Executive Board Meeting Minutes

President, Richard Boland called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. In attendance: Richard Boland, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, Charlie Spencer, Al Smith, Joe Loughlin, David Barkley, Ash Tyler, Hilton Holcomb and Cathie Rod

General Information:

• Members using 2khiway.net are having problems receiving e-mails from Extension Center.
• Al Hight will be invited to attend a future board meeting
• Dates of 3rd class for the new MG program were given to Richard Boland and Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman for visitation.
• David Barkley will write to Sarah McCullough introducing Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman as the liaison to work with the landscape architectural group in Shalotte. As discussed, BCMGVA may help in a non-physical labor related way.
• Discussion of meaning of "Hot Line" time and should this be termed differently. The title will remain as is with continuing education of this term.
• Time of receipt of MG name tags was rediscussed. This will be decided upon by the Hort Agent. Association can make suggestions. Charlie was to follow up this discussion with David Barkley.

Reports of Officers and Chairs:

• Charlie Spencer, Coordinator discussed 3 Extension events being at the MG plant sales, Crepe Myrtle festival and Luminaria festival. The MG plant sales may have tours or other educational events to offer residents coming to the plant sales. The Crepe Myrtle festival would be in September and the Luminaria festival might be a two day event at Christmas. Shirley suggested the BCMGVA be asked if they want to take part and volunteer for any of these Extension events.
• Charlie also mentioned the Forestry Service is no longer giving away trees. Marilyn Knox will be offering an MG "Healthy Cooking" seminar charging a fee for this event.
• Al Hight is trying to set up a demo pruning program in communities (gated and otherwise) in Brunswick County. St. James and River Run have been contacted and Al is looking for communities in the SW area of the county.
• Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, Vice President stated New Hanover County has invited BCMGVA to attend seminars they offer and Brunswick County has done likewise. There is a push to do more regional seminars and help eliminate specialists from doing the same presentations in adjoining areas multiple times. There is the possibility of Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties coming together for such events. Robeson County may be sending MGs to seminars in Brunswick. Shirley mentioned the SE district with 13 counties previously participated in such a program.
• There was a discussion of bringing NH, Pender and Brunswick together for such events with the question of stating a purpose for such a group. David Barkley was asked to work out a meeting date, time and place (an organizational meeting) to explore such an endeavor with reps from Brunswick, NH and Pender counties. Shirley noted the combined group might benefit from obtaining costly guest speakers by sharing fees. Shirley also noted at such a gathering networking and sharing of information can be done to benefit all.
• Richard suggested the exchange of the BCMGVA newsletter with other MGVAs in the state. Joe Loughlin, NL editor, stated he does include some information in the BCMGVA NL that concerns activities of other MGVAs and other general gardening related events.
• Shirley also mentioned the date for the International MG Conference in Little Rock 2007 may still be accepting reservations and Regional Conference would be in Oklahoma City in 2008.
• The State Conference this year is having a spot light on counties and Shirley asked to have a special BCMGVA project spot lighted. Shirley also apprised Charlie of a State Association award for individual MGs is available with criteria listed on the web site.
• David Barkley, Hort Agent: Peter Hertyl NC. Crops Department - is continuing his study and research on ground pearl and is asking for help from BCMGVA. He will train volunteers on all aspects of gathering information. David will address this at the February general meeting.
• The 2 new classes for the MG program have 32 and 33 students respectively.
• David has received an award for "Goodness Grows in NC" display which will be highlighted in the NL.
• The work on the connector garden (tropical plants) should be done by end of March.
• The listed guest speaker for the February meeting, Dan Keir may not be available. David will present the power point presentation on grafting and hands on may be done outside if weather permits in small groups using Japanese maples.
• Ozzie Coor is sending some grafting knives for sale to BCMGVA members.
• Possible future tours may be to a topiary presentation in S.C. and a trip to JC Raulston arboretum for other presentations.
• More plants for the Rain Lily project are being brought to the BC greenhouse and seeds will be collected to try to propagate new plants. New locations for plants will be discussed.
• David is trying to create a list of all the garden clubs, beautification clubs, etc. with contact names in Brunswick County.
• Joe Loughlin, News Letter stated he has published his first NL. He spoke of adding other local garden related events as long as the dates do not interfere with events in Brunswick County.
• Al Smith, Treasurer stated there are 100 paid members of the BCMGVA for 2007. There was a hand out of the list mentioned.
• In regard to what amount of money to claim for mileage for the volunteer programs, it was felt that individuals should consult with there own tax prepares on this issue.
• A hand out of the current budget and activity report was given and noted that there was a late payment fee recently on an MG bill. Avoid this by getting bills to the treasurer in time for payment.
• Al gave a report of the automation committee meeting. The current website, technology and programs were discussed. Their first focus is on the website. Lisa Miner already has a calendar, but it was suggested that a calendar program for $29.95 yearly be purchased which could be interactive with all members. Any member creating an event for the BCMGVA could add this to the calendar. It could also contain gardening related events outside of Brunswick County as long as their dates do not interfere with events within the county. Joe Loughlin would take this from a private e-mail to the calendar which would be public domain. After a discussion it was decided that Al and Joe would speak with David and Charlie on this issue. It was determined that the website should remain the domain of the MGVA with links to other areas of horticultural interest. Joe stated he had already added the phone number for the Hot Line to the website and will add Charlie's e-mail address. E-mails received would be handled by Charlie, David or a MG handling the Hot Line.
• Ash Tyler, Greenhouse stated inmates were working today in the greenhouse area. Many plants are being prepared for the first plant sale in April. Bushes, trees as well as vegetable plants will be available with a good variety of tomatoes. A new plant bed area will be created in front of the greenhouse with the funds provided by the Extension Center.
• Hilton Holcomb, Gardens mentioned David Barkley's long range plan for the Botanical and other garden areas. David will e-mail this to all the association members.
• Richard Boland, President discussed membership cards. Joe Loughlin offered to print cards with the name of the specific dues paid member imprinted. Al Smith will supply Joe with the updated member list. Joe will offer a sample at the February general meeting.
• Richard had a hand out of an incorporated By Laws and Policies and Procedures rewritten by Linda Rudick and Barbara McCoy. It was decided to keep By Laws and Policies and Procedures separate for flexibility of change to P and P. Linda would be asked to retype Policies and Procedures and have ready for the February 22 meeting. It is hope with time for limited debate at the next meeting, the Policies and Procedures would be approved.
• A chairman for social events is needed and will be requested at the February general meeting.
• West Brunswick High Home and Garden show will require only 2-3 volunteers per time slot because of small space allotted. Information available to visitors will be assembled ahead of the event.
• Date for Recognition Banquet is Thursday, June 21 and Holiday Party is Thursday, December 13. The September general meeting will be a social event with plans to follow.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathie Rod, Recording Secretary