2015-02

Newton & McDonald County Master Gardner Minutes

February 3, 2015

The meeting was called to order by President Mike Snow at 6:29 p.m.  New officers for 2015 were introduced:  President is Mike Snow, Vice President is Jutta McCormick, Treasurer is Beth Persons, Secretary is Lora Burch.

There were 20 members in attendance and 2 guests.

Mike welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2015.  He let everyone know that there will be 15 minutes set aside at the beginning of each meeting for Task Committee meetings.  After this time, Committee Chairs will be given a chance to give a Committee update if needed. 

Secretary's Report

Mike gave a  short verbal report on December's meeting which was unanimously approved.

Treasurer's Report

Beth Persons reported that the beginning balance on December 2, 2014 was $2,469 with a total expenses of $286.39 which gave an ending balance of $2,183.56 as of January 31st.  Jackie  Hoyez made a motion to approve, Beverly Caywood seconded and was it passed unanimously.

New Business

-  New sign up sheets for Committee Sign ups were passed out

-  New refreshment sign up sheet for future meetings was passed out.

-  Ron Hoyez presented on plans for demonstration gardens which will be on both the South and back side of the Newton County Extension Center.  Beth Person is concerned that we be realistic on our planning since we already have a lot of committees that are struggling.

-  Linda Simmons reported on the Newton County Court House plans and it was suggested we get small signs to post in each area to help promote MG's.

-  Mike Snow asked for suggestions on presenters. (Suggestions can be e-mailed to him at mikesnowworks@hotmail.com)

-  Ron Hoyez announced he will be presenting on how to Wake up Roses & Gardening 101 at his home (13888 Ibex Rd., Neosho) on March 28th at 10 a.m.

-  There will be a Fruit Trees Demonstration at Crowder on Feb. 18th at 10 a.m.

-  John Hobbs will send out a current e-copy of the membership list.

-  The Newton County Court House Committee will meet on Monday, February 9th at 10 a.m. and the Newton County Extension Center.

Presentation

Jeremy Elliott-Engel, 4-H Youth Development Specialist for the Newton County Extension Center spoke on:

1.  Thanks to Master Gardeners for investing to help make the new building happen and also for all of our service over the years.

2.  He proposed the Extension Center host a Farmer's Market.  He hopes to create a committee to plan and maintain this which will be made up of members of the Chamber of Commerce, 4-H, and Master Gardeners.  He encourages anyone interested in becoming in involved to  call him at 417-455-9500.

3.  Now that Newton County's Extension Center no longer has an Agriculture member on staff, he is hoping Master Gardeners will volunteer a few hours one afternoon per week to be at the Center to respond to questions from the public.  If no one can commit to actually be on site, he's hoping there could be volunteers to be on-call to help answer questions. He encourages anyone interested in becoming in involved to  call him at 417-455-9500.

 4. Jeremy announced, as a fund raiser, both the actual building and individual rooms within the Center can be named after someone for a charge.  The rooms are $5,000 and the building is $70,000.

Next Meeting will be 6:30 p.m., March 3rd, 2015 at the Newton County Extension Center.  Presenter will be Roger Hall on honey bees.  Sign up for refreshments for next month are Barbara Snow and Kathy Jennings.

Motion to adjourn was made by Beth Persons, seconded by Jackie Hoyez and was passed unanimously at 7:50 p.m.