For the Register By SHARON SIMMONS
The Cooke County Master Gardeners met Thursday, January 14 in the North Central Texas College Library Lyceum. Members present were Jan Russell, Gussie Utting, Betty Pyle, Sharon Simmons, Joann Smith, Shirley Weems, Becky Brandon, Sharon Wolek, Becky Chism, Wayne Becker, Honey Easter and guest, Maxine Scheuer.
The 2010 officers were introduced. They are Honey Easter, President; Jan Russell, Vice President; Sharon Simmons, Secretary; and Sharon Wolek, Treasurer.
Honey, club president, opened the meeting. The minutes from the November meeting were read by secretary, Sharon Simmons, and approved. The treasurer’s report was reviewed by Sharon Wolek and approved. Sharon asked for volunteers for an auditor committee for our account. Becky Chism and Betty Pyle will serve on this committee. Members present turned in their dues for 2010.
Shirley Weems, membership chair, reported that she had sent out 20 membership letters, ten friend letters and 13 letters to prospects for membership. The clubs’ total service hours were 45 and training hours were 45 for December 2009. The totals for 2009 were 302 training hours (classes/workshops/events) and 579 service hours (community service projects) volunteered by club members.
Honey led in the review of the 2010 calendar and suggestions for possible speakers were discussed. Sharon Wolek made the motion that we have the fall festival in 2010. The members approved and the dates of September 11 and October 2, 2010 were suggested. Sharon Simmons is to check on the availability of the NCTC Little Theater for the event.
Wayne Becker gave a report on the items required to update the annual charter agreement. Sharon Wolek volunteered to take care of the necessary paperwork. Wayne also shared events that we might want to attend in the area. He said a new publication entitled “Best of Texas Landscape Plant Materials Guide” was available for purchase and the club decided to purchase 21 copies that members can buy when received. Sharon Wolek will order these.
Gussie Utting reported on the Meals on Wheels facility project. The club has designated funds to do a garden project at this facility on Weaver Street beginning January 22.
The NCTC Horticulture scholarship was reviewed. The club donates a set amount each spring and fall semester for this scholarship.
The Rose Trial Garden project update was given by Sharon Wolek and she suggested we buy the edging needed for the area and install it soon. The City of Gainesville has agreed to maintain the area. Members voted to proceed with the purchase.
No further business, the meeting was adjourned. Refreshments were served by Becky Chisum. The next meeting will be February 11, 2010, 6 pm at the NCTC Library.
If anyone is interested in becoming a Master Gardener, please contact Wayne Becker, Cooke County Extension Agent, at 668-5412.
