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JCMGA Ballot – 2021 Board of Directors Nominees


The following JCMGA candidates have been nominated by members and the JCMGA Board's Nominating Committee according to the JCMGA bylaws adopted in September 2018.  Each of the nominees has agreed to serve.  All current JCMGA members are entitled to vote.  Ballots must be received by midnight November 6, 2020, and new officers will be announced at the November 13, 2020, Board meeting and take office January 1, 2021.

If you have a question or problem with the voting process, please contact Patrice Kaska (forpatricek@icloud.com) or Kate Hassen (roseknitter1@gmail.com). 


Elected Officers — Vote by clicking in the box in front of your choice for each office

According to JCMGA’s bylaws, the President-Elect automatically becomes the President the following year.  For that reason, we do not vote separately for the office of President.  Lynn Kunstman, our current President-Elect, will assume the Presidency on January 1, 2021.

Recording Secretary

Jane Moyer (2005) "I took the Master Gardener class in 2005.  I already loved gardening but came to realize that most gardeners are really nice people, the kind of people I want to associate with.  I also came to realize all the great things JCMGA does in and for the community so I want to stay involved.  As the 2019/2020 Recording Secretary I was able to take decent notes and make them available in a timely manner so would like to serve again in 2021."

Membership Secretary

Patrice Kaska (2016) "The clerical, detailed, in-the-background types of tasks required as Membership Secretary are comfortable for me, and I am honored to be able to contribute to the knowledgeable, kind and generous Master Gardener community in Jackson County in this way.  Although I am, sadly, never perfect, I will continue, with your support, to do my careful best while working on membership renewal, the Directory. and the 2022 election."

Treasurer

Annette Carter (2014) "I’m happy to be asked to serve one more year as Treasurer to this great organization.  The opportunity to be working with people who give so much of themselves for our community is a great honor."

Assistant Treasurer

Roberta Heinz (2012) "I enjoy the assistant treasurer’s tasks and like the precision of the tasks within the position. If elected, I will be happy to serve.  I like the “behind the scenes” tasks and have worked in similar situations for about 30 years.  Working with Annette is the perfect fit for me."


OMGA Representative

Barbara Davidson (2004) "As a retired high school teacher, 2004 was the magic year for me—I became a MG.  It gave me a purpose and focus that also allowed me to contribute to my community.  From decorating for events, attending classes, working at the Plant Clinic and Grower’s Market, coordinating school grants, and representing JCMGA at OMGA meetings and events, I am so happy to contribute to and be a part of this “family.”"


Archives

Pam Hillers (2015) "I have been active as a Master Gardener for the past 5 years which allowed me to enjoy becoming acquainted with a great many of you, volunteering in the gardens, at events, and generally just being a part of this large gardening community.  I’ve held the position of Archivist in 2020 to work with our historic records and found it to be very interesting.   I will do my best to keep everything in order and up-to-date if elected again in 2021."

Members at Large (5 open Positions - Select up to 5)

Colet Allen (2008) "I grew up Military, living all over this country and a few others.  Always interested in the plant world wherever I lived. My careers, work experience, education and life choices have allowed exposure to a few different industries, broad range of experiences, skill sets and perspectives.  Retiring in 2007 finally brought the time needed to become involved in volunteering and being in a position to give back. Beside Master Gardeners, I was involved with several nonprofits in N Idaho. I feel the best way to familiarize oneself with an organization is to volunteer and become engaged. That is why I would like to become a Member at Large with JCMGA Board."

Kathy Apple (2017) "It has been an honor to serve on the Board these past two years.  I am grateful for all JCMGA does to practice and teach the art and science of gardening.  With your permission I would like to continue to actively engage in the abundant ways JCMGA supports our community.."

Marcie Katz (2019) "I entered the Master Gardener Program class 2019 after finding life changes left me with a lot of time on my hands and quite a few new yards to develop after a recent move. It gave me renewed purpose and a new community to be a part of. Learning from veteran gardeners in the Demo Gardens, working at SGF and jumping into helping with events like the Picnic and Graduation introduced me to many dedicated people in the organization.  I look forward to the future and being a part of JCMGA, and would be honored to be a Board Member at Large."

Regula Pepi (2003) "I am running for member at large for JCMGA.  I have been a member of this organization ever since I graduated and have been mostly participating as a mentor in the plant clinic. This job is now virtual, and that seemed difficult to me. But I want to continue to contribute to JCMGA, this worthwhile and rewarding organization."

Margaret Saydah (2019) "I completed my Master Gardener program in 2019.  I just could not believe the knowledge that was bestowed upon me in that program. I have gardened all my life.  I even worked in a nursery for 5 years and had no idea how much I didn’t know. I learned a lot in the gardener program.  Last year I worked in the Lily garden with Marcia and this year I am in the Native Plants Garden with Lynn. I want to continue learning and be a part of helping others get more educated so I am interested in being on the board.  I have a very handy husband who made Lynn’s seed covers and made our new compost bins.  He is always happy to help.  I’d like to be more involved with all you experts and I actually do not mind weeding. "

Devyn Schneck (2020) "I would be honored to serve as a member-at-large for the JCMGA.  I have over 40 years of gardening. I am a member of the 2020 class and have continued on with the Native Garden alongside Lynn Kunstman throughout the summer. Master Gardeners is an amazing place to learn about gardening and a great resource for community.  I love sharing what I've learned with others and look forward to continuing on as a Master Gardener."

Note:  Once you have completed voting, press the SUBMIT button below.  Be sure you are satisfied with your votes before pressing SUBMIT since you will not be able to change any votes after submitting your ballot.

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JCMGA Ballot – 2022 Board of Directors Nominees


The following JCMGA candidates have been nominated by members and the JCMGA Board's Nominating Committee according to the JCMGA bylaws adopted in September 2018.  Each of the nominees has agreed to serve.  All current JCMGA members are entitled to vote.  Ballots must be received by midnight November 5, 2021, and new officers will be announced at the November 12, 2021, Board meeting and take office January 1, 2022.

If you have a question or problem with the voting process, please contact Patrice Kaska (forpatricek@icloud.com


Elected Officers — Vote by clicking in the box in front of your choice for each office

President
Regula Pepi (2003)I took the MG class in 2003. Since then I have been involved with the JCMGA in various ways, sometimes more so than others. The plant clinic has been my favorite place to help but I have also sold tickets and guarded doors at the spring fair and for a couple of years I organized the outreach plant clinic at the Growers Market in Medford every Thursday during summer, when that event was still held in front of the Armory. This year I was a member at large and learned a lot about the many different aspects of the organization.  When the call for candidates came earlier this year and there were no volunteers I decided to step forward.  At my age, you may call it my "Last Hurrah".   We may only have 25 new students next year, the well ran dry at extension, the creepy old house..   ah, forget the list.  I know Lynn Kunstman and Ronnie Budge and all the officers will help me, so we will muddle through together to an easier time. Don't forget to renew!
Co-Presidents Elect
Colet Allen (2008)I grew up a Military brat, living all over this country and a few others. I was always interested in the plant world wherever I lived. My careers, work experience, education and life choices have allowed exposure to many areas and the plants specialized to those areas. Retirement finally brought the time and opportunity to become a Master Gardener. Besides MG, I volunteered for several nonprofits in Seattle while working at Boeing and North ID. I was a founding member for a lovely old Catholic Church repurposed to a performing arts center where I served as Vice President for 4 years. The broad exposure to various nonprofits has given me a perspective that I feel would serve me well as the JCMGA Co-Vice President.
Marcie Katz (2019)I have been thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful organization as the JCMGA and its many hard working individuals! Luckily, I was able to see how we do the many varied events JCMGA does in a normal year (2019) and I look forward to helping lead us back into those functions in the coming year. Currently, I am the Chair of the GEMS and member of the Garden Enhancement Committee, Member Services WG,  Fundraising Committee, GWG Board Representative and a Practicum Mentor! Belonging to these very different groups has helped me to get to know many of the members and learn how the organization is run. As Co-Vice President I would enjoy the many duties that come with the job, and strive to keep our Association active and productive!  
Recording Secretary
Jane Moyer (2005)I took the Master Gardener class in 2005.  I already loved gardening but came to realize that most gardeners are really nice people, the kind of people I want to associate with.  I also came to realize all the great things JCMGA does in and for the community so I want to stay involved.  As the 2020/2021 Recording Secretary I was able to take decent notes and make them available in a timely manner so would like to serve again in 2022.
Membership Secretary
Teresina Christy (2018)While still a student in the Master Gardener Class of 2018, I became the Wildflower GEM to fill a vacancy. Prior to our return to Medford, I was a Master Naturalist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I enjoy working with our Jackson County Gardeners, I am organized and attentive to detail, and look forward to continuing my service as your Membership Secretary.
Treasurer

Seán Cawley (2020) - My 2020 class nominated me as the “back-up” representative to serve on the board. When the primary person dropped out, I became the Student Rep to the board. The following year I was asked to remain as the Student Rep to the board. I have a bachelor of science degree in Environmental Business Management and a MBA. I am honored to be a part of an organization dedicated to providing gardening education and support to the community. As the COVID confinement restrictions recede I hope to meet and participate with more of the general membership.

Assistant Treasurer

Keltie Nelson (2016) - I am excited at the possibility of serving as the assistant treasurer for JCMGA as I want to see the association continue to thrive.  Before retiring, I was a bookkeeper/accountant for many years.  I actually find accounting fun as well as challenging.


OMGA Representative

Barbara Davidson (2004) - As a retired high school teacher, 2004 was the magic year for me—I became a MG.  It gave me a purpose and focus that also allowed me to contribute to my community.  From decorating for events, attending classes, working at the Plant Clinic and Grower’s Market, coordinating school grants, and representing JCMGA at OMGA meetings and events, I am so happy to contribute to and be a part of this “family.”

Archives

Pam Hillers (2015) - I have enjoyed working with the documents that we keep stored in the Master Gardeners Archives. There were 30 members that took the first class in 1979 and were certified as Master Gardeners. That is over 40 years of all sorts of interesting gardening facts. I appreciate your confidence in electing me to this important position in 2022 and will do my best to maintain “our” files and articles.




Members at Large (5 open Positions - Select up to 5)

Carol Bogedain (2016)I am a 2016 graduate of the Master Gardener Program.  Since that time I have been a mentor in the Plant Clinic and have enjoyed the client and student interaction.  I have also volunteered with the Spring Garden Fair and the Winter Dreams Summer Gardens annual workshop.  The JCMGA provides a service to our community and environment and I would like to see it continue.

Dee Copley (2014) - I passed the Master Gardener Training in 2014. I helped with the Native Plant Garden, Plant Clinic and Mentored in Practicum the following year, helped get our 2nd greenhouse through County Planning which took about a year, then took Land Steward Training, and during all of that the absolute best was the PEOPLE! I found my tribe! I have been involved with the ACCESS Community Gardens and the head of Seed 2 Supper Program Jackson County (which is on hold due to COVID). I love all of the education at all levels that OSU Extension provides and look forward to being involved again with the MG Board as a Member at Large.

Karen Layson (2019) - No candidate statement submitted.

Lucy Pylkki (2019) - I graduated from the Master Gardner Program in 2019 and was looking forward to learning more and get more involved and then Covid 19 hit and shut every thing down. I have been a medical provider for over 30 years which has also led to my experiences in a leadership role.  I am hoping that  a role on the JCMGA board as a Member at Large will help me learn more about the inner workings of JCMGA.

Margaret Saydah (2019) - No candidate statement submitted.



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JCMGA Ballot – 2023 Board of Directors Nominees


The following JCMGA candidates have been nominated by members and the JCMGA Board's Nominating Committee according to the JCMGA bylaws adopted in September 2018. Each of the nominees has agreed to serve. All current JCMGA members are entitled to vote. Ballots must be received by midnight November 4, 2022, and new Officers will be announced at the November 11, 2022, Board meeting and take office January 1, 2023.

If you have a question or problem with the voting process, please contact Teresina Christy (teresinachristy@gmail.com).


Elected Officers — Vote by clicking in the box in front of your choice for each office

President
Marcie Katz (2019) - Although relatively new to Master Gardeners, I found a community that I wanted to become part of. I have enjoyed working on many of the Committees and especially taking on projects. Whether I’m working out in the Demonstration Gardens or on a seat at the Board, I have found the JCMGA to be a fun and inspiring organization, one that I want to see reach its full potential.
President Elect
Barbara Low (2020-21) I am a native Oregonian and a retired teacher who taught for 38 years. The JCMGA is at a crossroads in figuring out how to rejuvenate itself after the pandemic. I am very interested in being a part of the JCMGA leadership group and helping us maneuver through these challenging and exciting times.
Recording Secretary
Jane Moyer (2005) - I have been a Master Gardener since 2005 and the Board of Directors Recording Secretary for the last three years. I take good notes and complete the Board Minutes in a timely fashion, although sometimes just by the skin of my teeth. My spelling and punctuation is usually correct, and when it’s not, I accept correction graciously.
Membership Secretary
Margaret Saydah (2019) - I ran my husband‘s business for years and feel that I would be capable of learning the position of Membership Secretary. I enjoy learning new things and I’m always up for a challenge.
Treasurer

Seán Cawley (2020)I have a Masters and Bachelors degree in Business focused on sustainable and nonprofit business. I have appreciated serving as Treasurer this past year and look forward to continuing to serve. I hope to continue to enhance the bookkeeping procedures to make them more efficient for everyone and to provide reported information so that everyone has a better understanding of JCMGA as a small business.

Assistant Treasurer

Keltie Nelson (2016)I hope you’ll vote for me for next year’s Assistant Treasurer. Before I retired, I worked in accounting for more than 30 years. I have enjoyed being the Assistant Treasurer this year and look forward to another year. I enjoy accounting and the challenges it presents.


OMGA Representative

Kathy Apple (2017) - As a 2017 Master Gardener graduate and a former member of the JCMGA board, I know how important it is to actively participate in and support the work of our association. I also know how vital it is that Jackson County be well represented within the Oregon Master Gardener Association (OMGA). I would be honored to fulfill the role of OMGA representative for JCMGA.

Archivist

Pam Hillers (2015) - I appreciate your vote for me to continue taking care of our Master Gardener Archives. I enjoy making sure that the records of our meetings and events are kept in an organized way so that members can review past activities when planning future events, and sometimes just to enjoy our history.




Members at Large (5 open Positions - Select up to 5)

Colet Allen (2008) - I believe strongly in giving back. I choose organizations to serve that align with my values and interests. Master Gardeners meet my expectations regarding public education of science-based information, a group of dedicated people working to create beauty, food security, fairness, equity and helping turn the tide of climate change. I choose these people to serve and hope they choose me. I am up to the challenges we are facing.

Dee Copley (2014) - I accomplished a lifelong dream by taking the MG course in 2014! I want to dedicate my spare time to encouraging others to learn how to garden and furthermore how to protect the earth through good land stewardship. I really found my tribe when I joined JCMGA!

Cheryl Martin (2022) - Being a newer member, I have learned of the vital and valuable importance that this Association has in Southern Oregon. Learning, practicing, and teaching the art and science of gardening and supporting each other in a positive and enthusiastic manner is my aim. As an advocate and supporter for our local veterans, current medical and healthcare employee, and avid lover of the outdoors, I care that this program remain successful and I will support and advocate for its future success.

Lucy Pylkki (2019) - I am currently a Member-At-Large on the JCMGA Board of Directors. I have learned a lot about the inner workings of JCMGA and all the good work that they do. Next year will be exciting as we plan to restore and expand the educational portion of our program and to restart the Spring Garden Fair. I hope to continue with my participation in these efforts.

Trina Stout (2022) - I am interested in serving on the JCMGA Board because I want to increase the food security and resiliency of the Rogue Valley by growing who we are and who we serve, and by cultivating an experience of belonging in our programs for all Oregonians. I am a communications professional (trinastout.com) and would love to bring that experience to the JCMGA. I’m a member this year of the Statewide Growing & Belonging Committee ( formerly known as the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion task force).

Cassandra Toews (2020-21) - I am interested in being on the JCMGA Board because I have gained so much from my MG training and believe that this organization contributes important information to our society. We all must contribute to the success of what we value, and with our very ecosystems at risk, education of the public is more important than ever. I’d like to be a hands-on part of this process.

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JCMGA Ballot – 2024 Board Voting Ballot


The following JCMGA candidates have been nominated by members and the JCMGA Board's Nominating Committee according to the JCMGA bylaws adopted in September 2018. Each of the nominees has agreed to serve. All current JCMGA members are entitled to vote. Ballots must be received by midnight November 4, 2023.

If you have a question or problem with the voting process, please contact Barbara Low (barbaralow@msn.com).


Elected Officers — Vote by clicking in the box in front of your choice for each office

President Elect (Term Essentially 3 Years)
Recording Secretary (Term 1 Year)
Kathy Apple - As a graduate of the 2017 Master Gardener class, I continue to believe that we should all find a way to give back both to the Association and our community through the various activities of JCMGA.  I have had the privilege of being a Board Secretary previously, most recently with the Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice.  I know the importance of keeping an accurate record of the business of the Board and would be honored to have your support.

Membership Secretary (Term 1 Year)
Ann Ackles - I would be honored to serve Jackson County Master Gardner’s as the Membership Secretary.  As a retired Registered Nurse who focused on leadership in my last two decades, I have excellent Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) skills.  I would carefully confirm the member list and send out emails and mail reminders as required.  As I understand the role I would oversee and implement a secure election process.  I know JCMGA’s peers would assist me understand and deploy this process.  Thank you for your consideration.  

Treasurer (Term 1 Year)

Keltie NelsonI have served the Jackson County Master Gardener Association as Assistant Treasurer for the last two years.  Since Sean Cawley has decided not to run in 2024 as the Treasurer, I am running to fill the position.  Prior to retiring, I worked as a bookkeeper and accountant for most of my adult life and have always enjoyed been a “bean counter”.

Assistant Treasurer
OMGA Representative

Colet Allen - I have heard that some of our members express confusion about the relationship between JCMGA and OMGA. I wanted to understand what this organization does and how it benefits JCMGA and how we can benefit them. The best way to find out what an organization is all about it to join the group. I volunteered to be on the Joy of Gardening Conference committee last year. That experience convinced me that I wanted to work with that Organization on behalf of JCMGA.

Archivist (Term 1 Year)

Pam Hillers  - I have been the Archivist for the past 3 years and have enjoyed taking care of the hard-copy documents that make up our Master Gardener history. There are many details to this position which I feel I have the skills to manage, and most of all I have the appreciation of being able to capture the documentation for the ongoing work that is accomplished through our wonderful Master Gardener Program.  If anyone is interested in seeing older documents or have questions about our history I will be glad to visit with you.




Members at Large (5 open Positions - Select up to 5)

Rebecca Cohn

I’m running to be on the JCMGA Board because of my personal commitment to sustainable food production. My husband and I have a 10-acre farm in Talent where I have a large permaculture garden that has been certified as a pollinator garden. I believe it is important to educate people in the benefits and importance of gardening and food production. I have been very active with the Friends of the Animal Shelter Board of Directors for many years and can share my expertise.  Previously I was in the US Foreign Service and spent many years serving overseas. I look forward to contributing to the community.

 

Randa Linthwaite

As a member of the 2023 Master Gardener Class, I feel that Member on the loose, I mean Member at Large will be able to jump in and help where I am needed at the administrative level. I enjoy the classes, the practicums, and the Plant Clinic so filling in and helping in all these areas will be fun as I am learning so much about all the different moving parts of the Master Gardener Association. I work well with others and always try to be a team player and problem-solver in a positive way. I am excited for the year to come and am excited to learn all I can! 

 

Rob MacWhorter

I've been retired since February 2018 after working for the Forest Service for 40 years. Prior to that I worked for Peace Corps in El Salvador. Education includes a 4-year degree in Forest Resource Management from West Virginia University and a Masters in Forest Ecology from the University of Montana. I'm a student in the Master Gardener Class of 2023 and will graduate this coming November and I'm the Student Representative on the Master Gardener Board. Primary reasons for wanting to be an At Large Board Member are as follows: increase outreach to our underrepresented communities, increase enrollment of underrepresented community members in the Master Gardener class and program, increase program volunteers and assist the Board in increasing our understanding of student needs.

 

 Lucy Pylkki

I have had the pleasure to serve as a director at Large for the last 2 years and would like to continue in addition to serving on 3 Working Groups.

 

Cassandra Toews

I would like to continue as a JCMGA Board member because I believe that this organization is an important teaching vehicle for the health of our pollinators, birdlife, and the vigor of our gardens. It's important to support our valuable community organizations, which in turn improves the health of our society.

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JCMGA Ballot – 2025 Board Voting Ballot


The following JCMGA candidates have been nominated by members and the JCMGA Board's Nominating Committee according to the JCMGA bylaws adopted in September 2018. Each of the nominees has agreed to serve. All current JCMGA members are entitled to vote. Ballots must be received by midnight November 3, 2024.

If you have a question or problem with the voting process, please contact Barbara Low (barbaralow@msn.com).


Elected Officers — Vote by clicking in the box in front of your choice for each office

President Elect (Term Essentially 3 Years)
Linda Millus
I graduated in the class of 2023 (the best class!) It is my goal to be more involved and have a real understanding of how the board works. I have enjoyed being on the Membership working group, Marketing and Technology Working Group & Native Nursery team. With each new thing I become involved in, I appreciate all the people it takes to keep things moving and growing. I am looking forward to being a part of that.

Recording Secretary (Term 1 Year)
Kathy Apple
As a graduate of the 2017 Master Gardener class, I continue to believe that we should all find a way to give back both to the Association and our community through the various activities of JCMGA.  I have had the privilege of being a Board Secretary previously, most recently with the Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice.  I know the importance of keeping an accurate record of the business of the Board and would be honored to have your support.

Membership Secretary (Term 1 Year)
Ann Ackles
I would be honored to serve Jackson County Master Gardner’s as the Membership Secretary.  As a retired Registered Nurse who focused on leadership in my last two decades, I have excellent Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) skills.  I would carefully confirm the member list and send out emails and mail reminders as required.  As I understand the role I would oversee and implement a secure election process.  I know JCMGA’s peers would assist me understand and deploy this process.  Thank you for your consideration.  

Treasurer (Term 1 Year)

Keltie Nelson
I have served the Jackson County Master Gardener Association as Assistant Treasurer for the last two years.  Since Sean Cawley has decided not to run in 2024 as the Treasurer, I am running to fill the position.  Prior to retiring, I worked as a bookkeeper and accountant for most of my adult life and have always enjoyed been a “bean counter”.

Assistant Treasurer
OMGA Representative

Colet Allen
I have heard that some of our members express confusion about the relationship between JCMGA and OMGA. I wanted to understand what this organization does and how it benefits JCMGA and how we can benefit them. The best way to find out what an organization is all about it to join the group. I volunteered to be on the Joy of Gardening Conference committee last year. That experience convinced me that I wanted to work with that Organization on behalf of JCMGA.

Archivist and Co-Archivist (Vote for 2)

Carrie Holmes-Stanton
I would like to become more involved in this wonderful Master Gardener organization and help however I can. Being an Archivist for the Board would be an opportunity to provide a support function while becoming more familiar with the inner workings of the group. I am currently a volunteer Secretary to the Board of the Southern Oregon Rental Owners Association (SOROA) so I have worked on a Board before and enjoy contributing by being part of a process that helps to guide a larger organization. And I would look forward to performing the function of archivist which includes maintaining the document archives and providing oversight and management of archival documentation, whether that be by hard copy filing or by digital filing in Dropbox. 

Susan Hoehn
After retiring from a career in Special Education, we transplanted to Oregon in 2022 and sought out new directions for growth. Happily, I joined the great MG Class of 2023 and it’s been a blast. Whether working in the Demo gardens. The events, or editing on the Beet, I am continually impressed and inspired by the JCMGA members and their devotion to sustaining our Mother Earth. I hope to continue further to this noble effort by serving as your Archivist.

Teresa Jarrett
Class 2023. I am a retired nurse (18 years), with a previous career in the business world (20+ years). With my background I understand the importance of documentation. To be able to find that information it must be stored in an organized and easily retrievable manner. I would be interested in either archivist position, with a stronger inclination toward the digital filing. It would be my pleasure to assist JCMGA in this endeavor



Members at Large (5 open Positions - Select up to 5)

Joanne Daane – Class of 2017
I became a Master Gardener because of my grandfather. He was a true gardener and I used to follow him around as he tended to his favorite Roses, Daffodils and vegetables. I first became a MG in Arizona, but when I moved to Oregon, another whole world of different vegetation opened up to me. I was eager to learn about the Native plants and how to care for them so ultimately became a Oregon Master Gardener. Over the years, I have held a varietyof volunteer positions- Practicum Mentor, Marketing & Comm. WG member, volunteered at Oak Grove School Garden, the Wildflower and Rose Demo Gardens, SGF and after sales, as well as WDSG. My variety of experiences and years here have allowed me to meet and interact with many of our MG’s and I truly believe this will allow me to be of help to the Board as a Member at Large.

Connie Lyssand - Class of 2023
I am a 2023 Master Gardener graduate. I have had the opportunity to be a Garden Bud for the 2024 class as well as a Practicum Mentor trainee. I have enjoyed my last two years and want to continue to support the program.

Tami Cisneros - Class of 2014
Hi Master Gardeners it’s Tami from Class 2014 (after a brief move to So. Cal., I returned in 2023). I am applying for the Member at Large position; it is a great opportunity for me to learn the inner workings of the board. From 2016- 2019 I served on the Steering Committee for Orange County Calif. MG’s. I enjoyed participating and learned immensely about their Master Gardener Program.

Jory Kaplan - Class of 2023
My daughter and I took the MG Program in 2023. I am a semi-retired surgeon who worked almost non-stop for 40 years. Now that I’ve stepped back somewhat and have more free time, I’d like to give back to my community in ways that interest me. Last year I was a practicum mentor with Sherri, and I have signed up again this year. I still travel a lot, but I feel that I may have things to contribute to an advisory board.

Mary Schrouder - Class of 2024
Thank you very much for considering me for Member at Large position with JCMGA, I am very honored. Perhaps some aspect of my background would align with your future goals. I am a retired Educational Consultant, retired member of the Oregon State Bar, hardworking and forever learning gardener, lifelong musician, avid historian and burgeoning writer (completed my family Memoir, Cultivate Your Garden and beginning Rear-view Look at the Women’s Movement 1950-Present…Girlfriends’ Conversations and Reflections). One reason I have applied for the board position is that I am particularly interested in identifying diverse and sustainable ways to increase membership for JCMGA.

Cathy Millbank - Class 2024
I have lived in Medford, OR for 70 years. I am a former elementary teacher. I loved learning about, growing, and caring for plants. I would enjoy keeping the program going.

Rebecca Cohn- Class 2017
I am running to be on the JCMGA Board because of my personal commitment to sustainable food production. My husband and I have 10-acre farm in Talent where I have a large permaculture garden that has been certified as a pollinator garden. I believe it is important to educate people in the benefits and importance of gardening and food production. I have been very active with the Friends of the Animal Shelter on the Board of Directors for many years and can share my expertise. Previously, I was in the US Foreign Service and spent many years overseas. I look forward to making a contribution to the community.

Kaleen Reilly - Class of 2023
Master Gardener. I have been a Practicum Mentor in 2024 and is the GEM (Garden Education Mentor) for the Entry Demonstration Garden. I also volunteer on the Native Nursery Team, working in the Native Nursery. As the Chair of the Clothing Committee, I enjoyed working with the 2024 Class members to bring Master Gardener clothing items and the new Friends of JCMGA shirts to everyone. I have also served half a year on the JCMGA Board as a Member at Large and would like to continue learning and contributing.

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