- Author: Leah J. Haynes
Greetings,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I reflect on the many blessings I enjoy in my life, including family (especially my three grandsons, one granddaughter and two children), husband, and friends that I value immensely. I also count among my blessings all those who volunteer in the Ventura County MGP, who make a difference in lives every day, including mine. The University could not accomplish its mission and goals without you, and County residents benefit daily from the many services that you provide. I enjoy working with you so much. Thank you for participating in our program, and being a part of the UC community in Ventura County.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
MG Program Coordinator Information: I will be on vacation from Wednesday November 27 and plan to return to work on Monday December 9. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the MGP, contact Executive Committee Co-Chairs Joanne Abing at mrsja@roadrunner.com or Bill Dobner, billdobner@yahoo.com.
Message from Chris Smith, Director of UC Cooperative Extension Ventura County and Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center The Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC) at the Faulkner Farm is proud to announce that they will be engaging in additional research and agricultural education projects beginning in 2014.
They are expanding AG educational offerings, including new partnerships with the Ventura Unified School District/Food Corps program, a UCANR sustainable food systems initiative, the Abundant Table program, Master Gardener projects, county-wide academic-year school field trips (4H youth programs), all requiring additional garden/field acreage; and long-term research projects, which have in the past been postponed in deference to short-term community activities, will finally be implemented. These new and current on-going activities are part of our long-standing mission to service and support agricultural research and agricultural education benefiting all in Ventura County.
This is the mission defined by Thelma Hansen Endowment, which continues to support the HAREC, and aligns with the goals and objectives of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Cooperative Extension, and Research Extension Centers, which also supports the HAREC.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: “I TRIED FIVE at FIVE VENUES.” I am challenging every Ventura County Master Gardener to venture outside their comfort zone by trying FIVE program activities, approved sites, or events in which they have not yet participated. By chance, every Master Gardener is required to track 25 hours of community service each year to retain his/her certification in the MGP. The “I TRIED FIVE at FIVE VENUES” is a great way for Master Gardeners to accomplish the community service requirement of 25 hours. Try the Five at Five Venues in 2014! “I TRIED FIVE at FIVE VENUES” program provides you with an opportunity to - o Discover a new gardening niche o Meet and get to know a new group of master gardeners o Learn a different skill o Add variety to your volunteer experience Let me know if you decide to participate in this challenge at ljhaynes@ucanr.edu
MASTER GARDENER TRAINING CLASS OF 2014:
Interested in attending training classes, register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11298
The line-up of classes is great and I am sure you will benefit from a refresher course. Certified MGs receive 3.5 hours of continuing education for each class attended.
Have you ordered your VC Master Gardener Calendar? If not, now is the TIME, they make great gifts for family and friends. Calendars cost $10 each if you pick them up from the UCCE office. If you prefer we ship your calendar, the price is $13.00 including tax and shipping costs. Prices vary depending on the number ordered. Order calendars at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11730
Tree Care 101 Workshops! Dr. Jim Downer has wanted to offer a series of Tree Care 101 workshop for residents living in Ventura County. Master Gardener John Fluharty an arborist and 2013 graduate will team-up with Dr. Downer to facilitate the Tree Care 101 sessions.
The workshops are scheduled in Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, and Camarillo. General public registration fee is $30 and MGs will pay a reduce rate of $10.00.
Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11762
Master Gardener Program (MGP) Executive Committee Chairs & Co-Chairs:
(Executive Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday)
Co-Chair - Joanne Abing - mrsja@roadrunner.com
Co-Chair - Bill Dobner - billdobner@yahoo.com
Education Chair: (meets every two months on a Tuesday)
Julian Hoyle - jmrhoyle@verizon.net
Communication Chair: (meets on the 4th Monday)
Pam Grossman - pamgrossman@outlook.com
Special Projects & Events Co-Chairs: (meets on the 2nd Tuesday)
Pattie Handfinger - patriciahandfinger@gmail.com
Carolyn Willard - gardener4313@yahoo.com
Membership Co-Chairs:
Sheila Tate - sheilat8@aol.com
Velma Womack - womackvellie@aol.com
We are excited and pleased to have such a great group of volunteers to lead the work of the MGP. The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday January 9, 2014 in the UCCE office.
The MG Executive Committee is open to all Master Gardeners. If you are interested in joining one or more of these committees, feel free to contact the chairs or co-chairs directly.
COME JOIN US FOR MG APPROVED SITE VISITS: Each year we invite the incoming class of new Trainees as well as Certified MGs to make site visits. Certified MGs receive 2.0 hours of continuing education and 2014 MG Trainees can track 2.0 volunteer hours for time spent visiting these sites. Here are the dates, times, and links to register.
Camarillo Ranch House & Gardens - December 4 @ 9:30am
Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9324
CA Veterans Residential Home & Garden December 6 @ 9:30 am
Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6854
Garden at the Goebel Center December 11 @ 9:30 am
Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9327
MG Approved Site Leads & Locations –
o Camarillo Ranch House (Wednesday)
Chuck Andrews – chucknsusan@roadrunner.com
o Channel Island Marine Center & Native Garden (Thursday)
Kelly Green – mrsgreenjeans360@gmail.com
Norma Hogan – n-hogan@usa.net
o Conejo Botanic Gardens (Various days)
Bill Dobner – billdobner@yahoo.com
o Earths Academy School (Tuesday)
Steve Schwaiger – ashrammastergardener@yahoo.com
Cathy Lewis – clewis@conejo.k12.ca.us
o Goebel Center (Wednesday & Thursday)
Patti Handfinger – patriciahandfinger@gmail.com
Candis Hong - clch19@aol.com
Barbara Morse – morseb@mac.com
Tony Hepton – heptonpac@aol.com
Ruth Lee - ruthrob55@msn.com
o Hansen Agricultural Center (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)
Tuesday, Potting Shed • Kathleen Diermier – kdmc255@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, Gardens • Susan Carter – scarter7272@yahoo.com
Thursday, Gardens • Judy Ascheman – jascheman2@msn.com
o Arc Enrichment Center, Garden, and Greenhouse in Ojai (Weds)
Charles Duncan – charlesbd@hotmail.com
Lee Rosenboom – ltrosen1@verizon.net
Pat Allen – patallen8@comcast.net
Simone Patterson - citrusbaroness@me.com
o Ormond Beach Wetlands (Various days)
Nancy Pedersen – oxnardbutterfly@aol.com
o Ventura Veterans Center & Garden (Various days)
Barbara Hill – qbarbhill@aol.com
Roanna Prell - roanna.prell@gmail.com
Thank you for all you do to support the Master Gardener Program.
- Author: Leah J. Haynes
Greetings,
The 2014 Master Gardener Training classes started on Thursday November 7 and will conclude mid-April. The Education Committee and Chair Julian Hoyle were on-hand to greet and meet class trainees. Trainees received their MG textbook, a large three-ring notebook for their class presentations and program materials. This year trainees paid class fees on-line and were encouraged to complete fingerprinting requirement prior to the first day. All trainees also had their pictures taken which will become a part of their MG profile.
We accepted 39 individuals and here is the breakdown of trainees by cites.
• Camarillo – 7 trainees
• Moorpark/Simi Valley – 4 trainees
• Ojai/Oakview – 9 trainees
• Oxnard – 5 trainees
• Santa Paula – 3 trainees
• Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park/Westlake Village – 7 trainees
• Ventura – 4 trainees
Special thanks to Diane Bertoy, Carol Saltzman, Maryellen Benedetto, Susan Sundell, Judy Ascheman and Joanne Abing for attending the first class, and helping welcome the new trainees. Thanks also to Ron Lindsay who took all the new trainees photographs.
MASTER GARDENER TRAINING CLASS OF 2014:
Interested in attending training classes, register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11298
The line-up of classes is great and I am sure you will benefit from a refresher course. We also have a couple of “new” classes. Certified Master Gardeners receive 3.5 hours of continuing education for each class attended.
On Saturday November 9, the Special Projects and Events Committee members hosted another successful workshop and fifty-three home gardeners participated.
We had to turn away twelve home gardeners. Master Gardeners Janet Foy and Nancy Lindsay presented information about “Creating Gifts from the Garden.” Then Janet taught the group how to “Make a Succulent Wreath.” Everyone in attendance mentioned enjoying the day. The potting shed had a fabulous 50% off sale and we sold nearly $400 in plants.
Special thanks to Melissa Kornblatt, Kathleen Diermier, Cindy Ray, Maxine Martin, Carol Piros, Ken Martin, Kim Herren, Carol Coltrin, Judy Andersen, Harry Lee, Sherrie Basham, Beryl Alfino, Diane Carter, Heather Johnson, Marita Reichert, Martie Meister, Jan Larsen, and Nancy Larsen.
Have you ordered your VC Master Gardener Calendar? If not, now is the TIME, they make great holiday gifts for family and friends. Calendars cost $10 each if you pick them up from the UCCE office. If you prefer we ship your calendar, no problem. The price for calendars shipped is $13.00 including tax and shipping costs. Prices vary depending on the number ordered.
Link to your calendars for mailing - http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11730
PUMPKIN PATCH UPDATE:
Special thanks to Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HAREC) Director Jose De Soto for his willingness to rotate weekend days with me. Jose coordinated the growing, picking and delivery of produce to the stand each weekend. He also had staff take plants from the potting shed on a trailer to the produce stand area. Money raised will support the Helpline desk and Hands-on programs. We raised $3618 dollars in the produce stand and plant sale areas.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Plant Giveaway Lead Tom Dase needs one-gallon size containers for plant materials. Please bring one-gallon size containers to the shade house next to the beautiful Greenhouse at the Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Leave gallon size containers on the table outside the shade house. If you have questions, contact Judy Ascheman at jascheman2@gmail.com
While in Davis attending the Volunteer Management Institute Conference: I learned about a “new” program that I would like to start in Ventura County. This program will enable volunteers to track at least 25 hours of volunteer service. I hope that this will enable us to retain more Master Gardeners in Ventura County.
The program is called - “I TRIED FIVE at FIVE VENUES.” I am challenging every Ventura County Master Gardener to venture outside their comfort zone by trying FIVE program activities, approved sites, or events in which they have not yet participated. Let me know if you decide to participate in this challenge at ljhaynes@ucanr.edu
“I Tried FIVE at FIVE VENUES” program provides VCMG with an opportunity to -
- Discover a new gardening niche o Meet and get to know a new group of master gardeners
- Learn a different skill
- Serve a new population
- Add variety to your volunteer experience
If you are thinking of participating in the “I TRIED FIVE at FIVE VENUES” be sure to let me know.
COME JOIN US FOR MG APPROVED SITE VISITS:
Each year we invite the incoming class of new Trainees as well as Certified MGs to make site visits to approved sites to view activities and to hear about their hands-on program. Visit as many sites as you would like. Certified MGs receive 2.0 hours of continuing education and 2014 MG Trainees may track 2.0 volunteer hours for time spent visiting these sites.
Remember to wear your Master Gardener badge.
Here are the dates, times, and links to register.
CA State University of Channel Island on November 13, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11351
Hansen Agricultural Research & Extension Center on November 14, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11352
Arc Ventura County Enrichment Center of Ojai on November 20, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9322
Channel Island National Park and Garden on November 21, 9:30 to 11:30am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11355
Camarillo Ranch House & Gardens on December 4, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9324
CA Veterans Residential Home & Garden on December 6, 9:30 - 11:30 am
Link to register at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6854
True Color Learning Center and Garden at the Goebel Center on December 11, 9:30 to 11:30 am
Link to register at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9327
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: We always need help in the gardens of approved sites. Often, you will have an opportunity to participate in an educational session while volunteering in the gardens. Every moment is seen as a teachable moment. Come with your gardening questions and learn from the leads while supporting the work we do. Hope to see you in the GARDEN!
MG Approved Site Leads & Locations –
Camarillo Ranch House (Wednesday)
Chuck Andrews – chucknsusan@roadrunner.com
Channel Island Marine Center & Native Garden (Thursday)
Kelly Green – mrsgreenjeans360@gmail.com
Norma Hogan – n-hogan@usa.net
Conejo Botanic Gardens (Various days)
Bill Dobner – billdobner@yahoo.com
Earths Academy School (Tuesday)
Steve Schwaiger – ashrammastergardener@yahoo.com
Cathy Lewis – clewis@conejo.k12.ca.us
Goebel Center (Wednesday & Thursday)
Patti Handfinger – patriciahandfinger@gmail.com
Candis Hong - clch19@aol.com
Barbara Morse – morseb@mac.com
Tony Hepton – heptonpac@aol.com
Ruth Lee - ruthrob55@msn.com
Hansen Agricultural Center (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)
Tuesday, Potting Shed • Kathleen Diermier – kdmc255@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, Gardens • Susan Carter – scarter7272@yahoo.com
Thursday, Gardens • Judy Ascheman – jascheman2@msn.com
Arc Enrichment Center, Garden, and Greenhouse in Ojai (Weds)
Charles Duncan – charlesbd@hotmail.com
Lee Rosenboom – ltrosen1@verizon.net
Pat Allen – patallen8@comcast.net
Simone Patterson - citrusbaroness@me.com
Ormond Beach Wetlands (Various days)
Nancy Pedersen – oxnardbutterfly@aol.com
Ventura Veterans Center & Garden (Various days)
Barbara Hill – qbarbhill@aol.com
Roanna Prell - roanna.prell@gmail.com
Thank you for all you do to support the Master Gardener Program!
- Author: Leah J. Haynes
Master Gardener Program Update – October 27, 2013
Greetings, I will be on vacation from Monday October 28 through Tuesday November 5. If you need assistance or have questions about the Master Gardener program, contact Executive Committee Co-Chairs Joanne Abing or Bill Dobner. Education Committee Chair Julian Hoyle can answer questions related to the Class of 2014.
Master Gardener Statewide Report: MG Statewide Program Advisor Missy Gable reported that we have 5,404 MGs’ in California and the group tracks more than 348,134 service hours, an average of 64.6 hours per volunteer annually. According to the National Association of Volunteers, the California MGs’ service hours are valued at more than 8.6 million dollars. There are 50 counties represented in the number of volunteer and service hours. In Ventura County, we reported 21,341 volunteer hours and 184 Certified Master Gardeners. We average 115 hours per Master Gardener annually.
Master Gardener Rodney Hernandez passed away on Wednesday October 23, 2013. During Rodney’s interview for the Master Gardener program, he mentioned that becoming a Master Gardener had been a lifelong dream. I am so glad we played a part in making his dream come true. Rodney enjoyed working with volunteers and loved talking about gardening. You could find Rodney supporting the Education Committee, working at the Helpline Desk, and taking shifts in the produce stand at the Pumpkin Patch. Until his health started to fail, he was an active Master Gardener. In the featured picture of Rodney on the STAR Newspaper website, he was wearing his Master Gardener name badge. He valued his role as Master Gardener and wore his badge with pride.
Rodney had a long history of community service and worked hard to provide affordable housing for farm workers. His work spanned three decades of connecting disadvantaged, low-income individuals with safe housing. The family has asked that well-wishers make donations in his name to the Rodney Fernandez Community Building Fund at CEDC.
PUMPKIN PATCH UPDATE: We sold more than 500 pounds of produce, numerous plants, and several MG calendars. Thanks to each of you, we were able to staff eighty-six volunteer shifts. The Pumpkin Patch Leads supported volunteers and the cashier for this month long fundraiser. Special thanks to HAREC Director Jose De Soto for his willingness to support the Master Gardener program by rotating the weekend days with me. Jose coordinated the growing, picking and delivery of produce to the stand each weekend. Money raised will support approved sites and hands-on programs. We raised more than $3500 dollars.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Plant Giveaway Lead Tom Dase needs one-gallon size containers for plant materials. Please bring one-gallon size containers to the shade house next to the beautiful Greenhouse at the Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Leave gallon size containers on the table outside the shade house. If you have questions, contact Judy Ascheman at jascheman2@gmail.com
CLASS OF 2014: The Ventura County is the only one in California that does not give its Master Gardener trainees a “take-home” exam at the end of the course, so when the Education Committee met this week, they started working on a “take-home” final exam for the Class of 2014. Trainees will have one week to complete the exam. MASTER GARDENER
TRAINING CLASS OF 2014: Interested in attending training classes, register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11298 The line-up of classes is great and I am sure you will benefit from a refresher course. We also have a couple of “new” classes. Certified Master Gardeners receive 3.5 hours of continuing education for each class attended.
COME JOIN US FOR MG APPROVED SITE VISITS: Each year we invite the Class of 2014 Trainees and Certified MGs to make site visits to approved sites to view activities and to hear about their hands-on program. Visit as many sites as you would like. Certified MGs receive 2.0 hours of continuing education and 2014 MG Trainees may track volunteer hours for time spent visiting sites. Remember to wear your Master Gardener badge. We will provide temporary name badges for the 2014 MG Trainees.
Here are the dates, times, and links to register.
CA State University of Channel Island on November 13, 9:30 am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11351
Hansen Agricultural Research & Extension Center on November 14 9:30 am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11352
Arc Ventura County Enrichment Center of Ojai on November 20 9:30 am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9322
Channel Island National Park and Garden on November 21 9:30am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11355
Camarillo Ranch House & Gardens on December 4 9:30am
Link to register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9324
CA Veterans Residential Home & Garden on December 6 9:30 am
Link to register at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6854
True Color Learning Center and Garden at the Goebel Center on December 11 9:30 am
Link to register at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9327
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES:
Saturday November 2: Rose Pruning 101 at Elegant Gardens Nursery located at 2046 Tierra Rejada, Moorpark from 9:00 to 11a.m. Master Gardener Barbara Morse will demonstrate and teach the basics of rose pruning. Certified MGs receive 2.0 hours of CE. Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11048
Saturday November 9: Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop at the Hansen Agricultural Center from 8:15am to noon. Topic to be covered is Gifts from the Garden and Create a Sucullent Wreath taught by Master Gardener Janet Foy. Cost for MGs is $10.00. Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=11069
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: We always need help in the gardens of approved sites. Often, you will have an opportunity to participate in an educational session while volunteering in the gardens. Every moment is seen as a teachable moment. Come with your gardening questions and learn from the leads while supporting the work we do. Hope to see you in the GARDEN!
MG Approved Site Leads & Locations –
Camarillo Ranch House (Wednesday)
Chuck Andrews, chucknsusan@roadrunner.com
Channel Island Marine Center & Native Garden (Thursday)
Kelly Green, mrsgreenjeans360@gmail.com
Norma Hogan – n-hogan@usa.net
Conejo Botanic Gardens (Various days)
Bill Dobner – billdobner@yahoo.com
Earths Academy School (Tuesday)
Steve Schwaiger – ashrammastergardener@yahoo.com
Cathy Lewis – clewis@conejo.k12.ca.us
Goebel Center (Wednesday & Thursday)
Patti Handfinger – patriciahandfinger@gmail.com
Candis Hong - clch19@aol.com
Barbara Morse – morseb@mac.com
Tony Hepton – heptonpac@aol.com
Ruth Lee - ruthrob55@msn.com
Hansen Agricultural Center (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)
Tuesday, Potting Shed Kathleen Diermier – kdmc255@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, Gardens Susan Carter – scarter7272@yahoo.com
Thursday, Gardens Judy Ascheman – jascheman2@msn.com
Arc Enrichment Center, Garden, and Greenhouse in Ojai (Weds)
Charles Duncan – charlesbd@hotmail.com
Lee Rosenboom – ltrosen1@verizon.net
Pat Allen – patallen8@comcast.net
Simone Patterson - citrusbaroness@me.com
Ormond Beach Wetlands (Various days)
Nancy Pedersen – oxnardbutterfly@aol.com
Ventura Veterans Center & Garden (Various days)
Barbara Hill – qbarbhill@aol.com
Roanna Prell - roanna.prell@gmail.com
Thank you for all you do to support the Master Gardener Program
