:30 p.m.  A tour of Oberstadt’s Nursery, which lasted about 1 hour.  After which, we had ice cream and Oberstadt’s had a drawing for a door prize.

 

Meeting called to order:  7:48 p.m. by President, Mary Learman.

 

Treasurer’s  Report:  Pam Hagen not present.  However, Mary L. will soon be getting together with Pam for the mid-year Treasury Report.

 

State Representative’s Report:  Lynn Coffeen not present.

 

Education Chair:  Kathy Baum announced that help was still needed for Saturday’s, July 18th, Emergency Shelter’s Garden Walk from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

 

Tom Brinkman informed us that the Garden Discoveries Garden Walk was quite successful.  Tom thanked the volunteers for all their help.  186 people attended the garden walk, donating about 400 food items for St. Joseph’s Food Pantry.  Tom mentioned that if a member or someone they knew would like to volunteer their garden for the next year’s walk, to contact Tom.  Tom also gave away 2 tickets for the Emergency Shelter’s Garden Walk.

 

Project Coordinator:  Kate Langner informed us that there are now 50 sanctioned projects.  If anyone needs help with their project, please let Kate know.  Kathy Baum brought the finished yard signs for leaders to place at their projects.  The signs let people know that the projects are being done by OCMGA’s Volunteers.  The signs will be at the UWEX Office.

 

Fundraising Chair:  Carol Vande Berg not present.

 

Communication Chair:  Colleen Reed not present.

 

Horticultural Advisor:  Kevin Jerek not present.

 

Mary Learman notified us that Bridget Staley needs help at the Seymour Fair or you could just go because it is fun.

 

New Business:  None, but Mary asked members to bring pictures of their projects so they can be posted at the September potluck. 

 

One of the members advised people to go see the Door County Master Gardener’s display.   It is well worth the trip.

 

The next meeting is at Bernie Meyers, 116 Armstrong St., Neenah, Wis.  Take Hwy 41 South to Bell St. Exit, go right about 1 1’2 miles across from the F.V. Stone and Brick

 

Meeting Adjourned 8:00 p.m.

Attendance:  about 36 members plus guests

¼ service plus mileage.  1 hour education.

 

Respectively submitted, Deb Newman, Recording Secretary

 

 

 

Outagamie County Master Gardener Association

Member’s Meeting

August 20, 2009

 

Program: 6:00 p.m. at Bernie Meyer’s house. The speaker was Aaron Klockzien on installing, landscaping and providing a proper eco-system for ponds.

 

Meeting Called to Order: 7:30 p.m. by State Board Representative Kathy Baum.

 

Treasurer’s Report: Pam Hagan reported approximately $40,000 in the treasury.

 

WIMGA At Large: Lynn Coffeen not present.

 

Education Chair: Kathy Baum informed us that the October speaker she wanted is already booked. So, she asked for ideas. It was suggested to get Brian Schmalz to speak on “Putting your garden to bed for the winter.” Someone also suggested arranging planters for the season. That would be an extra class activity.

 

Kathy asked for ideas for next year’s meetings. There were many ideas, such as, Bill Hartling on roses, Lee Hansen from the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, someone from Robinson’s Floral, Marion Books on floral arranging, a photography class, Kevin Jarek on keeping lawns organic, someone on a spiritual sense of gardening, Kevin Jarek on no-till gardening, Peterson compost, and Tammy Gordon on nature in the yard.

 

Kathy also announced that to have a contest of sorts would require having identical 4 x 8 garden plots. They would have the same plantings and light. Only one plot would be totally organic. This could involve having Jim Beard come and talk about making compost tea.

 

Kathy said they are going to try to develop a Speaker’s Bureau, which would include having 3 or 4 sessions on using a Power Point.

 

Kathy told of a young home schooled girl who has entered the horticultural program. She needed and received $300.00.

 

It was suggested that someone teach “How to use the electronic voting” before it is needed again.

 

Kathy also announced that Kevin Jarek has received his tenure. He is now an Associate Professor Kevin Jarek.

 

September 17, 2009, is our Potluck. It is also going to be a celebration of OCMGA’s 10th Anniversary. Please bring a dish to pass. It will be at 6:00 p.m. on September 17, 2009, at the Gardens of the Fox Cities.

 

They will be checking into giving mini courses on plants, gardening, etc. This will be done at schools or children’s activities. If anyone knows of a school or organization they think would be interested in this, notify the Education Committee. Of course, schools would have to give their permission and/or cooperation, as would any organization.

 

On September 1, 2009, the Education Committee will meet to discuss the upcoming classes.

 

Plant Committee Chair: Carol Vande Berg announced that she would be resigning as Director of the plant sale. Jackie Rickel will be taking over Carol’s position. They plan on reorganizing with more subcommittees and eventually a new co-chair.

 

The plant sale grossed about $19,000 ($10,000 profit) with $15,000 needed for next year’s plant sale. Carol will compile and itemized list of credits and debits on the plant sale so everyone will know how the money is spent.

 

There were enough Hostas, Irises and Daylilies left for next year. If anyone would like to be on one of these sub-committees, please let the committee know.

 

Not using a tent was found to be easier this year. So was labeling and pricing Kathy Baum’s and other people’s plants at Kathy’s home. Members thought the pricing and labeling worked very well at the sale.

 

However, there was some confusion when the plants went to ½ price or 2 for 1. It was suggested that they should not have to be the same plant. Also, there should be only 1 person (the Chair) giving any changes to be made in the pricing. Carol has a folder for suggestions. If anyone has a suggestion, please submit it to the Plant Sale Committee.

 

Sally Jaeger-Altekruse started a lot of the plants before she ended up at AMC. She is now at Froedterts in Milwaukee. On August 12, 2009, she underwent surgery on her lung. Deb Neuman has been keeping in touch with her and her family. You may call her for updates. If you would like, you may send cards and well wishes to her home. Prayers are welcome at anytime.

 

One of our M.G. couples regularly go to different gardens in Door County taking pictures. One of their favorites is the Door County M.G. Garden at the Sturgeon Bay Research Center.  Cathy Schwieso is compiling these pictures in a book. On September 12, 2009, in the p.m., the Door County M.F. Garden holds a Pesto Making contest along with Apple, Grape and Tomato tasting. We will possibly look into a field trip there for next year.

 

Meeting Adjourned: 8:15 p.m.

½ hours Education

1 Hr. Service plus mileage

Attendance: 20 members and guests

 

Respectively submitted by Deb Neuman, Recording Secretary

 

 

 

Outagamie County Master Gardener Association
Member’s Meeting
Sept. 18, 2009

What a fun time we had at the September Pot Luck party!

Kevin had no idea we would celebrate his TENure and our TEN YEAR anniversary at the same time. He has no secrets any more, as our MGVs told on him.

We rediscovered what a great bunch of cooks we have as the groaning plates foretold, not to mention the good taste in adult beverages.

To celebrate our 10th, all paid-up members will receive a water bottle (BPA free) bearing the MG and UW-EX logos. If you did not get yours yet don't worry, we will have them at the next meeting.  Many members submitted their 2008-09 hours reports.

Introductions and reports were made by the board members. We also had short presentations on the Greenville community garden projects: Beaver Dam Boy Scout Troop camp and 1000 Islands Nature Center.

1/2 hr Education; 1/2 hour Service plus travel time.

Submitted by Mary Learman

 

Outagamie County Master Gardener Association

Member’s Meeting

October 15, 2009

 

Meeting: 6:15 p.m. called to order by President Mary Learman.

 

WIMGA At-Large Report: Lynn Coffeen reported 254 people at the state conference; 75 people were from Outagamie County. Next year’s state conference is at the Pyle Center on the UW campus in Madison, Wis.

 

The next opening for someone to sponsor a state conference is 2016. Members are asked to think about us sponsoring another one.

 

Lynn told us the Madison Wisconsin 2010 Journals are here. This year they are featuring natural gardens. The cost is $13. If you would like one, email Lynn at prariehill@charter.net and send a check made out to OCMGA.

 

Project Coordinator: Kate Langner. Member at Large, Chris Schaefer, announced two projects to approve or renew: Ice Arena & Lucy Valitchka’s natural plants at the Gardener Dam Boy Scout Camp. All projects must be resubmitted, except those that are grandfathered. The board will discuss whether the Seymour County Fair should be grandfathered.

 

Although Kate will head south for the winter, she and Chris will work together by e-mail.

 

Vice President/ Program Chair: Larry Godlewski - not present.

 

Plant Sale Coordinator: Jackie Rickel informed us that they are starting to order the plugs.

 

Communication Co-Chair: Colleen Reed - not present.

 

Newsletter Editor: Mike Turner would like anyone who has an interesting article to share to send it in to Newsletter_OCMGA@yahoogroups.com

 

Advisor: Kevin Jarek thanked everyone for the surprise gift he received at the Sept. potluck to congratulate him on earning tenure. Kevin encouraged the MGVs to look at the pictures on the Web site. He thanked Cathy Schwieso, the photographer, and all members who have been there since the beginning 10 years ago. Kevin also reported the state hours:

 

                                                                                    2008                            2009                                             

 

 

            Youth Education                                              402 hours                    up 7½ hrs.

            Community Education                                    822 hours                    down 9½ hrs.

            Continuing Education                                      2106 hours                  up 242½ hrs.

            Support Services                                             6237½ hours               up 1718 hrs.

                                                                                    Had 100 people                       Had 87 people

 

Kevin said the water bottles were a hit with the UW-Extension staff.

 

He also announced that David Bayer is retiring, which brought about the idea of hiring an executive secretary to help take some of the load off of overworked Denise and Kevin. Most of this will be in Dec. & Jan. when the new classes start.

 

Karen Dickerel and Kevin will work on writing a complete job description. This would include: Monitoring and jobs involved, pay & hours, some work behind the desk at UW-EX from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but this is flexible to whatever works for the person or persons (maybe 2 people). The board will work out the details. The board, Karen Dickerel, county and members are fine with this position. People may apply by Nov. 16, 2009. Karen will conduct interviews on Tues., Nov. 24. Applicants will be notified by Dec. 1, 2009. The board will bring this whole idea and details back to the members for a vote.

 

Mary Learman met a member of the Milwaukee MGVs and asked about their ag agent. We are very lucky to have Kevin! Mary reminded members to turn in their hours, even if just partial at this time.

 

November Elections: Need people to send in their votes with the nominees’ approval, of course. Right now the positions to be filled are: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary & Member-at-Large. At this time, the people willing to stay are: Mary Learman, President; Pam Hagen, Treasurer. Nominations currently are Carol Vande Berg, Member-at-Large and Gail Clearwater, Vice President. Mary reminded everyone that members are invited to the board meetings.

 

New Business: Grants: Kevin Jarek explained that there are plants along Bluemound that have been killed by salt from the winter plowing. Kathy Baum has asked for a $250 grant for Appleton West students to study salt- resistant plants. This was approved. The second is 2 grants for Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve: 1-$100 for a class of 30 low income students and 5 adults to learn about the plants at Bubolz Conservation area, 2-$250 to purchase & label native plants for a restoration area. This was approved.  The third is $450 for Jim Beard to divide between three of his landscape design students. This was approved.

 

A vote was asked for the board to be able to approved $300 without a member’s vote instead of the $100 as it is now. This was approved.

 

Judy Peters and Lucy Valitchka and spouses attended a 3-day program on Wisconsin Coverts near Eagle River. This is managed by the University of Wisconsin. Coverts are thickets for wildlife. Part of it is trapping, studying and setting free wildlife. This is an important class to take before logging materials, transportation, etc. is all paid for. If you are interested, call Judy or Lucy for contact info. There is another class in January. Cost: MGVs are free; spouses pay $30 per day. The instructional manual was donated to the MGV library.

 

Meeting Adjourned: 7 p.m.

 

Program : 7:15 p.m. Brian Carney from Schmalz Landscaping, “Putting the Garden to Bed.”

 

Service – 1 hr. plus travel time

Education – 1 hr.

 

Respectively submitted by Deb Neuman, Recording Secretary

 

 

 

Outagamie County Master Gardener Association

Members Meeting

November 19, 2009

 

Program:  6:30 P.M.  Emily, an almost 16 year-old 4-H member, gave a Powerpoint presentation and shared some of what she learned at the National Junior Horticultural Convention 2009 at Harrisburg, PA.  She talked about the tests and essays that she was required to do.  Emily had applied for a grant and the membership approved $300 in October.  This is for a visit of the Hersey School Tour and a trip to the Longwood Gardens.

 

Jim Beard also brought the three students that he chose to receive our $225 grants.  Each person will receive $225.  They were:  Mandy – a widow with 2 children, Sara – who deals with a full time job and almost a full school schedule, Brian – who has had to overcome a lot of physical issues.

 

Meeting:  7:00 P.M.  Called to order by President, Mary Learman.

 

Minutes:  Accepted as read.

 

Treasurer’s report:  Available upon request.

 

Vice-President/Program Chair:  Larry Godlewski not present.

 

WIGMA At-Large:  Lynn Coffeen announced that she has 2 of the Wisconsin Planting Journals left. They are $13.00 each if you would like one.  You can get 1 tonight or email Lynn later on.  If not, they will end up as prizes at the Conference.

 

State Board Representative/Education Chair:  Kathy Baum has booked Neil DiBoil as a speaker for our Garden Expectations convention.  She is also trying to get Mary Agria, author of “Time in A Garden,” along with speakers for our meetings.

 

Plant Committee Chair:  Jackie Rickel reported that this year’s budget was $12,000 and they spent just under $8,500.  The total take in was just over $19,000 with a profit of $10,530.  Jackie is the new chairwoman as Carol Vande Berg retired from this position.

 

Communication Chair:  Colleen Reed announced that the newsletter will be out the 1st week of December.  The mass email seems to be going out fine.  They are still looking for a backup for Jan Sommerfeld.  Right now they are trying to come up with a photo release.  This would be an “okay” to put your picture in the newsletter or on the website.  Hopefully, these will be ready by the January meeting.  Each member would have to sign one.  If your name appears on the website, anyone can use it to search on.  Mary Learman congratulated the committee on their new format.  It is very easy to read on line and save paper.

 

Member At-Large:  Chris Schaefer informed the members that we will need a few more members to volunteer at the UW-Extension starting in May.  This will be for 3 hours on Friday mornings.  The Pot Recycling Project will be this spring.  This will be a community service project.  The recycling numbers will be 2, 4, 5 & 6.  Chris is checking into other items with these numbers, such as, prescription bottles.  He will know more in January.  The Milwaukee Botanical Gardens and their master gardeners collected more than 21 tons when they did their recycling project.

 

Member At-Large:  Ken Wegener announced that all the pots and soil mix is already purchased and they are looking at seed catalogs.

 

Elections:

President:                    Mary Learman - approved.

Vice-President:            Gail Clearwater - approved.

Treasurer:                   Pam Hagen – approved.

Member At-Large:       Steve Schultz – approved.

Recording Secretary:  Position Open.

 

Education Committee:  Mary announced our Speakers Bureau looks good.  It is about 5 pages long.  If anyone has a special interest that they are knowledgeable about, they should be in the bureau.  Or if you would like to learn more about a subject, let Mary Learman know.

 

New Business:  Since Gail Clearwater is our new V.P. and Program Chair, you can call her if you have anywhere that you think the members would enjoy going.

 

Horticultural Advisor:  Ken Jarek announced that they are creating a new position as a seasonal Horticultural Assistant.  He has already gotten approval from the Executive Board, County and State.  This person would help take part of the load off Denise and would be reporting to Karen Dickerell. The pay would be $11.00 per hour and approximately 135 hours per season approximately $1,500 which OCMGVA would be paying.  The applications are due December 4 and the interviews will be December 11, 2009.  There are now 5 people interested in this position. 

 

The County is also considering an off-season support staff. This would include the Horticultural Assistant plus a few other people.

 

Kevin also thanked Chris Schaefer for getting the Friday morning volunteers to stay through the month of October. 

 

Feeling that this was his home, Kevin Jarek bought a house in Outagamie County.  The members gave Ken a housewarming gift of a planter with large fake flowers and Kevin’s place written on it.  Yeah!  Shawano County, he is ours!

 

Kevin said that he will need a lot of backup in 2012 as he will be the Executive Secretary of The Farm Technology Days. Denise Vander Zanden's assistance is invaluable and absolutely essential, but she can use some help. Sounds like a great way for us MGs to pick up a few extra support hours. We certainly hope so as she has been an extremely valuable person to all of us.

 

Kevin bought a book, “Put to the Chase,” from which he read some words of wisdom and inspirational quotes.

 

Kevin brought a clip on the 1996 Holmgren Days where some of the Packers are their children, dressed up for Halloween and went to Mike Holmgren’s house trick or treating.  Very Cute.

 

Mary Learman told the group to let them know if they need more hours.  Ask early in the summer.  They will let you know which members have projects where help is needed.  You can get Education and Support hours from the meetings which are acceptable, Radio and TV Programs that are approved.  Count every hour and travel time for support.  By next year, they hope to have What’s Happening on the webpage to let you know where you can get additional education hours.

 

December:  No Meeting

January:  AG Building at the FV Tech.

 

Meeting adjourned:  7:50 P.M.  Attendance 43 members

Support hours:  1 hr.   Education:  ½ hr.