2012-10 Minutes

MINUTES

October 5, 2010

Our meeting was held at the Extension Center.  The meeting was called to order at 6:35  p.m. by President Donna Hobbs who welcomed all guests and members. There were 16 members and 2 guests in attendance. 

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  Minutes from the previous meeting were e-mailed to members.  Beth Persons questioned if there were any corrections or additions. A motion was M/S/C* to approve September’s minutes.                                   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Our balance as of September 14 was $3876.31.  A routine internal audit was conducted after the meeting.

Donna Hobbs introduced our guest, Tracy Allman, and asked her to share her background.  Tracy is the new horticulture/agronomy teacher at Crowder College.  She has taught at NEO in Miami and ASU/Jonesboro and has had limited experiences with Master Gardeners in Jonesboro.  She expressed an interest in becoming more acquainted with the group and offered to help where she is needed.

OLD BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

The Southwest City Library has extended an invitation to our group to participate in planting new landscaping after the architect’s plans are approved and plants are purchased. A decision was made to table any commitment until plans are finalized.

Crowder College Foundation is again hosting the Festival of Wreaths.  Since we are awarding a scholarship, we have chosen not to participate this year.

A motion was M/S/C to approve this year’s $500 scholarship recipient, Jason Clark.  He is a sophomore at Crowder and was highly recommended by Ag instructor, Tracy Allman.  He was informed by mail and will be formally given the award at our December meeting.

Discussion about our Rookie of the Year award resulted in several great suggestions.  Dave Whitson suggested that we have an award for each county.  Suggestions were also made about a Volunteer of the Year award and different criteria for awards.  Presentations will be made in February.

Dave Whitson generated discussion about our Regional Representative and the importance of maintaining contact with our State Representatives concerning the importance of our programs and the need to maintain their existence in Missouri.  We need to assure that funding remains available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

October 16-Fall Workshop in Kimberling City; For more information, contact the Stone County Extension Office at 417-357-6812. Register online by October 13th. Mail-in registrations should be postmarked no later than October 8th to ensure a seat!  Also, watch for details in the newsletter.

Ron Hoyez gave us an update from the Extension Council on additions being made, including an Energy Specialist. A candidate will be interviewed October 15 and the position should be filled by December.  Included in his responsibilities, he will be available to conduct farm and home energy audits.  Election of officers is upcoming in January and they are looking for new leadership candidates.  The Council needs to increase its membership from 8 to 12 and Ron encouraged MGs to consider serving.  The Executive Council meets on the first Monday of each month and other members every other month.  This Council is vital to the existence of 4-H, Master Gardeners, nutrition programs, and other related county programs.  The new year begins in February. 

Master Gardeners who have volunteered at GWC National Monument this year have been invited to an appreciation picnic on Friday, October 22 from 5-7 pm.

Don’t forget to record your service hours.  Hour totals are due in December.

Our next meeting will be at the Extension Office on November 2 at 6:30 pm.  Mary Horine from Farmer’s Market will be our speaker.  We will be forming a committee for nomination of the 2011 officers.  Bring a fall snack or dessert—hot cider provided.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm.

Submitted by:

Beth Persons

Beth Persons, Secretary