Certified Master Gardeners are welcome to attend the MG Class of 2013 training classes.  Classes are held from 1-4:30 pm.  You will receive 3.0 hours of continuing education.  We will need advance notice to ensure enough seating space.  You can register on-line for training classes at - http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9961

If you have questions about classes, feel free to contact Carole Rowland, crlrowland5@gmail.com

You can also view training class presentations on-line at:

https://ucanr.edu/collaborate/filemanage.cfm?cluster=5428

Sorry, we don’t award continuing education hours for reviewing slides.

What’s on the calendar? 

1/26   Mastering YourHomeGardenWorkshop

2/2    Build a Bee Condo

Got Questions?  Contact Charleen Siegler – fauxnombre1@msn.com

Potting Shed Update: 

Potting Shed needs one gallon size containers.  You may contact Kathleen Diermier directly at webee1@gmail.com to schedule a time to drop-off containers.     

Clerical Support Needed:

Are you interested in supporting clerical type tasks?  If so, we will offer a clerical orientation on Wednesday January 30 from 9am to 10am.  Please contact Velma Womack at womackvellie@aol.com if you plan to attend.  The session will be held in the UCCE office library.  Let her know in advance if you plan to join us.  

Tick Toc!  Tick Toc!  Your volunteer hours need to be updated by January 18^th.  It would be very helpful if you could also update your profile and interests to accurately reflect your true passion.  Need help to post hours?  Email Heather Johnson at dirttdiva@gmail.com     

Volunteer Opportunities:

The Ventura County Master Gardener Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Committee has formulated a plan to place brochures at key locations in Ventura County.  Since 2010, a small but mighty group of Master Gardeners have distributed more than 6,500 information flyers about the threat of ACP.  Linda Haque, MG ACP Committee Lead has actively participated in statewide and local meetings focused on the threat of ACP.  She is recognized for her outstanding work to address this serious problem facing the citrus industry in California.  The team includes Master Gardeners Arlene Pinkerton, Joan Stuart, Charlotte Kalenack, and Kim Herren.  Master Gardeners are needed to deliver brochures and holders to assigned sites and replenish brochures from January 28 to July 15, 2013. 

In January 2013, Master Gardeners assisting with this effort will receive a list of locations in their local community, “Save Citrus” brochures, and brochure holders by mail.  The ACP Committee members will make contact with locations prior to your delivery date.  If you are willing to support this project, contact Linda Haquedirectly at lhaque@earthlink.net to let her know you plan to join this important effort.   

Upcoming Events & Activities:

Mastering Your Home Garden Workshop is scheduled on Saturday January 26, 2013 from 8:15 am to noon.  Sessions offered are Pruning Dormant Fruit Trees & Selection and Care of Garden Tools.  If you decide to register online, you will be asked to pay $30.00 with your debit or credit card.  We no longer accepted cash or checks from the general public for these workshops.  Master Gardeners are asked to pay $10.00 to attend workshops.  You can download the workshop registration form from the website.  Send completed form along with your check for $10.00 made payable to “UC Regents”.  If possible, please register and pay prior to the workshop. 

Advanced Integrated Pest Management Hands-on Training:

• Saturday February 23, 2013 at the Hansen Agricultural Center in Santa Paulafrom 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the small barn.  Register at:   http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9614
• Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the GoebelCenterin Thousand Oaksfrom 9:30 to 11:30 am in the Sage Room.  Register at: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=9613 

Topics to be covered

Certified Master Gardeners receive two hours of Continuing Education for attending these sessions.  Trainees receive two hours of volunteer service.    

GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

• VC Certified Master Gardeners are allocated eighteen months to complete 37 volunteer hours and 18 hours of continuing education.  Why 37 and 18?  Certified Master Gardeners are required to complete 25 hours of volunteer service and 12 hours of continuing education in twelve months.  Due to the additional six months, we have calculated required hours based on an eighteen month period, not twelve.  When you recertify in June 2013; we will count your volunteer and continuing education hours posted from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.  Your posted hours will need to total 37 volunteer hours and 18 continuing education hours.     

Typically recertification information is sent in January.  In April 2013, you will receive your recertification information to accommodate the new fiscal year calendar.  In subsequent years, the recertification period will be from July 1^st to June 30. 

Class of 2012 Graduates: 

• From January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013, your posted hours will need to total 12.5 volunteer hours and 6.0 hours of continuing education hours.         
• From July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014, your posted hours will need to total 25 volunteer hours and 12 continuing education hours. 
• In subsequent years, your certification period will be from July 1 to June 30.  

Thank you for all you do to support the Master Gardener Program!!!