Leaflet – February 13, 2019

ANNOUNCEMENTS

STILL HAVE OPEN SHIFTS TO FILL: Watering Team; MG Booth; Docents/Greeters.   Please go the the Rodeo page on our website to sign up.

REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR BCMG NAME TAG!REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR BCMG NAME TAG!

Use VMS Code 400 to record your volunteer hours.

Use the Button on the Home Page anytime to find ALL the BCMG Rodeo information and updates there anytime :

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NEEDED: Co-Chair for Monarch Festival to take place at the Zoo, Sat & Sun, Mar 23 & 24,10am to  4pm.  Please email or call President Grace Emery at 210-875-6919.

Staff Support for CEA-Hort Office:  Still seeking one special MG to volunteer two to three times a month at the Bexar County Extension office (3355 Cherry Ridge Ste. 212). Duties include, but not limited to:  tally sign in sheets, obtain precinct information, data entry, extract/maintain MG spreadsheet programs sessions. Please email Denise Perez, or call 210-631-0400, if interested.

NOTE:  Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Bexar County Master Gardeners offices will be closed on Monday, February 18, President’s Day.

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Our Earth-Friendly Gardening & Landscaping Seminar will take place Sat, Mar 23, from 8am to 1pm at the University of The Incarnate Word Dr. Burton E. Grossman International Conference Center (ICC), 847 E. Hildebrand, 78212.
Nine 1-hour workshops, and interactive Expo and vendor area, gardening hand-tool sharpening, and more are offered. Admission is free; workshops are $15 for a set of three.  For SAWS WaterSaver rewards members you can earn all 7 points in one day to earn $150 in coupons for tools, mulch, plants and more!
Our website Cultivate! page has all the details for each seminar, online registration (NOW), and driving & parking directions. 

SAVE THE DATE:  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will be having a Texas Community Futures Forum Friday, April 5^th to assess the community’s needs.
Developing educational programs based on community needs is the foundation of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s success.  Every five years, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service participate in a “Texas Community Future’s Forum” all across Texas.  We want to hear from all types of clientele and people within Bexar County about what programs and educational needs we should be aiming to provide.  If you have an interest in providing solutions to county problems and issues, we want to hear from you!  Help AgriLife Extension remain viable to constituents and please consider participating in the 2019 Texas Community Future’s Forum. 
Four program areas will be addressed: Agriculture & Natural Resources, Families & Health, Youth Development and Community Development. 

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Birdies for Charity® was created in 1997 as a way to give participating charities and schools the opportunity to generate contributions through the Valero Texas Open, the third oldest tournament on the PGA Tour schedule. 100% of the funds raised go back to participating organizations. And we are one of them!
How It Works:  Friends, family, and even your company can contribute using our custom link. 100% of the donations made to BCMG through this program benefit us AND Valero matches 7%. So we get 107% of donations made! You can also use the paper Birdies forms you may have received at the Rodeo Kick-Off meeting on Jan 17th,a nd other Master Gardeners will receive paper forms by mail soon.
Incentives:  Any individual or business that donates $1,000+ becomes a member of the Birdies Club and will receive four (4) “Good Any One Day” general admission tickets to the tournament emailed through Ticketmaster. In addition, you will be recognized on a sponsor sign displayed at the Donation Stations located at both the main and VIP spectator entrances during tournament week, April 4-7, 2019. 
To add spice to the program, you can guess how many birdies will be made during the Valero Texas Open. If your guess is correct, you could win a Stay-and Play Package to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country and TPC San Antonio. In the event of a tie, a tie-breaker event will determine the winner. If no one guesses correctly, the computer will randomly select a winner… and it may just pick your name!
Donors have the ability and flexibility to pay in advance or to be billed after the tournament. Donations are accepted from anywhere around the world and are tax deductible. The 2019 fundraising program is underway and concludes April 12, 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! 

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Volunteer Orientation for the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program at SABOT will be on Sat, Feb 23 at 11am at the San Antonio Botanical Garden Educational Room. Hope to see everyone at the Volunteer Orientation and invite anyone who might be interested in being a Garden Mentor. VMS Code 1200. The spring session of the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program starts on Saturday, March 2 and concludes on Saturday, June 15 and will focus on growing “warm weather” crops.  Email David Rodriguez to volunteer. More about the CVGP online.

Volunteer Orientation for the Children’s Vegetable Garden Program at Phil Hardberger Park will be held  Tue, Feb 26 at 10 am at Phil Hardberger Park, Voelker Homestead area.  To volunteer, email Kathy Breniman, VMS Code 1200.

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INSECT EXPO:  Molly Keck is hosting an Insect Expo on Tue, Feb 26, & Wed, Feb 27 (set-up on Mon, Feb 25) at the McKenna Children’s Museum, 801 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Designed as a fun interactive learning experience for the students and an opportunity for “hands on” learning, students will have time to explore and learn from each topic, ask questions and learn by experience. These are our future botanists, entomologists, environmental and conservation advocates, professors, teachers, and agricultural leaders.  Training for booth events will take place Thu, Feb 21. Go online for details, and to sign up. To get a great idea of this awesome event, view this YouTube Video.  Email Molly Keck if you have any questions!  VMS Code 1200.

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San Antonio Garden Center Plant Sale: Need your help to unload & arrange plants at the SA Garden Center (3310 N. New Braunfels, 78209) from 9am-1pm on Thu, Mar 14.  And, need volunteers for morning and afternoon shifts on Fri and Sat, Mar 15 & 16, to help customers with plant selections ,manage sales and answer gardening questions. Email Barbara Lutz if you have any questions.  VMS Code 700.

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MGs Who Completed SABOT Culinary Docent Training! 

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED:  10am – 1pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays February thru March. VMS has all dates/times for sign-ups! 
Still Open in February: 15th (Fri), 16th (Sat), 21st (Thu), 22nd (Fri), [plus many dates in March] VMS Code 100.

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Come and provide BCMG Monthly Meeting Support:  Arrive one hour before meeting start time to help set up the general monthly meeting room, sign-in sheets and distribute  raffle tickets and meeting information.  Assist with the plant sales and plant information. After the meeting help in cleaning up the meeting room and place the items back in the master garden office for the monthly meeting. Need volunteers for March thru November meetings!  Contact President Grace Emery if you have any questions.  VMS Code 700.

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Coming Up for Youth Gardens Program(Sign Up on VMS)

• Youth Garden Educator Training Supply Prep at AgriLife Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr. on Wed, Feb. 20 from 9am-Noon. Need 2 volunteers to help put binders together with handouts, package seeds, and make name badges. Vol Code: 1200.
• HISD Science Fair on Fri, Feb 22,  8:30am-2:30pm at Palo Alto College. Need 2 volunteers to help with passing out supplies, setting up and cleaning up youth activities on  on plant parts, plant lifecycle, and parts of a seed for approx. 200 kids 3^rd-5^th grades. Actual time of event is 9:20-2pm, but please arrive at 8:30 to help set up and please stay to help clean up. Sign up on VMS. Vol Code 1200.  
• Help at Locke Hill Elementary, 5050 De Zavala Rd, 78249 on Wed, Mar 20, from 3-4pm to educate our local youth about gardening, insects, soil, and veggies!  Need two volunteers to facilitate the Veggie Game lesson.  Email Ruby Zavala for details.  VMS Code 1200.

2019 BCMG VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (VMS) CODES ARE POSTED ON THE BCMG WEBSITE FOR EASY REFERENCE WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO VMS FROM THE SAME PAGE! 

SPECIAL NOTE:  CEU Code 001 now includes programs presented by all certified Texas Master Gardeners and programs at the TMGA State Conferences, as well as the International MG Conferences.

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MGs have had to cancel working some shifts. Please check for open shifts and sign up to fill in those openings. The WEBSITE RODEO VOLUNTEERING 2019 PAGE  is updated as needed!  Please go the the Rodeo page on our website, and sign up for a shift or two, or additional shifts if you have already signed up.

DON’T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR BCMG NAME TAG!
Without the BCMG (Name Tag) Badge, you will have to pay admission, even though you are a volunteer, and you are riding in our shuttle van!  
ALSO,  the BCMG shuttle van has been issued 20 Rodeo Passes.  The driver will give you a Pass when you arrive at the rodeo for your shift.  The Rodeo Pass will be scanned when you enter, and again when you depart the Rodeo grounds.  Then, the Shuttle Van Driver will collect your Rodeo Pass so it can be used by another Master Gardener on a subsequent shift. 

SHUTTLE VAN INFORMATION

• Plan to arrive at Peterson Bros. Nursery, 1630 Creekview Drive, SA, TX 78219, 45 to 60 minutes prior to the beginning of your scheduled shift as delays can be caused by traffic congestion, especially on weekends.  
• Find a space at the far end of the graveled Peterson parking lot to leave room for customers and their trucks to navigate the large gates easily. 
• Be Careful Driving on Creekview Drive.  Sometimes there are speeding pick-ups on Creekview going to and from the private parking lot at the end of the road.
• First daily departure from Peterson’s Lot (1630 Creekview Drive, SA, TX 78219)will be at 9am, or when the van is full, but not later than 9:10am.  
• Travel time between the “tent” and Peterson’s Lot will vary from 30 minutes to one hour depending on the time of day and traffic. 
• TENTATIVELY, departures from the Peterson’s Lot will be on the hour and departures from the Tent will be on the half hour.
• The drop off and pickup location at the Rodeo will be behind the Petting Zoo. It’s the same location as previous years, but they have changed the layout at the Rodeo. MGs must walk past the Petting Zoo and the Pig Races to get to the HEB Tent.
• Shuttle Van Driver Cell Number:  210-319-9997

IMPORTANT   

WEATHER AND CLOTHING
Monitor the weather forecast. There is no typical weather during the rodeo.  It can vary from beautiful spring-like days, to cold and rainy, to below freezing temperatures. Dress accordingly, perhaps in layers. Comfortable, closed toe, non-slip shoes are recommended. On very cold days, hats, gloves, and pocket hand warmers may be helpful.  Remember to wear your Master Gardener I.D.

GREETERS/DOCENTS

• Be sure to Sign in and have your NAME TAG visible
• Familiarize yourself with Trial Boss and other volunteers that day. List will be available in Break Room.
• If two docents are scheduled, one docent can count and other can greet. Take turns if someone needs a break. 
• If you need a break and there is no other Docent/Greeter, please ask a volunteer at the Master Gardener Booth to take your spot until you return. 
• Pick up a clicker and make sure the clicker reads 0000. If not please reset until clicker starts at 000.
• After shift is over please record your number in the 2019 Docent Count Record Notebook. 
• Reset clicker and place in box in Break Room

Plant Sale Shifts:  Each shift has one MG: to coordinate MG volunteers of that shift; to be responsible for proper money handling procedures; to help with iPad use; to guide MGs in maintaining a clean and attractive area, etc. All MGs working the Plant Sale are encouraged to read the information on the 2019 Rodeo Page for MG Plant Sale Volunteers. Direct any questions to Grace Emery or Lynn Cox, Rodeo Plant Sale Coordinators.

WEBSITE RODEO VOLUNTEERING 2019 PAGE  (under the Members tab on the home page menu bar) can be accessed directly from the button on our homepage!   You’ll find ALL the BCMG Rodeo information and updates there.

NOTES! 

• Add to your Contacts List: Shuttle Driver number for the entire Rodeo is (210) 319-9997.
• Keep the tent including the Plant Booth and the MG break area clean and organized.
• And, please continue to collect plastic bags for Rodeo Plant Sales.  When you come for a Rodeo shift, bring the bags along with you!  Thanks!
• Use VMS Code 400 to record your volunteer hours.

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Spring Cleanup in Your Landscape: Feb 16, Sat, 10:30am – Noon. Get your landscape ready for the spring with this free, adult seminar at Milberger’s Landscaping & Nursery, 3920 North Loop 1604, 7824! Info. 1 CEU; Code 001.

Second Seminar in 2019 Earth-Kind Home Gardening Series!    Register Now OnlineWeds, Feb 20 at 6:30pm in the Master Gardener’s classroom at 3355 Cherry Ridge, join David Rodriguez for Vegetable gardening––Cool Weather .  Great training for new homeowners and residents of Bexar County; cost is $75/series or $15/session. 2 CEUs; Code 001.

February BCMG Educational Seminar:  Hear Robbi Will discuss how easy it is to successfully grow Roses: “If dead people can grow them, you can too!” Mark your calendar for Thu, Feb 21, 1-3pm at 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, 78230. 1 CEU; Code 002.

2019 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: Emerald Ash Borer on Fri, Mar 1st at 1pm online.  Watch for news on whether Molly Keck will offer a viewing at the Master Gardener’s classroom! 1 CEU; Code 001

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Learn from Master Gardeners at these 2019 Speakers Bureau Presentations:
TODAY:  Growing Herbs with Don Crites, hosted by San Antonio OASIS at 2201 St. Cloud, 78228 on Wed, Feb 13, 10:30am – Noon. 1.5 CEUs, Code: 001
TODAY: Texas Superstar Plants with Marybeth Parsons, hosted by Forest Oaks Garden Club at Leon Valley Public Library, 6425 Evers Rd.78240 on Wed, Feb 13, 1-3pm. 1 CEU, Code: 001
Pruning Techniques for Roses with Holly Hodgins at Rainbow Gardens, 8516 Bandera, 78250 on Sat, Feb 16 from 10-11am. 1 CEU, Code: 001
Xeriscaping with Oliver Smith, hosted by San Antonio OASIS, at 2201 St. Cloud, 78228 on Tue, Apr 16, from 10:30am – Noon. 1.5 CEUs, Code: 001

BE SURE TO MARK YOUR 2019 CALENDAR FOR THESE GREAT CLASSES!

AND OUR NEW LUNCH TIME TREATS!

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And remember, you can find all the TEXAS MASTER GARDENER ADVANCED (formerly Specialist)  COURSES offered 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. 
Tree Care – Mar. 13-15, 2019, hosted by Dallas County, Dallas
Tree Care – Jun. 12-14, 2019, hosted by Kerr County, Kerrville
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

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Landscape Design Study Courses are held in conjunction with the Texas Garden Clubs, Inc. and Texas AgriLife Extension Service. They are offered in four separate schools, approximately six months apart, in the Bryan-College Station area. Participants may take the four courses in any sequence. Series XXVI, Course II will be held February 25-26. Offered in four parts, the full course totals 48 CEUs and qualifies Master Gardeners for the designation of “Landscape Design Steward.”  Get all the details online!
If you are a BCMG and have completed all four parts of the course, please email a photo of your certificate to the CommTeam so your name can be added to the Advanced Training page on the BCMG website.  And, if you plan to participate in this course of study, please make a note to notify the CommTeam when you complete all four sessions. 

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Great Gardening Events on the BCMG February Calendar.  Bookmark the Calendar and visit it frequently!  Here is a sample of what is coming up.
Feb 13 – Hill Country Native Plant Working Workshop
Feb 15 – Native Plant Walking Workshop
Feb 16 –  Plants of South Texas: Ethnobotany and Wildscape Uses
Feb 19 – History of South Texas Growers and How a Nursery Works
Feb 20 – Hill Country Native Plant Working Workshop 
Feb 20 –  20 Years in the Atacama, The Land of the Copiapoa

SHARE WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS!

SPREAD THE WORD! 2019 Spring Youth Garden Educator Training is set for Sat, Mar 2, from 9am to 2pm at Northside Activity Center, 7001 Culebra Rd, 78238. Designed for teachers, educators, and volunteers to support youth gardening in the classroom and community. See Flyer for details!

FOR ALL OUR GARDENING FRIENDS! 
If you have thought about becoming a Master Gardener, start planning for Master Gardener Intern Training Class 63.

• Class 63 starts August 21, 2019; classes meet every Wednesday from Noon – 4 pm for 13 weeks
• Cost:  $260 payable in full on the 1^st day of class
• Application available online early May (BCMG website)
• Application deadline:  June 17, 2019
• Approved applications must attend a group interview (Group Interviews in July)
• For more information visit Bexar County Master Gardeners website at www.bexarmg.org or Bexar County website at https://bexar-tx.tamu.edu

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

Registration ALSO OPEN for the Spring 2019 Children’s Vegetable Garden Program at Phil Hardberger Park. This program is designed for families who are home schooling and will meet Tuesdays, 9-11:30am, from March 5^th to June 11^th.  Families can register online.  Please share with family & friends!

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GVST Gardening Essentials Class:  Nursery Field TripRainbow Gardens, Bandera location for a special private tour of the gardens with Brandon Kirby. Our classes will be lead by Calvin Finch and Ron Csehil on the topics of oak wilt, and proper pruning techniques.