JCMGA Board Spring Retreat Minutes 2025

Jackson County Master Gardener Association Board Retreat Meeting Minutes

May 23, 2025

Board Members Present:

Marcie Katz, Past President, Co-Chair Spring Garden Fair WG

Linda Millus, President-Elect, Member Services WG Co-Chair

Keltie Nelson, Treasurer, Co-Chair Marketing & Technology WG

Regula Pepi, Assistant Treasurer

Ann Ackles, Membership Secretary

Colet Allen, OMGA Representative & Winter Dreams Summer Gardens WG Co-Chair Teresa Jarratt, Co-Archivist

Joanne Daane, Member-at-Large

Mary Schrouder, Member-at-Large

Jory Kaplan, Member-at-Large

Jane Moyer, Fundraising WG Chair

Michael Hornbeek, Community Outreach WG Chair

Lucy Pylkki, Spring Garden Fair WG Co-Chair & Marketing & Technology WG Co-Chair Janine Salvatti, Gardens WG Chair

Erin Galbraith, Co-Student Representative

Lindsey McNab, Co-Student Representative

Guests Present: Lynn Kunstman

Board Members Absent: Barbara Low, Kathy Apple, Carrie Holmes-Stanton, Kaleen Reilly, Rebecca Cohn, Grace Florjancic

Call to Order: Marcie Katz called the Board Retreat meeting to order at 9:04am, in lieu of Barbara Low, JCMGA Board President.

Retreat Agenda: Marcie Katz facilitated discussion of the following agenda items:

1. Part-Time Employee for Native Plants Nursery: Guest Lynn Kunstman was invited, as the head of the Native Plants Nursery, to attend this board meeting. The discussion centered on hiring a part-time nursery worker for 4 hours per week. The board debated between hiring an employee or a contractor, considering the costs and benefits of each option. The possibility of securing sponsorships to cover part of the salary was also explored.
2. Should we start a “New Building” line item in the budget, using some of the 2025 Spring Garden Fair’s profits? Board members favorably discussed including a new line item in the budget, using some of the profits from the 2025 Spring Garden Fair toward a new building. It was suggested that JCMGA start with the new greenhouse. The board also discussed whether it might be more logical to allocate a percentage of Spring Garden Fair profits, rather than a fixed dollar amount.

1 C. How to use the “JCMGA Accomplishments for 2024”: The importance of publicizing the Jackson County Master Gardener program’s accomplishments to increase community awareness was emphasized. Suggestions included sending out regular public service announcements, utilizing social media—including live-streaming, and engaging with local media outlets.

1. Spring Garden Fair Expansion: The board considered renting an additional building, the Padgham Pavilion, at the Jackson County Expo Grounds for the Spring Garden Fair to accommodate more vendors. Concerns about added expense and the ability to attract enough vendors to fill the space were discussed.
2. Collaboration Between Working Groups: The need for better communication and collaboration among working groups was brought up. It was suggested that committee chairs meet regularly—possibly quarterly—to discuss overlapping goals and improve coordination.
3. Reviewing our “2025 Strategy Plan”: The board read through and briefly discussed the items listed in the “2025 Strategy Plan” document.

Announcements:

1. SGF Volunteer Luncheon: Saturday, June 7th — 12:00-2:00pm
2. JCMGA Annual Membership Meeting: Friday, June 13th — 9:00am
3. JCMGA Annual Picnic: Saturday, June 28th — 5:00-8:00pm
4. OMGA Silent Auction: July 11th-12th Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned by Marcie Katz at 11:28am.

Next Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be held June 13, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:30am.

Respectfully submitted by Erin Galbraith (Co-Student-Representative), in lieu of Kathy Apple, Recording Secretary