Monthly Meeting Minutes

With 24 members present, President Dan Sokoloski called the meeting to order at 9:02 A.M. on February 24, 2005.

Without objection, the Minutes of the January Meeting were approved.

Committee Reports:

Treasurer's Report - In the absence of the treasurer, the report was given by Charlie Spencer. As of 27 January, there was a balance of $5435.98. There were deposits of $950.00 which included sale of "Gardening by the Month" and the collection of annual dues. There are still some members in arrears. An email will be sent as a reminder. There were expenses of $1,328.51. Additional funds will be needed for the printing of more "Gardening by the Month."

Greenhouse - Ash Tyler reported that work in the Greenhouse is up to date. There will be a propagation workshop on March 18 for a group of young people accompanied by Sarah Belamy of Indigo Farms. Help will be appreciated.

Trips - Chappy Jones circulated a sheet for signing up for proposed trips to Brookgreen Gardens for one day, plus an overnight trip to Norfolk and Williamsburg, in Virginia possibly in May. Another possible trip would be to Richmond, Va.

Restitution - Al Powell reporting. As the number of youth participants has increased, so has the number of Master Gardener Supervisors. Remember, Restitution time counts as Hot Line time.

Gardening by the Month - Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman reporting. "Gardening by the Month" is now in a loose leaf binder and produced at a cheaper price than we can do it in house. They are selling well.

Charlie Spencer - Reported on expanding schedule of activities which are relevant to the Chapter.

This includes assistance on planning a butterfly garden for South Brunswick High School; Home and Garden Show; Pesticide collection; Walmart open house in Southport; Cleanup week for the County in April; Plant Sale in April; All day seminar in May; Life on the Farm in May and a fresh vegetable cooking demonstration in June.

David Barkley - Reported on several of his activities and upcoming meetings. Looking forward to next month's program, David will request that Al Hight replicate his presentation on weed control for our edification. New Ag/Chem manuals are available for those who are interested.

President's Remarks - Dan offered comments on the progress of the web site. Lisa needs update from all committees and others who have input to make. The "regulars" are urged to reach out to the less involved to alert them to the use of the web site. International Luncheon wished to make the membership aware of the upcoming luncheon whose subject this year is Italy, to be held on Saturday, April 23. Other comments included "Mobile Gardening" which related to youth and our schools. Obviously, people will be needed to facilitate activities. Considerable enthusiastic discussion followed.

New Business - Jane Matthews, Director of the Volunteer Center, representing the County Commissioners. We have lost our status as "Keep America Beautiful." People are needed to survey areas of the county with an eye toward the accumulation of litter. Clean County Week- Saturday, of the first full week in April is the big clean up day. People are needed for this project.

Refreshments for March Meeting - Anita and Arlene.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 A.M.

Following the break, David Barkley conducted an interesting and entertaining presentation on his recent mission trip to Chile.

Respectfully,

Richard Boland, Recording Secretary