opportunities formghc.org/documents/volunteerhandbook.pdf · - 8-project description time frame...

Opportunities for

2020

Table of Contents

Partnerships ................................................................................................................................................... 3

Projects .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Committees & Projects .................................................................................................................................. 9

2020 Officers ................................................................................................................................................ 17

2020 Board of Governors............................................................................................................................. 17

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Partnerships Partnership Description Time

Frame Contacts

Chattanooga Area Food Bank

Assist the Food Bank with various volunteer opportunities, including: Growing plants for sale; Maintaining 2 greenhouses (Amnicola Highway & 1100 Gateway Ave); Workshops and other educational and teaching opportunities. There is no MG Project Committee for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank at this time. MGs & Interns may volunteer at any time via the Food Bank contacts.

Year round Katie Bishop, MG 321-315-1372 [email protected] Claire Haynes, MG 423-876-7359

Projects Project Description Time Frame Contacts

MG Advisors Resource

For projects requiring short-term, no labor consultation and advice only. MGs chosen based on expertise to meet the needs of the project.

Ongoing Ron McKitrick 404-788-3069 [email protected]

Alpine Crest Outdoor Learning Center and Gardens

Long-term restoration of an outdoor classroom and nature trail; recently added raised beds, butterfly garden, bird feeding stations, and various fruit trees.

Ongoing Joann Langston 423-400-2887 [email protected] John Miller 423-664-2238 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




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Project Description Time Frame Contacts

Aquarium Hummingbird & Butterfly Garden Riverfront Parkway

Core MGHC Project This public garden is located between the two Aquariums near the Riverfront Parkway. Work periods involving many MGs are scheduled primarily in spring, summer, and fall to plant, weed, fertilize, mulch, and clean up. Throughout the year, MGs are encouraged to go at any time to weed, deadhead and keep the garden looking beautiful. MGHC contribution is recognized on plaque.

Year round Coordinator: Mike Payne 423-842-3742 [email protected]

Bachman-McCoy Property and Community Gardens

This 38-acre property located in the Walden Community on Signal Mountain off Anderson Pike includes a historic home and other buildings along with landscaped areas and nature trails. A group of MG’s spent a two or three years restoring the major formal gardens, as well as working on the nature trail and the orchard. The committee is now maintaining and upkeeping the beds with more work possibly in the future.

Ongoing Sallie Ford 423/531-6699 [email protected] Kit Hanley 870/304-6966 [email protected] Marty Roberts 423/667-3537 [email protected]

Bonny Oaks Arboretum

The Arboretum encompasses the area in front of the Agriculture Extension Center off Bonny Oaks Drive, including the foundation and driveway circle. Project members maintain the grounds area, identify trees and work to make sure the area qualifies as an arboretum. Work days are scheduled periodically. Contributions of native plants are welcome.

Year round Coordinator: Tom Stebbins 423/885-6113 [email protected]




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Brainerd By Grace Community Garden and Grace Episcopal Butterfly Gardens

Operating and maintaining a twenty-three bed community garden and nearby “U-pick” free garden and berry garden; two certified butterfly gardens and various other gardens on the grounds of Grace Episcopal Church

Ongoing Lisa Lemza 423-243-3530 [email protected]

Native Plant Garden at the Brainerd Mission Cemetery

Planting and maintaining a new native plant garden at this historic location Plans for hardscaping & landscaping have been developed; work will begin in spring 2020; weekly schedule to be created for ongoing volunteer work.

Reactivated Marissa Corbitt 615/519-0547 [email protected]

Chattanooga Zoo

Restoring the existing gardens within the Zoo, including the Desert Garden, Forest, Butterfly Garden, and H&H Gardens. Adding new gardens as needed. Work days scheduled by the coordinator via the Yahoo list.

Ongoing Betsy Lee Anderson 423-664-3232 [email protected]

Crabtree Farms

Assistance where needed for various projects.

Ongoing Rachel Gray Education & Volunteer Coordinator 423-493-9155, ext. 14 [email protected]




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Dig In/smART Highland Park Commons

A social human investment program that will evolve into a mega vision for uniting people from all walks of life to make a strong impact on youth and community members with food insecurities by combining: the creation of art, mindful cooking/nutrition, and sustaining the environment with multi-cultural gardening activities.

Ongoing Henrietta Morris 423-316-3578 [email protected]

Hamilton County Fair Chester Frost Park

Core MGHC Project The HC Fair takes place he last weekend in September. The MG exhibit is a major undertaking with significant community outreach. Planning starts in June to decide on the theme and exhibits. Leads are chosen and ideas are finalized. Work days can take place in August or September. The exhibit is set up Thursday and Friday before the Fair, with a BBQ potluck several weeks before. The Chair coordinates ideas for theme and exhibits All hands on deck to build and staff County Fair exhibit.

Annual 4th weekend in September Planning starts in May/June Build days in August / September BBQ

2019 Chair: Carlton Mathes 423-892-1093 [email protected]

MG Hotline Answer questions from the public

Ongoing Monday & Wednesday 10 a.m. to 12 noon

Coordinator: Bill Apps 706-956-8293 [email protected]




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“Master Your Garden” Garden Expo Camp Jordan Arena, East Ridge

Core MGHC Project This high visibility event involves months of planning and ongoing oversight. Chairs include: Vendors, Hospitality, Set up and Clean up, Speakers, Demonstrations, Children’s Area, Advertising, Marketing & Publicity. MG volunteers help with all areas of the Expo. Planning begins in August and builds through April.

Annual a weekend in April depending on Easter Planning begins in August

Chair:

Lisa Clark 423-842-0478

[email protected] Past Chair: Carol Mathews 706-375-6098 [email protected]

MG Outreach / Market Tables

Information tables at area Farmer’s Markets and community events. MGs answer gardening questions; sign up Friends Newsletter and MG classes; give away seeds and seedlings

Spring through Fall

Coordinator: Marion Mosel

423-320-7994 [email protected]

MGHC / VA Program

Classes meet on the first Friday of the month at the VA Building in Eastgate. MGHC provides a speaker or a program on various home gardening topics. VA therapists use these classes for PTSD or other needs.

May through August

Ron McKitrick


MG veterans are invited to assist with this program

Rain Barrel Workshops (MGHC)

Organizing workshops and advice about uses for and construction of rain barrels.

Ongoing Bill Apps 706-956-8293 [email protected]





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Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

This is a large area of land dedicated to natives and the natural habitat. MG volunteers contact the Volunteer Coordinator and work out the times to help

Spring & Fall Plant Sales MGHC Booth

Bess Turner Outreach Coordinator 423-821-1160, ext. 105 [email protected] Master Gardener Susan Schott 423-877-0099 [email protected]] Cecilia Keefer 423-265-4906 [email protected]]

Spring Garden Tour

Core MGHC Project The tour consists of a selection of unique private and public gardens in and around Chattanooga, Signal Mt., Red Bank, Hixson, East Brainerd, Ooltewah, usually in a contiguous area. The Chair selects the gardens for the tour as well as coordinating printed materials (brochure & tickets), signs and volunteers. MG’s volunteer at gardens to assist with ticket sales and information. Profits support the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and fund MGHC’s scholarship program.

Annual 1st or 2nd weekend in June

Chair: Holly Colf 423-894-4576 [email protected]

St. Albans Community Rose Garden

Planning and maintaining rose community garden.

Ongoing Dee Clark 423-842-6303 [email protected] Ann Bartlett 423/843-5093 [email protected]







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Tennessee Aquarium – Inside Gardens

Maintain plantings inside the Aquariums, including butterfly garden Work takes place early morning before the Aquarium opens

Ongoing Patsy Boles 423-847-1566 [email protected] Mary Weaver 423-802-0775 [email protected]

Youth Summer Gardening Camp

1 week camp focusing on gardening & nature activities Rising 3rd graders

June Coordinator: Tom Stebbins 423/885-6113 [email protected] Assistant/Teacher: Katie Bishop 321-626-9417 [email protected]

Committees & Projects Committee Description Time Frame

Budget and Finance

Purpose: Prepare an annual budget for the Hamilton County Master Gardener Association.

Goal: maintain current and accurate financials for the

Hamilton County Master Gardener Association.

The annual budget is presented to the board for approval and membership. The treasurer dutifully executes the

budget. The treasurer needs to have the financial skills to keep accurate financial records, prepare timely reports and

any other requirements as identified and directed by the Board.

Anyone who has an interest in financial matters would be able to serve in the position of treasurer. There should be at least one member of this committee who is not an officer and

who could be in training for the position of treasurer.

The Committee consists of five members: Treasurer, President, Vice President, Secretary, and Past President.

Year Round Reports monthly to the Board and general

membership

Treasurer: Sunni Jodoin 808-222-8870

[email protected] Asst. Treasurer: David Robinson 423-394-6800

[email protected]








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Committee Description Time Frame

Certification Purpose: Maintain and certify the volunteer hours completed

by the Master Gardeners.

Goal: Keep accurate, up-to-date records and encourage all master gardeners to certify each year.

This committee serves a critical and necessary function for

our organization in making sure we certify as many members as possible each year. Keeping up with volunteer hours is a

major asset for the Extension Service each year

This committee interacts with the treasurer and membership person each year in preparing the annual directory. The committee needs people to serve who have good people skills and the ability to maintain good records.

This committee should have at least three members and is currently operating with only one. HIGH NEED.

Year Round Reports monthly to the Board and UT Extension Service Certification Officer: Fran Geier 423-280-6944 [email protected] Asst. Certification Officer: Gretchen Rominger 423-875-9204 [email protected] Intern Hours: Diane Moore 423-332-0294 [email protected]

Communication Purpose: Provide adequate and timely communications to the Master Gardener organization.

Goal: Make sure every member of the Master Gardener

organization is well informed with the happenings of the organization.

This committee is responsible for the newsletter, website,

Yahoo email group, the Master Gardener Directory, Historian, and publishing. Each of these areas has its own

committee. The chairperson of each area is a member of the overall communication committee.

There are job descriptions for each of the subcommittees and

these are available to anyone who has an interest in serving in either of these areas.

Staffing of each of the subcommittees is challenging and needs the help of the board and membership at large.

This committee needs seven members: Chairperson, Co-chair, and the chairperson of each subcommittee.

Year Round Reports annually and as needed to the Board Budgeted committee Communication Officer: Holly Colf 423-894-4576 [email protected] Member Directory: Pam Paulin 586-321-0692 [email protected]






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Education Purpose: Enhance the educational opportunities for the

members and the community at large.

Goal: Provide ongoing education classes for the Master Gardeners and the general public

Free public education classes take place on the 3rd Saturday

of the month from February through November at the Ag Center. Classes may also take place at other facilities in

conjunction with partner organizations, such as the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Reflection Riding, Crabtree Farms, the Chattanooga Library, etc.

The committee may also participate, at various times, in

other education venues when invited and as scheduling permits.

The Education Committee works closely with the Speakers

Bureau to coordinate the educational requests from Hamilton County organizations for gardening purposes.

Some classes will have fees and will be limited in numbers,

but all classes will have a registration form on the website.

This committee will consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and 15-20 members who are interested in furthering the educational goal of MGHC.

Year Round Reports annually and as

needed to the Board

Budgeted committee Education Committee Chairperson: Carol Mathews 706-375-6098 [email protected] 3rd Saturday Class Coordinator: Bev Fowler 706-937-2869 [email protected] VA Program Coordinator: Ron McKitrick 404-788-3069

[email protected]

Events Purpose: To coordinate certified master gardeners for

various volunteer opportunities and outreach projects. These would include: Expo and Spring Garden Tour,

MG tables at area events (e.g. Rock City’s Spring Blooms Festival) and farmers markets.

Maintain SignUp app

Inform members via MG list

Year Round Active: Spring through Fall Coordinator: Marion Mosel 423-320-7994 [email protected]






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Friends Newsletter

Monthly E-newsletter sent on the 1st of the month to

non-members who signed up to receive news about MGHC activities and other gardening information

MG members are encouraged to send story ideas to the editor

12 months Editor: Dorothy McDuffie 423-843-0327 [email protected]

Grapevine MGHC monthly newsletter sent to members on the 1st of the month.

Grapevine includes President’s message, Secretary’s & Treasurer’s reports; Calendar of Events, news from

various committees and updates on current projects. Also Tom’s Tidbits and month by month Gardening Tips.

MGs are encouraged to send story ideas to the editor.

12 months Editor: Connie Giles 423-332-0774

[email protected]

Hospitality Purpose: Provide a welcoming atmosphere, with

refreshments when appropriate, at monthly meetings and other functions that encompass the entire Master Gardener

group.

Goal: Plan and prepare food items for the monthly meetings and other functions that include the entire Master Gardener group. This committee plans for food or snacks for meetings

involving our Master Gardener group. This includes shopping for the food, set up, and clean up at each function. Any

expense receipts are turned in for reimbursement.

Anyone serving on this committee needs good people skills and the ability to organize these functions. Keeping good records is another important part of the committee’s function.

The committee has provided an article for our newsletter

each month.

This committee needs 3 members.

Year Round No reports required; Requests help as needed.

Budgeted committee Hospitality Chairperson: Lori Ashton 423-903-2404 [email protected]



http://[email protected]/

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Intern Mentors Purpose: Support the initial training of interns for the duration

of their 16-week Master Gardener class.

Goal: Assure that the interns become active and certified Master Gardeners. We are trying to increase our percentage

of certifications each year.

Members must be certified as a Master Gardener and in good standing to serve on this project. This is a seasonal project that lasts through the 16-week training; 5–7 volunteers are needed to assist the coordinator at each class meeting.

Seasonal 16 weeks during the annual Master Gardener class Reports annually and as needed to the Board. Morning Leader: Shirley Stewart

423-509-4882

[email protected] Evening Leader: Cindy Rutledge 423-847-5049 [email protected]

Volunteer & Project Handbook

Purpose: A resource for MGHC members and interns

providing current information about volunteer opportunities, including our various partnerships, active projects around

Hamilton County, and projects undertaken by individual members, as well as the various committees within the organization.

Goal: Help all Master Gardeners find opportunities for

volunteer service and fulfill their requirements for annual certification.

The Handbook should be updated periodically to include the

most current information about Projects and Project Leaders, as well as Committees and Committee Chairs.

The Volunteer Handbook will be kept on the MGHC website

in the Members Only section.

The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County organization is strengthened only by the participation of all its members. With this level of participation, we are guaranteeing the future

perpetuation of Master Gardeners of Hamilton County.

Updated annually

Available on website or as

a printed copy

Contact: Suzanne Ford 917-232-0334 [email protected]





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Nominating Purpose: Recruit certified, involved Master Gardeners who

are willing to serve in various positions within our organization.

Goal: Keep the various committees staffed and seek qualified

and willing persons to serve. This is an ongoing process.

This committee is active year round filling the various positions in our organization as needed and to make sure we

are getting new people involved as soon as they are qualified to serve. We have positions to serve on our board, officers, and various committees, including our project committees.

The chairperson will interview the recommended prospects

for each position with the help of the other committee members.

To serve on this committee, one needs good people skills, willingness to work with the various committee persons and

officers of the organization and have working understanding of the Master Gardener organization and membership. The project leaders assist the committee by recommending

qualified persons to work on their projects.

Each member of the organization can assist the committee by recommending people to serve and be willing to serve

when asked.

This committee has five members: Chairperson, Assistant Chairperson, three members at large, and President as ex officio member.

Year Round (As needed) Actively recruiting new officers and governors in July/August Reports annually for

officer nominations and as needed for other

openings.

Chairperson: Lisa Clark 423-334-2927 [email protected]


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Projects

Purpose: Review all Master Gardener project requests and

make recommendations to the Board as to the worthiness of submitted application. See that project request forms are

completed and submitted for review and that requests to meet the guidelines as outlined on the MGHC website. Make sure that the proposed projects meet the overall purpose of

the Master Gardener program. Collect end of year reports from Project Leaders. Review budget requests for ongoing

projects. Provide activity reports for all projects.

This committee has three members. Each member must be a certified Master Gardener.

Goal: To ensure that there are an adequate number of

projects and that each project fulfills the overall purpose of the Master Gardener program.

This committee is responsible for reviewing all projects on an annual basis and submitting an annual report to the Board.

The committee sends each project committee chairperson a report form to complete and return. This gives the committee

valuable information as to how this project is impacting our community. This information is given to the Board and

becomes a permanent record of the organization.

This committee would like to see more projects involving education, training, and assistance in maintaining the integrity of the Master Gardener program. Good projects are the lifeblood of our volunteer program for the Master

Gardeners. Garden Grants Program: Selects projects to receive one time grant for short-term projects

Year Round Reports monthly to the

Board on any pending projects and annually to

the Board and membership on all

projects.

Chair: David Gardner 423-667-6853 [email protected] Garden Grants: Carlton Mathes [email protected] Garden Advisors: Ron McKitrick 404-788-3069

[email protected]





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Speakers Bureau

Purpose: Provide speakers on request to civic organizations,

schools, churches, and community clubs.

Goal: Promote the educational and informational side of the Master Gardener organization.

The speakers are furnished on request and speakers are

provided from a pool of Master Gardener speakers. A request is filled when asked, however we try not to send a

speaker to the same organization more than three times per year. Skills needed to serve are the ability to organize and recruit a pool of speakers on various topics, and the ability to

communicate with the different organizations and the Master Gardener membership.

The Board can assist this committee in helping develop a

pool of speakers. This committee is party of the overall Education committee.

This committee has three members. Each member must be a certified Master Gardener.

Year round Reports annually to the Board Chair: Carol Mathews 706-375-6098 [email protected]


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2020 Officers President Vice President Suzanne Ford 917-232-0334

[email protected]

Connie Giles 423-332-0774

[email protected]

Secretary Treasurer Shirley Stewart


Sunni Jodoin


Past President Assistant Treasurer

Bertha Livingston 423-874-0224 [email protected]

David Robinson 423-394-6800 [email protected]

Communication Officer Certification Officer

Holly Colf 423-894-4576

[email protected]

Fran Geier 423-280-6944

[email protected]

Project Officer New Class Representative – Monday PM David Gardner 423-667-6853

[email protected]

TBD

MG Coordinator /Extension Agent New Class Representative – Tuesday AM Tom Stebbins


TBD

2020 Board of Governors 1 Year 2 Year

Delora Henderson 423-875-3597 [email protected]

Ed Dreier 832-373-7696

[email protected]

Ron McKitrick 404-788-3069

[email protected]

Cate Mueller 703-677-6206

[email protected]

Gretchen Rominger 423-875-9204

[email protected]

Anne-Hayes Pearce 706-5751620

[email protected]
















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