MCMGA Board Minutes for July 25, 2025

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6:00pm via zoom

Attendees:
Cynthia Chase, Lorna Schilling, Jack Lazareck, Rich Becker, Valentina Chau, Marcia McIntyre, Winnie Mauch, Linda Goldser, Kim Butchereit, Carole Hardy, Jen Hazen, Susan Marcus, Angela Myatt, Mike Rutherford

Discussions:

  1. Approve June minutes

    • Motioned: Lorna

    • Seconded: Linda

  2. Carole provided a clarification about OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer policy related to setting up and tearing down MCMGA events (like the Learn In-the-Garden event, IE Plant Sale, or the Open Garden). In a recent meeting with Srijana and Kim, it was confirmed that Master Gardener volunteers can help set up and tear down MCMGA events and that these hours are recorded as partner hours. There has been no change to the policy, just a miscommunication. If an event is put on by OSU or OSU/extension staff are tabling, the program event is covered under OSU liability. If MCMGA puts on an event (runs it) it is MCMGA liability regardless of OSU participation.

  3. Joy of Gardening conference highlights were shared for those who couldn’t attend. Presentations included: Tool care and sharpening, Mycorrhizal fungi, Seed to Supper panel (Kim participated). Carole was contacted by the Master Gardener’s Association in Lincoln County and may be asked to present at their upcoming conference.

  4. Upcoming events were discussed.

    • The 7/31 Intern Welcome event at the Demo Garden is from 5-7pm. It will be extremely casual and a chance for perennials and new interns to socialize.

    • Open Garden at the Demo Garden 8/9 from 10 to 2pm. Heavily advertised; last year drew 150+ attendees. 30 volunteers; MG/OSU VIPs and elected officials invited. 1,500 donated seed packets and will be covered by Sellwood Bee.

  5. Harvest Fest planning was discussed. We will shift away from awards and emphasize a casual chapter gathering - let Cynthia know if you would like to help plan.

  6. Mike’s leaving for Spain in early September. He is meeting with someone to discuss how to integrate and optimize MCMGA drive so they can dive right in.

  7. Cynthia led discussion on Chapter Planning & Visioning. If you did not attend, please feel free to email Cynthia Chase your thoughts. One topic that came up is that the intern experience needs improvement. Interns lack connection and awareness of each other. Many are not active at the Demo Garden. Multnomah County represents nearly half of current interns (70 out of 150). There is a need to design activities that fill gaps in the intern experience.

Next Board Meeting: August 26th, 2025

Meeting led by: Cynthia Chase
Adjourned at: 7:12pm
Notes taken by: Valentina Chau