MCMGA Board Minutes for June 24, 2025

/

6:00pm via zoom

Attendees:
Cynthia Chase, Lorna Schilling, Mike Rutherford, Jack Lazareck, Rich Becker, Jennifer Nottingham, Valentina Chau, Marcia McIntyre, Linda Goldser, Kim Butchereit, Angela Myatt

Discussions:

  1. Approve minutes from 05/2025

    • Motion: Carole Hardy

    • Seconded: Lorna Schilling

  2. Update on 2025 budget. The budget is in good shape but some funds may need to be moved around. One trend noted in the budget was that a lot of MCMGA members did not renew their membership - anecdotal evidence hints at a lack of connection to the rest of membership. Memberships are still trickling in - 161 renewals, 71 interns.

  3. OMGA: There was discussion about the dismissal policy as it has not been enforced equally across the Oregon programs which has led to confusion and led to individual interpretations. There is expected to be updates to policy and enforcement after the “Joy of Gardening: event.

  4. Awards timing for 2026: It was clarified that in 2021 - it was decided to move the awards to Harvest Fest beginning in 2026 because OMGA wanted to give out earlier than Joy of Gardening. Cynthia suggests moving the awards to the Winter since not everyone receives an award and can detract from the spirit of Harvest Fest. No objections from board.

  5. Demo Garden: The big Open Garden event is 08/09/2025 10a-2p - please join if you are available! Volunteer shifts for the Open Garden event are on Sign Up Genius. The DG has donated 275lbs of produce so far this year. There are upcoming classes at the garden for both interns and the public.

  6. Multnomah County Commission decision. We discussed ideas for supporting the partnerships and Extension for the next year. Some ideas include engaging commissioners like Meghan Moyer and Vince Jones-Dixon and increasing county engagement and understanding of the MG program through sending of newsletters and promoting issues that matter to the county that align with the program such as soil lead testing.

  7. Intern event. Winnie will help Cynthia organize. It is currently planned to be hosted at the Demo Garden on 7/31 after work hours (5-7pm) and all MG will be invited to attend to meet and mingle and welcome the new interns.

Next Board Meeting: July 22, 2025

Meeting led by: Cynthia Chase
Adjourned at: 7:29pm
Notes taken by: Valentina Chau
Minutes approved on: 7/22/2025