1/15/25
Prepared by Laurel Watt (2025 RCMG Secretary)
Summary for the January RCMG Board of Directors Meeting
The RCMG Board of Directors Meeting was held on January 14, 2025 on Zoom. The next Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Committee Updates
Plant Sale Committee Update – Cheryl Brady & Molly O'Rourke
No report.
Communications Committee Update – Stacy Sola & Nanette Boudreau
The RCMG website is being revised. The Flickr account has almost 6000 photos! Classes continue to be posted on Social Media and the website. The committee continues to be involved in updates and publicity for the 2025 Plant Sale.
Education Committee Update – Gene Ranieri & Sue Mason
Our January member meeting will feature a presentation on soil health by Natalie Hoidal from UMN Extension. Speakers for the next three months are also scheduled. Be sure to attend the meeting on January 21st via Zoom.
Finance Committee Update – Laura Savin
No report.
Membership Committee Update – Tiffa Foster & Susie DeShon
The committee organized and hosted a successful Intern-Mentor Welcome Orientation on January 9th with 43 interns and 34 mentors attending. A good time was had by all!
The committee will now focus on planning the Volunteer Fair scheduled for March 27th.
Leadership Updates
Secretary Update – Laurel Watt
The November Board Minutes were approved.
Treasurer Update– Kristina Hughes
Kristina Hughes presented the proposed 2025 budget which was approved. Apart from two increases for Zoom renewals and financial aid, the budget largely mirrors the 2024 budget.
Program Coordinator Update – Darren Lochner
An upgrade to the State MG database means that MG’s will not be able to enter hours for January and February. Do your best to keep track by other means for now. Core Course Zoom Q & A sessions began on Tuesday, January 14th. This will conflict with our monthly meetings; however, Darren encourages interns to participate in the member monthly meetings as the Q & A sessions are being recorded. Also, note that this year’s RCMG Awards and Reception is scheduled for Sunday, March 2nd from 1-4 p.m. at the Roseville Skating Center in the Rose Banquet Room.
Chair and Vice-Chair Report
Vice-Chair Report – Beth Fritcher
The 2024 audit was completed on January 11th and the final report will be presented to the Board and the membership in March at the regularly scheduled meetings.
Chair Report – Kay Wimer
Kay reported that work continues in subcommittees on the Strategic Management Plan. The next endeavor will focus on a Policy and Procedures Manual.
New Business
2025 Summer Board Retreat
A proposal to change the time and day for the summer Board retreat was discussed and tabled to collect more information.
Old Business
Glove Sales
An amended motion pertaining to the earlier decision to transfer glove sale net profit to the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Volunteer Program of Ramsey County’s foundation account was discussed and approved. The amended language addresses what will be done if the profits exceed or fall short of the requested financial aid. Also, Jane Carlstrom will be replacing Susan Oven in leading the glove sales.
2025 Board Leadership: Kay Wimer (Chair), Beth Fritcher (Vice-Chair), Laurel Watt (Secretary), Kristina Hughes, (Treasurer), Gene Ranieri (Education Chair), Susan Mason (Education Co-Chair), Tiffa Foster (Membership Chair), Susie DeShon (Membership Co-Chair), Nanette Boudreau (Communication Chair), Stacy Sola (Communication Co-Chair), Darren Lochner (Program Coordinator).