Monthly Meeting Minutes

President Richard Boland opened the meeting at 9:04. There were 37 members in attendance. Thanks to Mary Ellen Clagett, Carol Petrea and Grace Wrigley for refreshments.

The minutes of September 28 General Meeting were read and received as information.

Announcements: All members will receive a copy of the proposed Policies and Procedures for BCMGVA by mid November. All were asked to read for discussion and vote at the general meeting in November.
Richard offered the book “Back Yard Carolina” by Andy Wood. Good reading material for all MGs.

Officer Reports:
Vice President: Shirley Waggoner Eisenman reminded all to RSVP the Reunion Social invitation by November 1.
The Historical Committee needs volunteers at the Extension Center on November 7 to help sort through pictures and memorabilia for past 13 years of MG events.
The November guest speaker is Ozzie Coor discussing native plants.
If anyone wishes to buy the green MG apron worn by some BCMG at the plant sale, see Shirley. She can order these aprons for $15.

Treasurer: Linda Lemieux stated the current balance, as of October 26, is $18,745.21. Copy of the treasurer's report is attached.
The profit from the October plant sale was $1,333.27. There is $590 remaining in memorials.
Linda reminded all that the new 06 class begins paying dues in January 07. Members may now pay dues for more than one year at a time.

Committee Reports:
Jim Blake is offering a class on identification of wild mushrooms. A sign up sheet was passed and all MG interested were to meet with Jim after the general meeting. The course will include field and classroom work.

Greenhouse:
Ash Tyler gave a historical perspective of the MG plant sales. This event started in 2001 and made a profit of approximately $800. This past year, the combined plant sales earned approximately $18,000.
The greenhouse and hoop house were started with a grant written by Billy Privette for the community based alternative program from the NC Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. Teenagers in the restitution program have worked there since 1998.
Ash thanked all who worked at the October plant sale and mentioned that the classes of 02 and 06 were well represented with volunteers.
Ash made a MOTION to buy an electric MG green golf cart with charger for $3,222.36 (which includes tax) for use by all MG members during plant sales, general work times at greenhouse and MG events. The motion was seconded by Dan Sokoloski and the motion carried.

2007 Budget Committee:
With a copy for all members, Ann Marie Bellamy discussed the 07 proposed budget, comparing it to the 06 budget. Ann feels the 07 budget is very aggressive and the monies earned from the MG plant sales and Month at a Glance will allow for the goal of spending $30,180.00. Members have a month to peruse their copy and a vote will be taken at the November 30 general meeting.
A recommendation was made to invest the balance carried forward to the next year in a CD. The budget committee will check into this.
Al Smith and members of the budget committee will research how much money a non profit organization can carry forward into the next year. Some of the money left in the 06 budget is needed to pay outstanding bills, appropriations or funding of certain projects so the carry forward will be much less than the current balance of $18,745.21. Also money can be carried forward as contingency funds to start the new year. A report will be made at the November meeting on this subject.
There was a discussion on the need for a line item for maintenance. It was deemed best to put all money needed for the operation and maintenance of the greenhouse/ hoop house and all the equipment under the greenhouse budget item.

Nominating Committee:
Peggy Meinzer gave the slate of officers for 07 to be elected at the November meeting. President - Richard Boland, Vice President - Shirley Waggoner Eisenman and Treasurer - Al Smith. If you wish to volunteer, please call or email Peggy.

There was a question concerning new printing of the Gardening by the Month. The title sheet has a dedicated in 2004. Should this date be changed as new printings occur? It was decided to keep this date of 2004 and add 8th printing, etc.

David Barkley:
David reminded all in attendance that this program by Ron Gilbert can be counted as update training for the MG program.
There was only one entry at the State Fair which did not win a prize. An entry by Indigo Farms of sugar cane was very popular and gave recognition to Brunswick County.
Volunteers were asked to help with laying pavers in front of building F on 10/28
David will be judging entries at the Cape Fear Fair on 10/29/06.
David invited BCMG members to come to the Extension Center on November 2 to meet with Liz Bradley who is coming to discuss the BCMG program. David feels Liz's ideas will help to give us more efficiency and more impact in all our programs.
December 16 there will be a lighting demonstration of the lighting in the Botanical Garden. This will be in the late afternoon and early evening with an educational program on the mechanics of installing such lighting.

Richard introduced Ron Gilbert, the guest speaker, stating the help and support Ron has offered the BCMGVA. The meeting was adjourned following Ron's program on hydroponics.

Respectfully Submitted
Cathie Rod, Recording Secretary