March 20, 2025 Yakima County Master Gardeners Foundation/Program Minutes
President Dan Fortier brought the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
Approval of January 2025 Meeting Minutes – Lucille Meyers motioned to approve. Seconded by Beatrice Reiss. Minutes approved.
Treasurer Report by Gilbert Plascencia.
The statement of Monthly Financial Reports – February 2025 and January 2025 was distributed to the members in attendance and posted to the website. At this meeting, Gilbert advised that
- •Cash available – $8,000.
- •Transfer of funds- $15,000 from Edward Jones account to cover plant sale expense.
- •February Utility Bill -.$4400. (December and January saw a cost increase.)
- •Investments saw a slight dip.
- •YCMG Investment Committee meets in April.
Approval of Treasurer Report – Motion made by Sheila Gunderson. Seconded by Marjorie Conzatti. Approved.
Greenhouse Report by Camille Smith.
•The plants look good, operations are good, and the heat tables are working well.
•Annuals move their plants to the big greenhouse next week.
•There is concern about the cost of the soil product from Canada due to a 25% tariff. Camille is in the process of seeking a good and affordable soil product.
Advanced Education Conference reported by John Strong.
•AEC will occur the last weekend of September 2025 on Friday and Saturday, 09/27 and 09/28.
•Conference starts with the State Foundation Board Meeting. All MGs are invited.
•Keynote follows.
•Regional events – “social events” are planned. There are plans to host a Yakima event with a brown bag lunch.
•Participants will be able to view AEC presentations individually.
•Registration opens June 1.
•Early Bird Registration runs the first month or so.
Update on YCMG License Plate Frames through Engravings Unlimited by Patty Dion.
•3 MGs are on the current order list.
•MGs can opt for WSU Master Gardener or Yakima Master Gardener on the license plate frame.
Old Business
•Sheila Gunderson and Beatrice Reiss have been working on officer nominations for the upcoming election in April.
•Currently, candidates are as follows:
President – Richard Russell
Vice President – Dick Larson
Treasurer – Gilbert Plascencia
Secretary – Carrie Chicken
At-Large – Beatrice Reiss (Second year)
At-Large – Steve Kuhn
Past President – Dan Fortier
•Nominations will be published in Weekly Events with election of officers on 04/16/25.
•President Dan Fortier thanked the Nominating Committee for doing a good job.
Contracted Bookkeeper reported by Gilbert Plascencia.
•Description for a contracted bookkeeper was previously made available to YCMGs.
•Motion made that if needed by the Treasurer, said Treasurer, may seek the assistance of an outside bookeeper. Motion made by John Strong. Seconded by Gini Obert.
Approved.
Achievement Pins.
•Debra Kroon reported that 100 achiement pins from previous years are not collected by MGs. If a MG has not received their achievement pin from a past year then contact Debra.
The Foundation portion of the meeting was adjourned at 10:47 a.m.
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Program Coordinator Patty Ratzlaff began the Program Meeting at 10:48 a.m.
Awards Banquet certificates and longevity pins are available for members who were not in attendance.
If gift aprons or vests received at the Awards Banquet are ill fitting, MGs should sign up for a replacement as a followup order is being made. The aprons come in mid- length and full-length.
Badges – Some MGs have requested a new name badge. Signup.
Demonstration Garden 20th Anniversary Party Update reported by Diana Pieti.
• The date is JUNE 21 changed from June 14.
•Suzann McFeat shopped for and decorated hats for the party. If you volunteer that day, you will have a hat to wear. Bring your own or wear one of the DG hats.
•Others are helping with the hat project, Patty Dion has been gathering flowers for the hats, Sue Carstetter and Paulien Hallett are decorating hats for the party.
May 13 Swap Meet at NOON at the Demonstration Garden reported by Diana Pieti.
•Patty Dion and Diana Pieti will host a swap at DG to include plants, seeds, garden tools, garden art.
• Simple rule, bring an item and choose an item.
•Location in the park area across from the Demonstration Garden.
Garden Classes:
Bookmarks are printed that includes all 3 garden classes, Demonstration Garden, West Valley Food Garden, and Heirloom Garden. The lineup of classes for all 3 gardens looks good. The first class coming up is at the Demonstration Garden on April 26, “Container Gardening” by Verdant Yakima Gardening Center.
Children’s Day Event:
Karen Troianello and Steve Kuhn are in charge. This year the event will be a part of the DG 20th Anniversary Party.
Directory:
•Kudos and thanks to Rhonda Gardinier.
•The directory can be picked up at the Clinic.
Activity Forms:
•To submit to Patty, take a photo of the form and email or text to Patty avoiding postage.
•The new form now includes “field day” option which is any outside activity. Example: Tour of the Demonstration Garden.
Trainee Classes:
•Inquiry made if Veteran MGs can attend the trainee classes. All Veterans can purchase the class series at a 50% discount and attend labs.
Sterling Background Checks:
•12 need completion.
Plant A Row Initiative reported by Sarah Judd.
•A national program that has been in existence for many years.
•YCMGs participated in the program for one year several years ago.
•Yakima Valley Foodbanks have been identified that can accept fresh produce.
•MGs are encouraged to plant extra in their own gardens for donation.
•John Strong advised that on the program website there is a self report for the number of pounds of produce donated and the name of the Foodbank recipient.
GIVEPULSE reported by Julie Hunziker.
•The many options in GivePulse can be confusing. The GPulseTeam will meet to work on clarifications.
•MG efforts in submitting their activities are appreciated by the team.
•Pay attention to date entries as errors are made there.
•Assuring GivePulse entries are up to date is important if a Labor & Industries situation arises.
Clinic reported by Andrea Altmayer.
•Volunteers are needed as Trainees will not be available.
Writers Guild/Speakers Bureau reported by Carol Barany.
•Many articles have been written.
•MGs are encouraged to write about their interests.
Claudia Steen advised that attending library presentations counts for CE. Garden classes also count for CE.
Demonstration Garden reported by Kelli Barton.
•DG had it’s Opening Day on March 19.
•Big changes are coming to the garden and big crews are needed in the garden to accomplish the work.
•Building new benches and tables is needed.
•Inquiry made if “friends of MGs” can particpate to help? Answer: MG sponsors the friend, completes the required form with a signed waiver.
•DG meets on Wednesdays until after the Plant Sale. Consideration is being given to making Wednesday the permanent day for DG.
West Valley Food Garden reported by Camille Smith.
•Workday is next weekend on Saturday, 03/29 at 9am.
•Water will be turned on the following weekend.
Selah Middle School reported by Gini Obert.
•School staff really like and appreciate the Clinic Box.
•Carol Barany presented a Kitchen Botany Class at the school on use of spices and baking.
•Andrea Altmayer and Marguerite Kirby presented a class on Propagation of House Plants.
Youth Team – Kelly Klingman submitted a report.
•Arborfest and Farmer’s Market need volunteers to sign up.
FACEBOOK-
•Kelly Klingman is leading this effort.
•Views are steadily increasing.
•13,000 views in January.
•31,000 views in February.
Upcoming Arboretum Garden Tour reported by Lucy Stevens who will be on the tour.
•Dates are Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June14.
Plant Sale Meeting to follow the conclusion of this Program Meeting.
Program Coordinator concluded this meeting at 11:43 a.m. 1 hour 15 minutes to be submitted to GivePulse.