BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Minutes of … · Charles Newsome is doing research on...

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BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

January 28, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown, Pat Johnson, Gail Christian, Bernie Hurta, Pat Allen Directors Present: Mary Ann Everett, Susan Terry, Walter Ponder, Fran Sheppard, Carla Harmon, Terrie Hahn, Louann Hight The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Gary Slanga. The minutes of the January 28, 2015 board meeting were approved. Treasurer’s Report: Gail Christian The financial report was reviewed and approved for filing. Programs and Socials: Randy Brown

Speaker for February will be Lee Harris on the “History and Use of Lavender.”

Plant swap will be May 13 at the general meeting

April Board of Directors meeting will be moved to April 29 due to the new class field trip on April 22.

Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta

The new mission statement “Bell County Master Gardeners Association assists the Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Service in providing high quality, relevant, research based horticultural education and service to the residents of Bell County and the state of Texas through outreach, teaching, and demonstration projects” was presented. Pat Johnson moved approval, Mary Ann Everett seconded. The motion passed.

Corresponding Secretary: Pat Allen

Will be sending Ursula Nanna’s family a sympathy card. COMMITTEE REPORTS State Conference: Gary Slanga

There will be a State Conference meeting after the Board meeting today. Rainwater Harvesting Committee: Carla Harmon

Charles Newsome is doing research on obtaining a solar pump to add to the valve outside of the tank to pump water to the gardens contingent on sufficient funds for this project.

Greenhouse/New Building:

No report Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

Working on February 2 programs. Grounds & Maintenance/Plant Sale: Walter Ponder/Carla Harmon

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Roses will be pruned on February 4, email will be sent to members. Garden Tours: There will be no garden tours until our State Conference is over. Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett

Cavazos Elementary School Science Nite will be February 5 from 5 to 7 PM.

Timber Ridge Elementary School, Killeen will have Science Nite on March 10 from 5 to 7 PM.

New Class: Fran Sheppard

There are now 25 students in the new class. There were 26, but one had to drop. Materials were returned and a refund was given.

Awards: Bernie Hurta

The state awards entries have been sent in. Thanks to Terrie Hahn, Mary Ann Everett and Karen Colwick for their hard work on these entries.

Members were asked to take pictures of presentations and prepare a short write-up for the Blooming Bell.

She asked that projects be documented with pictures of the process and written documentation be provided for entries for State Awards, which requires documentation of all the work we are doing.

Service hour opportunity dates should be sent to Terrie Hahn for the Blooming Bell calendar

Killeen Community Gardens:

Blooming Bell: Terrie Hahn

No report Webmaster: Louann Hight

Routine maintenance was done on the web site.

Conference website needs new sponsor logos and workshop updates need to be done. New Business:

Thank you notes were read from Doug Welch, TAMU past coordinator of the master gardener program, Micah Holcomb past Bell County Home Economist, and Steve Bloomstead.

Tex Appeal magazine is requesting three articles for an upcoming issue. Volunteers were solicited for providing information and interviews.

President Slanga received information from Collin County regarding the 2016 State Master Gardener Conference which will be May 17-19, 2016 in McKinney. Their web site is up.

It has been suggested that we do a memorial honoring Ursula Nanna. Carla Harmon will head up the committee.

BCMG needs a standard operating procedure for establishing community gardens, school gardens, etc. Don Wyatt will chair this committee.

A portable wheelchair accessible garden planter for McLane’s Children’s Hospital has been donated. It is hoped this will be ready for use during the conference garden tour. It was suggested a plaque be added.

Report from the last State Board of Directors meeting

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o The new TAMU head of extension service determined the need for rules on cost recovery. He is looking at the areas of Earthkind testing, more 4-H and programs for nutrition and health.

o February 7 is the next State Master Gardener Board of Directors meeting. o Donna Hager from Glen Rose is the new president. o 2016 conference will have a key note speaker.

Old Business:

Louann Hight stated that wrist bands will be required for the Temple Area Home Builders Show, February 20-22. Set up is on Friday morning.

Mary Ann Everett reported the Central Texas College green house has been resurrected. The propagation class will be held there.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:10. Respectfully submitted, Pat Johnson Recording Secretary


February 25, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown, Gail Christian, and Pat Allen

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Don Wyatt, Walter Ponder, Susan Terry, Mary Ann Everett, Fran Sheppard, and Louann Hight

Others Present: Laura Murphy, Charlotte Jones, Karen Colwick, Dennis Biggs, Stan Henn, and Debbie Brumbul

Meeting called to order at 9:05 am by Gary Slanga

Minutes from January 28, 2015 Board of Director’s Meeting were approved

Treasurer’s Report: Gail Christian Financial Report read and reviewed and approved for filing

Programs and Socials: Randy Brown Speaker for March is Sharon Neland on the “Medical Uses of Flowers”

Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta (reported by Gary) New Mission Statement was sent to Louann Hight to be put on Website

Corresponding Secretary: Pat Allen Sympathy Card sent to Ursula’s sister in Austin / also sending list of Memorial Donations made to BCMGA honoring Ursula

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

State Conference: Gary Slanga

Rainwater Harvestng Committee: Lyle is still in favor of Solar Powered pump. He will make personal contacts and see how he can help to complete project.

Greenhouse/New Building: No report

Outreach/Education: Susan Terry Salado’s Demonstration Garden has been approved for BCMGA Service hours. They meet the 1st Monday of each month at the Visitor’s center. The Harker Heights Library wants to offer classes on Planting Gardens and needs BCMGA to present those classes.

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder All roses have been pruned and will be working every week in preparation for our conference. They are looking for suggestions on plant placement for new plants. Gary has some tomato plants that can be put out if needed.

Garden Tours: No discussion on garden tours until after State conference

Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett March 10th, 4:30 – 6:30, Science Night at Timber Ridge Elementary School in Killeen. We cancelled

Saegert Elementary Pre-Kindergarten due to late notice for their request to work on March 5th 8:30-3:00. Central Texas College is offering a Plant Propagation Class in late summer/early fall .

New class: Fran Sheppard

Awards: Bernie Hurta---reported to Gary that they have all been sent in to State

Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown reported that onions and potatoes have been planted and they have pulled lots of weeds.

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn (no report)

Webmaster: Louann Hight Some BCMGA emails have come in as scam---she will let Stacy know.

New Business:

Gary read a Thank You note from Dory, Ursula’s sister, thanking all Master Gardeners who visited, and called Ursula during her illness, and for the help with the house and support offered to the family.

Gary suggested maybe looking into offering a 20% discount to local organizations who would like to register for conference / would help our numbers

Charlotte Jones reported that at this time we have 421 registered (includes 90 of our volunteers) --22 mailed in registrations / 135 early online registrations / 141 Regular online registrations --We have had a few cancellation requests / Charlotte is contacting those people to get them to give their spot to someone else in their organization rather than losing 25% of registration fee due to cancelling / In most cases that has worked.

Gary thinks that we are getting good PR coverage from KCEN & KNCT and TEX APPEAL magazine/ even some interest through our FACEBOOK page / TEX APPEAL is sending photographer on Feb 26th

Susan Terry has scheduled KCEN morning show a week before conference/Gary and Lyle are available to do promos / Susan is still working on Sponsors / Salado business will be open on Friday night

Louann will contact other stations for Bulletins on station time / also said that handouts were given out at Home & Garden Show advertising conference

Carla Harmon is looking for Ladies’ Clothing Vendor

Karen Colwick reported 30 vendors at this time

Old Business:

Carla Harmon is heading committee for Ursula’s Memorial / meeting soon

Louann Hight reported a successful Home and Garden Show / BCMGA made $175 /requested pictures be sent to Terri Hahn for Blooming Bell

Be sure to pick up projectors and computer for your presentations

Meeting Adjourned at 10:05 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Allen, Corresponding Secretary, (in absence of Pat Johnson, Recording Secretary)


March 25, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown, Gail Christian, Bernie Hurta, Pat Johnson and Pat Allen

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Susan Terry, Mary Ann Everett, Fran Sheppard, and Louann Hight

Others Present: Jan George, Terry Bradburn, Mary Beth Bradburn, Charlotte Jones, Gail Garner, Charles Newsome, Karen Colwick, Pam Dragoo, Janet Stein, Melinda Arriola, Ilene Miller, Pat Maskunas, Barbara Beebe, Terrie Hahn


Minutes from February 25, 2015 Board of Director’s Meeting were approved

Treasurer’s Report: Gail Christian

Financial Report read and reviewed and approved for filing.

The Texas Master Gardener Conference account was also reviewed.

Programs and Socials: Randy Brown

April membership meeting will be the conference in review. Working on a program on butterflies in May or June.


Still working to get New Mission Statement on the website.


Sent list of donations made on Ursula Nana’s behalf to Ursula’s sister, Dorie.

Sympathy cards sent to Kathy Paterson and Cindy Allen whose mothers passed away.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Meeting will convene after Board Meeting.

Rainwater Harvestng Committee:

Will continue after the conference.

Greenhouse/New Building: Charles Newsome

Will look for a pump to pressurize tank after the state conference is over. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

Gail Christian will present a program on Texas wildflowers to the Harker Heights Public Library on June 6 at 1:30 pm.

Mary Ann Everett discussed Landscaping with Native Plants at the Salado Public Library for Keep Salado Beautiful on March 24.

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder

Planting around the USDA sign will be done prior to the conference.

There is a push to clear and clean the area and grounds prior to the conference.

Additional workdays will be offered prior to the conference.

Garden Tours: No discussion on garden tours until after state conference

Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett

March 10th, 4:30 – 6:30, Science Night at Timber Ridge Elementary School in Killeen- ten master gardeners helped; over 150 students and siblings were taught. It was a very busy evening.


Awards: Bernie Hurta – no report

Killeen Community Gardens:

Randy Brown reported that perennials are being planted funded by donations from the Browns and Bradburns.

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn

We are receiving good responses on Facebook conference information.

Webmaster: Louann Hight

Routine updates to our web site.

New Business:

Request for approval of volunteer hours for Nolanville Food pantry o There is no evidence of gardening in this request o Mary Ann Everett moved that this request be denied because it does not fit our mission;

Bernie Hurta seconded. The motion passed.

Request from Morgan’s Point for guidance on planting beds. They were told we could do this after our conference. They said it was too late and would complete the work themselves.

Agri-Life is sponsoring a healthy cooking school on April 21 at the Expo Center 6-8 pm. Baylor Scott & White is the co-sponsor.

Old Business:

Jan George reported on the Fort Hood Community Garden o Continuing meetings to made recommendations for plants and trees o Made designs for gardens have been drawn up o Raised beds have been made o Will be accompanying Ft. Hood volunteers to make recommendations for purchasing plants

and trees this week.

McLane’s Children’s Hospital project – working on soil requirements according to Frances Idoux.



Pat Johnson


March 25, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown, Gail Christian, Bernie Hurta, Pat Johnson and Pat Allen

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Susan Terry, Mary Ann Everett, Fran Sheppard, and Louann Hight


Minutes from March 25, 2015 Board of Director’s Meeting were approved.

Minutes of the membership meeting of December 4, 2014 regarding changes in by-laws were approved.


Financial Report read and reviewed and approved for filing.


May membership meeting program will be Ann Hamilton from Fort Hood speaking on Butterflies and Beneficial Insects.

During the summer months, programs will be video-recorded speakers from the state conference.

May 13 is the plant swap.

Future programs are being planned.


New Mission Statement is now on the website.


Sent information regarding additional donation made on Ursula Nana’s behalf to Ursula’s sister. COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Wrap-up meeting will convene after Board Meeting.


Continues to be on hold, considering a pump for the rain water tank.

Greenhouse/New Building: Don Wyatt

Iris Society recently used our building for an annual event. They donated $100 to BCMGA. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

5/16 – Daughters of American Revolution, Surviving Texas Summers, Eileen Miller, presenter.

5/27 – Crossroads Church, Children’s Garden Program at 7:00 pm, Susan Terry, presenter.

6/20 – Harker Heights Library, Texas Wildflowers, 1:30 pm, Gail Christian, presenter.

Guy Okeson presented his yearly program on rain water collection.

Edie Campbell gave a program at the Killeen Community Garden


Routine maintenance being done.

Additional opportunities to help will be available to interns for additional service hours.

Garden Tours: No discussion on garden tours.


Chisholm Trail Elementary wants a program on grass heads on May 11. She has not responded, she will call the school.

5/27 – Willow Springs Career Day, nature masks.

Leon Heights Elementary kindergarteners would like to have a field trip to tour our gardens.

5/14 – 9:30-2:30, Safety Day, “Snakes in the Garden” to target 6th graders.

Do a teacher in-service on putting in school gardens, planning for first part of August.


18 class members to graduate.

Graduation is next week.


We did not win state awards.

Suggested names of spouses who worked at the conference be submitted for recognition at our Christmas party.

Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown

Hosted Killeen Junior League. Jerry gave them a program on rain water recovery. They gave BCMGA $25.

Gardens looked great for the conference tour. City of Killeen did painting that was needed.

It is too wet to plant squash. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn

Suggested breaking the newsletter into two editions, one for May and one for “Trails to Rails” Webmaster: Louann Hight


New Business:

Belton Parks department reported that the Confederate Park island is filled with top soil. They would like to turn it over to BCMGA for landscaping; they have a $4,000 budget appropriated. Xeriscape was suggested. Mary Ann Everett moved we plan and plant the entrance to Confederate Park. Walter Ponder seconded. The motion carried. Lyle Zoeller must approve this project for volunteer hours.

President Gary received an email asking if we could use downs syndrome people that could help with our projects. Some possible suggestions were our grounds, Killeen Community Garden, Children’s Garden. How many helpers could we manage at one time? Perhaps she would be willing to address our membership at a meeting. It was determined that this might be possible with investigation.

A request from a bed & breakfast which needed landscaping. This request will be denied because it is not appropriate for us to do personal landscaping.

Old Business:

President Slanga proposed o We get an estimate for electricity in our new building. Don Wyatt and Charles Newsome will

work on this project. o We get an estimate for Insulation for the new building to improve acoustics. o Consider the green house project.

There will be a silent auction at the May membership meeting that will include plants, etc. from vendors from our state conference. Funds will go into our treasury.

There were 54 people on the class field trip.



Pat Johnson


May 27, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Gail Christian, Bernie Hurta, Pat Johnson

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Susan Terry, Fran Sheppard, and Louann Hight

Meeting called to order at 9:00 am by President Gary Slanga.

Minutes from April 29, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing. At this time we have $57K+ in the Conference account and approximately $30K in the checking account.

Programs and Socials: Randy Brown (via email)

June membership meeting program will be a video-recorded speaker from the state conference, Felder Rushing.


No report


No report COMMITTEE REPORTS:


At this time we have just a few outstanding bills to be submitted and paid.


There should be about $2,000 left for this project. County Agent Zoeller wants to see a solar pump on the tank.

Greenhouse/New Building: Don Wyatt

Ready for electricity. (discussed under old business) Estimates have been obtained with Brown Electric biding $5100. Discussion regarding what is included in this bid followed. President Slanga will contact them to clarify the bid.

Brown Electric’s email reply “We're at $5100.00 on M Gardeners building. Includes 150 watt MH wall packs, and two Westinghouse 56 inch industrial nickel finish fans with 6254 CFM. Also includes GFCI breakers and hard WP outlet covers. We'll probably not use the Square D panel that's there. Cost on QO 1 pole 20 is $65.00 each. I can buy 4 GE or Cutler Hammer GFCIs and a 24 circuit panel cheaper than the Square D stuff.”

In an email board discussion following the meeting, President Slanga presented the motion “We approve the expenditure of $5100.00 for the installation of electricity, according to the plan submitted to Brown Electric by Charles Newsom, with the additional specifications as listed in the Brown Electric e-mail as mentioned above.” The motion was approved via email correspondence.

In further board email correspondence, County Agent Zoeller asked that we purchase additional tables for the education building. The motion that “We appropriate the sum of $1500.00 for the purchase of 12 utility tables for the Education Building.” was approved by the board members.

Future plans are being made for a sound system.

Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

Speakers Bureau Topics and Speaker updates are ready for distribution.


Routine maintenance being done.

With regard to the Downs Syndrome group. We need to come up with a liability form. It was suggested that we let them adopt a couple of plots as a beginning.

Plant Sale: Jan George

Plans are being made for the fall plant sale, starting with committees and advertising.

Planning to have a garage sale along with the plant sale.

Garden Tours:

Tentatively looking at having a garden tour next spring. We are looking for someone to take charge of this project

Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett (via email)

5/27 – Willow Springs Career Day, nature masks. Eight master gardeners are assisting.

5/28 – Trimmier Elementary science fair, 10 master gardeners assisting. Will be doing nature masks.

5/14 – 9:30-2:30, Safety Day, “Snakes in the Garden” targeted 6th graders. Three master gardeners assisted; there were between 300-400 students present.


New class committee meeting will be on June 3.

Notes sent to six people requesting information about registration.

Regarding recruiting, think about workshops for teachers wanting school gardens and for the public may try fall gardening and a class in first detection of plant diseases.

Requested ideas from members on new posters for 2016 class.


Requested that members record their hours.

Cut off for volunteer hours will be November.

Bernie Hurta was asked to come up with a plan to display plaques and awards Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown (via email)

Most spring vegetables are in except for okra. Need to harvest either potatoes or onions before okra can be planted.

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn

President Slanga commented that the conference and May newsletters were wonderful! Webmaster: Louann Hight

Routine updates to our web site

Need to clean up the web site.

New Business:

May have a work day at the Confederate Park next week. It appears the City of Belton has done the planting.

New Building: Two possibilities of insulation, closed cell or open cell. Insulation of walls with spray-in foam insulation could be broken off easily. Suggestion of sound board, up to 8 ft. (top of doors) is being considered. Estimates for each type are being requested.

Old Business: (see above under Greenhouse/New Building) Meeting Adjourned at 10:17 am.


Pat Johnson


June 24, 2015

Board Members Present: Randy Brown, Gail Christian, Pat Johnson

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Susan Terry, Fran Sheppard, Mary Ann Everett and Louann Hight

Meeting called to order at 9:00 am by Vice-President Randy Brown.

Minutes from May 27, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing. Hope to close the conference fund next month.


July membership meeting program will be a video-recorded speaker from the state conference, Greg Grant speaking on the Love of Texas Gardening.

Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta (via email)

No report




Carla Harmon reported that planning is continuing for installation of a solar pump.

Education Building Don Wyatt

Electricity is installed.

New tables are in the rack. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

Dr. Ong has agreed to offer a Master Gardener First Detector Specialist course in Bell County, of which Lyle Zoeller is in favor. Via email President Gary Slanga recommended charging $50 for the class, including a first evening meal, using proceeds from our conference to pick up the remainder of the cost. Mary Ann Everett moved we offer this class. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The registration cost will be $50.


Routine maintenance continuing. Plant Sale:

Plans are continuing for the fall plant sale on September 19.

Hope to have a variety of plants including succulents.

Committees are meeting and advertising is beginning.

Plans are being made to include a garden related garage sale in conjunction with the plant sale.

Garden Tours:

Still looking for someone to take charge of this project for having a garden tour in spring 2016. Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett

Only one reply to date for the one day teacher training for school gardens class.


One paid student so far.

New recruiting posters for the 2016 class are being prepared.

Awards: Bernie Hurta (via email)

The Past Presidents and Lifetime Members plaques have been updated and rehung.

Golden Trowel and Green Thumb plaques will be updated and rehung later this summer. Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown (via email)

70 pounds of onions harvested. Okra is planted. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn

June 27 deadline for “Blooming Bell.” Webmaster: Louann Hight


Thanks to Gail Christian for cleaning up the website.

New Business:

Election slate is to be presented in October, with elections held in November. Offices to be slated are 1st Vice President, Treasurer, Youth Programs, New Class, and Newsletter.

A request was received from Ashley Williams ATEM (City of Temple) via email for a letter of support for a grant application for a Centers of Disease Control and Prevention program to provide assistance in developing a clean-up plan for a 90+ acre Brownfield site in Temple with the intent of developing the site as a regional Botanical Gardens. The motion was made and seconded that we write a letter of support for this project. The motion passed.

Another request was received for help with some private yard maintenance for Dr. John Curtis. Randy Brown suggested that this request be brought up at the general meeting in July. This would not count toward our volunteer hours.

Old Business:

Gail Christian reported that President Gary Slanga suggested we pay off our full commitment to the master gardener part of the Texas A & M Garden & Greenway. Gail Christian moved that we pay off our full commitment of $1,000 and send an extra $1,000 in thanks for the help we received for our successful conference held in April. Mary Ann Everett seconded. The motion carried.



Pat Johnson Secretary


July 22, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown ,Bernie Hurta, Gail Christian, Pat Johnson

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponde, rMary Ann Everett, Fran Sheppard and Louann Hight


Minutes from June 24, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing. Purchased a new wi-fi network printer which will be in operation soon. Also purchased a new PA system for classroom and education building use.


44 members present at the July meeting. Special thanks to the Herb Society for the wonderful refreshments.

August membership meeting program will be a video-recorded speaker from the state conference Peter Hatch, “Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Garden”

September 9 meeting program will be Plant Sale and Fall Planting.

Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta (via email)

No report



Rainwater Harvestng Committee: Carla Harmon

Still in process or obtaining a solar pump.

There is a new rainwater catchment system at beds on east side.


Obtaining bids on insulation. County uses Icynene. Leaning toward closed cell product. Considering the impact on county maintenance of this building.


September 21 is the date of the first detector class

Harker Heights Parks & Recreation requested 4 programs. Susan will send out requests.


Routine maintenance continuing.

This month is Whistle Stop clean-up. Plant Sale:

Plans are continuing for the fall plant sale on September 19.

Orders have been sent for succulents and herbs to Gabriel Valley.

A garden related garage sale will be held in conjunction with the plant sale.

Garden Tours: Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett

Teacher class cancelled. She will work with the one or two teachers who are interested.


One paid student so far. Information has been sent out to others that are interested in the class.

Looking into getting a large poster for the lobby advertising the new class.


Award nomination forms will be available at the monthly meetings through October. October 31st is the deadline for nominations.

Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown

Harvested 583 pounds in June, about ½ of last year’s harvest. Total for the year so far is approximately 1,400 pounds.

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn Webmaster: Louann Hight


New Business: Old Business:

Reminder of state board of Directors meeting on August 1 covering Facebook. Meeting Adjourned at 9:57 am.




August 26, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Bernie Hurta, Gail Christian, Pat Johnson

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Mary Ann Everett, Fran Sheppard and Louann Hight


Minutes from July 22, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing Programs and Socials: Randy Brown

In Randy Brown’s absence it was reported that the September 9 meeting program will be about the upcoming Plant Sale and Fall Planting.


No report




No report


Don Wyatt suggested that we need a building use policy for the education building. Suggestions to be included in the policy were discussed. From this discussion and suggestions a policy will be formulated and presented.


Budget for the First Detectors class was presented. It includes meals, snacks, dinner with transportation to the Oscar Store.

An updated list of programs that were requested by Belton Horticulture, Killeen Senior Center, and Harker Heights Library was presented.


Burger Wednesday will be burgers in the Education Building, requested sides to compliment burgers.

Each Wednesday is a workday, thanks to all those who work each workday.

Obtaining information on replacing grass. Plant Sale: Carla Harmon

Everything is ordered. Trees will be picked up on 9/15. Members will be notified when deliveries are expected.

Garden Tours:


No report


Three paid students. Information will be available at the plant sale.


Changes have been made to the criteria sheets to reflect the new Master Gardener year. It will be posted to the website after 9/3.

The Golden Trowel plaque will be updated and a Green Thumb plaque will be made. Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown (absent)

Still getting tomatoes, okra doing well.

Plaque for Ursula Nana posted. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn Webmaster: Louann Hight


Home and Garden Show is a ways off.

New Business:

Bill received from 4H for club insurance and background checks.

Lyle Zoeller sent a request for sponsorship for the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association (TCAAA) meeting to be held in Waco, July 17-20. Pat Johnson moved we support this meeting at the diamond level ($2500). Gail Christian seconded. The motion carried.

Old Business:

November 11 meeting will be in the Education Building.

The November and December Board meeting will be a combined meeting on December 2.

Christmas Party is December 3.

Installation of officers will be at the January 2016 General Membership Meeting. Meeting Adjourned at 10:07 am.




September 23, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown, Bernie Hurta, Gail Christian, Pat Johnson



Minutes from August 26, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing. Preliminary Plant Sale report of approximately $3,960 profit from the plant sale and “garage” sale, still have a few outstanding bills.


Still working on the program for October.


There will be a meeting after the Board meeting today to discuss two items to be added to the by-laws. o One is wording for a transferring active master gardener from another part of the country. o The other is the need to spell out the wording for master gardeners who dropped years ago

and want to rejoin.

Bernie Hurta introduced discussion of the need for a membership committee. Membership was formerly done by the treasurer. A membership committee was established with Gail Christian as head of the committee and members added as needed.


Send a sympathy card to Kay Coburn regarding the loss of her daughter.

Get well card sent to Ray Markowsky.

Discussed the need for blank note cards with our logo to use for events correspondence.

Discussed the need of former members’ names and contact information. The Membership committee will have to formulate and keep a former member list.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Lyle Zoeller is going to work on the pump and putting a new water system off of the trailer by the special needs beds.


Working on finalized Education Building use policy. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry (absent)

Lyle Zoeller was extremely pleased with the First Responder class. Susan Terry was complimented on her great job on the First Responder class. There were great reviews. It was a huge success.

Other options will be coming in the future.


Workdays time changed to 8:00 AM in October.

Will determine material for garden plots in November.

The plot between Scott & White Clinic and the Agri-life Center and the peanut shaped area on the north side of the property will be a grasses demonstration area containing up to five grasses. Hope to be completed by November.

Plant Sale: Carla Harmon

Kathy Love will head up the spring plant sale.

Carla Harmon thanked everyone for helping. We set a record with helpers.

Kathy Love discussed a survey to members of “lessons learned” and plants requested for ordering for the sale.

There seemed to be more interest in rain water harvesting at the last plant sale; perhaps need a class where people leave with a completed rain barrel.

Perhaps host a specialist training in rain water harvesting. Discussed the possibility of the specialist class first then one for the public. Ask Susan Terry to contact Jayla Fry to set up the specialist class.


Cavazos Elementary School program for Thursday, Feb 25, 2016 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM program unknown.

October 10 is Nature Fest at the Bend of the River from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. There will be all kinds of exhibitors pertaining to nature. Master Gardeners will be doing flower pounding book marks. Volunteers and setup plans have been made.


Five people have signed up.

Applications were passed out at the Plant Sale and will be available at the Nature Fest.


The Golden Trowel plaques have been updated and hung.

We are recycling some of the old service hour plaques to make Green Thumb award plaques. Instead of $500, it will be about $200 for the engraving of 74 names. This award began in 2002 and a plaque was never made.

Later we will recycle another plaque to make a “New Master Gardener of the Year” plaque.

Nominations for this year’s awards are due October 31. None received to date.

We will discuss Lifetime Awards at the October BOD meeting.

Need someone to take over the state awards. Will ask at the next general membership meeting. Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown (absent)

Still getting tomatoes, okra and peppers doing well.

Harvested 225 pounds in August and 249.5 pounds in September to date.

Soil prepped for onions, beets, and cabbage.

Received $3,000 grant from Home Depot for new building. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn Webmaster: Louann Hight


New Business:

Native Plant Landscape Certification Program workshops will be held in Georgetown, TX, Level 1 on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 8 AM to 4 PM and Level 2 on November 14 from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Carla Harmon made a request for a Greenhouse Committee to look into purchasing a greenhouse BCMG.

Old Business:

Nominations Committee presented the 2016 Nominee Slate of Executive Committee and Directors to be elected:

o First Vice President (term ends 12/2018) ----- Mary Ann Everett o Treasurer (term ends 12/2018) ------------------Don Wyatt o Youth Program Director (term ends 12/2018)-Gail Koontz o Newsletter Director (term ends 12/2018)------Terrie Hahn

County Agent Lyle Zoeller reported o Bell County Water symposium will be on November 19; Carla Harmon will buy plants; need

about 4 volunteers to help. o The room has been reserved for the Christmas Party. o Volunteers needed for the following conferences

Pecan Conference – Bell-Williamson Pecan Show, Monday, Dec. 7, need 10-12 volunteers

Grounds Conference, January 12, need 20 volunteers Irrigation Conference, January 13 Crops Conference, January 19, need help

o Home & Garden Show is February 26-28, volunteers will be needed. o We will receive approximately $3,000 to renovate the bed in front for new grasses.

Meeting was adjourned.




October 28, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown, Bernie Hurta, Gail Christian, Pat Johnson, Pat Allen



Minutes from September 23, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing.

Background check forms will be available at the membership meeting in November.

Membership dues of $25 are due in January. Programs and Socials: Randy Brown

November program will be Trish Shirley of Central Texas Gardener and Austin Day Spa will discuss gardening tools.


Membership Committee job description was presented.

The Membership Committee maintains the member roster, sends out membership dues reminders and keeps track of dues paid. The committee would keep the Texas Volunteer System membership list current and help instruct members and New Class interns on how to use the program for recording service and educational hours. They would also ensure everyone has his background check current and any other required forms. The Corresponding Secretary would work with the Membership Committee Chairman.

Pat Johnson moved we accept the proposed job description. Carla Harmon seconded. The motion carried.

Regarding reinstatement policy of former members, Article II. Section 4 Reinstatement, the words “upon such terms, as them may deem appropriate” changed to “upon completion of those requirements as specified by county policy” was proposed for change to the bylaws.

Louann Hight moved the change be made, Walter Ponder seconded. The motion carried. Corresponding Secretary: Pat Allen

Sent Thank You cards to Mary Ann Everett and Phil Everett for their contribution to the First Defender Course.

Received a thank you card from Kay Coburn in response to the Sympathy Card sent to her from BCMGA

Send cards to Dr. Bruce Bollinger and to Cindy Bollinger earlier this year. COMMITTEE REPORTS:


In process of getting the OK from Lyle Zoeller to put a new water system off of the trailer by the special needs beds.

Lyle Zoeller is still working getting the solar pump.


Pecan Show will be held December 7.

Began discussion on heating and air-conditioning for the Education Building. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry (absent)

No report

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder & Carla Harmon

Met with Lyle Zoeller regarding the grasses demonstration area. Treatment of the beds and removal of old sod will be contracted out thanks to the grant received for this project.

Carla Harmon proposed bed replacement to be made of 12” keystone, to make a more permanent bed. The beds will pay for themselves in 8 years. We are currently spending $50 each for wood replacement every 4 years. The stone for each bed will cost less than $100.

Plant Sale: Carla Harmon

Plant Sale report - $3,116.71 overall profit; $2,510.7 from the plant sale, $725 “garage” sale and raffle, $164 Grow Green books.

Kathy Love, Spring Plant Sale Chair, sent out a list for pre-order of plants to the membership.

The Spring Plant Sale will be April 2, 2016. Greenhouse Committee: Don Wyatt

First meeting will be Wednesday, November 4, at 9:00 AM in the Education Building. Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett

Corresponded with Hector P. Garcia Elementary regarding JMG.

Gary Slanga suggested using our beds for area schools. Another suggestion would be directing schools toward container gardens.


Five people have signed up.


Service and education hours are due October 31.

Discussed Lifetime, 5 and 10 year awards.

State Awards committee meeting on Wednesday, November 11, at 9 AM in the Education Building. Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown

Drove by, gardens are really green. Harvest is delayed because of rain. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn Webmaster: Louann Hight

Routine updates.

New Business:

Karen Colwick is in charge of propagation for the new class. Propagation classes will be during regular class time. Question was brought up about charging the membership for the classes. It was decided not to charge, but members will have to sign up to attend these two classes.

Old Business:

Officers will be elected at the January membership meeting. Put the nominee slate in the Blooming Bell.

Home & Garden Show is February 26-28, volunteers will be needed.

Gail Koontz was thanked for her work at the Nature Fest.

Deadline for sign-up for the Christmas Party is at the November membership meeting. Meeting was adjourned .




December 2, 2015

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Randy Brown, Bernie Hurta, Gail Christian, Pat Johnson



Minutes from October 28, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing. Programs and Socials: Randy Brown

January program will be given by Gail Koontz on the brown marmolated stink bug.

February program will be presented by Gail Christian on the volunteer management program.

March will be presented by Amazon Roberts on rain water harvesting.


Worked on transfer policy to reinstate a master gardener from another county or state. BCMG Policy Re: Reinstatement For Master Gardeners who wish to transfer into BCMGA, after moving here from another county or another state. When an individual wishes to transfer into the Bell County Master Gardener Association, after moving into the county from another county or from out of state, that individual should have a letter from his county agent or association president, stating he is a member in good standing. There upon the individual would complete all required forms for the Bell County Master Gardeners Association and pay membership dues. This individual will attend those classes within the new Master Gardener Class, that are designated by the new class committee, president of the association, and the county agent, that are deemed important to gardening in our area of the state.

Corresponding Secretary: Pat Allen (absent but sent repot)

Sympathy card sent to Dr. Doug & Laura Welsh on the death of their son. COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Lyle Zoeller is still working getting the solar pump, waiting for information from Austin Pump Co.

Education Building Don Wyatt (absent)

Charles Newsome reported they are getting a bid on dry wall for the building. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry (absent)

President Slanga commented that Susan Terry had sent out an extensive report via email.

Louann Hight asked for presenters for the Home & Garden Show.

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder & Carla Harmon

Slow working on the grounds due to weather

Tool cleaning and she rearrangement is scheduled for 12/9/2015

Grass removal in the front beds had been delayed due to rain.

New sign pending approval.

Block placement around garden beds continues. Plant Sale: Kathy Love

Pre-order of plants forms are in and the order has been sent to the growers in preparation for our sale.

The Spring Plant Sale will be April 2, 2016. Greenhouse Committee: Carla Harmon & Walter Ponder

Will meet today. Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett

February 25, 2015, Smart Kids Day 8:00 am-2:00 pm at Cavazos Elementary School

March 8, 4:30 – 6:00 pm Science night at Timber Ridge.


Twelve people have signed up.


Ready for the Christmas Party

State awards meeting will be held before the January 13 monthly meeting. Killeen Community Gardens: Randy Brown

Harvested 92 pounds of tomatoes, okra, and peppers right before the first two freezes.

Cabbage, beets, carrots, Chinese greens are in the ground. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn Webmaster: Louann Hight

Revised by-laws will be posted.

New Business:

What is the budget for the greenhouse? Motion from the floor (Wayne Newsome) proposed $15,000 for the greenhouse and $16,000 for the education building amounts not to be exceeded in the 2016 budget. Carla Harmon seconded. Discussion included any additions or changes need to be permitted. How do we accommodate public for comfort? Motion was not approved and can be brought up again.

Books will be audited in January.

Old Business:

Set up for the Christmas party will be the morning of December 3.

Lyle reminded us the Pecan Show will be Monday, December 7 at 9:00 am. Meeting was adjourned.



BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Minutes of … · Charles Newsome is doing research on...

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