Draft Minutes of The Regularly Scheduled Meeting of

The Virginia Master Gardener Association, Inc.

August 12, 2000

Staunton, VA

Attendance

Jim Scibek (Fauquier), Peggy Bouchard (Goochland/Powhatan),   Fran Gregory (North Shenandoah Valley), Syd Self (Bedford),   Sybil Przybek (York), Gary Bill (Newport news),  Marty Klein (Arlington),  Kerry Goldmeyer (Chesapeake), Susie McCrea (Montgomery),  Frank Reilly (Prince William), Mary Simpson(Gloucester), Jessica O’Connor(Virginia Beach), June Rosini(Chesterfield), Tom Geer(Prince George), Ann Gorrell(Central Rappahannock), Iantha Peterson(Nelson), Anne Anderson(Charlotte), Tom Park(Central Shenandoah Valley), Pamela Armstrong(Hanover), Cheri Haggerty(Hanover), George C. Simpson(Gloucester), Evelyn Parker(Hanover), Caroline and Chuck Norrington(Rockbridge and Bath), KarenSacasky(Lynchburg, Amhearst, Campbell), Barbara Brouse(Williamsburg/James City), Lee Allain(Northern Neck).  Secretary’s note:  Others were in attendance but failed to sign the attendance sheet.

Call to Order

President Pat Reillycalled the meeting to order at 10:07AM .  She thanked all of those who attended the meeting for making the effort.  Those present introduced themselves.

Minutes

The minutes were accepted with correction of a few typos, and the addition of the name of Mike Ferris to the nominating committee.

Treasurers Report:

Gary Bill reported that  our net worth is $16,159,60.  The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Newsletter

Tom Park suggested we develop regional reporters (review regional map) and develop some sort of calendar with unit upcoming events and points of contact.  He also requested we publish a list of due dates(deadlines) for inclusion in newsletters,and possibly have a Christmas and MG College special edition.  The newsletter should be available on the 15th of the odd month prior to board meetings.

Membership

Gary Bill reported that we have 303 regular members, 37 life members and 8 new members for a total of 348.  This, plus 96 non renewables gives us a total of 444 members.  Sybil Przypek has received 16 renewals.  For recruitment of membership, it was suggested that we provide copies of the newsletter to training classes along with an application for the VMGA.

Communication

Education

No events are scheduled in September.  Pat Reilly has a list of volunteers for the education committee.  She will get it all together  with Ann Gorrell and come up with a year plan.  There was a suggestion that we offer the same topics in more than one location around the state.  Chuck Norrington, Fran and Bud Gregory agreed to review a check list.  The Horticulture Conference in January and the Virginia Flower and Garden Show will both be held at the Virginia Beach Pavillion.

State Fair

Evelyn Parker reported that the state fair was booked full.

Unit Support

Ann Gorrell is to coordinate.  Unit support belongs to all of us.  It was suggested we have a from to be filled out by the unit reps,

Long Range Planning

Kerry Goldmeyer will E-mail a survey to members, snail mail to those who don’t have e-mail, then follow up with snail mail to non-respondents.

Extension Liaison Report

Dianne Relf was not available to attend.  Pat Reilly announced that the new coordinator is Sarah Lineberger and will be starting on September 5, 2000.  Sarah has a B.S. in Agricultural Education and an M.S. in Horticulture.  Dianne Relf and Sarah Lineberger will be meeting at various locations around the state in late October and in November.

Old Business

HISTORY- Karen Sacasky has turned in to Pat Reilly the history through 1993.

New Business

BUDGET- Gary Bill presented the proposed FY01 budget (June 1,2000 to May 31,2001).  The budget was accepted.

NEXT MEETING- It was suggested that the unit reps report on what is going on in their unit, preferably in writing, so that it could be given as a handout when doing the introductions at the beginning of the meeting.  If unit rep can not attend the meeting a report shoukd be sent (preferably by e-mail) to Pat Reilly by Thursday prior to the meeting.

HORTICULTURE GARDENS AT VA TECH- Sybil Przypek asked if we wanted to danate to the gardens and if so, how much?  A motion was passed to donate $500 and to copy Dr. Umberger, Dr. Barrett, Extension agents and the Web page regarding the donation.

Announcements

Pat Reilly provided information and mshowed the award for Millenium Gardens.  She also shared pictures taken at this year’s MG College. 

The meeting was adjourned at 12:05PM followed by lunch and a discussion on effective ways to raise the awareness of funding sources about MG’s on the local and state level and what is VMGA’s role.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Scibek

Secretary