Transylvania County Master Gardener Advisory Board Monthly Meeting Minutes

August 5, 2024, 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Extension Conference Room

Attendees:  Betsy Bond, Maryann Mickewicz, Bart Renner, Cindy Gilbert, Brenda Doroski, Phyllis Cumings, Martha Mayberry, Nancy Carrol, Cindy Decker, Joy Evans

Welcome and Call to Order. Betsy called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.

Review/Approve June Minutes – Phyllis motioned; Betsy 2^nd; approved.

Finance Report – Phyllis Cumings

Phyllis reported a June balance of $7,816.42 which included the income from the March Spring Symposium: Eventbrite $1,306.23 and credit card sales $650. The credit card fee was $50 which folks agreed seems reasonable. The fiscal year ended on June 30.

• Phyllis distributed the July financial report showing a balance of $7,694.05. July expenses included the t-shirts and garden supplies.

 Great Southeast Pollinator Census 2024 – Cindy Gilbert

1. • Cindy G. emphasized that the Census is a great way for us to interact with the public and promote gardening.
   • Transylvania County Master Gardeners Events:
     • Friday, August 23 at Silvermont Demo Gardens- 9:30- 11:30 a.m. A tent may be needed for shade.
     • Saturday, August 24 at the Library Rain Garden – 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
     • 18 EMGV have been trained and many have signed up to assist with the count and answer gardening questions. Maryann offered to enter data if participants seemed reluctant or unable to enter it themselves after the event.
   • Maryann has made outstanding marketing materials to distribute, including 4 large reusable, waterproof signs, posters and “I Counted” stickers.
   • There is a need to further get the word out to MGs and the public.
     • Cindy D. will submit an article to the TT and discuss with Community Engagement Librarian, Kelly McBride.
     • Holly will continue to post on social media.
2. Compost – Cindy Decker
   • Cindy reported that she is finding long strands of plants and other inappropriate materials, making turning difficult. She believes this to be primarily the result of her and Mary Miller not being able to be there during the Thursday workdays to monitor and tend the composting.
   • She will write an article for the Transplanter reminding EMGVs to snip plant material before putting it in the compost bin. She will also communicate with the garden leads and see if the sign needs to be revised.
3. New Leaf Closing
   • Martha shared that New Leaf has announced on social media that it will be closing at the end of the year. She asked for ideas on how we could we show our appreciation for Hope’s work in the community.
   • The group agreed that it would be appropriate to send a card (Martha) and use the MG social media to post something (Holly Votaw). In addition, Maryann and Phyllis, in coordination with the Education Committee, will explore the possibility of adding a hands-on New Leaf program (e.g., holiday wreath making) to this year’s MG schedule.
4. Board Recruitment – Betsy
   • Elections will be held at the November 12^th program meeting so it is time to start recruiting the new board. The co-presidents (Mary and Betsy) and secretary (Brenda) are finishing their terms this year and Cindy and Lani will be rotating off the board.
   • The past presidents (Cindy and Lani) serve as the nominating committee. They will draft a recruiting notice for the transplanter. The openings could also be announced at the upcoming program meeting. There was a discussion of the possibility of holding a fall general membership meeting to raise awareness of board activities and generate interest in serving on the board. Maryann will explore further.
5. Silvermont Kiosks – Nancy Carrol
   • Nancy shared an ongoing but not critical issue at Silvermont is the state of the kiosks. She is not sure we have the “manpower” but they need attention. Specifically, the doors to access inside are out of alignment, more than just being warped.
   • Currently, there is no building committee. Bart agreed to look at and repair the kiosks, if possible, and report back to Nancy and the board.

 PAST EVENTS AND JUNE MEETING ACTION ITEMS

 Plant Sale Follow-Up

• Betsy, Cindy G. and Janet visited Woodwise Botanicals in Mills River (open to the public 8 hours a week). They didn’t ask about wholesale opportunities but believe they may be a potential program speaker. Joy will share recommendation with the Ed Committee.
• Upon reflection, Maryann did not see the benefit of sending a letter to CNN providing feedback on this year’s buying experience.
• Bart and Maryann will talk with the for-profit vendor who set up a booth at the plant sale instead of sending him a letter.

1. EMG Spring Tea Report – Phyllis
   • Approximately 25-30 people attended the spring tea on June 21 at the Mary C. Jenkins Center. Folks reported that it was a lot of fun, though it may not have been needed this year with all of the garden walks.
2. Southern Highlands Reserve Board Field Trip
   • Attendees spoke enthusiastically of the field trip on June 18 (“fabulous, excellent docents, well worth it”) and endorsed continuing the practice of creating learning opportunities for the board to support team building and recruitment.

The meeting adjourned at 12:02 p.m. Minutes submitted by Brenda Doroski, Secretary.

 Schedule for the Remainder of the Year: