MCMGA Board Minutes for January 23, 2024
/Attendees:
Lorna Schilling, Cynthia Chase, Carole Hardy, Susan Marcus, Jen Hazen, John Jordan, Rich Becker, Linda Goldser, Mike Rutherford, Heidi Nichols, Jack Lazareck, Lisa Kirby, Marcia McIntyre, Angela Myatt, Nadine Menashe
January 2nd meeting minutes:
Motion to approve - Lorna Schilling
Seconded - Linda Goldser
Approved with correction
Discussions:
Introduction of Nadine Menashe. Nadine is working for Extension in Multnomah County in a new position created by Dr. Lyles. She started in Sept 2023. She works to raise awareness about Extension programs including Snap Ed, 4-H and Outdoor School. Her work is roughly 30% administrative/70% community engagement. Wonky funding situation but gets some federal funding for non-MG programs. Outdoor School is funded through the lottery.
Treasurer Report - auto insurance update. Jen discussed draft email and plan to send request first to board members and then to members identified by the board. Mike created a Google docs submission form and said trigger emails will be sent out based on expiration dates. Mike designed the Google form so it can be completed on your phone if necessary.
Membership Update. Heidi said membership renewals are trickling in, but so far we’re ahead of last year at this point. She will send reminders out next week which should result in a small burst of renewals. Most renewals are over the $30 suggested renewal amount.
Communications Committee. Videos from speakers series and demo garden are being added to our YouTube channel. The December speaker (kokedamas) got a lot of views after the fact. Susanne is working on merchandise through Bonfire. She will coordinate with Christine and Jen. Cynthia said ordering will probably open in February and then again around the IE Sale so people. The prices on Bonfire are high and our profits will be low - a $30 T-shirt generates 56 cents in profit. It’s less a fundraiser and more a marketing tool to get our logo out there. Might use the old logo on t-shirts again or give the old logo to OMGA. Jen will review how merchandise sales will impact our UBI, tax reporting, and our submission to OMGA for the annual report.
Demo Garden Report. Linda - General update: Very busy with planning for the 2024 beds. Removed the canopy that collapsed under last week’s snow and ice. It’s ruined but might be salvaged for parts. DG staff decided that the canopy will be taken down each fall and put back up in the spring from now on. There has been theft/vandalism on adjacent property to the DG. Carole - Education at the DG: Schools have already started requesting field trips to the DG (mainly 2nd-5th graders). A team of MGs has created a mini-lesson on ecology showing how all things in the garden are connected. Activities being planned include a scavenger hunt, older students might be asked to draw what they observe in the garden, and all students will receive seeds and cow manure pots. The Children’s bed will be replanted to attract more pollinators, to bloom longer throughout the seasons, and include both edible and non-edible plants. Carol asked if there’s a way to streamline the administrative approval process and was told by Marcia/Lisa that she is required to submit a 2024 Project Form to Extension. Once the project is approved, she can submit a Short Form for each class that requests to visit. Carol should work with Lisa and submit the Project Form as soon as possible and Short Form at least 24 hrs. prior to a school visit.
Education. Dennis Brown speaking at Washington County speaker's webinar Tuesday. February 6th @ 7 PM discussing Multnomah County projects (https://washingtoncountymastergardeners.org/event/growing-and-belonging-cultivating-community-partnerships). This is a 1-hour MG education credit, FYI.
IE Sale. Rich reviewed Westwind catalogue to determine what plants are not being continued from last year and what plants are new. Doesn’t look like they’re offering dwarf tomato plants this year, but there are a bunch of new and interesting varieties. The variety of plants we sell is a marketing plus - big selling point - gives us a competitive edge. Will start planning the plant selection over the next few weeks. Carol suggested we pick a few new and interesting varieties to highlight in eNews and other communications to generate interest. Claudia has agreed to be a spokesperson for the IE Sale. \We need a series of press releases to run over time to market the IE Sale.
OMGA Meeting. Angela attended her first OMGA meeting. Discussion of Joy of Gardening conference and the need for chapters to donate goods or cash for the silent auction. The conference is designed to break even while the silent auction is a fundraiser for OMGA. OMGA has grants that members can apply for.
Next Board Meeting:
February 27 @ 6pm
Meeting led by: Cynthia Chase
Adjourned at: 7:09pm
Notes taken by: Susan Marcus
Minutes approved on: 02/27/24