Summary
September 14, 2021 RCMG Board of Directors Meeting The September Board Meeting was held on 9/14/2021 via Zoom. The next Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday October 12, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. These meetings are open to all volunteers.
Committee Updates
Education Committee Update
The Garden Gate tours for 2021 have ended. Photos of some of the gardens have been uploaded and will be shown at future member meetings. We look forward to continuing this activity in 2022.
A video is being created of the Barn demonstration gardens as they’ve progressed throughout this season.
New Member Committee Update
In order to properly train and serve future Ramsey County Master Gardener volunteers, the State has agreed to several changes to the intern recruiting process. This includes the following:
Capping the number of interns at 10-15% total RCMG membership
Applicants beyond the cap go to Master Gardener "At-Large" Program which started in 2021 and is organized by the State Leadership team
Applicants will be offered a "Soft-landing" or graceful way to exit the program if they discover it is not a good fit for them at this time in their lives
Applicants will be invited to rejoin the program in the future using the process for returning volunteers
For the 2022 year, we expect to cap the number of interns at twenty-five. We also expect some 2021 interns to rollover into 2022. There are still a number of 2019 and 2020 interns in the program.
A number of mentors, interns and board members enjoyed an evening of fellowship at the Highland Park Pavilion on Thursday, September 9th.
Communications Committee Update
The Communications Committee continues to work on publicity, signage, and educational materials for our program. They are also tweaking and editing our new website.
A Facebook coordinator is needed; please contact Nanette Boudreau if you are interested in filling this role.
Leadership Updates
Secretary Update
Motion to approve August meeting minutes.
Treasurer Update
Update on August monthly transactions & bank reconciliation.
Program Coordinator Update
Yard Waste sites will be open for volunteers in the month of October. We are committed to serving at these locations as part of our commitment to Ramsey County (which provides funds to our organization). Please consider volunteering when the Sign-Up Genius invitation shows up in your mailbox!
An informal in-person gathering is planned for Saturday, October 2nd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Barn. There will be opportunities to view what remains of the many gardens on site, and to check out the Diagnostic Clinic / Lending Library. And there will be refreshments! Mark your calendars and watch for further information.
Vice Chair Update
As our Vice-Chair Nate Galloway transitions into the role of Board Chair in 2022, we are looking for applicants to fill his current position. The Vice-Chair position allows for a full year of shadowing the Chair and is great preparation for the next role. If you feel motivated to serve our group in the Vice-Chair / Chair position, please contact Nate Galloway!
Board Chair Update
Susan presented preliminary results of the Strategic Planning initiatives with rankings by priority. Her committee is in the process of formulating an organizational structure ("org chart") for RCMG, with clearly delineated roles and responsibilities. “Toolkits” will be developed for project leaders, providing coordinators with the expectations and resources they need perform their duties.
Nominations for board members and committee chairs will be made at the October member meeting. An election will be held at our Annual Meeting in November.
2021 Board Leadership: Susan Mitchell (Chair), Nate Galloway (Vice Chair), Gretchen Hesli (Secretary), Amy Davis (Treasurer), Nilgun Tuna (Education Co-Chair), Sue Ellen Campbell (Education Co-Chair), Christine Strong (Membership Co-Chair), Kay Wimer (Membership Co-Chair), Nanette Boudreau (Communication Chair), Darren Lochner (Program Coordinator)