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Linda Millus

Jan 01

      President’s Corner

By Beet 2026 01 January

                      

Greetings from your new president!  I hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and were able to spend time with family and friends.

I am going to be honest with you, my fellow Master Gardeners. I am a bit apprehensive about taking on the role of JCMGA president. I will do my best to take the reins from Barbara, who has set a very strong example (but is also very supportive) as I venture into this new realm.

JCMGA has a few challenges to face in the next few years, as we adjust to the proposed budget cuts in funding for OSU Extension. I am asking all of you to help during this time.

One of those ways you can help is to volunteer in a working group or committee. This helps JCMGA propel forward with new and exciting ideas.

There are many working groups to choose from, including:

  • Marketing & Technology – Keltie Nelson & Lucy Pylkki, Co-Chairs
  • Community Outreach – Michael Hornbeek, Chair
  • Fundraising – Jane Moyer, Chair
  • Demonstration Gardens – Janine Salvatti, Chair
  • Member Services – Barbara Low & Linda Millus, Co-Chairs
  • Spring Garden Fair – Marcie Katz & Lucy Pyllki, Co-Chairs
  • Winter Dreams Summer Gardens – Colet Allen, Susan Koenig, & Barbara Low Co-Chairs

The JCMGA Working Groups Organizational Chart is listed in your Directory. If you have an interest in any of the groups, contact the chair of that group to get more information. Their contact information is included in the Directory.

I have taken on various roles on committees and working groups, so I would not ask you to do anything I am not willing to do myself. Even when a role was outside of my comfort zone, I received great support and grace from all my fellow Master Gardeners. My motto is to learn something new every day. With JCMGA, that is easy and fun to do.

Both Master Gardeners and 2026 students alike are encouraged to be involved in volunteering – and it goes toward your volunteer hours. There are many future projects, including planning a new greenhouse, lathe house, tool shed, and lots more. Wouldn’t it be fun to be part of the process and help make a vision come to fruition? I encourage you to take the step to volunteer. I am looking forward to working with you. Many opportunities are available – big and small. We would love to have you join us.

Nov 29

JCMGA Board Voting Results

By Beet 2025 12 December

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS to the following newly elected officers to the JCMGA 2026 Board of Directors!

 

 

President-Elect                                    Vacant

 

Recording Secretary                            Emma Holt

 

Membership Secretary                        Ann Ackles             

 

Assistant Membership Secretary     Lindsey McNab

 

Treasurer                                                  Keltie Nelson

 

Assistant Treasurer                               Annette Carter

 

OMGA Representative                         Colet Allen

 

Co-Archivists                                          Teresa Jarratt & Carrie Stanton-Holmes

 

Members at Large

Joanne Daane

Erin Galbraith

Sandy Hammond

Connie Lyssand

Kaleen Reilly

 

We so appreciate these members for their generous donation of their time, energy and enthusiasm for our organization!  You’re awesome!

Thanks also to everyone who took the time to show their support for these members by casting their votes.  You’re awesome too!

 

Nov 29

The JCMGA Board needs you! Can you help?

By Beet 2025 12 December

We have a position that needs to be filled for the 2026 Board of Directors.

President Elect 

President-Elect.  Duties of the President-Elect shall be to support the President, preside over all meetings of the Board in the absence of the President and chair various committees. The President-Elect is an exofficio member of all committees.

 

If you feel you would like to be part of the JCMGA Board to experience how JCMGA works this is how to learn the process.

It is very rewarding learning about how and why things work. Being a part of the JCMGA Board helping make decisions that propel us forward in a positive way.

If you feel you would like to meet this need, please contact me at lmillus@outlook.com.

 

Jul 30

The JCMGA Board Needs YOU!

By Beet 2025 08 August

 

We are looking for new, and experienced, members of Master Gardeners to serve on our Jackson County Master Gardener Board of Directors for 2026.  Could that be YOU, or someone you can recommend?

Please consider becoming a member of the board – the governing body of the association. The board adopts the budget, sets policy, and generally oversees the present and future direction of JCMGA.  Meetings are held the second Friday of each month.  Most board members also sit on one or more of the association’s working groups.  Your input is important, and fresh perspectives on how we move forward are the key to our success.

The following positions are to be elected this fall:

  • Vice-President/President-Elect
  • Membership Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Assistant Treasurer
  • Recording Secretary
  • Archivist
  • Oregon Master Gardener Association Representative
  • Five Members-at-Large

 

Contact Linda Millus, President-Elect, at lmillus@outlook.com  if you want to nominate yourself or someone else.

Please submit any nominations by September 1st.

Mar 30

Annual Awards Nomination Time

By Beet 2025 04 April

It’s nomination time!

The Jackson County Master Gardener Association offers three annual awards:  the Master Gardener of the Year, the Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year, and the Growing and Belonging Master Gardener of the Year.

I encourage each one of you to take time to think about our volunteers and how they have made a positive difference in JCMGA; then nominate volunteer(s) you feel are deserving of special recognition. Nominations are due by April 15. 

The Master Gardener of the Year award recognizes outstanding dedication and service in support of sustainable gardening to benefit all of Jackson County and/or the entire Master Gardener program.  For this award, you will describe your nominee’s contributions in education and outreach, such as working in the Plant Clinic, teaching classes, serving as a mentor, planning and organizing a major project, or similar activities.  Include any leadership roles they have held. If their work has had an impact beyond the borders of Jackson County, e.g., if other county Master Gardener programs have adopted projects that started in Jackson County, be sure to mention that.

The Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener award recognizes individuals who take on supporting roles in ways that might not be noticed by everyone, such as preparing and serving refreshments, keeping accurate notes or records, maintaining and repairing the physical plant, or seeing projects through to completion.

2025 marks the second year of JCMGA offering the Growing and Belonging Master Gardener of the Year award.  This honor is to recognize and celebrate the volunteers who have significantly contributed to advancing diversity, inclusion, access, and/or equity among Master Gardener volunteers and the communities with which we work.

Submitting a nomination for any of these three prestigious awards is as simple as writing, in 200 words or less, your nominee’s activities with specific examples. Please e-mail your nominations to Linda Millus: lmillus@outlook.com by April 15th.

Feb 27

Annual Awards Nomination Time

By Beet 2025 03 March

 

It’s nomination time!

The Jackson County Master Gardener Association offers three annual awards:  the Master Gardener of the Year, the Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener of the Year, and the Growing and Belonging Master Gardener of the Year.

I encourage each one of you to take time to think about our volunteers and how they have made a positive difference in JCMGA; then nominate volunteer(s) you feel are deserving of special recognition. Nominations are due by April 15. 

The Master Gardener of the Year award recognizes outstanding dedication and service in support of sustainable gardening to benefit all of Jackson County and/or the entire Master Gardener program.  For this award, you will describe your nominee’s contributions in education and outreach, such as working in the Plant Clinic, teaching classes, serving as a mentor, planning and organizing a major project, or similar activities.  Include any leadership roles they have held. If their work has had an impact beyond the borders of Jackson County, e.g., if other county Master Gardener programs have adopted projects that started in Jackson County, be sure to mention that.

The Behind-the-Scenes Master Gardener award recognizes individuals who take on supporting roles in ways that might not be noticed by everyone, such as preparing and serving refreshments, keeping accurate notes or records, maintaining and repairing the physical plant, or seeing projects through to completion.

2025 marks the second year of JCMGA offering the Growing and Belonging Master Gardener of the Year award.  This honor is to recognize and celebrate the volunteers who have significantly contributed to advancing diversity, inclusion, access, and/or equity among Master Gardener volunteers and the communities with which we work.

Submitting a nomination for any of these three prestigious awards is as simple as writing, in 200 words or less, your nominee’s activities with specific examples. Please e-mail your nominations to Linda Millus: lmillus@outlook.com by April 15th.