VC Master Gardener Program Weekly Update – July 5, 2012

From the MG Program Coordinator:  Hope you had a nice 4th of July!  The rumor is true, I was sick for nearly ten days!  I'm back and feeling great.   I plan to work from home until Monday July 9, 2012.  If you need to reach me, call my cell, 320-4134 or send me an email, ljhaynes@ucdavis.edu 

I heard the Annual Volunteer Recognition Event was a night to remember filled with wonderful awards and delicious food.  Special Thanks to the Membership Committee – Joanne Abing, Sandy Fuller, Patti Handfinger, Velma Womack, Susanne Osgood and key volunteers who supported the festivities.   

Each year we recognized Master Gardeners with ten years or more of excellent volunteer service in a variety of areas.  I wanted to mention the names of Master Gardeners recognized at this year’s Volunteer Event –

• Chuck Andrews, Executive Committee Chair, Hands on Trainee Program Lead and volunteer efforts at the Camarillo Ranch House.
• Linda Bizzelle – Youth Programs and a variety of outreach efforts.  
• Julian Hoyle – Education Chair, Helpline Trainer, Member of the Speakers’ Bureau and a variety of outreach efforts.  
• Nancy Nasalroad – Special Projects and Events Programs and a variety of outreach efforts. 
• Janet Sklar – Hands on Rose Garden Program Lead, Helpline Trainer and a variety of outreach efforts.  

I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to each honoree for their outstanding service to the Master Gardener Program.  Thank you so much for all you DO!

Master Gardener Program elections were also held.  Here are the elected officers for the 2012-2013.  Please join me in congratulating them for their willingness to support the work of the Master Gardener Program.    

• Executive Committee Co-Chairs – Joanne Abing, Bill Dobner 
• Education Committee Co-Chairs – Cathy Allen, Kathryn Estomo, Carole Rowland and Barbara Wilsey 
• Special Projects & Events Committee Co-Chairs – Melissa Kornblatt and Carol Willard
• Communication Committee Chair – Carol Kurtz 
• Membership Committee Co-Chairs – Patti Handfinger and Velma Womack

More New Leadership in the Master Gardener Organization –

Kristine Weber a 2010 MG Graduate has resigned as the Speaker Bureau Chair.  She has taken on a fulltime position and her volunteering efforts are limited.  Kristine has done a great job as chair and I would like to thank her for her dedication to excellence. 

Michael Sompura-Wright a 2012 MG Trainee has agreed to become the next Speakers Bureau Scheduler as of July 2, 2012.  He actively volunteers at the Channel Island Marine Center and Native Garden.  Michael has exceptional computer skills and a willingness to support the organization in this capacity.   

Berta Hurley a 2012 MG Trainee has agreed to become the co-lead for the MG Potting Shed area located at the Hansen Agricultural Center.  Kathleen Diermier is also a co-lead and provides wonderful leadership in this area.  Now we have team of TWO!  Berta is a wonderful volunteer with a good knowledge of plantings.  She is very creative and extremely supportive.     

Thank you for your willingness to accepted positions of Leadership!  

Volunteer Opportunities:

Help youth find their spark in science, nutrition, and agriculture! The 4H Field Trip & Classroom Outreach programs expect to reach over 1900 youth in Fall 2012 and we need your help.  If you enjoy working with youth, ages 5-9, consider joining the dedicated group of education volunteers at the Hansen Agricultural Center.

Be ready to make an impact in the lives of young children by attending a fun and hands-on workshop.  4H Field Trip/Classroom Outreach NEW Volunteer Training - Thursday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 1pm. (includes snacks and lunch) This workshop is designed to orient new volunteers and to share engaging lessons and activities used in these two programs. 

For questions or to register for training contact Susana Bruzzone-Miller at sbmiller@ucdavis.edu or 805-525-9293 ext. 214

Need Clerical Support: Are you interested in helping a small but mighty group of volunteers completing clerical type tasks in the UCCE office on Wednesday July 11th and July 18th from 9am until noon.  If so, contact Velma Womack Membership Committee Co-Chair, womackvellie@aol.com to let her know you plan to join us.  Hope to see you there!

Goebel Center Dedication Ceremony video available for viewing on You Tube – The City of Thousand Oaks developed this video for public viewing http://www.youtube.com/watchv=2tjAE09olxQ&feature=endscreen&NR=1

UC Volunteer Review:

Your Name Badges – Volunteers must wear their name badges.  It is important to wear your badges to meetings, when volunteering at approved sites, and representing the organization in the community.  If you need a new badge, let me know.  I can also make a temporary badge for you while you wait for your permanent badge. If you recently ordered a badge, your new badge will be sent to you on 7/9/2012.  

Parking at the Hansen Agricultural Center (HAC) – Volunteers should use the Briggs Road parking lot unless they are unloading materials.  The gate entrance on Telegraph Road is used for making deliveries only.  If you are delivering materials, use the Telegraph Road gate, unload your materials, and then move your vehicle to the Briggs Road parking lot.  If you’re attending committee meetings, educational classes/workshops or volunteering at HAC, you should use the parking lot located on Briggs Road.   

Meetings held at Hansen Agricultural Center:  If you plan to meet in the small or large barn, the farmhouse, or in any pole shed, you must reserve space and complete the meeting room form prior to your meeting.  Site Coordinator Louise Rangel at the Hansen Agricultural Center is able to help with reserving meeting space.  Please contact her directly to reserve space and include me on your email message.  Louise can be reached by email at lfangel@ucdavis.edu.  Here is the link to the reservation form and let me know if you need help to complete the form.  http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/workgroups/5428/Reserving_Meeting_Space.doc

Goebel Speakers’ Series in TO – 4th Saturday from 6/23 to 9/22/2012 Goebel Senior Center - 1385 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA – Register online MG Lead is Peggy Ellis – getpellis@yahoo.com • Orchids – Saturday, July 28th  • Sustainable Garden – Saturday, August 28th • Wildlife Birds, Butterfly Garden – Saturday, September 22nd    ******************************************************** Don’t forget the Ventura County Fair is just around the corner!  The Special Projects and Events Committee is working diligently to create an award winning display and information booth.  If you want to support this effort, please email any of the following committee members today. 

Melissa Kornblatt - melissakornblatt@gmail.com ; Carol Willard - gardener4313@yahoo.com ; Nancy Nasalroad - n.nazrd@live.com ;Carol Piros - carolgrows@verizon.net and Charleen Siegler -  fauxnombre1@msn.com

Thank you for your support!