Minutes from March 5, 2001 Meeting
by Vicky Sullivan

President M.S. called the meeting to order.  V.S. read the February 2001 meeting minutes and corrections were made.  M.S. gave the Treasurer's report in the absence of Treasurer M.W.  Total net worth is $6541.43 which includes $3289.52 in the Heritage Park CD.  Income increased by $297 and expenses were $340 which included $300 for pruning, $25 for door prizes and $15 newsletter mailing.

U.P. made a motion to accept both the Secretary and Treasurer's reports, seconded by J.J., motion carried.

M.S. reviewed upcoming additional educational opportunities to be sponsored by the Master Gardeners - Veggie U on March 10, and Stan Tiekela, author of a number of field guides, on Thursday, April 19 at the St Croix Government Center in Hudson (time 7:30pm).

M. also reported that the search for UW-RF horticulture scholarship recipients begins at UW at the end of February and she had forgotten to bring the scholarship criteria to the club members at the February meeting.  She suggested the club keep the same criteria as last year for the two $400 scholarships approved for 2001.  A motion was made by S.R., seconded by N.G. to keep the criteria the same for this year, but to look at possible changes after the 2001 plant sale.  Motion carried.

A motion was made by M.S., seconded by A.K., and approved by the members to hold the plant sale on Saturday May 19 at Wellhaven's covered parking garage from 9-noon, with set up Friday evening and Saturday morning.

N.G. will hold a planning meeting before the April meeting to come up with needs/equipment etc.  She also asked people to sign up for treats.

K. from the library asked if we would like to develop a web page for the garden club.  There was interest and N.G. and any others interested can contact K. (work 425-0905, reference desk) with ideas.

Note to members from M.S.
Several weeks ago I let the newspapers know I would no longer be writing a gardening column.  I recommended that they publish the weekly press releases put out by UW-Extention's Diana Alfuth.  I think it's important the public know UW-Extension and Master Gardeners are available to answer gardening questions with current and credible information.  Diana is in a great position to know what is going on throughout Wisconsin and our counties in terms of insect and disease problems, plant questions, etc and UW-Extension is the best source of good information about gardening.  If you would like the newspapers to carry gardening information, I'd like to ask you to either call the newspapers or email then and let them know.  Papers need to know there is an interest in reading about gardening information.
River Falls Journal: rfjeditor@rivertowns.net, 425-1561
Hudson Star Observer: publisj@rivertowns.net, 386-9333