Yakima County Master Gardeners Foundation Meeting

President Richard Russell called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. There were 42 persons present.

Richard reviewed the agenda and drew attendees’ attention to table grapes that Claudia Steen brought from her garden for members to take home.

A motion to approve Minutes of the June meeting was made by Beatrice Reiss and seconded by Dan Fortier. Motion approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

Foundation Treasurer Gilbert Plascencia distributed copies of the report for June, July and August, as the Foundation did not meet in July and August.

He noted that the cost of replacing sheeting on the large greenhouse was $11,000. The Answer Clinic used all the funds allocated to them for updates in the Clinic for new furniture and storage. All of the $1,000 in money allocated for AEC scholarships was distributed. It was also noted that scholarship money allocated for new interns was used.

Beatrice Reiss asked for an explanation of how the new state Business & Operation Tax will aTect Master Gardeners. Any live presentations for which MG charge are subject to the retail sales taxes and business & occupation (B&O) tax as of October 1. This will be in eTect for the October 25 Master Gardener Fall Symposium. The plant sale is exempt because it is a fund-raiser for operation of the Foundation .

Motion to approve Treasurer Report made by Debra Kroon and seconded by Sally May. The motion was approved.

Plant Sale report:

Reggie Sanderson said those interested in the plant sale would meet after the Foundation and Program meetings conclude.

Greenhouse report:

Camille Smith said the Greenhouse is open, but it is too hot to do any work inside at this time. She has found a source for thermal-formed 4-inch pots priced at a third of what she has paid before. She will order from Oregon Bag Company. There will be no plants coming

in February, but the Basket Team will begin preparatory work Feb. 2. Camille said postponing use of the greenhouse will help keep the cost of natural gas heating down.

New Business

TomatoFest: CarolBaranyannouncedtheTomatoFestisSept24.Shewillmakemeatball subs with tomato sauce, and attendees can bring food for a potluck. Interns are invited. Beatrice Reiss and Gini Obert will help setting up the tomato contest entries.

“We Grew Lunch”: Diana Pieti announced “We Grew Lunch” is Oct. 8.

WSUMG PROGRAM-MGFYC MOA: Rick Russell

Rick asked for volunteers to work on incorporating by-laws for the WSUMG PROGRAM- MGFYC MOA (Washington State University Master Gardener Program-Master Gardener Foundation of Yakima County Memorandum of Agreement). WSU is working to make MOAs with each county Master Gardener foundation in agreement with the state.

Fair Booth: Ken Tolonen said the fair opens at noon Friday. The booth is almost complete. Three persons from the Yakama Nation helped with set-up. There are new photos from all four gardens as part of the display.

Old Business

Advanced Education Conference: John Strong reported that the state Advanced Education Conference begins Sept, 26 and continues on Sept. 27. It is an on-line conference and the Friday morning portion includes a state awards ceremony, followed by keynote speaker Larry Weaner, founder of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates in Pennsylvania.. There will be a Watch party on Friday, at the Extension OTice, which includes a potluck lunch. There are 40 diTerent recorded sessions which can be accessed through February by those who have registered. For more information go to MGlearns.org.

Symposium: John Strong also described the Yakima County Master Gardeners’ Fall Symposium, entitled “Year-Round Gardening “the Joy of Gardening through the Seasons.” The Symposium will be held Oct. 25 at the Pacific NW University, 2000 University Parkway, Yakima, from 9 am to 3 pm. The Symposium is open to the public as well as Master Gardeners. Cost is $60 per person.

The Foundation Meeting was concluded at 11:04 a.m. with 30 min. earned for Give Pulse.