- 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!
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