Monthly Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by President Richard Boland at 9:10. There were 27 in attendance.

The minutes of July 26 were read and received as information.

Announcements: Sue Fogle offered Jamaican hot chocolate peppers for use or for seeds.
Linda Lemieux and Ann Marie Bellamy were thanked for providing the refreshments.

Treasurer, Al Smith stated the current balance of the BCMGVA account is $9,710.83 with approximately $10,000 in accounts receivable. Al will give a report to committee chairs if requested to determine amount of monies in any particular line item.

Vice President, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman displayed an article on a Community Garden which was given to Barbara McCoy.
Shirley proposed starting the September meeting at 10:00 am rather than 9:00 am. The Social luncheon will follow the meeting. All members were in favor of this change which will be noted in the News Letter and by e-mail to members.
Up coming guest speakers for October and November were mentioned as well as the fact that speakers for the first six months of next year have been contacted.
The State Conference currently has 241 registered. As of September 1st the fee will increase. Some tours are already filled to capacity.
Shirley made a MOTION that Brunswick County hosts the 2008 State MG Conference to be held some time in October 2008. Joe Loughlin seconded the motion. Al Hight, David Barkley and Charlie Spencer have all given their approval. Shirley stated the biggest cost is for the guest speakers and the facilities which is paid by the conference and fees for attendance. Accommodations are paid for by the individual attendees. There are no administrative fees since all the work is done by volunteers. There would be 10-15 key people who would have head committees to see that all tasks are fulfilled. This would include hosting tours of various county locations and people raising funds for advertising fees and exhibits. Sea Trail is a possible site to hold the event or The Baptist Assemble where the 2000 conference was held. There is a $2,000 up front loan from the NC MGVA to help cover start up fees i.e. printing and mailing of invitation. This loan is a conference expense and should be repaid to the Association. Shirley will outline a list of the jobs needed for this event. The MOTION carried unanimously.

Social, Becky Dus passed around sign up sheets for the Social on September 27.

News Letter, Joe Loughlin asked for recipe submit ions for this months NL.

Horticultural Agent, David Barkley stated the State Fair entry forms must be filled out and submitted by September 17. He encouraged all complete forms even though an entry might not be made.
A test for the recertification for a private pesticide license will be given on September 13. Anyone interested should see David.
David has a radio show on AM 980 the 1st and 5th Friday of every month from 10-11.
Work crews are going to be needed to make the gardens look their best for the Social on September 26. Watch for e-mails of work times. Plant labeling in the gardens continues.
A guest speaker for next year will discuss organic production offering a program in the am for the MG association and an afternoon program opened to the general public.
Do a soil test before November and do now while the ground is SO dry. Repeat yearly until the soil tests indicate a correct ph, soil testing should be done every 3-5 years.
David has taken over David Nash's responsibility for large trees. Thus he may be out of the Extension office more frequently. David will be asking for help with the County Fair using the information sheets created for the September Social.

Greenhouse, Ash Tyler stated that the greenhouse is not solarized so please keep the doors closed.
New plants for the Spring 08 plant sale will need work in October, December and January. See Ash if you can help with this project.

The meeting was adjourned following the viewing of tapes by Bryce Lane.

Respectfully submitted,
Cathie Rod, recording secretary