Executive Board Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 A.M. with the following members present:
President Dan Sokoloski, Vice President Alan Fitzgibbon, Treasurer Linda Lemieux, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, Hilton Holcomb, Ash Tyler, Charlie Spencer, Maggie Hoon, Becky Dus, and Richard Boland.

Sadly, we learned that Alan will be with us only two more months as he is moving to Southern California.

Charlie reported that Mary Earp had surveyed Senior Centers in the Southport area and they are in need of sprucing up. In view of the many accommodations given by the Earps in our Day On The Farm program, it is fitting that we offer our assistance.

Life on the Farm will be held the last two weeks in October to cover seven to nine days, serving the third grades of the participating schools.

Work on the Tree Trail continues at a good pace as well as irrigation and sodding in the Botanical Garden. The electric fence extension around the green house will be done by the inmates when arrangements can be made.

On September 17 there will be a seminar at Wal-Mart in Southport. Two grills have been purchased.

State Fair trip - October 13th through 14th. An e-mail will be sent. Registration will probably require a deposit to secure a place. The trip will include visits to Plants Delight and the Arboretum.

David reported on his upcoming speaking engagements as well as meetings he attended. Our 4H horticulture judging teams came in second in the state. The Cape Fear Fair and Expo will be from October 27 through November 5. BCMGA is asked to help with tickets on Sunday, October 30. Monies earned go to support our 4H programs. The association is welcome to enter an educational exhibit.

Ash reported that three of the six propagation beds are being utilized with sprinklers in operation. Slowly but surely progress is being made.

Maggie reported that on the first Monday of the month nine volunteers worked in the garden. One volunteer worked on the second Tuesday. The heat continues to be a factor in working out doors. It is thought that a work day once a month will not be sufficient to take care of the garden during the spring and summer. People who can do heavy work are needed. A continuation of last monthÕs discussion ensued. It is the consensus that the county needs to take a more active part in this matter. A stronger connection to the county commissioners is needed.

Hilton reported on his activities. A new task list is available for work in the garden. It is labor intensive. Mowing and pruning are a priority. Irrigation is still in progress Let us remember that the garden is a training tool for Master Gardeners.

Shirley reported on the Master Conference in Goldsboro which included a request to have two of the Gardening by the Month books to offer as door prizes. This was approved. She also reported on the work of David and herself concerning speakers for our monthly general meetings. SeptemberÕs speaker will be Erv Evans.

Linda gave a financial report. To date, there is a balance of $15,120.78. Dan reminded the board that there is a need to commit funds for projects to avoid having a large carry over into next year.

Becky reported a successful effort in getting the first newsletter out on e-mail.

David requested that our monthly board meeting be considered a meeting of the Advisory Leadership Committee. This was approved.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard Boland, Recording Secretary