In the absence of President, L. Morgan, Vice President A. Allen called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.  The secretary’s minutes were approved and the treasurer’s report was given by M. McDonald. New bills were presented to the treasurer for payment by members of the Tour Committee

G. McVey reported that McCloud Park is ready for the Tour except for some last minute deadheading. It was decided that MGs should come one hour early, 11:00 a.m., July 8 Pre-tour to tidy-up the Park.

McDonald explained that the May winners were chosen for the Unionville Center Beautification Project and June’s winner will be chosen soon.  The whole community is involved and owners come out to greet the committee as they tour the town.  

Richwood Fairgrouds Committee has nothing new to report. L. Sanford was not available to report on the Extension Office beautification but it was noted that most of the project was completed, only the rear entrance needed to be completed, volunteers would be appreciated.  

B. Lininger presented the new MG Handbook which has been greatly improved. This Handbook includes  the Union County Mission and Values Statement, it includes a schedule of events and how to facilitate a meeting. This will be a year-around reference for each MG to use again and again while serving on committees or reviewing the guidelines for being a Master Gardener (also referred to as MG) in this report.

Allen, standing in for Morgan, reported that Oaklawn Cemetery Landscaping is completed.  L. McConnell, who was not available, asked that we be reminded that there are dates for the Hotline still open that need to be filled. It has been suggested that while serving for the Hotline, the MGs may wish to water the plants at the Extension Office. The Utsinger Clinic is quickly approaching, and the Recognition Banquet is July 12, send payment to the Extension Office.

E. Hornsby represented the Vet Memorial Landscape Committee who are developing a plant list with at least two options for a three year plan. When this is completed, they will get estimated costs for the City Commissioners so they may make a decision about the budget of money and time.

T. Carpenter, Tour Committee, gathered the money and unsold tickets so that they may be used at each garden of the Tour. Garden Coordinators are to receive money from the treasurer for use as change when payments are received at the Gardens. This money will be available at the Pre-tour and all monies are to be returned to the Extension Office within 48 hours after the Tour. The Pre-tour will start at 12:00 noon on July 8, it was suggested that those with coolers bring them that day. Ice will be provided and the coolers may be distributed by the Tour Committee.  Donors have again been generous to the MGs and the raffle items were presented. The Promotions Committee requested volunteers to again distribute flyers to various businesses and libraries. After this meeting, Garden Tour Coordinators were requested to meet and finalize plans with their committees. 

J. Westfall apologized for the refurbishing of the Church caused by  the recent fire next door, he thanked his committee for their work on the Church Grounds. He completed the Chamber of Commerce’s Landscape, in return they will mail announcements about the Tour at no charge to the Master Gardeners.

The Union County Fairgrounds Merchants Building Landscaping is completed as reported by A. McElfresh.  

Two projects were tabled, “Plant a Row for Hunger” until February and “Internet Classes” indefinitely .

Two new projects were discussed: a landscape plan for the Historical Society, R. George volunteered to Chair the Committee to investigate their needs; and volunteers were requested for “A Day in the Park”, a community project at Legion Park where Master Gardeners may have a display to pass out materials and help celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, July 15 from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m. with a reminder that our next meeting will be at B. Wade’s where he and J. Westfall will present a “Care for your Tools Clinic.”

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