Mississippi Master Gardener Minutes

MSMG Board Meeting

January 11, 2008

Rankin County Extension Office

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by the president, Homer Richardson.  He went on to thank the Rankin County director and master gardeners for their gracious hospitality and the delicious and bountiful refreshments that were prepared for our group.

 Minutes

The minutes from the November 9, 2007 meeting were reviewed and accepted with the exception of the wording of the awards which Dr. Kelly will clarify in writing.

Treasurer Report

The treasurer report was given by Homer at Pat’s request. He reported that the MSMG general funds had a balance of $4,749.69 and Operation Rejuvenation account’s balance was $4,107.14.

 After a short discussion about when should the $3,000.00 taken out of the state master gardener treasury for Operation Rejuvenation be returned to said treasury, Lynn moved that the $3,000.00 be returned to MSMG account.  Merry second the motion. Motion carried.

 With this action, the general MSMG account balance will be $7,749.69 and Operation Rejuvenation account will now be $1,107.14.

Charles stated that he would mail Pat a check for $3,000.00 next week.

Old Business

  Wrap up of Operation Rejuvenation

 * Financial Report – Charles

Charles gave a written breakdown on the Katrina/Rita Rejuvenation Projects Status (see attachment). Dr. Kelly requested a copy which Charles agreed to send.

Charles also reported that there are about four different groups who receipts he has not received and he is in the process of contacting these groups. Once receipts are received, he went on to state; a final report will be given, possible at the next meeting.

 Homer requested that Charles let the board know when there are no longer any funds so we can officially say that the funds have been depleted.

* What’s left to be done?

 Lynn stated that Jackson County library project was interrupted by a remolding project and they will need to complete this project in the spring. He went on to report that they have about $800.00 and may possible need an additional $500.00.

Another project that is still being worked on is the Greene County Courthouse.

 * Future responsibility & remaining funds

 It was also stated that we need an official report stating that all projects are completed and all funds accounted for. Homer went on to say, “These people need to know where their money went”.

 Website update

 Homer stated that we will start new things on our regular web page and Operation Rejuvenation will have its own page. We will talk about people interest and education in the front of web page, Homer continued.

.He also went on to say that registration forms for the 2008 MG conference would be added to this site. 

 District Reports

 Homer stated that he would like to attend some of the district meetings and help out in any way he can. 

Northeast - Sandy

Sandy stated that they have not met and have no plans for meeting. Homer asked that they let him know how he can help.

Northwest - Sherrie

Sherrie announced that the Northwest will hold their district meeting the 16th of April at the Desoto County Extension Office and they will provide refreshments.

Southeast – Lynn

Lynn reported that they have not had a meeting since the 2007 conference. They are however looking to have a meeting in March.

They will check on scheduling their meeting to coordinate with Homer’s presentation on camellia in Hattiesburg.

 Southwest – Homer

  This group will be meeting in February in Brookhaven with a

  camellia tour of the area and ending with refreshments.

 After all reports had been made, the group brainstormed ways to build momentum in district meetings. The southwest has had excellent success with their district meetings. Kelly stated that she contacts 3 people from each group, sends e-mail to group members and assigns different counties to host the 2 meetings they have each year.

 Other good motivators discussed were programs, visiting gardens, plant swap, games to encourage interaction and food. Using the meeting for education and exchanging of ideas were other suggestions mentioned. 

Board members agreed that MSMG funds are not available for food at district meetings.

 To engage local MG organizations, Homer said he would send letters to the local presidents through Lelia, informing them as to what is expected from their organizations.

 Report and Direction from MSMG Coordinator – Dr. Kelly

 Lelia shared with the board what she sees as our purpose and what the focus for 2008

should encompass.

 Purpose – Assist in activities and programs in home horticulture

                  She commented that last year’s program was a good demonstration of this

                  goal.

 Focus – Education

Plan for Implementation

      knowledge in horticulture and e-mailing, good writing and editing skills, or/and  

      the ability to draw and work with good resources. This individual can be a board

      member, but the position is not limited to board members.

Note: Lelia will write a formal qualification list before we move on to looking for

          this leader.

Merry stated that she would like to be on this committee.

 Task of Committee

 Lelia also asked the board to assist her by sending in topics for training that would interest us and other MG so that they may become engage and stay involved. Topics could be on technology as well as horticulture. She needs this pronto! 

 Sandy was assigned the task of seeing that suggestions for revision of MMG log sheet (volunteer hour sheet) gets to Lelia next week so she can make changes before the next MMG classes start.

 The 2008 classes will begin in February. Lelia suggested MSMG check out the new classes. One can attend for $15.00 to cover printing instead of the $85 for new participants. She went on to say the participants will be getting a CD with nice pictures.

 There were some comments from the board expressing a desire to have “live” classes, but Lelia stated that that decision basically rest with the county directors.

 Lelia continued by stating that the board could also help by providing original pictures which also will be an additional task of the education committee.

 In the discussion of what Lelia can do for US – The group agreed with members who voiced a desire to have MG University and live MG training. Homer also stated that Pat had suggested that more training be provided to get young students involved through the schools and JMG. 

Adam and Lincoln MMG board representatives stated that they will supplement training at their sites.

 Martha, MSMG secretary, was asked to collect contact information from new board members and send to Lelia, which she agreed to do.

 New Business

  2008 MSMG Conference Status/needs – Kelly

 Kelly expressed concerns over money struggles for the conference.

Her budget is based on 200 people attending and if the numbers are right, all should go well. We were charged to go out and encourage conference attendance.

Conference breakdown per person: $40 – feed, $10 –favors, $10 – speaker fee 

 She went on to state that they have had some fundraisers and will continue with the silent auction provided there are items collected to auction.

 The conference will have 15 speakers, two of which are paid and two from out-of- town.

 The conference committee is considering color coding name tags accordance to district.

 The conference will start at noon Wednesday with optional activities and ends at noon on Friday with other optional activities to follow.

 The convention budget for 2008 was presented by Kelly. (see attachment)

 MSMG Conference Committee will meet February 7, 2008 at 1:00 pm.

 The next Conference will be in Starkville. The conference committee needs a person from that area to serve on the committee.

 Newsletter

 Barry stated that conference highlights would be in the newsletter to go out soon.

 He also expressed concern with e-mailing and the quality of pictures received to be published and the important of MG members getting their newsletter since the newsletter is the main benefit for many MG members.

 Board Meetings

 The board agreed with Homer’s suggestion that we cut back on traveling meetings because of the strain on the MSMG treasury.

 The board concurred that there would not be a March meeting. If a meeting is needed the president will call a video-conference or e-mail questions to members.

 November’s regular meeting will be November 7, 2008 in Brandon at the extension office.

 Next Board Meeting

The next MSMG board meeting will be Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at the Historical Jefferson College off 61 and 98 in Natchez, MS from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Martha McKey, secretary

 Members Present

  1. Dr. Lelia Kelly, director (inter-active video)
  2. Homer Richardson, president
  3. Martha McKey
  4. Kelly Parks
  5. William McGehee
  6. Alton W. Sims
  7. Merry Beth Tigert
  8. Sherri McCalla
  9. Barry McCalla
  10. Charles Woods
  11. Sandy Witt
  12. Lynn McMahan
  13. Coralie Richardson

 

Mississippi Master Gardener 2007 Business Meeting

9th Annual Conference

June 1, 2007

Gautier, Mississippi

      President Corlie Richardson called the meeting to order. She requested that each board member introduce themselves; give a description of their job on the board and where they were from.    The President announced that Homer Richardson would become the President for the 2008-09 period.

      The secretary read the minutes from the last meeting and the membership approved them.

      There was no treasurer’s report.

      Sandy Witt, parliamentarian and education chairperson, gave a report on the Short Rose Course.  The course was deemed a success; however there is no plan in the near future for a repeat of the course.

      Homer Richardson, the web master for the organization, invited members to take advantage of the Mississippi Master Gardener Web site.  Updates of events and gardening information can be found there as well as what is going on in the organization. He welcomed any input that state gardeners would like to add.

      Barry and Sherri McCalla, editors of the newsletter made a request for articles and information about local Master Gardener associations.  This will help them as well as keep Master Gardeners abreast of what is happening.

      The district chairs were introduced and each gave a short report on their district:

      Lisa Cox from the Northwest District said they were working with children’s groups and organizing the district.

      Kelly Parks from the Southwest District announced that their district would host the 2008 Conference and the district had sixty people to attend a district meeting.

        Sandy Witt from the Northeast District said that their members were underway in planning the 2009 Conference.

      Lynn McMahan from the Southeast District thanked the Jackson County women and other district members for helping put the 2007 Conference together.  He also thanked those who attend for making the conference a success.

     At this time the President reminded the districts to conduct a meeting before November in order to elect replacements for those going off the board in 2007.  She stressed it is important that district members know who would represents them on the board.

      Pat Dale gave a report on Operation Rejuvenation. She stated that several projects were finished and more were underway.  A three work days is set in October to help in planting projects that had been approved.  She invited Master Gardeners to participate in this endeavor.

    Dr. Lilia Kelly thanked the Master Gardeners for their participation in the Rose Short Course and helping make it a big success.  She said this was a prototype course that could lead to other comparable courses.  She declared that a revised training course was in progress for 2008.

     The President informed the Conference attendees that the board had received a Public Charity Tax Number which will allow an exemption for donations to the Mississippi Master Gardeners. As this is only for the state’s Master Gardener’s board, she proposed the board now be in charge of the State Conference allowing any donations to be use as an exception.  Each district will be host to the conference but the board would be in charge of expenses and plans according to the guideline setup by a committee assigned by the board.   Gayle Gray made a motion to accept the proposal to add an amendment in Article V of the Charter to allow the board to organize and assist in the annual conference. The motion was seconded by T.J. Washington. Members of the Mississippi Master Gardeners accepted the motion to amend Article V of  the Charter. 

President Richardson thanked the Southeast District for their most successful Conference and adjourned the meeting.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Sissy Bailey, Secretary

 

Mississippi Master Gardener Board Meeting

May 30, 2007

O’Keefe/Ore House, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

      The President opened the meeting at 2 p.m. Board Members present were Martha McKey, Sandy Witt, Lisa Cox, Homer Richardson, Pat Dale, Sherri McCalla, Barry McCalla, Bettie Pruitt, Kelly Parks, Lynn McMahan, Bill McGehee, Charles Wood, Coralie Richardson, and Sissy Bailey. 

     The minutes were reviewed with corrections noted by the secretary and then accepted by the board.  Homer Richardson (pro-tem) presented a complete treasury report.  For the time ending May 15th, 2007 there was a balance of $24, 948.73.  Questions were raised about the balance on the project Operation Rejuvenation and the Rose Course. These issues were tabled until they could be clarified by the treasurer.  The president asks that Mr. Wood (treasurer for Operation Rejuvenation) and Ms. Wheeler (treasurer for the Master Gardeners Association) address the account on Operations Rejuvenation.

Old Business:

Committee Reports

Conference: Lynn McMahan, chair of the 10th annual conference, informed the board that the committee expects 150 attendees plus 30 more for the dinner and hear the keynote speaker.  In addition to that number would be non-paying guest.  He stated that an agenda was planned for good food and programs plus tours. The river tours began at 2 p.m. and another at 5 p.m. also there was room for the sailboat excursion at 6 p.m.

 Awards: Awards are all in place according to Homer Richardson.  The out of state judges have returned the names of winners and the recipients are expected to be in attendance. The registration desk has been notified to expect the award recipients.  Applications are displayed in the convention hall.  A check will be mailed to the project winner in the event the treasurer is unable to attend.

 Operation Rejuvenation*: Pat Dale reported that eleven projects have been submitted to the committee.  Those completed are a Hancock County School, Harrison County Extension Office, Garden Flow and Jackson County project at the O’Keefe/Ore House.

Applications being considered are Harrison Central Elementary School, Green County Court House, Diamond Head**, Biloxi School, flowers around sculptured trees in Biloxi, teaching garden at a Pearl River school, and Arlington school in Jackson County.

Web-site: Homer would like a list of projects and provisions to inform volunteers what items may be needed in carrying out OR. Homer will be traveling to the Virginia Master Garden Conference and would like to let them know what to expect when they come to Mississippi in October.

     Pictures have been provided to view of OR projects.

*Operation Rejuvenation will be referred to as OR thought-out this report.

**this project will be discussed and settled by the OR committee.

 Education: The Committee had a successful response to the Rose Short Course.  Sandy Witt, chair, said the only negative was the problems with the teleprompter.  She thought this could be improved by more experience with the technology.  Question on any surplus or a deficit of $150 would be clarified by Dr. Kelly.

 Conference 2008: The Chairman of the Committee, Sandy Witt, will be replaced by Kelly Parks.    The MMG Board will sponsor all forthcoming conferences in conjunction with the hosting district. 

The Southwest District will host the 2008 Conference.   In their meeting, they planned

to have the conference in Natchez on May 1-2 co siding with the Symphony of Gardens Tour.  Seventeen on the ’08 committee will attend the ’07 Conference.  Brochures are available in the conference hall at the ‘08 Conference display.  

Newsletter: Publishers need articles. Extra copies of the newsletter are available for anyone at the conference that would like them.

District Reports:  Reports were dispensed with until next board meeting.  Districts were reminded to elect their representative by November board meeting in order to have new member in attendance.

 Tax Statue: 501c3 is now a public Charity. There was a discussion on what is covered on the tax exemption.  This was tabled until the treasurer and Charles Wood could research the answers of the questions.

 

New Business

 A report was given on the National Master Gardener Conference held in Arkansas by Barry and Sandy.  They proclaimed the food, speaker, and tours were good, excellent, and well organized.

Friday, June 1, the Mississippi Master Gardens will have their Annual business meeting where each board member will be introduced and given a few minutes to explain their jobs.  There will be a vote on some by-law changes.  

The district chairpersons will be introduced and the members of that district will be recognized. 

A Discussion was held on how and when to conduct a district meeting.  The President encouraged the district chairpersons to have regular meeting so that more members could be involved with the inner workings of the State Master Gardener.

 

      Upon the arrival of Dr. Kelly, President Richardson presented her with a large urn as a gift from the board in appreciation for her guidance, support and leadership.   Dr. Kelly thanked the Mississippi Master Gardeners and its board for the volunteer work they provide.  

      Dr. Kelly agreed to help seek answers to any question that had been present in the meeting.  She enlisted the MMG to come up with ideas on MG education, and committees for non board members.

 After discussion it was decided the next board meeting will be at Extension Office in Meridian on July 13 at 10:30 am.  The president will attempt to get a tour of the opera house after the meeting.

 Meeting Adjourned.

 Respectfully submitted

 Sissy Bailey, Secretary

 

Minutes - 2006

Mississippi State Master Gardener Board Meeting

March 10, 2006

The President, Coralie Richardson called the meeting to order and asked for the reading of the minutes from the January meeting.   The minutes were read by the secretary. A correction was noted that Sandy Witt was appointed and will serve as parliamentarian.  The addition was so noted and added to the minutes.  Homer reiterated that the board minutes would be published on the web site's business page.  No other correction or additions were noted and the minutes were accepted.

The treasurer distributed a summary report and register report for the time period 1/1/06 through 2/28/06 disclosing the balance of $15,740.48.  She noted that an expense of $16.74 should not have come from Mississippi Master Gardener's fund but from Operation Rejuvenation fund this correction will be reflected in the next report.  Any expense for Operation Rejuvenation will come from that fund, i.e. brochures, postage stamps, etc.  Sandy made a motion to accept the treasure's report and second by Sherri.  All were in favor motion carried

Old Business

Committee Reports

Conference

Sherri McCalla reported that the committee will meet on March 30 in Tate County.  A cruise is slated on July 19 for those who arrive the day before the conference. There will be a $45 fee for the cruise and it must be turned in by April 15th with the conference fee. Planned speakers for the meeting will be: Jim Long of Long Creek Herbs; Paul Ott giving an inspirational talk; Paul Little of Little Hill Nursery speaking on sedums and ground cover; Cammy Bennett speaking on butterflies; Dianne Meucci of Oyvey Garden; Bill Colvard, Shelby County Master Gardeners speaking on figs; Bob Buzack landscaper speaking on native plants. Other planned activities are establishing a "Plant Wish List" for those affected by Katrina(  members attending may bring plants that would help fill the wish list): a demo on leaf casting: and a contest for table decorations.  She recommended that Master Gardeners register before June the 9th as registration will be open to the public after that date with limited availability.  Cost for the conference will be $60 a person. The Newsletter will have all pertinent information on the conference,

Website

Homer, the webmaster, reported that the site has had over 20,000 hits and garden links have been added that other have found to be useful.  Jay has a page to answer gardening questions.  There will be a page for regional happening i.e. plant sales and such.  Districts may send these idem in to Homer to be posted on the site.

501C3

Dr. Kelly sent a memo stating that she would not be able to get professional help until after tax season.  The pursuit for 501C3 will be placed on hold for this time.

New Business

Master Gardener University

The president announced there would not be an event this year.  Dr. Kelly was unable to work out some of the logistics.

  • Operation Rejuvenation A committee will continue to plan the disbursements of the project.

  • President Richardson suggested the committee plan on taking action on this project next year as the coastal area is still in recovery

Discounts from Nurseries
Pat Wheeler presented the question whether there are any nurseries that were giving discounts to Master Gardeners.  The board discussed the idea of compiling a list of nurseries willing to give Master Gardeners discounts. Then post this list on the website as the members discover which businesses were willing to do so.  Dr. Kelly will be consulted on any other ideas to address this issue.

District Meetings

The district chairs rendered ideas on how to get Master Gardeners to attend a district meeting. One idea would be to have a picnic and/or a plant exchange.  Also, conference host districts should plan for speakers and fund raiser at least a year in advance. The chairpersons decided to take back some of the ideas considered to their respected district and contact local chapters through their Extension Service.

Scholarship

President Richardson reminded the board $150 is available to a Master Gardener to attend the State Conference.  This person's name will be submitted by the County Coordinators and the board will pick the person on his/her need to attend the conference and if the expenses of the conference would keep them from attending.  The person should be in good standing with the Mississippi Master Gardeners.

With the Master Gardener University canceled in May, Dot made a motion that the board meet at Rankin County Extension building on May 12 at 10:30 a.m. motion second by Pat.  Motion carried.

 Meeting adjourned

Recall of meeting to discuss emergency money for conference.  Those present agreed a loan would be made to the Conference Committee if needed.  Sherrie said they were okay at the present.   If there was a problem the treasurer would be notified.

Homer moved to close the meeting, Dot second.  All were in favor.

Meeting adjourned

Respectfully submitted, 

Sissy Bailey

 Those attending:                  County

Coralie Richardson           Lauderale

Dot Williams                    DeSoto

Sherrie McCalla                DeSoto

Sandy Witt                        Itawamba

Charles Wood                    Lee

David Jordan                     Hinds/Copiah

Delano Burdick                  Lee

Kelly Parks                        Adams

Cindy Pannier                    Rankin

Pat Wheeler                        Lowndes

Homer Richardson              Lincoln

Lynn Mc Mahan                 Jackson

Pat Dale                               Pearl River

Sissy Bailey                        George

May 12 meeting place has been changed!! We will be meet in Meridian!!  Directions have been sent by Coralie. Let me know if you need more information.

 

 

Mississippi State Master Gardener Board Meeting

January 13, 2006 

The president, Coralie Richardson called the meeting to order wishing a happy new year to those present who were Lisa Cox, Sherri McCalla, Dot Williams, Delano Burdick, Pat Wheeler, Sandy Witt, Charles Wood, David Jordan, Homer Richardson, Lynn McMahan, Sissy Bailey, host Rod Ladnier (4-H coordinator from Attala County) and state coordinator Dr. Lelia Kelly.

Secretary Lisa Cox read the minutes from the November meeting.  Correction noted Sandy name is spelled with a y. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Pat Wheeler and seconded by Dot Williams.

Treasurer Pat Wheeler gave each member a copy of the Transaction Report from 1/1/05 through 12/31/05(note attachment A). She noted the balance on December 31, 2005 was 14,566.61.  Not reflected in the report are 80 MGs who have renewed their membership for a total income of $800 since January 1, 2006.  Members that renew as a group are required to give each ones names and addresses.  Board members were reminded that they may request reimbursement of twenty-five cents per mile for travel.  The new account setup for Operation Rejuvenation has a total of $1482 from the contributions of $1000 from N.E. Horticulture Center (Tupelo), $50 Illinois , $25 Virginia, $100 Oregon,  $152 Tennessee, and small checks from a group in Mississippi of $154.  Pat gave the each board member the updated copy of the Mississippi Master Gardener Association By Laws (see attachment B).

The secretary will be responsible for writing acknowledgements to the contributors for Operation Rejuvenation and the board will reimburse her the expense she incurs in carrying out this duty.  This will include the purchase of 200 cards with MMG logo printed on it and postage stamps. Request was put in a motion by Lisa Cox, second by Delano Burdick.  Motion carried.

A card and gift certificate was presented to Delano in appreciation of her good work as our previous president.

Agenda:

Unfinished Business:

 

a.  The question on $1000"seed money" to host of State M.G. Conference was address in March 11, 2005 board meeting. The board voted at that time the money would be unrestricted and not required to pay it back.

b.  2006 State Conference: Lisa Cox reported that the plans were progressing and she had met with the planning committee from the North West District.  They had a suggestion to paid 2007 dues when signing up for the conference.  The treasurer opposed this suggestion as it would complicate her job when monies pass through to many hands.  She will be happy to collect any dues at the registration desk at the conference.  Other suggestion were that June 9th be the cut off date for dues paying members—then registration would be open to the others and there would be a cut off date for them---No walk in after that date.  There were no objections to this plan.  Discussion followed who would be eligible to attend the conference and what events would be open to them.  This agenda will be taken up with hosting committee. 

c.  How to disperse information on MSU Horticulture Scholarship and MG awards. Homer will put this information on the web site, and any other information pertaining to the MMG including the minutes of the board meeting.  Also information will be printed in Botanical Blurbs.  Dr. Kelly will arrange for the judges in regard to the scholarship.

d.  New newsletter editor: Sherrie McCalla volunteered to edit the spring Botanical Blurbs replacing Bonnie Musselwhite. Pat Wheeler volunteered to print the labels for mailing.  Sherrie will consult with Bonnie about deadlines and any other information she may need to print the newsletter.

e.   Dr. Lelia Kelly on non-profit-501c3: Dr. Kelly stated she had consulted with two CPAs and other experts in this field.  With the information she received, she advised the board to move forward with the forms.  The board was in agreement and asked Dr. Kelly to continue with the application.  Dr. Kelly advised the board that a CPA specialist should be hired to help with the legal language in filling out said application and the cost would possible be from $500 to $1000.  Sandy made a motion that Dr. Kelly pursues obtaining the 501c3 and give the board a list of specifics needed to aid in this endeavor. Dot second the motion.  All members were in favor.

 New Business:

a.   Gulf Coast MG class on $40 refund:  Due to Hurricane Katrina the class was canceled and the participants would like a refund. Sandy made a motion to refund the $40 –Second by Delano.  Motion carried.

b.  Homer and Jay on web site: Web site is up and going. Good gardening sites are being published, as well as criteria on awards         ( application due April 20,) and projects, news, and programs

c.  Committee to write state conference protocol: Betty Pruitt volunteered to stand in for Bonnie Musselwhite.  Bonnie will be a consultant as well as others that the committee may need in their planning.

d.  District Chairpersons were reminded to contact members in their district before the State Conference.

Other matters discussed:

Motion was made by Lisa Cox that Sherrie McCalla alternate from northwest district replaces Bonnie Musselwhite as a board member.  Bonnie will remain as an alternate. The motion was second by Sandy and approved by the board members.

After a review of the minutes, the board noted it had failed to reimburse the host of the 2004 and 2005 State Conferences the $1000 seed money. At this time the board will corrected itself and refund the money.  Profits were to be split 50-50 after expenses.  Conference host are to give a full accounting of their expenses.

The Conference Guideline Committee will review matters concerning money along with other matters pertaining to the conference.  This committee will consult with other persons who have hosted the conference and can give vital information.

Pat made a motion for dismissal, second by Homer.  All were in favor. 

Meeting Adjourned

Next meeting: March 10th at 10:30 Dr. Kelly will attain a meeting place in Rankin County.

 

 Respectfully submitted

 

Sissy Bailey Secretary                         Coralie Richardson, President