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BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

January 23, 2013

Board Members Present: Bernie Hurta, Myra Crenshaw, Peg Fleet

Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, B. A. McDevitt, Fran Sheppard, Jerry Lewis,

Carla Harmon, Brenda Albro, Gail Christian, Margaret Leigh, Louann Hight, Don Gold, Sandy Wilson,

Beverly Hillyard

The Meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Bernie Hurta.

The Minutes of the December 12, 2012 meeting were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Don Wyatt

Don was not in attendance to review December’s financial report.

Programs and Socials: Bernie Hurta

The next monthly meeting is February 13th and will be on African Violets with Dorothy Keele from the

African Violet Society. There will be a plant/seed swap before the April 10th monthly meeting. Start

dividing your plants and potting them so you will be ready.

Policy & Planning: Jerry Lewis-No Report.

Corresponding Secretary: Peg Fleet

Continue to notify Peg of anyone needing a card of encouragement or sympathy card.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Greenhouse/New Building:

Bricks are just beginning to be put on the building. One area to be checked on is the door that rises up

and down. It was off line recently and sitting at an angle.

Out Reach: Don Gold

Don and Louann have an ad for the Home and Garden Show. It is one eighth of a page and a spot is

reserved for the Daily Telegram. It will cost $136.25. The show is Feb. 23 and 24 and we still need

volunteers to sign up. Gary made the motion and Gail seconded it to make the expenditure for the ad.

Don needs the information on the plant sale, March 23 and the garden tour, April 13, to be sent to him.

Grounds & Maintenance/Plant Sales: Sophia Gomez & Brenda Albro

Some plants are being taken out and others added. Grounds committee may meet in the afternoon.

Inside the fence, some buildings are being moved, and then a design will be created.

Garden Tours: Margaret Leigh

A possible date for the spring tour is Saturday, April 13. We do not have a list of homes as of yet.

Youth Programs: No report

New Class: Fran Sheppard

We have 21 class members for the new class. Our last new person is active duty military who is soon to

retire and his name is Soldier 4 the Lord.

Education/Awards: Gary Slanga

There will be a talk on Rose Propagation at Harker Heights Parks and Recreation from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

on February 11th.

Killen Community Gardens: Beverly Wickersham

Peg Fleet reported that one ton of produce has been harvested in 2012. Onions were planted at the end

of 2012; some carrots and asparagus are continuing to grow that were planted last year. Crops for this

year are in the planning.

Blooming Bell: Terrie Hahn-No Report

Webmaster: Gail Christian-No Report

New Business The State Board of Directors is meeting February 2 in College Station at 11:00. Gary is going and if

anyone else wants to go, let him know.

The dedication for the new building is February 26 at 11:30. The board is providing cookies, so please

sign up to bring some.

The meeting was adjourned by Bernie at 9:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Myra Crenshaw



February 27, 2013

Board Members Present: Laura Murphy, Bernie Hurta, Don Wyatt, Myra Crenshaw

Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, B. A. McDevitt, Fran Sheppard, Carla

Harmon, Brenda Albro, Gail Christian, Louann Hight, Charles Newsom, Mel Meyers, Sophia Gomez,

Sandra Wilson, Mary Lou Edmondson, Wayne Baker

The Meeting was called to order at 9:04 a.m. by President Laura Murphy

The Minutes of the January 23, 2013 meeting were approved.


The January Financial Report was reviewed and approved for filing.

There was a discussion about emailing non active members, or the general public, and whether to email

the whole data base on the plant sale. The brick sale could also be included.


The next monthly meeting is March 13th and there will be no speaker because of plant sale information.

There will be sign-up sheets for volunteers at that time. Bev Wickersham has donated Hyacinth Bean

Vine seeds harvested from the Killeen Municipal Gardens that Bernie will package and label with some

of the interns so that they can be given away to customers with a $10.00 purchase or maybe any

purchase at the fall plant sale. There will be a plant and seed swap before the April 10th monthly

meeting. For each of the members leaving the board, please start gathering information to put in a folder

with a list of your duties and information you need for your job. These will be given at the May 22nd

Board of Directors meeting and installation of officers. The April BOD meeting has been rescheduled

for Wednesday April 17th at 8:30 am, because it is the same day as the Spring Field Trip. The April 10

th

meeting is a talk by Lee Harris, from the Bird Song Lavender Farm.


Corresponding Secretary: Peg Fleet-No Report

COMMITTEE REPORTS


Thanks to everyone for the dedication. There are still things to be done, such as landscaping, building a

greenhouse, and adding power. There will be three keys to the new building, one of which will be in the

office, Don will have one, and the other under lock and key. Hardware is on order for the doors, which

are levers. Since our building is considered a warehouse, we don’t have to meet the Disabilities Act.

Centex has donated 60 feet of fence which must be done before the plant sale. The floors have been

sealed and look great. County maintenance is responsible for the building. The combination for the

fence will be changed every year for the plant sale.

Out Reach: Don Gold

Carla will call Don about advertising for the plant sale.


Trimming and clean-up is continuing. Details for the plant sale are being discussed. The landscape

subcommittee is meeting to work on plans for the new building area.


There will be no garden tour this spring. Perhaps we should look at having a tour every three years. It

was suggested to get ideas from Louann Hight.



The new class is going great. Members are getting involved. There are 21 members.


Awards have been submitted to the state-Ed. Program, Graphics Pres., Individual MG, Mass Media,

Newsletter, and Association. The last two programs for Ft. Hood Housing Program are in March and

April. Three groups will be presenting for Ft. Hood Earth Day in April. February 2 was the state

meeting on February tax requirements for 501 3c organizations.


Peg reported that onions, cabbage and potatoes have been planted. Ornamental plants have been pruned.



Old Business Louann reported the Home & Garden Show to be a success. Many of the new class volunteered and

there were about 50 volunteers in all. We got two ads in the paper and the second ad listed our

seminars. We might have a tomato only seminar next year. We need to have applications for the new

class available and maybe a sign-up sheet.

Don reminded members of background checks if you haven’t had one since 2010. The new class

received certificates after their background checks.

New Business

Laura reported there will be a taping of Central Texas Gardener on March 7, 28, April 18,and

May 2, that takes about 10 minutes and you can go watch. They want to tape some individual’s

gardens in Bell County. Email suggestions to Laura.

There is a free workshop by Jim Kennard who sells nutrient additives on Tues. March 5. This is

a program from Keep Temple Beautiful.

Carla reported that Wrights Nursery needs $900 now for plants for the plant sale. A motion was

made and seconded to pay the $900.

Belton has requested a booth from us for Earth Day. It will probably be at Confederate Park.

March 2 is the day for Temple Trailblazers.

Lyle thanked everyone for the dedication and success at the Home & Garden Show. Please

send Tip of the Week articles to Candy Mullen. A possible source for articles is the

Agrilifebookstore.tamu.edu.

Lyle said that Master Naturalist and Master Gardeners are on the same team providing

education. However, the two programs differ in subject matter and service hours. The Aquatic

Angler Program does not meet the criteria of the Master Gardeners and should be under Master

Naturalist.

Lyle also reported that the Commissioners think what is important is the issue of water

conservation. They would like to see more about rain water harvesting, which plants are water

hogs, etc. Lyle will work on submitting budget requests for funds to implement rain water

harvesting.

Charles brought up the idea that it is easier to put in electricity, water, and communications

before the landscaping.

Let Fran know if you are interested in a sweatshirt with MG logo. The cost is probably around

$25.00.

The meeting was adjourned by Laura at 10:40 a.m.


Myra Crenshaw



March 27, 2013

Board Members Present: Laura Murphy, Bernie Hurta, Don Wyatt, Myra Crenshaw, Peg Fleet


Carla Harmon, Gail Christian, Margaret Leigh, Louann Hight, Mel Myers, Charles Newsom, Ray

Machovsky, Sophia Gomez, Wayne Baker

The Meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Laura Murphy.

The Minutes of the February 27, 2013 were approved with one correction.


The February financial report was reviewed and approved for filing.


Our April 10th monthly meeting will be “Growing Lavender” with Lee Harris from the Birdsong

Lavender Farm in Troy, Texas. Before the meeting, bring potted plants, including houseplants, and

seeds to the Master Gardener’s Building on Wednesday, April 10th between 9:30 and 10:00 for the plant

swap. I t will end at 10:45 so we can attend the monthly meeting. After the meeting, any plants leftover

can be taken by anyone regardless if you brought plants.

The April Board Meeting will be April 17th at 8:30 a.m. because of the Field Trip on the 24

th.



Peg appreciates people notifying her of anyone needing a card of encouragement or sympathy card.

COMMITTEE REPORTS


Laura said the dedication was very successful. We got our fence from Centex. Who we give a brick to

is being considered.

Out Reach: Don Gold-No Report


There are a few plants to put out next week, and then mulch will be added.


There will not be a garden tour this spring. There may not be one in 2013 or 2014. A motion was made

and seconded to not have a garden tour in 2013 or 2014.



The new class members do not know when things are happening, so they need to be included in emails

that are sent out.

Education/Awards: Gary Slanga-No Report


Peg reported that potatoes, onions, turnips, and strawberries are growing in the gardens.



New Business

The plant sale was a big success. Fifty two people worked and there were about 430 customers.

The total made from the plants and merchandise was $6,834.95.

The Fall Plant Sale will be October 5, 2013.

Louann reported that the Miller Springs Alliance Group wants us to help support Miller Springs

Nature Center. There will be a fundraiser April 4 at the corner of Penelope and Central in

Belton which includes a Silent Auction. It was decided we could donate 7 plants and a booklet.

April 6 the Pecan Growers will be using our new building.

Bernie would like to have a dry erase board in our new building, and Louann said she has one

we could have.

Central Texas Gardener will be filming Mary Lew Quesinberry’s gardens on April 15. The new

members have volunteered to help get her garden ready.

Charles said the pipes and utilities need to be put in. A motion was made by Don and seconded

by Jerry to spend up to $500 to move water to the building and install lines for electrical.

There was a request to have “Ask a Gardener” outside at the plant sale and more lights for

vendors.



Myra Crenshaw

BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING TO ELECT NEW OFFICERS

APRIL 10, 2013

The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by President Laura Murphy The business portion of the general meeting was as follows: Laura thanked Fran Sheppard and Mary Lou Edmondson for organizing the plant swap. Carla reported on the plant sale. Our profit from plants and merchandise was $6400. We had 52 volunteer workers and there were 434 customers at the sale. Our fall plant sale will be Oct. 5. The new board members nominated are as follows: President (1 yr) Laura Murphy 1st Vice President (2yr) Randy Brown 2nd Vice President (1 yr) Jerry Lewis Treasurer (2yr) Gail Christian Communications Director (2 yr) Sandy Wilson Webmaster (2yr) Louann Hight Youth Programs (2 yr) Mary Ann Everett New Class Coordinator (2 yr) Fran Sheppard The reason for the staggered terms is so not all the officers will go off at the same time. Nominations were open to the floor. There were none. Gail Pierce made a motion to accept Laura Murphy as President. Frances Idoux seconded it. There were no nominations from the floor for the rest of the offices. Nancy Kozusko made the motion to accept the remaining slate of officers. It was seconded by Pat Smith. Laura asked members to be thinking of people to fill 4 vacancies that will come up next year. The rest of the meeting consisted of a program by Lee Harris from the Birdsong Lavender Farm in Troy. The meeting concluded around 12:00.



April 17, 2013



Carla Harmon, Gail Christian, Margaret Leigh, Louann Hight, Mel Myers, Charles Newsom, Ray

Machovsky, Brenda Albro ,Sandra Wilson, Randy Brown


The Minutes of the March 27, 2013 meeting were approved.


The March financial report was reviewed and approved for filing.


The May 8th monthly meeting will be “Texas Superstars” with Mary Ann Everett.May 22

nd will be

Installation of Officers. A sign-up sheet was passed around for the brunch. Bring information folders on

your duties to give to the new officers. Laura thanked Bernie for a great plant swap at our April

meeting.

Policy & Planning: Jerry Lewis

Jerry announced that there will be a committee to revise the by- laws and policies during the summer

and will be done by fall..


It was suggested that Peg send a card to Nancy Kozusko for her hand.

COMMITTEE REPORTS


There will continue to be on going projects.

Out Reach: Don Gold-No Report


The mulch is not down yet, but if some people are not going on the field trip, they can work on it.


Central Texas Gardener filmed Mary Lou Quesinberry’s garden and Laura will let us know when it airs.

A motion by Lou Hight was made to send a gift card for $50.00 to Mary Lou to show our appreciation

for her hard work. Don Wyatt seconded the motion. On May 11 there will be an interview with Peter

Fitch of Monticello.

Youth Programs:

Laura reported that she and a few other master gardeners made grass heads at Tyler Elementary


There are 6 interns that have 50 hours are more, 4 interns have from 30-40 plus hours, 8 interns have 20

hours, and 4 interns have 0 hours.


The Ft. Hood Program for Community Gardens is finished. Friday is Ft. Hood Earth Dy. There are on-

going presentations for Killeen Sr. Center and Harker Heights Parks and Recreation. The State Master

Gardeners Directors Meeting is May 4th and the topic State Sales Tax Requirements will be discussed at

the August meeting.


Peg reported that tomatoes and peppers have been planted. Onions are looking great. Ornamental area

is in bloom. Lantana and Hyacinth Bean Vine seeds have been planted. Recent groups of teens have

been good workers.

Blooming Bell: Terrie Hahn

Gail asked if anyone was having trouble with the newsletter, such as bad quality. We would like to

have a directory of members with pictures.

Webmaster: Gail Christian

Gail will be working with Lou Hight on our web site.

New Business:

Lyle wants an Earthkind and Water Specialist. There will be a workshop April 29 on water

audits. It is an 18 month program and takes six people.

Jerry asked if there was an audit of the books and there was one in January.

Don said our building is getting good use. Jan has done propagation classes there and Pecan

Growers did their meeting with 25 people in our new building.

Our next meeting is May 22 at 9:00 for Installation of Officers.

Old Business:

We donated plants to the Miller Springs Nature Center fundraiser and made $114.



Myra Crenshaw



May 22, 2013


Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, B. A. McDevitt, Fran Sheppard, Jerry Lewis, ,

Gail Christian, Louann Hight, Ray Machovsky, Randy Brown, Mary Ann Everett, Mary Lou

Edmondson, Linda Young

The Meeting was called to order at 9:04 a.m.by Laura Murphy.

The Minutes of the April 17 ,2013 were approved with 2 corrections.


The April financial report was reviewed and approved for filing.

The deadline for paying dues of $25 was extended to July 31 to give a couple of months to get it in. A

reminder to pay dues will be announced at the June meeting and it will be put in the Blooming Bell.


The June 12 th monthly meeting will be “Urban Interface with Wildlife” presented by Gil Eckrich, who

is retired from Ft. Hood

.


The committee for revising the by-laws will meet June 22.


Keep informing Peg when a card needs to be sent.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Greenhouse/New Building: No report

Out Reach: -No Report


The mulch has been finished and the next job is to dead head roses.

Garden Tours: Margaret Leigh-No report

Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett

Jayla Fry requested how we log contacts. Mary Ann will report how many we see or whoever is

responsible for the event will report the number. A computer system to report service hours by the

individual to the state is in the works. We would provide a roster to the state.

A request from Hope Therapy to beautify the appearance of their building was answered by our asking

the scouts to take this on as an Eagle project. It was completed on May4, 2013.

JMG program --St Mary’s has asked us to teach an elective for grades 6, 7, and 8. It will be divided into

two nine week periods with the curriculum being provided. If this is approved, it will be a Master

Gardener project.


Graduation is today at 1:00 and 80% of the class is graduating. There are 18 graduating. Three class

members have no service hours.


Gary asked how many demonstration gardens we have and Laura thought about 7. It could be 6-8.

Gail got a survey about hosting the state conference. We will vote in June. If we do it, we would start

on Friday and end at 4:00 Saturday. Awards would be Friday night. Because the state meeting is in the

Fall, we would be limited in advertising our meeting. We want to start as soon as possible. We will

have a meeting June 5 at 9:00 on how we want to hold the conference.


Peg reported that the garden is looking good. The squash was planted May 18. Onions are about ready

for harvest and they are huge. We anticipate harvesting next time we meet.

Blooming Bell: Terrie Hahn-No report

Webmaster: Gail Christian

Gail is no longer webmaster. Refer all web concerns to Louann.

New Business:

Bernie reminded that the new class does not have to pay dues until next June.

The next policy meeting will be June 26 after the board meeting.

The business meeting was adjourned at 10:00 so that installation of officers could follow with a

delicious brunch. Lyle attended and started it off with the installation of Laura Murphy who installed

the remainder of officers.


Myra Crenshaw



June 26, 2013

Board Members Present: Laura Murphy, Randy Brown, Jerry Lewis, Gail Christian, Myra

Crenshaw, Peg Fleet

Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, Fran Sheppard, Ray Machovsky, Mary Lou

Edmondson, Bernie Hurta, Gail Garner, Brenda Albro, Carla Harmon, Steve Gardipee, Don Wyatt,

Charles Newsom, Johnny Herring


The Minutes of the May 22, 2013 were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Gail Christian

The May financial report was reviewed and approved for filing. Members have until end of July to pay

their dues.

Programs and Socials: Randy Brown

The July general meeting most likely will be a speaker from the Dancing Bee Winery about bees. The

September meeting will be about the plant sale.


The by-laws are still being worked on.


Thirty one letters were sent to those who need background checks.

COMMITTEE REPORTS


We may be able to meet in the new building next month for the General Meeting. We have had requests

for a speaker system. Utilities have been moved but AC is a long way off.

Out Reach: -No Report


Input for landscaping our new building is still needed and then we will start on the beds. We are

maintaining what is there and there will be no meeting July 3.


Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett-No report


Fran needs posters to recruit for the new class. Most likely the new class will start January 8, 2014 and

orientation probably December 4, 2013.


We need nominations for the Golden Trowel and Green Thumb Awards.

Gary will present our proposal for the State Conference at the August meeting. Homer Babbitt, head of

the state conference, sent out a survey and its results were discussed.


Produce harvested for June came to 1350 pounds. There were 474 pounds of onions.


Webmaster: Louann Hight-No report

New Business:

Carla reported that she and a few others are checking our plants in Crawford at Cooper

Nurseries for the fall plant sale. Wrights is no longer our source for plants.

Stacy Perry has volunteer hours calculated and will continue to do so. We will have to send a

roster with emails of everyone for the state to set up the new system of reporting hours.

We need more people to answer calls because many calls are coming in about tomatoes and

trees.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05


Myra Crenshaw



July 24, 2013


Crenshaw, Peg Fleet

Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, Fran Sheppard, Bernie Hurta, Brenda Albro,

Don Wyatt, Charles Newsom, Gladys Newsom, Lou Hight, B.A. Mc Devitt


The Minutes of the June 26, 2013 were approved.


The June financial report was reviewed and approved for filing. Thirty – five people have not paid their

dues.


Randy is working on the program for next month. We still need programs for August and October. If

you have suggestions please give them to Randy.


The by-law committee is meeting immediately after the board meeting.


It was reported that Ray Machovsky slipped a disc and needs a card sent.

COMMITTEE REPORTS


Outreach/Education: Gary Slanga

Don Wyatt has been nominated for the “go-to” outreach person because he is familiar with the garden

tour and what we have paid for ads in the past. A committee will put together folders or posters.

There will be two appointed positions appointed by the President. Laura made the motion to accept Don

as Publicity and Awards would be a separate committee. Outreach and education would be combined

under Gary Slanga. Gail Christian seconded the motion.

Presentations continue several each month through April 2014.

The proposal to the State concerning the State Conference was changed to December.


The group is working on where the bed is to be positioned and will be prepared for laying of the bricks.

Brenda made a motion to allot $600 to Grounds and Maintenance for landscaping and Lou Hight

seconded the motion.



The project at St Mary’s was discussed on how to purchase the books that will be used. There will have

to be a meeting later to decide on this.


Fran presented the new posters for the new class and they were beautiful. Various people volunteered to

put them at local establishments.

Awards: Gary Slanga

We need nominations for the Golden Trowel, Green Thumb Award and Master Gardener of the Year.

We also need someone to volunteer to take over Awards or Outreach to help Gary out.

Killen Community Gardens

The rest of the potatoes were harvested and different types of squash, one pumpkin, and the okra is

coming up. One hundred sixty pounds have been harvested and we are approaching 2400 lbs. for the

year.



New Business:

Some people have not had background checks. Master Gardeners require their own and cannot

belong if they do not have one.

We have had requests for programs and we need more people to answer calls.

Laura proposed one meeting for Nov. and Dec. The November general meeting will be Nov. 13

and the General Meeting in December is the Christmas Party on Dec. 5. Dec. 4 will be the

Board meeting at 9:00. Lou Hight made the motion we accept these dates and Gary seconded it.



Myra Crenshaw



August 28, 2013

Board Members Present: Laura Murphy, Randy Brown, Jerry Lewis, Gail Christian, Myra Crenshaw

Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, Fran Sheppard, Bernie Hurta, Brenda Albro,

Sophia Gomez, Lou Hight, B.A. Mc Devitt, Carla Harmon, Karen Colwick, Mary Ann Everett


The Minutes of the July 24, 2013 were approved with a rewording from Grounds and Maintenance on

last month’s report.


The July financial report was reviewed and approved for filing.


Randy reported the Killeen garden has surpassed the 2,500 lb. vegetable production.

The speaker for September is Carla Harmon about the Plant Sale.

Gary Slanga will give State Conference update. The bus tour to Dallas Arboretum will cost $953 for a

53 passenger bus; Randy is looking into a smaller bus.


The by-law committee is still in progress with another meeting immediately after the board meeting.


COMMITTEE REPORTS



Bernie Hurta has taken over Awards.

Presentations have been scheduled through April 2014 and we will suspend taking requests after April

2014 due to Conference planning. Concerning the State Conference, bids are in from Mayborn and

Killeen. We are still waiting on Expo. The chairpersons will meet September 4th. The State

Conference Committee will be here Sept 25th. The Senior Expo is Sept 24, 8:30-12:30.


The grounds group has been working on cleaning and getting ready for the Plant Sale.

Garden Tours: We need someone to take this position.


There are five classes at St Mary’s; thirteen students, with twelve girls and one boy. Today is on

planting. There are ten Master Gardeners who are helping. Hopefully raised beds will be built next

week.


So far we have one application for the 2014 class.

Awards: Bernie Hurta

We need nominations for the Golden Trowel, Green Thumb Award and Master Gardener of the Year.

Killen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell

Randy reported under Programs and Socials.



New Business:

We need to send two names to be recognized at the state conference. They should be currently

active and it covers 15 years from 1997. They should show above and beyond effort, beyond

their regular duties. The certificate will be sent to Lyle and presented here.

It costs $15 to engrave a brick and Eileen Miller has donated cash for people to be recognized

who were here from the beginning.

After Sept 2, if someone has not paid their dues, they are off the list.

Laura proposed that we put an “A” beside active members on our roles so we will know who is

inactive. Some people keep paying dues who are associate members who are spouses and not

actually a Master Gardener but do a lot of volunteer hours.

Be thinking about someone who has gone above and beyond being a volunteer. After they are

nominated, the board can unanimously decide, and if the agent agrees, they can be recognized at

A&M with Ameritas status.

Mary Ann handed over a check for repayment of the books used at St Mary’s.

Nominations are needed by the end of October.

We need speakers for the Home and Garden Show Feb. 21, 22, 23,2014.

Please call and reserve the board room or meeting room if you plan to use them.

For her specialist training, Lou Hight went to West Elementary to help them plant in beds that

were installed..



Myra Crenshaw


Minutes of the Board Directors Meeting

September 25, 2013

Board Members Present: Laura Murphy, Randy Brown, Jerry Lewis, Gail Christian,

Peg Fleet.

Other Members Present: Charles Newsom, Gladys Newsom, Lou Hight, Gary Slanga,

Pat Smith, Ray Machovsky, Don Wyatt, Carla Harmon, Brenda Albro, Sophia Gomez,

Charlotte Jones, Gail Garner, Fran Sheppard, Bernie Hurta, Ursula Nanna, Mary Lew

Quesinberry, Barbara Dalby, Wayne Baker, and Mary Ann Everett.


The Minutes of the August 28, 2013 board meeting were approved as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: Gail Christian

The August financial report was reviewed and approved for filing.


Randy presented proposals for a field trip to the Dallas Arboretum on either November 6

or November 20. Those are both Wednesdays, days that Master Gardeners are generally

available, and the Arboretum has special prices Monday – Wednesday. Randy showed

costs for both 49 and 56 passenger buses. Including the bus cost, Arboretum admission,

driver tip, and water, the cost for the field trip would be about $40.00 per person. The

trip would be open to both Master Gardeners and their guests. Laura asked how many of

those present were interested in going. Nine people indicated that they were, six of

whom would bring guests. Wayne asked if we’d thought of inviting Milam County

Master Gardeners to participate. Laura said that that was a good idea, but we’ll first see

how many Bell County Master Gardeners want to go. That will be determined at the

October monthly general meeting. Charles Newsom suggested that trip costs should be

nonrefundable unless the person wanting a refund found a replacement.

Randy reported that the Killeen Community Garden had harvested 2,791 pounds as of

Monday.

The speaker for the October meeting will be a representative from the Douglass King

Seed Company.


The Bylaws Committee continues to work on updating the bylaws. They have one more

section to deal with. The revised bylaws will be consistent with state requirements and

our own current practices. They should be ready to present to the membership in January

or February.


Peg reported that one card had been sent to a member during the preceding month. The

month before, dues reminder postcards had been sent out. Carla asked if we could send a

card to James Anderson. Peg replied that he had been the recipient of the card sent out,

but that we could send another one.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Greenhouse/New Building: Don Wyatt

A hanging protective screen has been donated by the Iris Society. Laura said that she had

received comments about clutter and the new building. Groups will need to clean up

after their projects.


Gary said that an e-mail announcing upcoming courses on vegetables and on trees had

been sent out. There is another course on fruit production beginning September 30th

in

College Station. If anyone is interested in attending any of the training, please let him

know. The course on trees has an October 1 deadline for registration.

Gail commented that she had heard complimentary remarks from some friends in Harker

Heights about Karen Colwick’s class.

Grounds & Maintenance/Plant Sale: Sophia Gomez & Brenda Albro/Carla Harmon

Brenda reported that the Grounds Committee had tried laying out the brick pavers to see

how they would look. She thanked Charles for providing a lot of help. The Grounds

Committee would like to have more help on workdays.

Carla had the Plant Sale signup sheets available. Delivery dates for plants are different

from prior sales. Deliveries would begin Monday of the following week. Cooper’s will

deliver on Tuesday. The roses will be delivered by Chamblee’s owner. The committee

will pick up trees after the board meeting. Charles asked about security. Carla said that

she would like to have the combination of the lock changed just for the week of the plant

sale. Charles will change it and give the combination to Carla. Charles reported having

found the gate unsecured. Laura said that we need to remind Master Gardeners to make

sure that someone will lock up before leaving the premises and not just assume that

someone will do it.

Garden Tours: Need a volunteer

Laura said that we do not currently have a garden tour scheduled.


Mary Ann said that the St. Mary’s Level 2 is going well. Some of the vegetables have

sprouted and are growing very well, while others are not. On Monday the students had

gone to the garden to start journaling. They were excited to see the growing vegetables.

Mary Ann mentioned a request from Ira Cross Elementary, wanting Master Gardener

help in starting a garden. Laura suggested that we hold a workshop and train teachers

how to create a garden. The spring might be a good time to do it. Wayne proposed that

we get with the curriculum coordinators at Belton ISD and Killeen ISD and conduct the

workshop on an in-service day. Science teachers could attend. Karen said that we

couldn’t wait until spring because of the tests that have to be administered. Laura said

that this subject should be New Business.


Fran reported two paid applicants for the 2014 class, and one applicant who had not yet

paid. Laura said that she gave out five applications the previous day at the Expo Center.

Fran mentioned newspaper coverage that helped get the word out in prior years. Louann

said that Lyle had submitted an article to the local newspapers.

Barbara Dalby suggested approaching the Master Gardener class like some graduate

school programs that hold classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays once a month, or a

summer course. Either approach might attract students who could not otherwise attend.

Gladys said that we have in the past had training for teachers. Master Gardener training

videos were mentioned. Fran said that we no longer use the videos because of quality

problems. Pat Smith offered to make new videos.


Bernie asked that completed nominations be put in the designated envelope.

Nominations are due by October 31st.

Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell

Randy reported under Programs and Socials.

Blooming Bell: Terrie Hahn – No report

Webmaster: Louann Hight

Louann reported that the plant lists for the plant sale were on the website. Laura

complimented her.

New Business:

Don Wyatt talked about irrigation for the new beds inside the fence, which would

be part of the irrigation along the fence. The line currently has three pop-ups,

which should be put on another line. We would also need a new backflow device

and add a couple of irrigation zones. Heart of Texas could do the installation and

provide a two-year guarantee for $1,481. Don said that the Extension Office paid

for the original irrigation and asked if the Extension Office would help again.

Laura will talk to Lyle about it.

The Greenhouse License is up for renewal. The cost is $110 for a Class 2 license

(run a greenhouse and sell plants), or $75 for a Class1 license (sell plants only).

The consensus was to go with a Class 1 license. Paperwork must be changed to

put Lyle’s name on it.

Scott and White is having an event at Crossroads Church on October 26th

and

would like the Master Gardeners to operate a booth from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We

should provide a door prize.

Old Business:

Laura said that she had spoken with Jan George the previous day, and that

everything was set up to donate books to the school library in memory of Johnny

Buck.

Laura also said that she had handed out plant sale information and Master

Gardener applications at the Expo Center event the previous day.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:57.


Peg Fleet

Corresponding Secretary



October 23, 2013


Crenshaw, Peg Fleet

Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, Fran Sheppard, Bernie Hurta, Lou Hight,

Carla Harmon, Pat Maskunas, Wayne Baker, Pat Smith


The Minutes of the September 25, 2013 were approved.


The September financial report was reviewed and approved for filing.


A 29 passenger bus has been obtained for the November 6 trip to the Dallas Arboretum. Twenty four

have signed up so far. Meet at the extension center at 7:45 a.m. to leave at 8:00. Bus will leave the

arboretum at 11:30 and arrive in Belton at 5:00. You may bring a lunch or buy one there. The $40 a

person includes entrance fees.

Next month’s speaker will be from the bat conservatory in Austin.


The revised by-laws will be emailed to the board by next meeting. If you have questions, email Jerry or

Laura. The by-laws are in line with the State Association. At the next meeting we will approve or

disapprove. They will be posted on the web site and then discussion at the next general meeting. Then

there will be a vote at the general meeting after that.


A card was sent to James Anderson.

COMMITTEE REPORTS



Ray Machovsky did a composting seminar and 18 people attended.


Not much has been going on since the Plant Sale. Some plants left over from the plant sale will be

planted. The Ladies Auxiliary of Morgan’s Point is trying to get going again and purchased some of the

left over plants. We had 182 customers and made about $2,300 or $2,400.

Garden Tours: We need someone to take this position.

Youth Programs: Mary Ann Everett-no report


Six have paid for the new class and three applications are still out. We are waiting for payment on one.

We will be taking applications from people in Coryell, Hamilton, and Milam Counties.

There was some discussion about changing the format for the new class. Lyle said at the agents meeting

at the State Conference some counties offer Saturday classes. Cameron has one day a month lasting 8

hours and goes for 9 months. There could be four different major topics with sessions within those

topics. Fran and her committee will look into changing the format for 2015.


Bernie has gotten no nominations and will send out another email.

Killen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell

Not much has been done lately. Amount harvested to date is 2,990 pounds. More will be harvested

tomorrow and Saturday.



New Business:

A real estate sales person wanted us to put in our newsletter an ad about a house with a one acre garden,

but Laura said we cannot do that.

Lyle reported that the water symposium is Nov. 14 with Dirk being the coordinator. We would like to

have a table there with plants and a master gardener.

The Pecan Show is Dec. 5 at the Expo and Williamson County wants to be involved. There will be a

baked goods area hopefully.

The Bird Song Lavender Farm is having a festival in Troy on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Our office manager is Rhettlee and if you are sending out an email to everyone, make sure you make it

plain to not hit “Reply” but rather answer to the person who sent it. Put “contact me” and give your

email.

Old Business:

The cost for the irrigation for the new beds is pending.

Scott and White is conducting a Poison Conference October 26. There will be a table with poisonous

plants.

The board meeting was adjourned at 10:20.


Myra Crenshaw



December 4, 2013

Board Members Present: Laura Murphy, Randy Brown, Jerry Lewis, Myra Crenshaw, Peg Fleet

Other Members Present: Ursula Nanna, Gary Slanga, Fran Sheppard, Bernie Hurta, Lou Hight,

Carla Harmon, Don Wyatt, Brenda Albro, Mary Ann Everett


The Minutes of the October 23, 2013 were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT: No report


The speaker for January 2014 will be from the Central Texas Olive Ranch. Randy reported the Killeen

Community Gardens have harvested over 3000 lbs. of crops this season.

Central Texas Gardener will be doing an article on the Killeen Community Gardens after the first of the

year to hopefully be published in the fall.


Jerry’s report is under new business.


Peg reminded us that the 2011 class will need new background checks next year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS



There have been two seminars this month. Twelve have been scheduled for next year from January to

July. There will be none after July.

Lou announced the Home and Garden Show will be February 21-23. There will be a sign-up sheet

coming. There will be extended hours Saturday.


The group is deciding when to trim and is in the process of regrouping.

Garden Tours: no report


Of the Junior Master Gardener Level 2, only 7 classes are left. There are three certifications at the end

of the semester. Activities, Grow Cards, were done at two schools, Willow Springs on October 24, and

Hettie Halstead Elementary on October 29. Two schools have contacted us for programs for next year.

There is a Smart Kids Day March 6 at Saegert Elementary and a Science Day at Bellaire Elementary on

March 6. We had to turn down a request from Brookhaven Elementary due to lack of response.


There are twenty interns for the new class of 2014 and two are from Coryell County. Orientation for

four interns that were unable to attend in November will be scheduled.


Awards are ready for the Christmas party.

Killen Community Gardens: Reported by Randy Brown


Webmaster: Louann Hight

Lou said she has lots to post.

New Business:

We have plenty of volunteers for the Pecan Show. Show up at 8:30 a.m.

Scarves were provided as Christmas gifts by 4-H.

The Christmas Party is tomorrow night.

Jerry reported on the change to the by-laws. On that committee were Beverly Wickersham,

Bernie Hurta, Bette Gilmore, Francis Idoux, Johnny Herring, Jeanette Karr, Laura Murphy,

Randy Brown, and Jerry Lewis. They will be posted on our web page, and presented to the

members in January where questions will be taken, then voted on in February. There are minor

changes to be in line with the State and our current practice. Active members need to turn in

volunteer hours. Only sixty two people have turned in hours. Inactive members are non-voting

and not eligible for awards and service pins. Service pins are tabulated by every 5 years and the

committee is adding the word “consecutive,” so it is five consecutive years. On the last page,

page 12, it was added two thirds of active membership. A motion was made by Gary to accept

these changes and present them to the membership. It was seconded by Peg.

Lyle reported the Water Symposium went well. There were lots of questions. Two new agents

have been hired, Heidi Prude and Jackie Mc Laughlin. The Pecan Show had over 40 entries.

Gary presented the video to advertise our hosting the State Conference in 2015. Everyone was

very impressed. Gary is driving Saturday to the State Conference meeting where a new awards

program will be discussed.

Lou Hight would like to see us put a float for Master Gardeners in the Temple Christmas Parade

or the Belton July 4 parade.

The board meeting was adjourned at 10:05.


Myra Crenshaw

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