- 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.
/span>