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Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association Minutes

March 28, 2016

 

Welcome:  Vice President Denise Cannon welcomed members and guests to the March meeting.  There were 38 members in attendance along with 3 members of the 2016 Master Gardener class and the March guest speaker.  A quorum was present.  It was noted that Randy Lane will likely be moving to Georgia.  Denise acknowledged Randy’s many contributions to the Association.

 

Approval of Minutes:  Denise Cannon asked for any corrections or changes to the February 2015 minutes.  Hearing none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes.  Motion passed.

 

Secretary’s Report:  Ed Morse thanked Brenda Cohen for taking the February minutes.  Ed reminded everyone to be sure they had signed in for the meeting.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Brenda Cohen reported a current balance of $6,636.

 

Extension Agent Report:  Donna Teasley mentioned the upcoming Spring Extension workshops and thanked the Association for its assistance with the small fruit plant sale.  She announced that the membership should receive an email from her concerning a rainwater monitoring opportunity in Burke County.  Donna announced that the Master Gardener graduation would be held on April 20 and encouraged Association participation.  Lisa Sanderson, the Master Gardener Coordinator at NCSU, will be the speaker.

 

Committee Reports:

 

            Communication and Publicity – Linda Gerig reported that Bob Harbour and Karla Busch (2016 class) would be assuming responsibility for maintaining the Association website and Facebook page. 

           

            Community Outreach/Special Events – John Whalley reported on the plans for the Head Start raised beds.  The Association has been requested to provide technical assistance for landscaping and raised bed construction at the Joara Foundation office in Morganton.  The assistance will be needed in late April.  Motion made by Whalley and seconded by Isi Jans to provide the assistance.  Motion passed.

 

            Joara Project -  John Coburn and John Hayes updated the Association on the Joara project.  Modern garden has been planted and the first school group is scheduled for May.  Planning for the other gardens in underway along with new signage to provide information about each type of garden.  Association is also working with Joara Foundation on a new grant proposal for the Catawba Park site.

 

            Habitat Project – Dean Wilson reported that the Burke Hospice site on Enon Road is being prepared for the construction of 15 raised beds.  Area will incorporate irrigation, shed, work station, composting site and fencing.  Habitat for Humanity is still in the process of hiring a part-time coordinator to manage the project.  Position is posted on the Habitat website and interested master gardeners are encouraged to apply.

 

            Grounds Committee -  Cynthia Vance indicated that the grounds are looking good as spring emerges.  Lots of volunteer hours have been given to beautification work.  A workday is scheduled for April 28, 9-12 in preparation for the plant sale.  April 29 will be the rain date.

 

            Community Gardens – Joanne Crooks explained that there are some issues with the fence posts that will require some additional bracing.  Also a load of manure has been secured for community gardeners use.  Joanne announced that she had burlap bags for sale.  Ninety have been sold so far.

 

            Membership – no report

 

            Programs – Denise Cannon announced planned field trips to Mike’s Greenhouse on May 12 and Perry’s Berrys on July 14.

 

            Refreshments  - Pat Hill thanked everyone who brought refreshments for the March meeting.

 

            Reports from Special Committees – no reports

 

Old Business – Karen Swenson requested assistance to paint signs for the May plant sale.  Members reminded to continue potting plants for the May 7 sale.

 

New Business – none

 

Program – Ed Morse introduced Angel Hjarding, Director of Pollinator and Wildlife Programs for the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.  Angel presented a program on wildlife habitat certification and the NC Butterfly Highway project.

 

There being no further business the meeting adjourned.  The next meeting will be on April 25.

 

Submitted by,

 

Ed Morse, Secretary

           

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About Us - The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association (EMGVA) of Burke County is a volunteer non-profit organization based in Morganton, NC. Extension Master Gardener programs are active in all 50 states, in four Canadian provinces, and in most of North Carolina's counties. Our group is affiliated with NC Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Our members come from all walks of life, and from many parts of the United States. For more information about our organization and to learn how to become an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, check out the FAQ page.

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