Leaflet – December 5, 2018

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thinking about becoming a Culinary Garden Docent?  Here’s Your Training Opportunity!  Call President Grace Emery to sign up at 210-875-6919 for the next training session to be held THIS Sunday, Dec. 9, 10am – Noon (plus homework) at the San Antonio Botanical Center, Volunteer Room (door marked “Private” in building to right of Cashier Kiosk).  2+ CEUs; 2018 Code 002.

Please RSVP for the BCMG Holiday Party not later than THIS FRIDAY, Dec 7 by emailing Barbara Lutz or calling 210-699-0663.  (See Party Details below)

The Texas Search for Excellence Awards Program is sponsored by the Texas Master Gardener Association (TMGA) to recognize outstanding Master Gardener people, associations, projects and programs throughout the state. There are eight award categories: Youth, Project, Educational Program, Written Education, Research, Marva E. Beck JMG Leader of the Year, Outstanding Individual Master Gardener, Outstanding Master Gardener Association. And, there are five county size categories. The award year, 2018, accepts entries based on activities and events occurring between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Award submissions are due on, or before, 10pm on January 31, 2019.
Help with BCMG award submissions for 2018!  Or, perhaps, you have a great suggestion for a category submission? Pease email Grace Emery today to help in any way!  You can find details on the Awards Program at the TMGA website.

Registration Now Open for the 2019 TGMA Conference which will be held April 25-27, 2019 and is being hosted by Victoria County Master Gardener Association.  Leadership training will be held on April 24th. Visit the Conference website for tons of information!

HURRAH!!  Our project, Children’s Vegetable Garden Blog, took 3rd Place in the Innovative Project category of the 2019 International Master Gardener Conference (IMGC) Search for Excellence competition. The 17th biennial conference for the international master gardener community, Penn’s Woods: Digging into Our Roots, will be held June 17-21, 2019 at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, Valley Forge, PA.  Online registration is now open, and you can subscribe to the IMGC newsletter for conference updates. 

And, Another Great Gift Idea: 
Buy some stocking stuffers and help BCMG at the same time!  Birdies for Charity® 12 Days of Giving ticket campaign is underway now thru Dec 12,  and BCMG will receive $10 proceeds from each ticket  sold online. when you select Bexar County Master Gardeners as beneficiary. You can get all the Valero Texas Open details here.  And, BCMG will again participate in the 2019 Birdies for Charity® Fundraiser with pledge forms available in early 2019.

BCMG REMINDER:  Saturday, Dec 15, is the last day to record your 2018 Volunteer and CEU Hours in VMS!  Don’t wait til the last day, add your hours to VMS TODAY!!  If you are having issues recording your hours, please email Lisa Nixon, membership coordinator.

If you have already met BCMG Re-certification Requirements for 2019 (30 volunteer hours and 6 CEUs– 3 hrs thru attendance at monthly meeting programs), you can now visit the Membership Dues page on the BCMG website and pay your 2019 Annual Membership Dues of $25, either online or by mail.  NOTE: Dues must be paid by January 31, 2019. 

SIGN-UP for VOLUNTEER EVENTS using the Event Calendar in the VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM – VMS.  Find number of volunteers still needed, who has signed up, Project Code and even request an event reminder! REMEMBER: If you volunteer for any event and have a last minute change of plans, please contact the coordinator listed on VMS to let them know!

Come and Help with the Poinsettia Sale!  On THIS Friday, Dec 7: unload plants from 8:30-11am; assist with sales pickup from 11am-1pm, or 1-3pm.

Join Fellow MGs for Children’s Vegetable Garden Work Party at SABOT on Sat, Dec 15, 8am – Noon. Come and help put the garden to sleep. Park at the very backside of the Garden (555 Funston Pl — map here)  Great opportunity if you still need volunteer hours!

MGs Who Completed SABOT Culinary Docent Training!  

 Volunteer Needed:  December 22                    

Two Volunteers to serve as Seminar Assistants helping with sign-in sheets, handouts, etc. at three Free Seminars in January.  (Start times are 15 minutes before seminar begins.) Email Denise Perez if you have any questions.

  • Growing A Family Home Orchard presented by David Rodriguez on Sat, Jan 12, 10:15am – Noon at Milberger’s Landscaping & Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E
  • Fruit Tree Basics presented by Dr. Larry Stein on Sat, Jan 19, 8:45am – Noon at Fanick’s Garden Center, 1025 Holmgreen Road
  • Growing Backyard Fruit Trees presented by David Rodriguez on Sat, Jan 26, 10:30am – Noon at the Garden Center, 10682 Bandera Rd.

Help at Science Fair!  Present a JMG lesson on plant parts, plant lifecycles, and what plants need to live for the 3rd-5th grade students attending the Harlandale ISD Science Fair on Fri, Feb 22 from 8am – 2:30pm held at Palo Alto College, 1400 W Villaret Blvd, 78224. Approx. 195 students will participate in 30-minute rotations in groups of 25-27 students. Email Ruby Zavala for details. 2019 Code 1200 – Youth

BE OUR PARLIAMENTARIAN:  Needed for Board of Directors Meetings (11 meetings each year: 2 hours per meeting).  Must become knowledgeable of BCMG Bylaws and Policies (available on the BCMG website) and have working understanding of parliamentary procedure.  Bylaws referenced below!  Email President Grace Emery for more information or to volunteer to serve!

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS
….The President of the Corporation may appoint a Parliamentarian to serve as a non-voting member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XIV – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rule of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Corporation may adopt.

Take on an ongoing role and participate throughout the year as a member of the new Logistics Committee or the new Events Committee. These committees are key to our success as a Master Gardener organization. We need you!  Please email Grace Emery, or call (210) 875-6919, if you are interested in playing a part in BCMG’s foundation for stability and endurance!

And, It’s Time to Get Ready To RODEO 2019! 
Volunteer NOW with Construction Chair, Rich Geisler (Construction dates are Jan 22-Feb 6);  Van Drivers Chairs, Brian and Candy Roach; Hospitality Chair, Susan Noonan; Watering Team Lead, Ted Ritchie. Rodeo Dates are Feb 7-24.
Sign-ups for all other Rodeo Volunteer Shifts will begin at the Christmas Party  (Dec 11th).  You can learn about Little Buckaroo Farms where BCMG will be located on the SA Stock Show & Rodeo website.  

HELP with Youth Gardens Program:  at schools and libraries to educate our local youth about gardening, insects, soil, and veggies!  Two volunteers for each event to facilitate these lessons.  Email Ruby Zavala for details.  2018 Code 980e – School Gardens; 2019 Code 1200 – Youth

When: School is flexible. Facilitate soil lesson from Junior Master Gardener curriculum. Email Ruby Zavala with your date preference.
Where: Tuscany Heights Elementary, 25001 Wilderness Oak, 78258

When: Wed, Dec 12, 2018 from 3pm-4pm
Where: Locke Hill Elementary, 5050 De Zavala Rd, 78249
Topic: Insect Lifecycles

When: Fri, Jan 11, 2019 from 2-4pm
Where: BiblioTech East, 1203 N Walters St, 78202
Topic: Plants and Gardening

When: Wed, Mar 20, 2019 from 3-4pm
Where: Locke Hill Elementary, 5050 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
Topic: Veggie Game

When: Wed, Apr 17, 2019 from 3-4pm
Where: Locke Hill Elementary, 5050 De Zavala Rd, 78249
Topic: Terrariums and Watercycle

BCMG’s BIGGEST Event & LARGEST Plant Sale!

ALL Hands Needed!

Rodeo is an excellent time to get those volunteer hours!
11 different types of volunteer opportunities, 16 days of construction,
18 days of Rodeo, and 677 total different volunteer shifts,
for a total of over 2,200 hours of volunteer time!

Introducing the Rodeo Team:

Sign-Up NOW:
Rodeo Construction and Landscaping – Rich Geisler: [email protected]
Van Drivers – Brian & Candy Roach: [email protected]
Hospitality – Susan Noonan: [email protected]
Watering Team – Ted Ritchie: [email protected]

Sign-ups starting at the BCMG Holiday Party for:
Plant Sales/MG Booth
Greeters
School Tour Docents
Adopt-a-Tree
and more!
__________________________________________________________

Everyone will need to have a Release and Indemnification Agreement Form (available soon).
Completed form is due Jan 18th.

Form must be printed out double-sided, notarized, and mailed to:

ATTN: Rodeo Form
Bexar County Master Gardeners
3355 Cherry Ridge, Ste. 208
San Antonio, TX 78230

Or, drop-off with Nick at the Extension Office front desk.

2019 BCMG VMS Codes   (As of: 11/16/2018)

CEU CODES

001 – AgriLife Extension/BCMG Presentations:  These are programs that are hosted by, or presented by, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service staff, Texas A&M System staff, retired AgriLife staff, or Bexar County Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau programs.

  • Horticulture-related programs given by AgriLife Extension Service staff
  • Horticulture-related programs given by Texas A&M System staff (ex. Texas A&M Forestry Service)
  • Horticulture programs given by Bexar County Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau
  • Programs at the Texas Master Gardener State Conference

002 – BCMG Monthly Meeting Seminars                  

VOLUNTEER OUTREACH CODES

100 – Community Outreach Events:  The BCMG BoD and the AgriLife Horticulture Agent must approve community Outreach Events each year. The following events have been approved for 2019:

  • Basil Fest
  • Monarch Butterfly Festival (Zoo)
  • Monarch Festival (Pearl)
  • Texas Folklife Festival
  • SABOT Culinary Garden Docents

200 – Cultivate!

300 – Master Gardener Hotline

400 – SA Rodeo  

500 – Speakers Bureau           

600 – Water Conservation Activities:  These are SAWS-sponsored events or our participation has been requested:

  • Cultivating Communities
  • Earth Day(s)
  • Festival of Flowers
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Home and Garden Show (Spring/Fall)
  • Spring Bloom (SAWS)

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CODES

700 – BCMG Committees:  All committee work, including, but not limited to…

  • Awards Application
  • BCMG Monthly Meeting set-up & tear-down
  • Communications (Facebook, Leaflet, Scion, website, publicity, etc.)
  • Fundraising (All fundraising activities, to include Birdies for Charities, Poinsettia Sale, merchandise sales, etc. Not included: plant sales that are part of a Community Outreach Event, such as SA Rodeo.)
  • Grant Writing
  • Holiday Party
  • Hospitality
  • Scholarship
  • San Antonio Garden Center (Special Note: BCMG is a member of the San Antonio Garden Center, and we host one meeting a year and help with their plant sale. Use Code 700 for these two activities.)

800 – Board of Directors 

  • Attending the BoD Monthly Meeting
  • All work associated with BoD activities (Finance, Membership, etc.)
  • Texas Master Gardener Association Quarterly Meetings

900 – MG Training Class Support

1000 – Special Projects – AgriLife/BCMG Approved   (None at this time)

1100 – Texas A&M Extension Support – Adult 

  • Assisting Extension staff with presentations
  • Assisting with plant trials, seed extraction, etc.

1200 – Texas A&M Extension Support – Youth

  • Children’s Vegetable Garden Program (SABOT & PHP)
  • Approved Classroom Garden Program – support
  • Approved youth activities and presentations
  • Youth activity supply preparation
  • Learn Grow Eat & Go! Program support
  • Youth Garden Educator and JMG Training support


See all the Details for Classes in the Bexar County area on the MG Calendar!  Classes listed below may be of special interest to you.

BCMG January Rodeo Kick-Off Speaker & Meeting:  Plan to join us and bring your favorite Chili or Cornbread to share while we hear a special Rodeo presentation on Thu, Jan 17, from 6-8pm at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, 78230. Bring you calendar and sign up for Rodeo Shifts.  1 CEU; Code: 002.

Get Out Your Calendar for Three Free Seminars in January:

  • Growing A Family Home Orchard presented by David Rodriguez on Sat, Jan 12, 10:30am – Noon at Milberger’s Landscaping & Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E.
  • Fruit Tree Basics presented by Dr. Larry Stein on Sat, Jan 19, 9am – Noon at Fanick’s Garden Center, 1025 Holmgreen Road.
  • Growing Backyard Fruit Trees presented by David Rodriguez on Sat, Jan 26, 10:45am – Noon at The Garden Center, 10682 Bandera Rd.

AND, the 2019 EarthKind Home Gardening Series AND the New Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Sessions.

Home Gardening Series 2019 BrownBag2019Flyer

And remember, you can find all the TEXAS MASTER GARDENER ADVANCED (formerly SPECIALIST) COURSES offered for 2019 at the TMGA website.  If you are interested in attending any courses, please email David Rodriguez, Extension Agent-Horticulture, Bexar County. BCMG CEU Code: 001.
Coming in 2019!
Home Fruit (South Texas) – Feb. 7-8, 2019, hosted by Gonzales County, Gonzales
Vegetables – Feb. 13-15, 2019, hosted by Dallas County, Dallas
Tree Care – Mar. 13-15, 2019, hosted by Dallas County, Dallas
Tree Care – Jun. 12-14, 2019, hosted by Kerr County, Kerrville
Save the Dates (More Info coming soon):
Turfgrass – Mar. 14-15, 2019, hosted by Montgomery County, Conroe
Earth-Kind® – May 16-18, 2019, hosted by Henderson County, Athens
Vegetables – Aug. 13-15, 2019, hosted by Bexar County, San Antonio

Great Gardening Events on the BCMG November Calendar.  Bookmark the Calendar and visit it frequently!  Here is a sample of what is coming up over this next week:

  • Now thru Dec 31 – SABOT Holidays in Bloom
  • Dec 7 –  All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Pantry Pests

Looking for a good Christmas gift for a Master Gardener (or yourself)?  Texas AgriLife Extension Service is offering the Texas Master Gardener license plate, available for $30 annually in addition to your vehicle registration fee. Personalization is an additional $40.  Of the $30 plate fee, $22 is returned to the Texas Master Gardener Program for scholarships and associated activities.  Order from the TxDMV online, by fax or by mail.

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will be celebrating the holidays with Luminations (lights, luminarias, aerial dance and free hot chocolate) during the Holly Days evenings of December 6, 7, 8, and 9.  So if you might find yourself in Austin any of those days, you might want to check the details online.

New 2019 TMGA Officers

Pictured above (left to right)

  • TMGA Past President:  Nicky Maddams (Waller County)
  • President: Duddly Hargrove (Kaufman County)
  • 1st Vice President: Louie McDaniel (McLennan County)
  • 2nd Vice President: Robin Collins (Galveston County)
  • Secretary: Jamie Bruns (Grimes County)
  • Treasurer: Judy Ratzlaff (Tarrant County)

Share with family & friends!  Registration NOW OPEN for the Spring 2019 Children’s Vegetable Garden Program at SABOT.  Program will include sixteen Saturdays from March 2nd to June 15th.

For SAWS customers, WaterSaver Rewards program for 2018 is ending, BUT will be back for 2019 with no re-registration. Keep using your same rewards number next year at the events you attend and your points start as “0” on Jan 1.