Virginia Master Gardener Association, Inc.

Bi-Monthly Board Meeting

April 12, 2008

Portsmouth

Attendance

(Alexandria/Arlington) Vivian Ballard; (Bedford) Patty Gamache; (Chesapeake) Pinky Derieux, Charles Lastinger; (Fairfax) George Graine, Gwendolyn Graine ; (Fauquier) Jim Scibek; (Gloucester) Bonnie Bernard, Jim Newton; (Hanover)  Christy Brennan, Cheri Haggerty; (James City County/Williamsburg) Angela Cingale, Susan Giandomenico, Anne Odle; (Loudon) Pat Martin; (Newport News) Valerie Porter, Anita Smith; (Norfolk) Don Snipes; (Northern Neck) Ted Munns, Jr. ;  (No. Shenandoah) Bud Gregory, Fran Gregory; (Portsmouth) Marilyn Bradley, Alice Butler, Paul Butler, Joan Cary, Lu Anne Copeland, Maggie Creamer, Linda DeWitt, Linda Etheridge, Bunny Fenn, Sylvia Heaster, Tonya Insley, Evelyn Ray, Uta Rowe, Clara Spanos, Jen Suarez, Rosemary Vaughan; (Prince George) Mary Vinsh, Cheryl Sebera; (Roanoke) Kathryn Debnar; (Rockbridge) Ted Jenks; (Suffolk) Nita Holt; (Virginia Beach) Mary Ann Kincaid, Fran Shelton; Betty Villers; (VT/VCE) Dave Close

Call to Order

President Cheri Haggerty called the meeting to order at 10:00a.m.

Introductions

Lu Anne Copeland, Portsmouth Unit Rep Host, introduced Paul Butler who welcomed everyone.  Councilwoman
Elizabeth Psmias thanked the Portsmouth Master Gardener’s for their hospitality, spoke about the city sights, and presented the VMGA with a Portsmouth welcome tote. 

Minutes – Angela Cingale

The February minutes were accepted after a change is made to an omission of member, Patty Gamache, from the Ad-Hoc By-laws Committee for VMGA electronic voting.

Treasurer’s Report – Ted Jenks

Treasurer’s report was accepted pending audit 

Introductions  

Cheri introduced Cyndi Wyskiewicz, Extension Agent and introductions followed around the room.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Education - Fran Shelton, Pinky Derieux, Co-Chairs

Members:  George Graine, Kathryn Debnar, Lenore Plissner, Debbie Hamilton

George Graine gave the continuing education report on the program planned for George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, Friday, September 19th.  Dean Norton, Director of Horticulture at Mount Vernon is the featured speaker.  We will also tour several gardens on the estate.  The fee for VMGA members is $20 and $32 for non-members. Non-members may apply $12 of the fee towards membership in VMGA.  No charge for parking.  Entrance fee to the estate is included with the $20 or $32 cost.  A registration form is being prepared and will be included in the MG college goody bag. 

Newsletter -  Cheri Haggerty, Interim Content Editor

Members:  Tom Bolt (Electronic Distribution), Dawn Myerriecks (Layout Editor), MaryAnn Kincaid (Mailing Information)

Cheri reported that Dawn Myerriecks, Loudon County, has been working on the graphics and layout of the VMGA newsletter.  We still need a Content Editor who will coordinate all the articles for the newsletter     A VMGA unit could volunteer as content editors or to assemble the newsletter.

Membership – Mary Ann Kincaid, Chair

As of April 10th, there are 604 members of the Virginia Master Gardener Association.  Of these, 443 are Active members; 5 are Auxiliary members; and 156 are Lifetime members.  This is an increase of 90 members since our February meeting.  The total number of members whose membership will expire on May 31st, 2008 will be about 225 and 5 of the Auxiliary as well.

VMGA Lifetime Member Update report:  In February, a lifetime member Update Form was sent via e-mail to all 158 members.  A follow-up was sent in March and as of April 11th, 85 members (54%) responded with information gained from the responses which included:  2 opted to be removed from the list as they no longer an active Master Gardener; 3 sent in a donation to the MG Coordinator Endowment; 5 Volunteered for a Committee; 10 asked to have a newsletter e-mailed; 2 notified that a member was deceased; 1 had a new address; 1 had a new phone number.  The results of contacting the Lifetime members are valuable and should be planned periodically.  Lifetime membership fee is $120 and they are asked to be active or they will receive Auxiliary status.    

Communication/Unit Support - Frank Reilly, Chair

Unit Support Members: Pat Reilly, Karen Sacasky, Kerry Goldmeyer, Pinky Derieux. No activity to report since the February meeting.

Communication Committee Members:  Cheri Haggerty, Kathryn Debnar, Shelby Snyder, Betty Truax, Tom Bolt, Paul Campbell, George Alapas, George Graine, Bob Schmidt

Dave Close gave the report in Frank’s absence.  Frank is working on a Powerpoint presentation promo for Master Gardener College which will be available by end/April on www.advancedmastergardener.org.  The membership can obtain this electronic version by downloading from the website and showing it to their unit.  The promo information is also available on www.vmga.net. And the photos of MG College are being updated.  

Finance Committee:  Bill Scott, Chair

Members:  Nancy Golden, Ted Jenks, Jim Kincaid, Brenda Shimchick

In Bill’s absence, Cheri reported that the board and committee members will be contacted soon so their request for funds will be included in the 2008-2009 budget.

Special Committees

MG Coordinator Endowment – Kathryn Debnar, Chair

Members:  Pat Reilly, Dave Close, Jim Scibek, Bill McCaleb, Linda Zemke, Larry Zemke and Dawn Lerch, Associate Director of Development for CALS. 

Kathryn reported that the present balance is $248,333.26 with breakdown as follows:  Cash on hand - $112,259; Outstanding pledges – $24,885, Individual pledge - $100,000, Interest to date - $11,181.13, in the MG Coordinator Endowment Fund.  Kathryn reported a one time opportunity for obtaining $100 from Sun Trust Bank is by having one of our members open a checking account and must be done by August.  The next step is to have a committee trained, at the end of this month, by Larry and Linda Zemke, to go into corporations or foundations and give talks about the role of the MG Coordinator, the VA Tech foundation and VMGA regarding MGCEF and why we should support this endowment.  The $50 for 5 funds will be solicited again this year at MG College and that total will be added end of June 2008.  The foundation handling the MGCEF will wait until we have the necessary funds toward the million dollars as we go to foundations and corporate sponsors.  George Graine has given a list of potential philanthropic organizations that could be contacted and one of them has sent an inquiry to the foundation.  These names will be channeled to Dave, Dawn Lerch or Kathryn and they will investigate it further.  Bud Gregory has sent a list of matching donations from corporations.  Nita Holt had some good ideas and was added as a member to the committee.  It was suggested that a visual note, in an hour glass form with dollar amount, be included into the VMGA newsletter to inform our memberships and MG's throughout the state that additional funds are needed.   

VGIC (Virginia Green Industry Council)  – Cheri Haggerty

Website:  www.virginiagreen.org 

Cheri gave us an update on VGIC activities which included their tracking of General Asembly bills which are important for the green industry and the environment.  They’ve had a lot of success with additional legislation on “Green issues” for Virginia.   On April 25^th, VGIC will celebrate Arbor Day at the Capital in Richmond by planting a Crimson King Maple tree.  On September 20^th, is VGIC’s Garden Festival (3^rd one) at the Children’s Science Museum in Richmond.  If a unit would like to setup a table at this event, they are welcome to give their presentations to the public on environmental education.

Search for Excellence, Christy Brennan, Chair

Members:  Angela Cingale, Bud Gregory

The “Brag Board” - “Search for excellence” committee met and will need additional time to incorporate some of the International rules which will need to be adapted or changed.  A form will also be made available to the unit with required project information based on the Sustainable Land Management criteria.  One of the questions on the form will be how many people were affected by a project and this will be determined by surveys taken by the units.  Christy was not sure if the guidelines would be ready for this year.  Due to this being a transition year, the units will be advised to bring their best project which includes scrapbooks, actual education materials, slide shows or whatever format has been successfully used in the past.  It was noted, at the National MG Conference, that submissions were judged by categories and the size of the unit.  Next year, at MG College, judging will be based on the Search for Excellence criteria’s reward system which will be reviewed by the membership and determine if we will continue with the fun trophies or institute a monetary gift.  The committee will compile a Search for Excellence document, obtain additional comments and approval, and disseminate it to the units in time for next year’s use.  Brag Boards entrants were encouraged by every unit.  Cheri announced that units that will be displaying their project boards should request their 4 or 8 foot table a couple of weeks before MG College.  

State Fair – Christy Brennan, Chair

The State Fair will again be in Richmond this year from September 25 thru October 5.  Christy read a letter from Lorene Blackwood (Pumpkin Judge), SFVA senior director, programs, who sent a letter of praise to Christy for all her efforts and the MG’s for their support over the years.  She will retire this year but will continue to keep in touch with Christy and the MG’s.  Christy has met with the State Fair Committee and reported they have requested the VMGA booth include the strawberry DNA display as well as the bug cage which were huge hits.  We will be in the same building this year and will have a benefactor at the Horticulture and Environment exhibit.  Christy invited the MG units to enter the different planting categories.  A new feature being considered is the “Mister Potatohead” contest for the children where they will decorate a potato with natural plants.  More demos are also planned.  Christy will have state fair sign-up sheets at MG college so we can volunteer on a day and time convenient for us.  The notice will also appear on the website.

P.Diane Relf Scholar Endowment – George Graine, Chair

Members:  Bud Gregory, Jackie Lohr, Leslie Paulson, Don Snipes, Jean Bainbridge, Alternate

George reported that six $100.00 scholarships are available this year.  Only Extension Agents or Unit Coordinators may submit applications for a scholarship.  Master Gardeners who are members of VMGA will receive priority in the selection process and of course they need to attend MG College.  Deadline is May 16^th.

Fundraising – Betty Villers, Chair

Betty announced that she had another fund-raising item, a water bottle clip, which needed approval from the members.  A motion was made to order the clips and additional T-shirts.  She will order 250 clips saying “Master Gardener Volunteer” and she will start selling them at MG College for $2.00.  Approved was also was permission to place an additional order for 87 T-shirts and 250 license plate frames.  MGs will be encouraged to re-use their plastic water bottles for environmental purposes

Extension Liaison - Dave Close, MG Coordinator

1.  The late winter issue of In Season was e-mailed and mailed this week to the membership. It highlighted the keynote speakers for our 2008 MG College.  He requested that we please ask your local record keepers to update email addresses for your local volunteers. Out of 2,500 emails sent earlier this week between 250 and 500 addresses were no longer working. There has been a serious disconnect in getting it in the hands of volunteers, both in print and electronically. He has abandoned the In Season listserv due to spam problems. I have a new alternative that will hopefully resolve the problem. Charley is currently working on the spring issue which will only be available electronically (it is 14 pages instead of the usual 4).

2.  Update on State Record Keeping System – Dave met with Craig Woods (director of CALS Information Technology division), Michelle Prysby (his counterpart in the VA Master Naturalist program), Kathy Sutphin (state program leader for 4-H representing the other VCE program areas – CV, FCS, EFNEP/CNEP), and Jim Riddell (Assistant Director for ANR, VCE) on March 11 to further discuss the status of the project.  They left the meeting with the understanding Kathy would talk to the other state program leaders about the proposed system and try to secure buy-in. He has not heard back from Kathy since that meeting in early March.

3.  MG College is coming together nicely. The MG College Advisory Team met on April 4 to polish a few details. The following speakers are confirmed as keynotes: Rick Darke, Colston Burrell, Michael Raupp, Robert McDuffie, and Rick Fell (entomologist at VT), Bob Lyons and Holly Scoggins. We also currently have more than 40 concurrent session choices and a nice list of tours (19 choices). In addition to the LCS module, a turf nutrient management tract will also be available including a tour on Thursday and at least 2 concurrent sessions on Saturday. Paul Campbell is in charge of recruiting moderators for the concurrent sessions. If we are willing to serve as a moderator (and Paul will instruct you on what to do and when to be where) please contact Paul either by phone (number is in the directory) or by email, panda91@cox.net.  Continuing Education has produced the first draft of the registration page which should go live soon. He hopes to have the list of sessions and tours out very soon. He asked us to please check the state master gardener website hosted by VT. The promo slideshow will be available electronically at www.advancedmastergardener.org one week from today. Promo CDs should be ready to send out in less than 2 weeks.

4.  A team of VCE administrators (Jim Riddell, Steve Hodges), VCE specialists (Mike Goatley, Greg Evanylo, Laurie Fox, Rory MacGuire), and VCE agents (Lynnette Swanson, Karen Carter, Susan Edwards, Paige Thacker, Adria Bordas) met on April 8, to work on a Turf Nutrient Management program template based on existing programs such as Lawn Knowers, Great Scapes, Smart Lawns, and Turf Love. They are working with the VA Turf Grass Council to promote this program in other parts of the state where there is need and interest. They will use the template as a basis to offer a Turf Tract at our 2008 MG College. Also, agents will hopefully be given a chance to receive advanced training in turf nutrient management to take the lead in organizing interested VCE MGs and implementing a program where one doesn’t currently exist.

5.  Fine Gardening – received a $320 check, in March.

6.   Saturday, May 3, we will be offering a Land Care training on the Weyers Cave Campus of Blue Ridge Community College. They will be covering topics such as right plant-right place, wildlife issues, exotic invasive plants, firewise landscaping, and how to reduce, reuse, and recycle yard waste. Registration is $15 per person. You can learn more and register online at www.advancedmastergardener.org.

7.  Misc.  A  panel of professors from Horticulture; Crop, Soil and Environmental Science and Plant Pathology & Weed Science departments has been assembled to review our programs. This review was requested by Dean Quisenberry. Dave will keep everyone posted on how it proceeds and the potential end results.  Farm Bill Budget Reductions – Extension funding was hit pretty hard.  b.  The final 2008-09 budget details for VT will be set after the April 23 legislative veto session. Currently proceeding with original plan and intentions of a 3.5% base budget reduction.  He will be working with our Consumer Horticulture National Committee to develop and conduct a national assessment of the Extension MG program. They will meet in June to begin the evaluation process.  b. There is a new unit added in Surry County.  Renewed efforts in Greensville/Emporia.  Both units are offering training classes. There may be other new units popping up over the next couple of years. They are seeing some restructuring of the unit in Augusta & Rockingham counties. 

Unit Reports

The Unit reps attending were asked to send their reports to the Betty Villers.  They will be posted on our website at www.VMGA.net, and printed in the next newsletter.  The question of the day for the representatives was, “If you could sit down with the VCE administration at Tech, what would you like to discuss?”  

Unfinished Business

Ad-Hoc Committee for VMGA Electronic Voting – Frank Reilly, Chair  

Members:  Kathryn Debnar, Patty Gamache, Nancy Golden, Pat Martin

The proposed changes to both the By-laws and Standing Rules were approved and there were no additional comments regarding the new by-law changes.  The changes suggested are neutral with respect to enabling voting.  The suggested wording changes DO NOT REQUIRE electronic balloting.  They generally replace the words mail or mailed with words such as distribute or distributed.  This has the two-fold advantage of allowing future balloting and elections to use whatever the latest method of communication may be, while still allowing mail to be used for those who do not have ready access to electronic means of communication.  It was approved by a two-thirds majority.  

New Business

Report on NoVa MGCaucus – George Graine reported that the Northern Virginia Master Gardener Caucus includes Extension Agents from the Northern Virginia area, VCE employees, and experienced Master Gardeners.  Caucus members share oral and written information that benefit all concerned.  George announced to Dave that the Caucus is prepared to support the fall meeting of the State Master Gardener Coordinators to be conducted in the Washington metropolitan area.  As an example, George indicated that we could support a registration desk or perform other chores if he so desired. 

Annual Audit – Cheri is looking for at least 3 volunteers to audit the books prior to annual meeting at MG College.  Jim Scibek will assist the new people in this endeavor.  Mary Ann Kincaid offered to forward names of VMGA members who expressed an interest in this area.

Goody bags-Silent Auction-New River Valley MG’s – All units are asked to contribute items for the goody bags such as seed packets or scratch pads.  Silent auction contact information will be sent requesting specific items with contact information.

Patty Gamache thanked Cheri on behalf of all the MG’s for the outstanding job as President of VMGA for 2 years.  A round of applause followed.

Sylvia Heaster, Portsmouth Unit Rep, announced that heirloom tomatoes were planted by the host MG’s for this occasion and asked each member to take one home.  Cheri thanks Portsmouth for their hospitality and gift.

Announcements

VMGA June meeting - Friday, June 20, 5:00p.m. – Virginia Tech, Blacksburg - MG College

Annual Meeting – Saturday, June 31, 7:00p.m. – MG College 

Meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Angela Cingale, VMGA Secretary

Virginia Master Gardener Association, Inc

Treasurer’s Report

April 12, 2008

Virginia Master Gardener Association, Inc

Treasurer’s Report

April 12, 2008