Thank you to Jim Stoshak, Phyical Therapist of Memorial Hospital of Union County, for an informative lesson on how to prevent stressed bodies from our gardening chores. 

Linda Morgan, President, called meeting to order at approximately 8:00 p.m. Treasurer report was read and the secretary’s report was approved as presented in the newsletter. Mary McDonald passed out the new cards so we may all keep track of our volunteer and educational hours. These cards are to be turned at each meeting or monthly to the Extension Office. 

Since she received only a few, Eunice Hornsby requested fifteen minutes so that Master Gardeners (from now on referred to as MGs) could finish their Mission Statement questions and turn these in at this meeting.  These were completed and turned in for summary and review with the officers on May 16. 

George McVey reported that ninety percent of the cleaning had been completed at McCloud and weed preventer had been applied.  He is asking those who volunteer for this project to plan to spend the first Saturday of each month cleaning and pruning, etc.  The next scheduled work project is May 6 at 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. He needs help with a landscape plan for the east end of the park. If interested, please let him know. 

Laura McConnell, Coordinator, presented her monthly report and  requested that MGs decide if they want to confirm to other counties in the State for volunteer and educational hours. MGs voted to change the first year volunteer hours from 40 to 50 to conform with the other counties in Ohio, the continuing education hours will be changed as well. To be re-certified, a MG must have served at least 10 volunteer hours and again the continuing education hours will be changed to conform with the other counties. These will be up-dated in the 2000 Handbook.

McConnell also asked for nominees for the State Master Gardener Advisory Board. Please let her know.

She reminds us that the Tri-State Conference is coming up, anyone interested in attending should review the Red Book at the Extension Office or at the meeting. 

McConnell also reminds us about the Sale at Burbees May 13.

Volunteers were requested and accepted for the July Recognition Banquet, Intern welcome at the next meeting, 4H Endowment Park, judging 4H garden projects at Union County Fair - during the week (daytime hours),  Union County Farmer’s Market to pass out literature and answer quesitons at Municipal Building on Saturdays during the summer, evaluate 4 varieties of Johnny Seed Vegetables, write newsletter and newspaper articles, Unionville Center homeowners’ contest judging for the community beautification project,  “Let’s Go Gardening” at Bushong’s Garden Center & Nursery to answer horticulture questions, each MG is requested to spend at least one day on the Horticulture Hotline this summer either Monday, Wednesday or Saturday.  Carriage  Court requested MGs do planting, weeding and watering on three flower beds at this retirement community.  Some of these projects had enough volunteers at the meeting, other do not, McConnell reminds us not to miss an opportunity to fill volunteer hours, stop by the Extension Office or call to volunteer. 

McConnell also, requests that if you have not completed an Information Sheet with address changes, please do so before the next meeting so that the 2000 Directory may be as up-to-date as possible. 

 It was discussed that we need a light travelling display for the up-coming shows, as well as, a light table.  Barbara Winner has received some quotes, the cheapest was about $1,000.  She requests that you send her any display information from other clubs, churches or schools that you may have so that a choice may be made soon. 

The Vets Memorial landscaping plan was tabled until May. 

Ann McElfresh and Teddy Carpenter, Tour Co-Chairs, reported that they need help with the Tour Handouts and  coolers are needed for the tour.  Several volunteered their cooler and will bring these to the pre-tour.  Please let McElfresh or Carpenter if you want to volunteer for various committees or helping at the Gardens.  Brandee Valentine is on target with the solicitation of prizes and Bambi Gardner has the gifts for the owners.  The garden histories are almost complete, all other committees are on target.

Morgan reported that the flags are up but MGs need to wait for John Marshall to give the signal for continuing the landscaping at Oakdale Cemetery. 

Morgan adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:00 p.m. reminding us that the next meeting is May 24. 

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All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Admin. and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868

Revised February, 2002