2011-05 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES

May 3, 2011

Our meeting was held at the Extension Center. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by President Linda Arment. There were 31 members present.  The attendance is great!

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  Minutes from April’s meeting were made available to members via the website and e-mail.   A motion was M/S/C to accept the minutes.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The bank balance as of April 30, 2011 is $2507.82.

OLD BUSINESS

PLANT SALE (May 7): Bill Andrews will be hosting the sale at his store, WXY Sporting Goods in Neosho.  Rhonda Marion has been busy placing ads in newspapers and community calendars.  A lot of preparations have been made and we’re excited.  Members are reminded to label all plants with name of plant and price.  We also welcome any garden- or plant-related items like tools, pots, yard art, books, etc.  Bill will be at the store at 1104 W. Harmony from noon-6:00 pm on Friday if you would like to help set-up or bring items.  He will return at 7:00 am Saturday for last minute preparations.  Sale begins at 8:00 am and closes at 1:00 pm unless we sell out first.  This is our biggest fundraiser and everyone makes it a success.

IN MEMORY OF JERRY CHRISTIAN: Bill Andrews reported that Jackie Hoyez secured a donation of granite for a plaque honoring Jerry and Silhouette Imaging is engraving the stone.  A 6’ Dogwood tree has been purchased and arrangements have been made with the director of the fish hatchery, Dave Hendricks, concerning the location for planting.  Plans are being finalized for the memorial ceremony.

DOGWOOD DAYS:  Rhonda Marion reported on the Open House at the Neosho Fish Hatchery on Sunday, April 17.  Gwen Schroder joined her and they reported a great response.  All brochures were distributed.

STELLA’S SPRING FLING: Gwen Schroder supervised a booth on Saturday, April 30.  There was a lot of interest and a good response.

McDONALD COUNTY COURTHOUSE/FAIR SIGN:  Bev Resendiz reported that both areas have been cleaned up and updated for this year’s growing season.  They look great!

MORSE PARK:  Bill Andrews supervised clean-up on Saturday, April 30 and reported that the butterfly garden has been freshly mulched and weeds are under control after heavy rains.

NEW BUSINESS

FAIRS 2011: Beth Persons is chairing this year’s committee.  Newton County Fair will be July 13-16 and McDonald County Fair will be July 21-23.  This year we are trying a new approach to door prizes.  Members are asked to find a person or business that would be willing to donate a gift certificate to our club to be given away after the fairs as door prizes.  Forms and letters were distributed at the meeting and sent out via e-mail.  Members are asked to return the completed certificates with a business-sized envelope in June.  Letters will be made available to any donor wanting a tax deduction.  If there are questions, e-mail Beth or call her at 455-9092.  Sign-ups for booth supervision during the fairs will be done at the next meeting.

SHIRT ORDERS:  Bill Andrews is taking orders for imprinted polos, T-shirts, or denim shirts. 

These are good advertisement and help us represent our group at booths, shows, meetings, and workdays. Call Bill at 417-389-0674 to order shirts, he will need Name, phone #, type of shirt, size and quantity.  Price includes tax.

Ts         S–XL   $8.60       2X–3X  $11.85            Lt. blue Denim   S-XL   $30.15     2X  $34.30    3X $36.60  (short sleeve)

Polos    S–XL   $16.15     2X-3X   $19.40            Lt. blue Denim   S-XL   $32.30     2X  $36.60    3X $38.75  (long sleeve) 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Barb Rowland sent an e-mail requesting help with landscaping ideas.  Rhonda Marion made contacts with her and Gwen Schroder agreed to meet with her to determine her landscaping needs. 

EXTENSION COUNCIL UPDATE:  John Hobbs reported that the state is mandating an annual plan to replace previous 5-year plans.  These plans determine goals for programs such as Master Gardeners and others under the University umbrella.

LENDONWOOD GARDENS:  John Hobbs has scheduled a tour on Saturday, June 18 at 11:00 am for our club to visit this gorgeous place in Grove, OK.  Lendonwood features six distinct gardens, each with a theme and atmosphere all its own. They include: the Display Garden near the entrance; the Oriental Garden featuring shade plants; the Japanese Pavilion Garden with Koi Pond; the English Terrace Garden highlighting sunny beds and rhododendrons; the American Backyard Garden, where plants thrive without much water; and the Angel of Hope Garden, surrounding a statue of an angel, in memory of lost loved ones, especially children.  If you want a sneak preview, go to their website.  More information and directions will be provided at June’s meeting.

BEES:  Jerry Schroder will be happy to rid your property of bee swarms.  You may call him at 435-2456 if you or someone you know needs his services.

A motion was M/S/C to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm.

SPEAKER: Gwen Schroder shared about Grow Native! landscaping and provided information about implementing these weather-resilient, pest-resistant plants into existing gardens.  Jerry and Gwen live on Shine Hollow Ranch - a small diversified farm in the very SW corner of Missouri.  They are located in the beautiful Ozark highlands where their home and 64 acres are nestled in the Bentonville Hollow of Powell, Missouri.  They raise chickens, rabbits, grow native perennial plants, trees, shrubs, and have an extensive garden including a variety of fruits and vegetables.  They grow their vegetables and fruits with only organic products and practices.  Each year they offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs during the summer months at local farmer's markets, as well as Grow Native! plants.  Excellent information-thanks, Gwen!

Submitted by:

Beth Persons

Beth Persons, Secretary