2010 Projects and Events

If you are looking for a place to LEARN something new, EARN certification hours or RETURN your knowledge back to the community, there are may projects and events that RCMG’s will be involved in this year.  If you have questions or would like to know more about any of these projects, please contact the person listed or me. – Linda Lindquist

• Library Series: Speaker slots are already filled, but attend these sessions and earn 1 hour CE. If you are interested in speaking at a future event, but need more confidence, why not contact one of the listed speakers and let them mentor you thru the process? List of dates is on the website: mastergardeners-rc.org. See Emily Arnold.
• Newsletter: Katherine Smith does a great job editing the newsletter, but she can’t do it alone. We need articles, photos, recipes.  If you submit an article to the newsletter, not only do you earn Education hours for the time put in writing the article, but you name will go in a drawing for a VERY NICE prize to be given out at the December award meeting.
• Garden Basics classes: The class for 2010 is over, but it’s not too early to be thinking of a topic for next year’s class. Just let Jack Smith know you are interested in making a presentation at one of the sessions. You will earn Education hours for the time you spend preparing your presentation AND the time spent giving the presentation. Just remember keep it basic.
• Sam Davis Home: Work starts soon on the herb garden and other areas of the Sam Davis home. Not only do you get to work in one of the prettiest places in Rutherford County while you learn more about heritage plants, you also earn Community hours. 
• Fall Lawn & Garden Extravaganza: Sept 10 & 11.  There will be presentations, hands on workshops and demonstrations. Besides teaching opportunities, we’ll need help with food, maintenance, vendors, set up, clean up, decorating. The proceeds from the event will be used for fund 4-H Camp Scholarships. Our BIG community event! Be part of it. 
• Winter School 2011: Plans are already getting started for WS2011. Whether you plan to be there as an attendee or a volunteer, it’s a great way to learn and meet Master Gardeners from all over the state as we gather to learn to be better educators and leaders. 2011 Winter School will be Feb 24, 25, & 26.
• Habitat for Humanity Garden: Dr. Warren Anderson got this project started last year with Lasagna Gardens being built behind the Restore on Mercury Ave. by Habitat residents. March 13 will be a workday to build more raised beds and to begin teaching the participants basic gardening skills. Later there will be demonstrations on tending the gardens, harvesting and preparing the food grown. Come out and help with this hands on project and meet some proud new homeowners. Grow a gardener!
• Demonstration Gardens: Van Cook has already been working on the gardens and can use some help. He will be setting up work days once the weather clears. Pruning has already started in the vineyard but there is still work to do and what remains of the orchard needs pruning. Contact Van (898-7710) if you can lend a hand and earn Community hours doing so.
• Master Gardener Classes: 2010 interns will be graduating on April 13. If you can help out with the graduation luncheon by bringing a dish, please let me know. We want to make sure the new interns know they are welcome to join our association. Believe me – there are some really talented people in this years class - why don’t you come and get to know them?
• Farmers Market workshops: the Market opens in May this year and we hope to offer demonstrations and workshops once a month in addition to having the “Ask The Master Gardener” table. Be thinking about a demonstration you’d like to share and let me know about it!
• Photographers wanted: If you would be willing to take photographs at an event or class and provide a copy of them on a disc, please let me know. If we can get a team of shutterbugs together, we should be able to capture the smiles at most of our gatherings.
• Extension Office Help: If you’d rather work indoors, don’t forget to contact Gail, Diane or Melissa (898-7710) to find out if they need help in the office. Help with mailings, answer phones, general office work.