MCMGA Board Minutes for February 24th, 2026
/6:00pm via zoom
Attendees:
Cynthia Chase, Rich Becker, Marcia McIntyre, Linda Goldser, Kim Butchereit, Jen Hazen, John Jordan, Sarah Bennett, Lorna Schilling, Hannah Hudson, Jack Lazareck
Discussions:
Acceptance of Board minutes from January 27th, 2026
Motion to Approve: Hannah Hudson
Seconded: Linda Goldser
Program Update: Kim provided an update from the OSU Extension relating to the upcoming Volunteer Opportunity Fair that’s being held on March 14th. She noted it’s at a new, slightly smaller location - Pioneer Community Center in Oregon City. The association’s presidents will have their own table so interns can have access to them for introductions and questions. Cynthia mentioned being able to supply 10 tea towels as door prizes. The event will be held from 1-3pm; however, 12:30pm for those able to help with set up. Kim also mentioned the student education classes are starting soon, and offered a reminder to those with any outstanding requirements. Lastly, Linda previewed the Master Gardener 50th anniversary logo and Kim explained they’re hoping to receive stories as to why people initially joined the program as a way to commemorate this milestone.
OMGA Awards Update: John offered an update and included a note from them: “After a year of review and feedback by a statewide working group of MG faculty and staff, we refreshed the awards to be clearer, more inclusive, and more reflective of today’s Master Gardener volunteer work. County recognition remains local and flexible. Statewide awards are now fully administered by the OSU MG Program, with shared criteria and a streamlined nomination process open to all certified volunteers, regardless of OMGA affiliation. New statewide awards include: Master Gardener Volunteer of the Year, Program Champion, Growing and Belonging Community, and Distinguished Educator. Please visit the website to read more about the new timeline and award rubrics, and to download the nomination forms."
He noted that the timing of the state awards has changed from May to October and they have included new categories. The county awards are subject to potential elimination. A discussion about whether to keep the local county awards was met with support, and potentially creating new light-hearted awards was proposed. Cynthia and John will convene to discuss putting these together.OMGA Update: Cynthia noted that the OMGA Q1 report is due March 2nd. She shared that Angela and Rich are the best people to send the reporting details to.
Fundraising: a silent auction or donations were mentioned as options to help raise money.
IE Plant Sale Update: Rich shared that the site plan has moved ahead and that several logistical details still need to be arranged. Linda shared details for volunteer recruitments: we have 261 slots available and 112 slots are filled as of 2/24. The intern fair will be an opportunity for new volunteers to fill the remaining slots. Marcia also mentioned she was willing to reach out to Joe Wirtheim to see if he’d like to have a booth at the IE Sale.
Demo Garden Update: Linda shared that beginning in March, the Thursday 9a-12p volunteer shift will be open again and will also resume the one Saturday per month for those who need volunteer hours. The early-season plant starts are being started by those in their homes in an effort to save money and produce healthier plants. She noted the newly-replaced canopy needs repair because of the winter storm and that a small greenhouse and a smaller canopy area is being considered to have more consistency.
Membership Update: Cynthia shared on behalf of Heidi the membership report noting that we have 135 paid members. She’ll be reaching out to people for renewal. Kim also sent out postcards to the interns from last year to offer thanks and to encourage participation.
Next meeting March 24th at 6pm
Meeting led by: Cynthia Chase Adjourned at: Cynthia Chase
Notes taken by: Sarah Bennett
Minutes approved on: 3/24/2026
