James City County/Williamsburg
Master Gardeners

MG Members Pages

JCC/W MG Newsletter

2008

March

2007

2006

Interns--when you meet all of your hour requirements you may report travel and training. For those of you who volunteer at the Reid/Shields you are not considered a MG by Colonial Williamsburg until you graduate. CW may or may not accept you as a Reid/Shields volunteer next year.

All MGs: Art is now acknowledging all electronically transmitted hours by the use of the "Reply" function in Outlook Express--he has found that this works very well. You are thus assured that he received your submission and you have a copy to print for yourself.

Vision and Goals Initiatives October 2007
April 2008 Minutes
March 2008 Minutes
February 2008 Minutes
January 2008 Minutes
December 2007 Minutes
November 2007 Minutes
October 2007 Minutes
September 2007 Minutes
August 2007 Minutes
VMGA Rep Report on August 2007 VMGA meeting at Shenandoah University
June 2007 Minutes

Master Gardener Meetings

2008

All meetings are at the Williamsburg Library at 9:00 am unless indicated otherwise. The April meeting will be at Quarterpath Recreation Center

James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Association

Mission, Vision and Goals--Approved November 2007

JCC/W MGA MISSION

The purpose of the James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Association is to learn, educate, and communicate environmentally sound horticultural practices to the community. Trained by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Master Gardener volunteers are committed to offering information to the public through sustainable landscape management educational programs.

JCC/W MGA VISION

The James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Association is recognized as the leading advocate of sound horticultural education focused on local community needs.

GOALS

I. COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The James City County/ Williamsburg Master Gardeners Association provides education about sound horticultural practices to all demographics of our community through the use of public demonstration sites including teaching and learning gardens, speaking engagements, educational forums and horticultural projects. (Note: all Master gardener Projects incorporate Community Outreach techniques, Internal Education components, and sound Environmental Practices.)

II. YOUTH EDUCATION

      The JCC/W Master Gardener Association provides a variety of educational experiences demonstrating sound horticultural practices to the youth in our community. These programs are aligned with VCE guidelines and the Virginia State Standards of Learning.

III. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

      The James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Association models environmental stewardship by emphasizing ways in which local homeowners, using good horticultural practices, can reduce water consumption and improve the quality of our watershed.

IV. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

         James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardeners has the responsibility to develop our Community Outreach, Youth Programs and Environmental Quality goals through use of the proposed strategies.

Details of Proposed Implementation Strategies can be seen HERE.

James City/Williamsburg Master Gardeners General Meeting
April 03, 2008 JCC/W MG General Meeting

Dave Banks opened the meeting at Quarterpath Recreation Center at 9 AM.  Approximately 100 Master Gardeners attended.

James City/Williamsburg Master Gardeners General Meeting
March 06, 2008 

Dave Banks convened the meeting at 9:05 AM on March 6. Approximately 65 Master Gardeners (MGs) were in attendance.

Dave’s Announcements

• Upcoming Colonial Williamsburg (CW) Garden Symposium - MGs scheduled to talk on 5/4. Reid and Mattey’s Gardens will be featured.
• $50 gift given to Virginia Turf Grass Council from MG 08 budget (one of the suggestions about uses of reserve monies).
• Dates for MG college- June 17-22. More details forthcoming.
• Purchase of a second projector being investigated, up to $2K from training excess not reserves. Use rate on existing projector is excessive.
• Nomination and awards committees being staffed. Please consider helping if asked.
• Thank you from Virginia Tech. for Virginia Master Gardener Association (VMGA) donation and from Jean Barter for plant.

Member Announcements:

Plant Sale – Becky Sutton

A Hypertufa Workshop will be held at Becky’s home on March 9. A clean-up of Carol Conner’s greenhouse will be held on March 10 at Carol’s home. Plants to be started from seeds can be brought to Carol’s greenhouse for TLC. Jerry Babski will mentor anyone wanting to start seeds. Those wanting digs to be held in their yard should contact Becky.

Programs – Jean Winters

The April Program will be held at Quarterpath Recreation Center, rather than at the Library. Directions will be forthcoming.

Turf Love – Bob Winters

Kudos go to those who helped with the March 1 workshop. Upcoming training session will feature organic products.

On March 8 and 9, the Master Gardeners will assist the Community Conservation Partnership (CCP) program. Tree seedlings will be available to participants and helpers.

Habitat for Humanity – Cathy Lohwater

The Habitat for Humanity will be landscaping its 100^th home this spring. MGs were asked to donate maintenance items (old lawnmower, hoses, etc.) for homeowner use.

Busch Gardens Field Trip – Ruth Schultz

Both May trips are full. A third date was added on May 15. That trip also has been filled with those on the wait list.

Incredible Edibles – Ailene Bartlett

A workshop to build a self-watering container will be held on March 28 at the James City County Community Center (JCC/CC ) from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. Additional details and materials list will be forthcoming.

Farmers’ Market – Helen Kidder

Helen reminded attendees of Farmers’ Market that will be held on March 9.

Williamsburg Botanical Garden – Helen Hamilton

Helen mentioned that a garden manager has been hired. Williamsburg Botanical Garden (WBG) will participate in the homes how to be held at the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex (WISC) on the week-end of March 8. This project needs youth tour leaders.

Logo Clothing – Judy Hansen

Lanyards are still available and are free. Judy showed a picture of proposed clothing additions and asked those present for feedback.

List of upcoming Events

Dave reported that Angela Cingale was working on compiling this list. The water workshop will be held on May 10, not on March 10 as indicated in the newsletter.

Help Desk

Dave reported that last fall, several interns approached Helen Hamilton about automating the helpdesk and worked to make it happen. Much of the documentation formerly stored in binders is now linked to Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) that lead to the research or answer. MGs are urged to test the helpdesk when is goes live on the website in early March and report any glitches. This service will be for MG use and testing in 08 and will go live within the community in 09. Those who worked on the effort were recognized.

GOOD NEWS

• Arbor Day award next week – Toni Webb reported the MGs would receive an award of Excellence on March 14. Our group has received numerous citations in the past. Pat Rathke will received an individual award given to an individual living in the area who has effected a positive change in and enhancement of the quality of the area’s environment. 
• Kari Abbott was featured in the Daily Press of March 1, discussing her role with MGs.
• Turf Love received a $500 Pride Grant for a Nutrient Management Plan for Stonehouse Golf Course.
• Mattey's Garden received a $1500 grant from the Williamsburg Garden Club and they will be featured on the Historic Garden Week Tour in April.

Action Items:

Those present voted on the following items:

• Bylaws changes for election of board members and approval of the establishment of the Vice President (VP) Administration position and the combining of duties of the VP for Youth Programs with those of the VP for Programs.
• Donation of $500 for WBG to be taken from reserves.

Note: the question about whether there were sufficient funds in reserves was answered when the Treasurer’s Report was given.

Reports:

• Secretary—minutes on the website
• Treasurer – report as follows:

     Receipts for February      $ 142
     Expenditures for February     $ 304
     Bank Balance as of 3/6/08     $7479
     MG Training Acct. Balance     $3403

Agent’s Report – Leanne Du Bois

Leanne reported work on the following:

• green roof planned at Sentara hospital
• work with homeowners at Seasons’ Trace regarding beaver and storm water issues
• Growing Solutions follow-up is encouraging
• Increased demand for food grown locally. It’s a great time to become a farmer.
• A resource guide for local farms is being developed
• Kudos to Minouche Robinson and Helen Kidder for their work at the Merrimac Detention Center
• A certificate of appreciation has been given to Jeannie Gilman for her work with the New Kent Master Gardeners and for spearheading the development of an organic garden in New Kent.

Speaker: Angela Cingale - update – VMGA

•          VMGA dues - $12 annually, $120 lifetime at www.VMGA.NET. 

Following a break, the March speaker Lance Gardner, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) delivered his presentation, “A Photographic Journey of My Native Garden.”

Patricia Crowe
Secretary
March 8, 2008

James City/Williamsburg Master Gardeners General Meeting
February 7, 2008 

Dave Banks opened the meeting.  About 80 Master Gardeners were in attendance.

Announcements:  Dave Banks 

Dues:  Due!  Deadline for receipt of dues is normally February 1.  Get dues in ASAP during meeting or send to Sarah Dougherty 

2008 Re-certification Letter:  Was mailed out in late December.  A second small mail out will take place very soon.  Let VCE know if you didn’t receive your letter.  Validate your contact information, advise about the projects you may be interested in working on and mail letter to Sarah Dougherty, Treasurer.

2007 Hours Letter – will be mailed to all MGs during February.  Letter will summarize the hours you reported in 07.  If the letter you receive indicates no hours, that means you have submitted no hours to Art Gustafson.  Include your name on any monthly hours tally sheet you submit to Art.

Graduation Dinner – January 10 Dinner was a success.  Over 80 attended! 

Recipients of Awards:  Dave announced the recipients of MG awards for 2007:  Awards were presented at the January 10 dinner.  Rich Strenkowski’s award for Landscape Love was presented, as he did not attend the Dinner. 

Awards:  Dave announced the following award winners:

      Master Gardener of the Year:  Barbara Gustafson

      MG Project: a tie -  Turf Love and Landscape Love

      Steady as a Rock:  Rebecca Sutton

      Sustained Excellence 3 Yrs:  Kari Abbott

      Sustained Excellence under 3 yrs.: Carol Fryer

Congratulations:  Dave congratulated the newly graduated Master Gardeners, class of 2007.  Linda Lucas presented the certificate of completion to Laura Hill who was not able to attend the graduation dinner.

Recruitment for New Board Members:  Dave announced that the nomination committee would commence recruiting for Board Members for terms expiring in June.

Projects: 

            Help Needed:  Announcements were made on behalf of the following projects:

            Williamsburg Botanical Garden Youth Tour Leaders – contact Helen Hamilton 

            Mobile Master Gardener Project – Denny Mehigan presented a brief power point show about this project.  He included the spring schedule and requested help in staffing the exhibit at various venues.  Contact Denny Mehigan

Therapeutic Gardening – Barbara Gustafson announced a project to be co- chaired by Nancy Greene and herself and held at the Williamsburg Landing.  The effort will involve residents in the assisted living facility, helped by those in the independent living facility, and will be held on the second and fourth Monday of upcoming months. 

J4C – Barbara Gustafson explained the Master Gardeners’ involvement in the J4C project and answered meeting attendee questions.

Other announcements:

Audit of MG classes:  – Rich Bunger:  Rich announced that effective immediately, Mary Liz Sadler would be the contact for MGs who wish to audit an MG training session.

Photos taken of home water re-cycling devices: -  Nelda Pressly – requested copies of photos which will be used during the May workshop.

Trip to Busch Garden Greenhouses: - Ruth Schultz announced two trips to the Busch Garden Greenhouses in May.  Contact Ruth to sign up.

Plant Sale: Becky Sutton – Becky announced the plant propagation workshop to be held on February 9 at her home and passed around sign-up sheets for volunteer activities in conjunction with the sale.  She has plastic knives which will be used as plant identifiers.  Plant sale will be held on April 26.

Youth Environmental Education: Kari Abbott - Kari announced a grant for an outdoor classroom at DJ Montague school, a training program for the school’s faculty and an upcoming field trip to be held in May 08.

Turf Love U:  Bob Winters – Bob announced the March 1 Turf Love U and the March 13 Lawn Ranger training session.  Sign-up sheets were passed around.

Pruning sessions: Carol Fryer.  Carol announced three upcoming pruning workshops in James City and New Kent Counties during February and March, as well as field trips.

Minutes:  Pat Crowe indicated minutes of the January general meeting were on the website.  Minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report:  Sarah Dougherty – Sarah read the Treasurer’s report: 

Treasurer’s Report as of 2/7/2008

Receipts for Dec 2007:                                   $647   

Expenditures for Dec 2007:                          $3,352*                       

Receipts for Jan 2008:                                             $1054

Expenditures for Jan 2008:                                  $2693**

Bank Balance as of 2/7/2008:                                $7934

MG Training Acct Balance:                                      $3403

* Includes $1,500 toward laptop purchase.

    **Includes $1,790 for laptop, laptop equipment, and donations to VMGA Endowment             Fund and Olde Towne Medical Center.

VMGA – Anne:  Anne announced that the bi-monthly meeting would be held at Strange’s Nursery in Richmond on 2/9.  She offered VMGA license plate covers and decals for sale 

By-Laws Changes: 

Dave introduced proposed changes to the JCCW MG by-laws to establish a position of VP-Administration, to combine the duties of VP-Youth and VP-Projects and to establish two standing committees for awards and nominations.  A copy of the proposed by-law changes was distributed to all in attendance.  Voting will take place at the March general meeting.

Reserves:  Charlie Clapper

   Charlie explained the function of the reserves committee and identified the members:  (Sarah Dougherty, Judy Hansen, Sally Sissel and Barbara Gustafson).  He described the process followed and presented the Board’s recommendations which were to fund two mini-grants in Williamsburg neighborhoods and to contribute to funding a drip irrigation system at Mattey’s Garden.

Genrose Lashinger responded to member questions about the Mattey’s Garden  project.

The membership voted their approval of both recommendations.    Two mini-grants of $250 each will be awarded.   Master Gardeners will contribute $2,000 toward the purchase and installation of the irrigation system at Matteys.  Genrose Lashinger will be responsible to raise the rest of the money needed.  

The business meeting concluded at 9:45 AM.  Following a break, the speaker, Charles Stayton a Williamsburg firefighter/paramedic and interpreter at Jamestown, spoke on the topic “Robert Beverley looks Back 1607 – 1707”.

Patricia Crowe

Secretary

James City/Williamsburg Master Gardeners General Meeting
January 3, 2008

Dave Banks opened the meeting and made the following announcements:
Dues ($15/year) are now due. Send to Sarah Dougherty, Treasurer
Master Gardener Dinner will be held on January 10, 2008 . Meal fee of $12 is being collected. January 3 is deadline, give $ to Sarah Dougherty, Treasurer.
- Dave read a thank-you note from the library director for the donation given by the Master Gardeners for the use of the library as their meeting space during 2007.
- Please claim the ‘snowman’ plate’ brought to the December 8 VMGA meeting and left behind.

- Hours awards: given to Becky Sutton and Alice Kopinicz.
- Pest Management Book will be shipped from VT on 1/11. Contact Leanne if you want your own copy.
- MG student text is being revised and will be available in Fall 08.
- VMGA and Fine Gardening Magazine have entered into a commercial partnership. For every new subscription purchased from the VMGA website, the magazine will donate $10 to VMGA.
- CNU’s spring symposium will be held on April 19 th. Additional information is available on the CNU website.
- Re-certification letter will be mailed to members in mid-January.
- Turf Love initiative is being considered for statewide implementation.
- Reserves task force – Dave requested volunteer assistance for Charlie.
Habitat for Humanity: Dave invited Judy Hansen to speak for the Habitat for Humanity Project. She told the group two HH homes are being built in Williamsburg . The Master Gardeners will provide expertise and planting assistance, will provide homeowners with a booklet that describes plant care and watering procedures. Two follow-up visits to homeowners will be conducted. She responded to Master Gardener questions. The membership voted to approve the project.

Announcements from Project Leaders:
Rich Strenkowski announced the Water workshop, scheduled for May 10 and circulated a sign up sheet for administrative help and Master Gardener presentations.
Judy Hansen:
- Announced the availability of First Aid kits for project leads.
- Announced availability of logo clothing order at MG Banquet.
- Distributed booklets for Kari Abbott’s program.

VMGA (Anne Odle’s report delivered by Judy Hansen)
Many thanks to all volunteers who helped make the Dec. VMGA meeting at First Colony successful.
At the meeting, there was much discussion about the state of the economy and how the state MG Coordinator position and mgs are affected in both the past and future.

To help with the Endowment Fund which helps to secure our state MG Coordinator position, Fine Gardening will donate $10 for every new subscription order from a gardener in Virginia who signs up on the VMGA.net web site between now and May 31, 2008. This $10 donation only applies to new orders – not renewals.

The VMGA is very grateful for our unit's upcoming $500 contribution to the Endowment Fund approved in our '08 budget.

Also there was much discussion about what units are charging for the training class.  Majority seem to charge below $100, no refund after intern hours completed with retention of 2-3 yrs.  So we seem to be right in line in ‘08.

February 9th VMGA meeting is in Henrico.  Details will follow.
Sarah Dougherty delivered the Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer’s Report as of 12/29/2007
Expenditures for Nov 2007: $1,082.68
Receipts for Nov 2007: 400.00
Expenditures for Dec 2007: $1,487.59
Receipts for Dec 2007: 647.00
Bank Balance as of 12/31/2007: $11,407.46
MG Training Acct Balance: $5,499.26
December 6 th General meeting Minutes were approved as prepared.

Leanne DuBois’ Report:
- Leanne mentioned the budget constraints that VT is under.
- She is preparing an annual management report that references many MG activities.
- A code is needed in order to use the copy machine at the Extension ofc. If needed, copies can be made at the New Kent ofc.
- Extension personnel changes were referenced.
Other announcements:
- Bob Winters referenced follow-up that the Turf Love team conducts in terms of surveys sent out to homeowners visited. Super turf Saturday will be held in early March. An invitation will be mailed out to the homeowners visited last year.
- Nancy Greene invited MGs interested in attending the Philadelphia flower show to contact her so that carpools could be arranged.
- Jean Winters requested assistance in making flower arrangements for the MG dinner.
- Marilyn Riddle announced the Flora Virginia project that will be held at the library on 1/22.

The business meeting was adjourned at 9:30 AM to prepare for our speaker Bill Garlette, NNMG, to speak on “the Good, the Bad and the Bugly”.

JCC/W MGA Membership Meeting, December 6, 2007

JCC/W MGA Membership Meeting, November 1, 2007

Dave Banks opened the meeting and made the following announcements.

- Laurie Bland’s dad passed away.
- Judy Hansen is taking Logo Apparel orders with payment in advance.
- Philadelphia Flower Show 3/2-9/08.  Theme - Jazz It Up based on New Orleans French Quarter
- Received Janet Klane thank you note

VMGA: Anne Odle

Our unit will host the Dec. VMGA meeting on Saturday Dec. 8th from 10 AM to 2 PM at First Colony clubhouse in Williamsburg.  Directions to the clubhouse will be emailed.  Brian Noyes, Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District, will speak at the end of the VMGA meeting about the new pilot program, Community Conservation Partnership. A tour of the First Colony clubhouse grounds will be conducted. Participants will be able to view work done at First Colony.

Angela Cingale handed out '07-'08 VMGA directories.

Angela announced the VMGA logo contest which she would like to work on with anyone who is interested

Treasurer's Report:
- Budget ‘08 to be presented and approved at Dec. meeting.
- Reserve Task Force headed by Charlie Clapper
- $15 dues due next month
- submit all ‘07 receipts to Sarah.

Annual Dinner to be held on Thursday, Jan. 10. Tickets on sale at Dec. meeting.  Interns are
guests of the JCCW Master Gardeners.
Dave reviewed the revised Vision and Goals Document, explaining why the latest revisions were made by the Board

Goals/Vision Review and vote to accept current Goals/Vision

Implementation Strategies superseded Measurement verbiage
Sue Voigt voted to accept with Judy Hansen seconding
Discussion on Implementation Strategies included suggestions from Claire Gross, Sally Sissel, Sue Voigt, Angela Cingale, & Ralph Ashton
Charlie Clapper, “Strategies developed by existing projects and a way of implementing goals.  Implementation Strategies determined “a work in progress”
Motion carried to pass Goals/Vision. Members thanked previous Board for their work on this.

Programs:

Chairs needed for both Seeds of Learning and Mentor Programs. A Mentor Program sign up sheet was at front table.

Judy Hansen gave an update on the 10/26 Project Chair meeting and asked the membership to adopt the following new projects:

Williamsburg Botanical Garden – Helen Hamilton

Botanical Garden with butterfly garden, natural habitat, youth education, and opportunities to expand the garden.  Water line in the works with no time frame. School to be built on Jolly Pond.  Mgs will strictly be tour guides.
Botanical Garden received a grant from the Kiwanis Club.

Mobile MG effort - Denny Mehigan
Mobile MG with traveling display available upon request.  Display includes general MG info, specific Community info with poster of satellite aerial view, community customized brochures.  Display had first trial runs at Kings Point, Anheiser Busch Conservation Day, JCC Fair, and WJCC School Health Initiative Program.
Both projects were approved.

Anne Odle requested those interested sign up for the proposed Jamestown gardens effort.

Awards Committee

Minouche Robinson, Chair has received only 2 nominations. Deadline is Dec. 1

Leanne DuBois, Extension Agent report:

- AAG winners included gardens implemented with the help of- Pat Rathke, Dianne Nolan, Anne Davis, and locally Genrose Lashinger
- Growing Solutions was a success and inspired county to expand RPA plant list
- Turf Love going statewide.
- Leanne was elected to the Economic Development Authority
- Godspeed coming to New Kent County Nov. 15-16 at Rockahock Park.
- Worked extensively with Colonial Williamsburg Boxwood problems this year.
- Cable Show by Libby Hedstrom and Leslie Meyer

JCC/W MGA Membership Meeting, Oct 4, 2007

• Judy Hansen opened the meeting at 9:05.  Approximately 65 Master Gardeners attended.
• Minutes of September general meeting were approved.
• Awards:  Certificates and pins were presented to Master Gardeners who had completed 250, 500 or 1,000 hours of service.
• Treasurer’s Report:  Judy gave the treasurer’s report provided by Sarah Dougherty:
•             Disbursements for September:  $306.03
  Income:                                          $ 50.00
              Balance:                                   $ 12,303.82
              Training:
              Disbursements:                            $113.27
              Balance:                                      $4,724.26       
• Agent’s Report:  None – Leanne DuBois did not attend meeting.
• Announcements:
•             Plant Sale – Lois Enlow announced an October 20 workshop at Becky Sutton’s home.   She also thanked those who are saving dried materials from their own and the George Reid garden.
•             VMGA – Anne Odle announced the availability of Master Gardener license plate holders for $3 and decals for $2.  She also extended an invitation to Master Gardeners to accompany her to the bi-monthly VMGA meeting in Fairfax County on October 13 and to request assistance as we host the VMGA meeting at First Colony on December 10.  Anne put in a request for MG assistance at the VMGA table at the Virginia State Fair.
• MG Awards: - Minouche Robinson reminded attendees about the annual awards effort and encouraged them to submit nominations for Master Gardener annual award, project award, Steady as a Rock award, Sustained excellence for MGs with 3 or more years experience and excellence award for those MGs with fewer than 3 years experience.  Nominations are due by December 15.
• SOL – Lynn Flood announced that she would hold a meeting for those interested in this project following the general meeting.
• Nametags & Lanyards – Lynn and Judy have name tags and lanyards for those who have not claimed them.
• New Projects – Judy mentioned receipt of information from Mary Liz Sadler on the Adams garden adjacent to the Merchant Square area.  Brief discussion about this as a project took place.
• Growing Solutions – Sue Voight gave kudos to those to participate in the September 29^th workshop. 
• Water wise Gardening – Judy Hansen mentioned that the water wise garden by the Extension office in Toano was being re-vitalized.
• America’s Anniversary Garden – awards all around!
• Pat Rathke – award for Settlers’ Mill garden.  Pat will accept at the State Fair on 10/5.
• Minouche Robinson – mentioned an award for excellence for a garden planted at the Merrimac detention center.
• Genrose Lashinger mentioned a local award of excellence for the garden at Matthew Whaley School.
• After a break, Anne Neilson and Carol Fryer gave a presentation about their excellent adventure at Master Gardener College in June 2007.

Helen Hamilton and Karen Jamison updated the group on the Williamsburg Botanical Garden.

Submitted by Patricia Crowe

JCC/W MGA Membership Meeting , Sept. 9, 2007

• Dave Banks presiding
• Milestone awards presentations continued for absentees from previous meetings.
• Charlie Clapper was presented with a windbreaker “Immediate Past President” jacket for 2 yrs. Service as president to the board
• Art Gustafson now electronically acknowledges electronically submitted hour.
• MG picnic - the Ripley’s have offered their home again as a location the the fall, Sunday Oct.7. Need leader to volunteer to organize. Already have 4-5 volunteers offering to help\\Turf Love - Jean Winters has phoned all Super Turf Saturday volunteers and thanked them for making the 6th annual event a success.
• 10-3p.m, Wed, Sept. 26 New Kent office will have a review of the New Kent Turf program incl. a Meadow Spring Turf Farm tour. Bring your own lunch
• Sally Sissel - Buffalo Springs Herb Farm trip is 8-5p.m Thurs, Sept 20 departing/arriving at the Croaker Library. Fee $65 incl. lunch. Organized by the Herb Society of America Colonial Triangle Unit.
• Helen Hamilton - 9/14-16 Native Plant Conference “Where the Water Meets the Land” celebrating the 25th anniversary. $80 VNPS/VIMS members, $110 non-members incl. lunch and dinner. For info www.claytonvnps.or or call 540-837-1600.
• Botanical Garden - Helen will lead groups of preschoolers on a tour around Freedom Park.
• 9-13 - 30 volunteers for the “Day of Caring” have been retained to revamp the Ellipse Garden at Freedom Park
• Greg Allen, Speakers Bureau, recognized Helen for her responsiveness by being inducted to the “order of the Golden Spade.
• Interns have learned that Dick Prosl suffered a stroke, Janet Klane lost her battle to cancer, and Claudia and Richard Lawson moved back to Charlottesville for medical reasons.
• Anne Odle upon Dave Banks request VMGA state meeting report will be posted on our website. New fundraising items were shown and orders taken. License plate frame - $3, window decal - $2.
• Jean Winters welcomed Carol Fryer as Programming Co-Chair.
• Leanne needs volunteers for the “Growing Solutions” conference 8:30-2:30, 9/29 at JCC/W Community Center. $5 fee incl. lunch.
• Speaker - Carol A Heiser, Habitat Education Coordinator, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. www.dgif.virginia.gov.

Minutes August General Meeting 08/02/2007

Meeting was held at the Williamsburg Regional Library and started at 9:05 a.m. Approximately 50 people were present.

Business Discussed

• Dave Banks reminded everyone to make sure that they put their names and e-mail addresses on the MG hours reporting forms or the hours they report will not be credited to them. Also, if members are having problems with receiving the newsletters on line, to see him at the break.
• The membership was asked if there were any changes/amendments to the meeting minutes of June 2007. No changes were made.
• A donation of $50 will be made to the Susan Komen Fund for the Cure in memory of Janet Klane.

Dave Banks gave the Treasurer’s Report:

• May 2007: Expenditures were $7,691.29 and Income was $10,128.52
• June 2007: Expenditures were $609.13 and Income was $265.00
• July 2007: No activity
• Training Account: $4,667.53
• Bank Balance as of July 25: $13,059.84

Anne Odle gave the VMGA report:

• VMGA.net website is the place to go to become a member of VMGA. Dues are $12.00 per year. She also stated that she had membership forms available at the meeting.
• Kari Abbott won the Brag Night display at Master Gardener College and she received a round of applause for this outstanding effort.
  Master Gardener College attendees for this year were: Carol Fryer, Anne Neilson, and Angela Cingale
• Update on the Operation Rejuvenation project: Dave Close is program coordinator at Virginia Tech. The trip to Gulfport, Mississippi will take place in October. There is $100 deposit and signup deadline has been extended to Friday, August 10. Buses will leave from Richmond and Blacksburg. Lodging costs include a 4 day single occupancy at $1250 and $850 for a double occupancy. Please e-mail Anne Odle or Dave Close if interested.
• There is a VMGA meeting on August 11 th in Winchester, VA. The 3-4 hour meeting is open to all MGs. Breakfast is included. Contact Anne by e-mail if interested in attending.

Leanne Dubois welcomed the new board and thanked the outgoing board for all their efforts.

• There were 99 entries in the Anniversary Garden local contest. Dave Close, Leanne Dubois, Joyce Latimer, and Bonnie Appleton won the VT Outreach Extension Excellence Award. The State Contest takes place in September.
• The Mobile Master Gardener Program is being developed with Dennis Mehigan taking the lead.
• Leanne won the American Horticultural Society award for the publication on AAG Bulbs.

Leanne Dubois and Dave Banks presented MG hours awards:

• For 250 plus hours: Virginia Banks, Carol Connor, Pat Crowe, Lisa Kline, Linda Merslich, Martha Millhouse, Lyn Natanski, Susan Powell, Susan Quick, Rich Strenkowski, Toddy Voorhees, Robert Winther, and Donna Xander.
• For 500 plus hours: Carole Ashton, Ralph Ashton, Dave Banks, Helen Hamilton, Mary Ann Kimminau, Alice Kopinitz, Becky Morgan, Pat Rathke, Rebecca Sutton, and Robert Winters.
• For 1000 plus hours: Jean Barter, Charles Clapper, Lynn Flood, and Genrose Lashinger
• For 2000 plus hours: Sally Sissel
• For 3000 plus hours: Kari Abbott and Barbara Gustafson
• For 4000 plus hours: Aileen Bartlett and Sue Liddell

Project Reports

• Dave Banks announced that a chair is needed for Seeds of Learning Project.
• Plant Sale. Aileen Bartlett said that she would like to add another category to our plant sale: Dried Materials for Arrangements. She suggested some plants that could be cut and dried in this season to include artemisia, sweet annie, celosia, coxcomb, Gomphrena, straw flowers, seed heads from ornamental grasses, lavender, hydrangeas, lotus pods, and astilbe. A table could be set up to display/sell these items at the plant sale.
• New Kent Projects. Susan Voight reported on projects ongoing in New Kent County which included: a helpline on Wednesdays that is staffed by interns and Jeannie Gilman; a demonstration garden and a turf plot by the New Kent Extension Office; a veggie garden with seven raised bed. The Parks and Recreation Office would like to create a waterwise garden in the western part of the county and they would like some help with this project.
• Turf Love. Bob Winters indicated that there has been a change of location for the upcoming Super Turf Saturday, which will be held on August 18 th. The new location is Lafayette High School. The trade show will be in the main lobby and the presentations will be held in the auditorium. New fliers have been published and posters around the area have been updated to reflect the location change. The Daily Press will feature an article about the program on Thursday, August 16, and many last minute signups are expected. MGs can get continuing education credits for the presentations and there is no charge for lunch. Clipboards were passed around soliciting help with folder stuffing on Thursday, August 16, at the EOC and with running the program on Saturday.
• Incredible Edibles. Barbara Gustafson indicated that this program was started a couple of years ago with Aileen Bartlett. There are about 20 MGs working on this project. Some of the things they are doing include inspiring underprivileged people to grow their own veggies, herbs, etc. Workshops on growing plants in containers are planned. In addition, we are exploring a partnership with the WIC program at the Farmer’s Market whereby MGs can assist with selection of products and food preparation/recipes. A community vegetable garden is also planned.
• Farmer’s Market. Dave Banks updated the group on purchasing a bright screen computer for use at the Farmer’s Market and for any other purpose which takes place in an outside setting. A second laptop is needed for research proposes and a bright screen monitor would be most helpful. This will cost $2800. A motion was made to make the purchase of this special computer. It was seconded. All present were in favor—none opposed.
• Landscape Love. Rich Strenkowski reported that applications are coming in for Landscape Love visits for Fall 2007. There are 30 MG volunteers signed up but more are needed. Contact Rich if interested.

Other General Announcements:.

• Leanne Dubois would like to explore the possibility of starting a program whereby we could share/donate our reuseable pots. She would like some help in setting this up.
• There is a need for a chair and several volunteers to coordinate and set up a Fall MG Picnic. So far, a few helpers have been recruited but no one has volunteered to chair the event and no date has been set.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45.

VMGA Rep Report: August VMGA meeting at Shenandoah University. Visit vmga.net for info.

• VMGA Fall education programmed postponed.
• VMGA membership is at 464 members
• New fundraising items (benefiting Endowment Fund)- license plate frame - $3 and window decal - $2
• New business was brainstorming on ways to increase participation in the MG College Brag board display “Search for Excellence.
• Next meeting October 13. Hosted by Fairfax at Green Springs. Williamsburg will host Dec. 8th VMGA meeting at First Colony.
• 2007 MG College had 250 enrolled with 40 speakers and special guests.
• 2008 MG College is 6/17-22 with land care stewardship theme
• Training handbook revision update projected by Fall 2008.
• 2007 International MG Conference had over 1,300 attendees.
• 2009 International MC Conference in Los Vegas and 2011 in Charleston, WV.
• 2008 Southern Region MG Conference in Oklahoma 6/18-21st.
• State Fair 9/27-10/7 at Richmond Raceway Complex. Plant sale of all display containers will be on 10/8. Still 3 open slots for units. Looking for volunteers for evening shifts. For info visit VMGA.net or Christy Brennan at 804-741-0801.
• VA Garden Festival 9/27 looking for units to exhibit
• The Garden of Learning Conference by Virginia Beach MG’s is 9/15 10-3pm. For info visit www.vbmg.org or 757-385-4769.

Minutes -- MG June General Meeting  June 07, 2007

• Held at Williamsburg Regional Library
• Approximately 65 members present.
• Minutes from May meeting were approved.
• Anne Odle filled in for Charlie Clapper, to run the meeting. 
• It was announced that Carol Fryer was selected to receive a Scholarship to MG College for our Org.
• A motion was made and passed to increase budget for Incredible Edibles from $100 to $300. 
• Leanne DuBois announced that the Merrimac Center project is going well, she is planning on requesting that it become a project.
• New Kent has started a help line, installed turf panels, and started an Organic Garden.
• The Annual New Kent Farm Tour will be June 24^th from 1-5 at Barhamsville.
• July 12^th, 2007 will be Hazard Tree Training at the Rec. Center from 10-2:30.  This will be training on how to recognize if a tree is dangerous.
• Anne announced that it is time to renew VMGA membership.  Forms available at meeting and online.
• Lynn Flood brought remaining nametags to pass out and asks that anyone who has not picked up their new tag will do so soon.
• Helen Hamilton asked for help with the Botanical Garden.  It is in desperate need of weeding.  There is a wonderful new Board who has great ideas and is getting a lot done but volunteers are needed.  At this tie it is NOT a project so will not count as MG hours but help is needed to get this wonderful dream off the ground.  The 2^nd Saturday of each month from 9-1 is the workday.  But feel free to come any time.
• Bob Winters announced that there is now a Turf Masters Degree available.  Talk to Bob for more info.  Super Turf Saturday is August 18^th at Rec. Center.  Registration starts at 8:00 A.M.  Anyone interested in Volunteering contact Bob.