MCMGA Board Minutes for March 28th, 2023

Present: Lorna Schilling (President), Cynthia Chase (Vice President), Marcia McIntyre (Programs and Speakers), John Jordan (Fund Raising), Rich Becker (OMGA Chapter Representative, IE Plant Sale), Susan Marcus (Acting Treasurer), Mike Rutherford (Administrator G-Suite and Historian), Claudia Groth, Linda Goldser (Director Demonstration Garden), Carole Hardy (eNews Chapter, Alternative OMGA Rep.), Susanne Cavicchi (Director Communicate!) Marilyn Frankel, Angela Myatt (Secretary)

Approval of February 2023 Minutes:
Motion: Cynthia proposed a motion to approve the February 2023 Minutes with the correction to the spelling of Susan Marcus’s name.

Mike seconded the motion. Minutes so approved.

Membership:
There was discussion on how many clicks were necessary to renew membership via the website. Kaz will be asked to investigate the issue. There are currently 121 perennials and 26 trainees. Membership is down from 180 since Covid. Heidi will continue to check on membership renewals.

Incredible Edibles:
Rich reported there will be a general call for volunteers soon. He is currently looking at how to track pre orders when the email address is entered incorrectly. There followed discussion.

Information on the Sale will be in the April eNews.

Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA)
Rich reported there will be an increase of dues, but this will not significantly impact the Chapter because unlike other Chapters. the Chapter has implemented a sliding scale. Discussion followed on OMGA administration and funding issues. Comparisons were made with other similar organizations.

OSU DAM Proud Day April 26th 2023
Marcia reported on DAM Proud Day which is an annual day of giving, featuring programs at OSU. This year Master Gardeners are one of the five selected. Master Gardeners are encouraged to contact Gail Langelotto and LeAnn Locher with their experiences. Discussion followed on whether, and if so, how much, the Chapter should contribute. A decision will be made at April’s Board Meeting. DAM Proud will be featured on the Chapter Facebook and in the Chapter April eNews.

Logo and Merchandise
500 stickers with the new MCMGA logo have been purchased. There was discussion on how to make the logo available and to whom. There was general agreement that the Chapter should oversee the distribution of the logo on any/all merchandise. Now the logo is only accessible to the Communications Committee. Discussion continued on how and to whom, the logo, be it as a sticker or on merchandise, be distributed.

Motion: John proposed a motion to order 300 static cling stickers. Susan seconded the motion; it was passed unanimously.

Pergola
Rich said construction of the Pergola will continue after the IE Sale.

Social Activities
Cynthia reported on the trip to Leach Botanic Gardens on Sunday March 26th. Lisa Kirby led the tour. There was discussion on locations for further such activities, for example, Zenger Farm and the Chinese Garden. Cynthia will remain responsible for arranging social activities until someone else can be found. Carole will ask for interested parties in the next eNews.

Demo Garden
Linda reported on the many planned activities at the Demo Garden starting with the previous evening’s “Come Learn at the Demo Garden”. Six new volunteers have now joined those working in the Garden.

There was discussion on the best way to sign up for classes, including managing the wait list and no shows. Mike will investigate using Google forms. CERVIS (the Master Gardener Volunteer Console) remains an option.

Video Equipment
Cynthia offered to store the video equipment, taking over from Jack.

MCMGA Website
John gave a shout out to Corinne for all her work on the website, now including information on the Bottle Drop and Fred Meyer.

Contacting Multnomah County Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners
Lorna, Cynthia and Mike reported on progress to date. No meetings have been arranged so far. Cynthia noted that Angela Sandino is to be told of any meetings so that she can attend if possible.

Tri County Master Gardeners Meeting on June 4th
Marcia reported that with Lisa Kirby and Amy Espinosa she is working on arranging a meeting on June 4th to which all TriCounty Master Gardeners will be invited. It will be a fun event to cultivate community and an opportunity to meet Lisa and Amy. Possible locations were discussed.

Monthly Communications Committee meetings
Carole reported that the monthly Communications Committee social events at the Kennedy School will be replaced by outdoor events for the foreseeable future.

The meeting closed at 8.10pm
The next MCMGA Board meeting will be on April 25th at 6.30pm.
Minutes submitted by Angela Myatt Secretary MCMGA