MCMGA Board Minutes for August 26, 2025

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6:00pm via zoom

Attendees:
Cynthia Chase, Jack Lazareck, Rich Becker, Valentina Chau, Marcia McIntyre, Winnie Mauch, Linda Goldser, Kim Butchereit, Carole Hardy, Jen Hazen, Susan Marcus, Angela Myatt, Mike Rutherford, Jennifer Nottingham, Lisa Martins, Amanda Rondeau, Corrine Thomas-Kersting

Discussions:

  1. Approve minutes from July - Valentina

    • Motioned: Carole Hardy

    • Seconded: Mike Rutherford

  2. Mike introduced Lisa Martins, MCMGA’s new Google Suite admin, effective immediately. Bon voyage, Mike!

  3. Corinne led a discussion on the Chapter website. The Growing and Belonging section in particular was discussed and if we want to refresh certain documents and pages such as the org statement on BLM and the toolkit for inclusive and welcoming events. We should anticipate some updates by the end of the year.

  4. Carole and Cynthia presented ideas for goals in 2026 for MCMGA (drafted in consultation with Kim). Some goals included getting feedback on the program in order to have the most impact, and mapping gaps and opportunities in delivering garden education services in the county. A full list of the goals were sent to the board for consultation via email. There was also discussion around the best way to share this information beyond the board to the MCMGA volunteers.

  5. The Harvest Fest event on Saturday, September 6th 4-6:30 at the MCMGA Demonstration Garden was discussed. This will be a potluck and not include an award program. We are light on RSVPs compared to previous years but another e-blast is going out tomorrow.

  6. John discussed a Bottle Drop Funds update. Year to date we have raised ~$2,000 from the program.

  7. John also led a discussion around awards in the Spring in lieu of occurring during Harvest Fest. The discussion also included an update on merchandise from a new vendor.

  8. Linda provided an update on the Demo Garden and Open Garden event in August. The Open Garden event engaged around 172 people and had good energy! Kim even got an email from Angela Sandino(our OSU Extension Regional Director) that stated the event was her mother’s “highlight of her summer”.

  9. Jen discussed options for interest bearing accounts for MCMGA’s finances. These options include a promotional CD or a HY-Money Market account. Jen recommends the latter option.

  10. Kim gave Program updates including the inputting of hours for recertification has begun in VRS and all relevant courses are in the system. All hours should be input into VRS by October. Kim also discussed changes to CE opportunities and the Garden Futures Initiative.

Next Board Meeting: Sep 23, 2025

Meeting led by: Cynthia Chase
Adjourned at: 7:36pm
Notes taken by: Valentina Chau
Minutes approved on: Oct 28, 2025