Treasurer report was updated.
Demo Garden update on Pergola and the city planning involved. Engineering report needed still. Mini-College coming up this week.
Awards committee working on 2022 awards as well as 2023, Brief discussion of Shopify for our merchandise.
Discussion of nominating committee for 2023 MCMGA Board. Vice President is in charge of that.
Minutes from April and May 2022 meetings were approved.
Plans for the Oregon Mini-College were discussed. No sales of our merchandise will happen this year.
Discussion of future chapter meetings at St. David of Wales Church at 2800 SE Harrison (funded by an anonymous donor). Tentative plans are for March, April, May, and October of 2023 as in person speaker meetings.
Open volunteer leadership positions currently include: Secretary, Fundraising, and Education. Any ideas of volunteers is welcome.
Demo Garden reported 40 visitors some who have become volunteers this year. Also a Grant High class visited. A post-partum group is meeting at the garden as well. Public events for the Demo Garden are coming up including a presence at Brentwood Park for a community musical event on July 29th and an Open Garden with Backyard Habitat August 20th. September is our Chapter Harvest Fest on the 11th and on the 29th a joint native plant sale in conjunction with Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association and Black Future Farms and Sparrowhawk Native Plants. Pergola project is still with the city waiting for next steps.
Education committee reports an education project at Rigler Elementary is happening 7/23. The project is a workshop to encourage, teach, and enable gardeners at Rigler Community Garden to plan and plant fall and winter vegetables.
Budget discussion and cuts were made based on information of true expenses of canceled Incredible Edible Sale. Forecasting of possible expenses including logo project was incorporated.
Demo Garden report from Linda Goldser. DG volunteers were involved in 3 events in April and are looking to some future events including Open Gardens tour, Backyard Habitat virtual tour, and a July clinic table. A Weeds class with Integrated Pest Management principles is scheduled at the Demo Garden. (Could someone provide me that date so I can report in approved minutes?)
Harvest Party date is set for 09/10/2022.
Carole Hardy has been appointed as OMGA alternative Rep by Lorna.
Cynthia reported that work is in process on Land Acknowledgement.
March minutes were approved.
Discussion of cancellation of 2022 Incredible Edible Sale. No budget decisions were made as starts that were ordered may sell and determination of non-refundable expenses is still unknown.
Discussion of September Harvest Party. Date to be determined.
1 position for Alternative Rep for OMGA has now opened as Jean Krieger has left Oregon. Recruitment is open.
Lorna has requested that DEI committee look into a Land Acknowledgement for our chapter.
Attendees: Claudia Groth, Lorna Schilling, Cynthia Chase, Susan Marcus, Christine Semeniuk, Nancy Fine, Jack Lazareck, Elaine O’Keefe, John Jordan, Linda Goldser, Mary Abplanalp, Rich Becker, Susanne Cavicchi
Executive Board 2022
President, Lorna Schilling
Vice-President, Cynthia Chase
Treasurer, Susan Marcus
Secretary, Nancy Fine
OMGA Representative, Rich Becker (appointed)
**MCMGA members voted for the Executive Board and passed the Chapter budget for 2022.
Secretary - Nancy Fine
Nancy requested board members approve November and December 2021 Minutes by email.
Financial Report - Susan Marcus
Susan reported the budget broke even for 2021 in part due to early membership renewals in December. Renewals are preferred to start in January for accounting purposes.
Communication Update - Susanne Cavicchi
eNews deadline is Jan 5. Lorna will announce the new board in the next issue.
Demo Garden Update - Linda Goldser
Spring planning has started. Jan 27 is the first planning meeting.
Incredible Edibles Sale - Rich Becker
Planning is underway. Safety protocols and measures are priority. OSU Ext has requested normal operating plans and contingency plans.
OMGA Representative - Rich Becker
Motion made to vote in new OMGA rep. 7 votes Yes. Motion approved.
Award Committee - John Jordan
Send nominations to John. OMGA deadline is May 15. Chapter can start the process earlier.
OMGA, Mini-College
Mini-College is July 29-30 this year. OMGA seeks volunteers for the organizing committee.
Meeting Dates for 2022
All Tuesdays (generally the 4th Tuesday, but adjusted for holidays)
On Zoom until conditions justify changing
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Next Meeting is Jan 25, 2022 at 6:30pm
Meeting adjourned.
Meeting led by Chapter President, Claudia Groth.
Update on the MG Training Program.
Discussion on the immediate future of the Chapter. 2022 Budget was reduced to minimum operating expenses and projects.
Meeting Dates for 2022
All Tuesdays (generally the 4th Tuesday, but adjusted for holidays)
On Zoom until conditions justify changing
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Next Meeting is Jan 20, 2022 at 6:30p
Meeting adjourned.
Chapter President, Claudia Groth, led the discussion about the future of the Board, and seeking
Board members for 2022.
Meeting Dates for 2021
All Tuesdays (generally the 4th Tuesday, but adjusted for holidays)
On Zoom until conditions justify changing
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Next Meeting is Dec. 7, 2021 at 6:30pm
Meeting adjourned.
This meeting was recorded. Zoom online meeting
Attendees: Claudia Groth, Dave Owen, Elaine O’Keefe, Susan Marcus, Susanne Cavicchi, Corinne Thomas-Kersting, Linda Goldser, Christine Semeniuk, Rich Becker, Lorna Schilling, Mary Abplanalp, Tom Ralley, Marcia McIntyre, Nancy Fine
Announcements: There will be a naming protocol for files other than docs, to be discussed by the Communication Committee.
Secretary - Nancy Fine
Minutes for the last board meeting are in the Review file. Susan made a motion. It was seconded. Minutes were approved.
2022 Chapter Budget - Susan Marcus
Explanation of projected budget deficit - $23,000. There are enough assets, but requires spending saved funds.
Board President, Claudia
The Chapter would be spending with a fundraiser, Incredible Edibles Plant Sale, earning revenue or not. Which projects are we willing to pull back/cancel?
Covid and safety protocols next year are unknown.
Comments about projected spending:
- Be conservative, reduce spending.
- If in-person activities or events are not possible, it will save a lot of money.
- Risk factor is low for lost revenue. IE Sale can be cancelled quickly with little loss.
- We are trying to reinvigorate Chapter membership. 2 years of no activities. We are reaching out to the community.
- The projected budget is a manageable risk. IE Sale happens around midpoint.
- What we spend has increased a lot. Projects for 2022 is $40,000. It would wipe out the savings account. Equivalent amount would be needed the following year.
Board President recommends each group cut 15-20% of projections to reduce the deficit. Every committee gets less. Invest in our Chapter but be conservative for the future.
Discussion from all board and committee members present to reduce or clarify projected budget amounts.
Treasurer made note of projected budget changes:
Merchandise - $3000 (reduced from $6000). Chapter made $335 in row covers without promotion. Christine noted a need for a broader conversation about merchandising, using the new logo, Shopify. Recommends a finance position for online sales.
OMGA - Elaine O’Keefe noted that OMGA is holding Mini-College in July 2022.
OMGA dues $5/person (with option to ask for waivers). About $500
Demo Garden - Linda Goldser reduced amount for supplies.
Leave ‘utilities’ (water bill) in the DG budget as per agreement with PP&R. Note that signage amount (to complete project) will be available again in 2022. $150
Education - Corinne Thomas-Kersting noted some expenses for classes at the IE Sale will not be used if IE Sale doesn’t happen.
DEI Advisory Group - Dave Owen, Elaine O’Keefe, Nancy Fine, Susan Marcus, Jack Lazareck.
Projected amounts are for consultants, educational materials, honorariums for BIPOC Advisors.
Consultant is crucial to advise a small organization, bring about culture change. Intention for this to expand to the greater Chapter.
IT Website consultant - Kaz Otomo. Very reasonable cost estimate at $35/hr. Estimating $45/hr next year. May need some revisions on the website in Jan.
New logo - Jo Wirtheim to complete new logo in 2021. No need for budget in 2022.
Translation services - DG, Education Committees. Request increase from $850 to $1000
Education Committee will check UC-Davis Extension, others for translated materials. OSU Extension ‘Grow Your Own’ Publication will be offered in Spanish.
Member Services - Fund some outreach events, communications with Chapter.
Suggestions - send postcards highlighting the Chapter FB, social media. Announce classes, Demo Garden activities, etc. for the public.
Wrap up of Budget Discussion
Many but not all members are comfortable with this deficit for 2022, but not for each of the next 3 years.
Committee members reduced the budget deficit from $23,000 to $18,000.
After 1st Quarter, reassess, and reduce numbers if activities aren’t returning to normal.
Treasurer to prepare new 2022 Budget for voting Board members.
Chapter members to vote in January.
Voting to be conducted by online voting.
Nominations - Vice President, Dave Owen
Dave to report on nominations, recommendations to the Board.
eNews - Mary Abplanalp, Susanne Cavicchi. Send in items by Nov 3rd.
Meeting Dates for 2021
All Tuesdays (generally the 4th Tuesday, but adjusted for holidays)
On Zoom until conditions justify changing
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Next meeting is Nov 23, 2021
Meeting adjourned.
This meeting was recorded Zoom online meeting
Attendees: Weston Miller (OSU Ext Metro MG Program), Claudia Groth, Susan Marcus, Elaine O’Keefe, Tom Ralley, Christine Semeniuk, Corinne Thomas-Kersting, Jack Lazareck, Linda Goldser, Lorna Schilling, Marcia McIntyre, Mary Abplanalp, Rich Becker, Susanne Cavicchi, Nancy Fine
Presentation by Weston Miller on MG Training in 2022
There were technical issues, so it was shared without slides. Board President, Claudia, had connection issues.
Training
● Training is mostly online modules from Gail Langellotto. 8 wks. of topics. Also 15 min presentations and Q+A on Zoom with Weston, presenters.
● Equity and Inclusion classes will be required. This includes customer service training.
● 2022 Class: 60pp. Mixed class for Multnomah and Washington Counties is 30pp. Clackamas County class is 30pp.
● This class format aims to improve content quality and MG experience.
Outdoor workshops
● Workshops are planned for the Learning Gardens Lab - MCMGA, PCC Rock Creek - WCMGA Education Garden. They will be limited to 25 participants max. Group size is determined by individual locations and Chapter, Program agreements.
● MG Program is planning an outdoor venue for orientation to volunteer activities. What’s available? Online help desk, Demo Garden for Multnomah County.
3 Tuition options
● Tuition is reduced from $495 to: $200 (reduced fee), $250 (standard) $300 (pay-it-forward). Tuition still doesn’t cover the cost of programming.
● No scholarship process.
● No new books.
Activities
● Form to apply. Besides details, It will question - is it serving or reaching out to new or underserved communities?
Ex: Higher on list - Fix-it-fair. Lower on list - regular activities that don’t reach new audiences.
Discussion
● Question about program vs. partner designation. To be decided between Gail, Weston, Marcia (Statewide and Metro MG Program).
● Question about donating a seat or slot for BIPOC students, historically marginalized groups? Weston - There will be limited slots. Best way to fill slots is probably using relationships to recruit people with partner organizations. (Ex: Black Futures Farm, OFB-Oregon Food Bank, VA-Veteran Affairs)
● Weston: If a Chapter or individuals want to make donations to the Agricultural Research Foundation Account, this qualifies for the pay-it-forward model. It’s tax deductible.
Additional considerations from Weston
● Weston is submitting a funding and support proposal to OSU:
Request for stable funding from OSU- $51,000. Chapters need to raise $20,000 per year to support the effort. (Washington and Multnomah split cost.)
● Multnomah Chapter needs to support $10,000.
● Meeting next week with the Interim OSU Ext Director. Weston will assert this is OSU Extension’s highest profile program in the Metro area.
● Funding is only secured until June 30th 2022.
● Metro funding is not available for MG Program.
● OSU Ext needs to cover 2 positions + Weston’s position.
● Weston acknowledges the request for BIPOC support.
● Also messaging from the program to the public. 1500pp filled out an interest form for the MG program in 2020.
● LeAnn Locher is leading promotions. She’s sending interested persons to the appropriate educational service that OSU provides. (Ex: Gail’s Home Horticulture Certificate Course).
● Seeking ideal candidates - Garden educators to serve the public.
MCMGA Board Meeting continues
Claudia rejoined the meeting due to technical issues.
Announcements
Please use the following name format when filing documents and reports in the Chapter Drive: Title Year/month/day Ex: MCMGA Board Minutes 2021.09.28
Secretary - Nancy Fine
Minutes were distributed prior to the meeting.
Jack made a motion to pass the minutes. It was seconded. Minutes unanimously passed.
Treasurer - Susan Marcus
Budget Discussion for 2022
● OSU Ext Donation - Regarding the scholarship application, the intention is to direct outreach for underrepresented people in community organizations and similar groups.
Board President proposes OSU Program Donation Support $7500 (not to the OSU Foundation)
Discussion about offering this support now or waiting until funding runs out. Weston will take Chapters’ support now to OSU management for the next funding cycle.
● Merchandise sales, New Logo
This meeting was recorded Zoom online meeting
Attendees: Claudia Groth, Susan Marcus, Corinne Thomas-Kersting, Jack Lazareck, Elaine O’Keefe, Christine Semeniuk, Marcia McIntyre, Mary Abplanalp, Susanne Cavicchi, Linda Goldser, Lorna Schilling, Dave Owen, Tom Ralley
Secretary - Nancy Fine
Secretary was N/A. Susan took Minutes.
Treasurer - Susan Marcus
Budgeting process is going according to schedule. Contact Susan or Christine for info.
Communications budget items are computers and website updates. Do we need to add an additional category? Board Vice President, Dave, is in favor of increasing the Communications budget for items like software.
Linda asked how to handle unforeseen expenses. Example: water bill - Portland Parks and Rec has not billed for water though they stated it would be billed. DG needs water in the budget, but the amount goes unused.
Inquiry about a $1000 donation to a nonprofit. Are we going to do that? Normally donate excess plants from IE sale to Oregon food bank. In lieu of holding the IE sale we made a cash donation last year. Dave will research possible groups that we can donate to - disadvantaged and marginalized groups.
Policy & Procedure Update
Board President, Claudia, noted changes to the policy and procedure policy.
Corinne made a motion and Susan seconded the motion. All present board members voted in favor.
DEI Toolkit
Group didn’t receive feedback from anyone but said that Claudia’s introduction was well done.
Comments: It’s a great document. Suggestion to put a date at the bottom so it can show revision dates. Comment: Next step is to institutionalize it. Get members in the habit of referring to the toolkit as we do any projects, events, etc. Question if anyone has an objection to sharing the document with other organizations? No one objected. Comment: sharing would be good. Maybe share it with Wash and Clackamas counties?
Action Item: Toolkit needs contact info so people can email or call someone about DEI support.
Land Acknowledgement
Board president will send out the land acknowledgement from OSU Ext. Metro DEI group.
OMGA - Elaine O’Keefe
OMGA sent Claudia the website link as the best place to stay up to date on OSU COVID policy.
As of this Friday, Governor Brown mandates masks inside and outside in events and groups of 10 or larger.
Next OMGA meeting is online, September 10th in the afternoon. Elaine is looking for someone to attend in her place. She will confirm date and time. Board Vice President, Dave, offered to attend the meeting for Elaine.
Comment: OMGA survey was sent after attending mini college but the survey didn’t offer a place to offer constructive criticism, so not much use.
Education Update - Corinne Thomas-Kersting
Current education project - second batch of free seed kits have been collected. They put together 60 seed packets and have distributed 20+ so far. Low cost project. It could possibly be customized for kids or for a specific culture or language. Translations in multiple languages.
Should this be budgeted at the Chapter level? Inquiry for it to be made with less plastic, which Dave is researching.
Educate committee will add a link to the DEI toolkit to their forms. Committee plans to start in person meetings again in February 2022.
Trench gardening seminar. Tabling events - booth and activities for adults and kids - at neighborhood events, repair fair, etc.
Extension Request
Extension requests all the counties to sponsor the intern training. (Chapters do classes and seminars, and Extension holds workshops). MG training will be mostly online.
OSU Extension Representative, Marcia - Training is being coordinated statewide. Some in-person workshops will occur outdoors. They’re seeking Chapters to support this effort and training similar to the past. Multnomah County has done a great job of this. Focus on training interns to handle diagnostics.
4-5 classes are typically offered at the IE Sale. This cost should be budgeted by Education.
Communications Update - Susanne Cavicchi
eNews deadline is Sept 8th.
Susanne should connect with Cory Haussmann/neighborhood associations. Claudia will send her contact info.
DG brochure update. Cara Finlayson is updating hours/days of being open on the brochures. It doesn’t need to be reprinted. They have about 400 brochures.
New logo might continue development into next year. Claudia will contact Jennifer Simpson, Merchandise coordinator, about using the new logo on merchandise.
YouTube channel is up and running. Next steps are to publicize it and populate it with videos.
Corinne and Claudia are working on a video. The YouTube channel will be announced in the September eNews. We need to encourage members to subscribe to our channel so they get alerts when new videos are posted.
We need to decide how we’re going to get Instagram up and running.
Demo Garden Update - Linda Goldser
1,500 pounds of produce donated to date this year.
HPSO grant is finalized and the report is sent in. Project is done. All expenses are in. Signage in four of the perennial beds. Additional signage costs to be estimated in the budget.
DG survey received an 11% response rate. General consensus was to get DG reports on a monthly basis sent via email. No report since April. Claudia has a problem with demo garden sending a separate newsletter. Claudia sees it as part of the Chapter communications. Linda asked how DG info would be conveyed to all of the non-master gardener entities. Suggestions to post it on Facebook and the website (and Instagram when that gets started). We should absolutely have the same demo garden news that we put in the eNews.
Comment: Tom supports Linda in that demo garden news is sent out to a bunch of non MG folks. It’s important that we continue to connect and reach people outside our master gardener circle.
Long discussion about how to reach those folks.
Decision to send them an email with a link to the DG news on our website. Also post the link on Facebook.
Member Connect
Awards
Tom sitting in for John. Longevity awards. Suggestion to award other items. Ex: mug
Revised schedule for awards so that it coincides with the gardening year. Process now starts in June and July with awards decided in August and given out in the Fall. So we won’t give out awards this year as we move to a new schedule.
Directory
Heidi requests what we’re including in the directory and she will get it done. Do we just list names and numbers, or do we also want to know dates of events, meetings, etc? Heidi will create a pdf in a 8.5” x 11” format so people can print it out. Won’t include 2020 interns unless we get that info from Marcia.
Fund Raising
Incredible Edible Sale is May 7th, 2022.
Plant stakes
Ordering 4,000 stakes costs $134. 7000 stakes costs $200. Need to decide what to put on the plant stake.
Decision to list website address and tag line. Claudia to coordinate printing 7000 plant stakes.
Meeting Location
Budget for meeting space in 2022. Everything stays online through March of 2022 but we might return to in person meetings after that.
Meeting Dates for 2021
All Tuesdays (generally the 4th Tuesday, but adjusted for holidays)
On Zoom until conditions justify changing
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Next meeting is Sept 28, 2021
Meeting adjourned.
In collaboration and in support of the OSU Extension Service Master Gardener™ Program
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