MCMGA Board Minutes for March 24th, 2026

6:00pm via zoom

Attendees:
Carole Hardy, Cynthia Chase, Rich Becker, Marcia McIntyre, Linda Goldser, Kim Butchereit, Jen Hazen, Sarah Bennett, Lorna Schilling, Jack Lazareck, Winnie Mauch, Jennifer Nottingham, Lisa Martins

Discussions:

1. Acceptance of Board minutes from February 24th, 2026

   • Motion to Approve: Linda Goldser

   • Seconded: Cynthia Chase

2. Board Member updates: Carole shared the current OMGA Rep, Angela Myatt has decided to step down due to time constraints and Rich Becker is going to step in for the interim. Rich suggested that for the Joy of Gardening Conference, it might be possible to send the backup rep to this event and a scholarship might be available to help pay for their entry.
   
   Carole also shared that Lisa Martins is the new Member Connect Director. Lisa will be responsible for engagement activities for existing members and potential members. She will work in collaboration with Heidi Nichols who remains the Head of the Membership Committee. Heidi is responsible for managing the existing membership list and dues. Lisa shared some ideas as the new Director. She’s seeking to better understand what members would like from the organization in terms of engagement and proposes sending out a survey to existing members for feedback. Lisa conveyed receptivity to hearing from the Board of any suggestions for activities or questions that we’d like to include in the survey. Carole mentioned expanding the recipient list to include previous years interns. A link to the draft of the survey will be shared with Board members for comment.
   

   Lisa is also organizing a 2026 Welcome Event for the interns to be held in the Demo Garden on June 7th from 11-1pm. Lisa proposes that the garden be prepared like we would when hosting a training class. Different stations will have different learning materials and details for the upcoming course sessions. This might help increase the volunteer pool and participation from the interns.

   Heidi suggested publishing a membership directory to have on hand to facilitate connection and communication during such events. Lisa will work with Heidi and Carole to determine how best to produce the directory for easy access by members. All Board members agreed a published membership directory is a good idea.

3. Financial Review Recommendation: Sarah shared progress for the review noting that folders were made in the Board Business drive so that individuals who manage certain areas of finance can upload the supporting documents. When discussing the need for a review, Cynthia explained that she’d like to ensure we’re allocating assets appropriately and to consider if there are any areas of improvement. She noted her concerns are related more to advisory and establishing and/or maintaining best practices as we move forward. The overall question posed was if we have the correct policies and procedures in place for financial wellness.

4. Volunteer Fair Report: Kim shared that around 85 - 90 interns showed up for the event and that they seemed enthusiastic for the upcoming volunteer season. End of April, early May is when Kim anticipates the interns to finish the training and move on to the volunteer portion. The Board remarked about how excited the interns seemed and that the smaller space was better for this event.

5. Incredible Edibles Plant Sale updates: Relating to plant order and logistics, Rich shared that the signage is in process and the table layout for the plants is being put together. He noted we still need to order the cardboard plant holders and secure parking permits for the streets.
   
   For the volunteers, Linda shared that so far we have 84% of the volunteers signed up, noting that we’re ahead of schedule in terms of recruitment. She emphasized that we still need 5 more cashiers.

   For marketing, Cynthia shared that she is currently distributing marketing materials, including three libraries across Portland. She’s also working on increasing the channels for marketing communications to the community.

   For entertainment, Carole noted that vector control is participating again and that Vet Rest, led by Jacob Ewert is new this year. Carole will provide a list of community tables to Rich so he can update the map and be sure we have enough tables and tents. Carole asked for recommendations for a speaker and microphone with a rechargeable battery for the speaker's tent.

6. Demo Garden update: Linda and Jack shared that the main canopy was severely damaged shortly after installation in February and subsequent repairs were damaged by another storm so it needed to be replaced entirely. Rich brought 10x20 canopies and set them up, which now looks good. The gardens are underway for spring and the marketing materials for the IE sale can be shared at the upcoming Earth Day event.

7. OSU Extension Program update: Kim shared a friendly reminder that the use of the OSU logo is protected by trademark and shouldn’t be used on items being sold for profit, though she noted items can be sold at cost. Our own chapter logo is free to use.
   
   The MG extension program is being featured on April 29th at the Dam Proud event. This is OSU’s annual one day fundraising event. This year is the first time OSU Extension will be featured as part of the event. a sporting event that fundraises and proceeds go to supporting improvements to the learning material and a couple of local initiatives.

Next meeting April 28th at 6pm

Meeting led by: Carole Hardy
Adjourned at: Carole Hardy
Notes taken by: Sarah Bennett
Minutes approved on: 4/28/2026