MCMGA Board Minutes for January 27th, 2026

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6:00pm via zoom

Attendees:
Carole Hardy, Cynthia Chase, Rich Becker, Marcia McIntyre, Linda Goldser, Kim Butchereit, Jen Hazen, John Jordan, Sarah Bennett, Heidi Nichols, Corinne Thomas-Kersting, Winnie Mauch, Lisa Martins, Lorna Schilling, Claudia Groth, Hannah Hudson, Jack Lazareck

Discussions:

  1. Acceptance of Board minutes from January 6th, 2026

    • Motion to Approve: John Jordan

    • Seconded: Jen Hazen

  2. Carole provided an update to the budget and by-laws vote. She noted that the ballot was sent out to all paid members; we now have 94 members and 26 yes votes to budget and by-laws, which is 35%. Budget and by-laws have passed. We will now inform the OSU extension of the approval of funding for a program assistant.

  3. Carole appointed Lisa Martins to the Member Connect Director role and Heidi Nichols will work alongside her. Lisa will also stay on as tech support until a suitable replacement is found, noting that the Google drive will be audited to ensure permissions and invitations are appropriately given to those who’d like to participate.

  4. Corinne provided an update for the new calendars for the Growing and Belonging website. Two calendars were newly created, one for members and another for the public. The members calendar has links to the events found in each day and allows individuals to add events to their own calendar. The public version is similar to members except it has more information for volunteer events in an effort to promote such opportunities. Carole would like us to consider opportunities for adding a QR code to the calendar to encourage participation.

    The Growing and Belonging page is now added to the website, which replaces DEI, as an effort to convey to the public that we’re an inclusive, hopeful and welcoming organization. The principles that govern MG’s work are also laid out in detail, including challenge questions, checklists to generate ideas, ensuring accessibility and cultural inclusion.

  5. Kim provided an update from OSU Extension regarding Volunteer Activity Proposals, which would help track the association's activities. Criteria for needing a proposal includes if there are certified OSU MG volunteers who are representing themselves at an event. Kim noted that winter is an ideal time to be completing these proposals for the busier time of year. Smaller events, such as a tabling event won’t require such a proposal. Once the event is completed, there’s a reporting form to be submitted that details the results of the event. Reach out to Kim for guidance and/or help with them. The 50th anniversary of the MG is coming up and we are encouraged to share as details become available.

  6. Reports from Directors and Committee Chairs:

    • Demo Garden: Linda shared that the bed plan sharing meeting is being held on 1/28. The Canopy replacement is moving forward with a lesser expensive version to allow for more time to find a proper canopy. Linda noted sourcing issues for longer-term options. Installation is on Monday 2/3. Workshops and public events are being scheduled for the year.

    • IE Sale: Rich shared that the plant order has been placed, and Jen needs the invoice and contracts for the event.

    • Fundraising and Awards: John shared that we had a bottle drop campaign earning a record ~$2,000 from last year. Patches for the 50th anniversary are being considered. Awards and roles have been changed by OMGA, John is redoing the awards and Kim is sharing dates for when to hold meetings for nominations. John emphasized that we ought to promote the call for nominations.

    • Communicate!: Carole shared that we’re looking to build our social media team. Canva has a social media tool that could compliment the new calendar’s on the MG website. Partner hours offered for posting on social media.

    • Membership: Heidi shared a summary of membership renewals: 102 people total who are either lifelong members or have sent in renewal forms. 4 people are outstanding for payment. $7 - $320 was the range for payments

Next meeting February 24th at 6pm

Meeting led by: Carole Hardy
Adjourned at: Carole Hardy
Notes taken by: Sarah Bennett
Minutes approved on: 2/24/2026