Executive Board Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order by President Richard Boland at 9:00. The following members were present; Richard Boland, Hilton Holcomb, Charlie Spencer, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, Becky Dus, Ash Tyler, Linda Lemieux and Cathie Rod.

President, Richard Boland asked that the minutes of the last meeting be read. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Shirley and seconded by Becky to approve the minutes. He then asked for reports from all those in attendance.

Ash Tyler, Greenhouse, passed out a list of seedlings which will be received at the BCMG greenhouse on Feb. 14-15 and given away on Tues., Feb. 21. The amount of each type of seedling given to the public was discussed and decided. Volunteers will be needed to dispense seedlings to the public. Signs will be made and placed in appropriate locations alerting the public of this program.

Linda Lemieux, Treasurer, gave the updated report of money on hand; $11,450. 95. Profits of $323.88 were gained from the January general meeting clinic to go into speaker's fund and $ 380.00, sale of Gardening by the Month at various events. Expenditures for plant sale were $403.05, $1,000 to LA and MI MG associations, approximately $1,700 for trees for future plant sales and $75.00 to Social Secretary. A copy of this report will be distributed at the February general meeting.

Charlie Spencer, MG Coordinator-Coop. Extension, stated he had the address in LA and MI to forward the donation given by the BCMG association to the MG associations of these respective states.
Charlie has received various requests for MG involvement in the following areas. He asked Shirley to look into a request from Julia Cook, curriculum coordinator of Shallotte Middle School, Boiling Spring Lakes after school program for 6th graders on lawn care to be held at the school from 6:30- 7:30, Southport - community in schools - creation of an ability garden for adults. Charlie will be contacting MG volunteers in those areas with further information.
Pro Days in Leland was very well attended. Many new comer packets were given and Gardening by the Month books.
Upcoming events: Presentation by Charlie at Southport Library today, Wal Mart presentation this Sat., Feb. 18, tree give away Feb. 21 at MG greenhouse, Feb. 28 presentation at Oak Island Rec. Center needs volunteers. In CharlieÕs absence, Richard and Shirley will schedule volunteers for the West Brunswick Home and Garden Show in March to ensure adequate coverage. Be thinking about volunteering for the first plant sale of the year.
Interest in joining the MG program is growing. The need for additional classes will be decided by David Barkley.
Training for the Supply Elementary program will be held at the Extension Center, main meeting room on March 2 at 1:00 pm. Groups will be split K-2 needing 3 volunteers for 1/2 day sessions and 3-5 needing 2 volunteers in 1/2 day sessions. Curriculum will be discussed and outlines made for participating teachers to use in their classrooms.
Charlie spoke about a recent invitation from the Coastal Garden Club to hear a talk by Mr. Alesandro - tour planner for trips to Italy. There is space for 40 BCMG to attend and we have been asked to car pool because of limited space. The cost is $3.50 and Charlie will be getting out an email with more information.

Becky Dus, Newsletter Editor, reported that the newsletter is being transferred to web format much easier. There is a lot of information in the newsletter and on the internet regarding all the issues and events of the association. She asked those in attendance how many BCMG members they thought read the newsletter. Becky will speak to Lisa Miner, web master, about concerns of the web site and updating of emails and other information sent to members.

Hilton Holcomb, Gardens, has a list of concerns which he will present at future meetings. They pertain to work required in the spring and summer months.

Vice President, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, encouraged all to save the date and attend the State MG Conference held in Oct. in Kill Devil Hills. Shirley told of the events being offered, hotels used for overnight stays and conferences and suggested car pooling to the meeting. Brochures will come out in April.
The State conference in 07 was to be held in New Hanover County, but that has been canceled. Shirley has the approval of Martha Warner and David Barkley of the Extension Offices to have Brunswick County host the 07 conference. There was a discussion as to what is needed to host this affair, good sights for the conference in Brunswick County and planning tours for attendees prior to the beginning of the conference. A motion was made by Charlie Spencer to be Host County for the 07 State MG conference. Becky Dus seconded the motion.
Shirley spoke of future BCMG general meetings listing guest speakers and their subjects. These are listed in the newsletter and on the web site. Some meetings for 07 have already been arranged.

Richard ended the meeting by stating that Mary Bausch has resigned as Curator-Herbarium. Charlie mentioned that Mary is considering another volunteer position with the Audubon Golf Course at Winding River. Richard felt this pointed out a need for a membership committee to keep in touch with all members of the BCMG association to share information and encourage all to be active participants in the organization.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathie Rod, Recording Secretary