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Macomb Master

Gardener E-news

News, Notes & Other Information Michigan State University seeks public input to sharpen Extension research and outreach focus Michigan residents can help determine where Extension faculty and staff members should place their emphasis. Details: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/focussurvey

Notes from the State VMS Coordinator

This is just a reminder that Dec. 31, 2015 is the deadline for entering your 2015 volunteer and education hours (and any prior year lapsed hours). Please don't wait until year end to enter your hours. Entering them now will save you the stress at year end. And, for those of you in areas where there are upcoming recognition events,

you will for sure want to enter your completed hours before the event so that you may be recognized for any milestone accomplishments.

December 21, 2015

Table of Contents Last Chance to get your hours into the

VMS!!!!!!!

News, Notes & Other Information…...p. 1

MCMGA Information Page………….p. 4

Educational Opportunities:

From the MSUE ……………….…....p. 8

Other educational programs….…..….p. 9

MG Education Share………………...p. 10

Volunteer Opportunities………………p. 10

Photo Fun……………………..……… p. 10

Winter at the Tomlinson Arboretum

From Dan Lepo

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For 2016 re-certification, we will be following a process similar to last year in that as of Jan. 1, 2016, you will not have access to view or enter hours so if you need this information for year-end tax purposes, please make sure to review your hours before Dec. 31st. Remember, you do have the option to filter your hours report using 2015 dates and then download the report in an Excel format. You will have access and be able to resume entering your hours starting on Feb. 13th.

Below is a 2016 Re-certification Timeline which will give you an overview of the process. This document is also posted in the VMS under State Links. Please take a moment to review this timeline

and let your VMS Ambassador know if you have any questions or will be needing assistance with the re-certification process.You will see that 2016 re-certification opens on Jan. 11th and closes on Jan. 29th. For those who miss re-certifying during that time frame, late re-certification will open on Jan. 30th and close on Feb. 12th.

If you are one of the fortunate ones heading to warmer climates for the winter, we would ask that you take a few minutes betweenJanuary 11 - Jan. 29th to find a computer (library, friend, neighbor?) and complete the online 3-step re-certification process through the VMS. We don't want you to miss being re-certified simply because you are not in Michigan!

Thanks for all you do representing the program and giving back to your communities as Master Gardeners!

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Re-Certification Information – Call the MSUE Office at 586-469-6440 if you have

concerns

2014 Trainees – By now you should have completed your 40 volunteer hours and been moved to MGV status. In January you will complete all three steps for re-certification and pay the $20 Re-certification fee. If you have not completed your hours, and have not contacted us regarding an extension of hours fulfillment, you will be moved to Inactive status.

2015 Trainees – If you completed your 40 volunteer hours in 2015, you were moved to MGV status and in January you will need to do all three re-certification steps and pay the $20 re-certification fee. If you did not complete your 40 volunteer hours, you will remain in Trainee status and in January you will need to complete steps 1 and 2 of the re-certification process (even if you just did them in December). You will NOT pay the $20 re-certification fee.

MGV and AMGV – All of your 2015 hours (15 volunteer and 5 continuing education – both are required – must be entered by December 31, 2015. If you have not entered your hours on the VMS you will be moved to Inactive status. If all of your hours have been entered into the VMS by the end of this year, then in January you will need to complete all three re-certification steps and pay the $20 re-certification fee.

Emeritus – If you have Emeritus status you still need to complete steps 1 and 2 of the re-certification process. You will go to step three (payment) and indicate pay by check. Do NOT submit a payment.

Please Note:

Payments for re-certification are $20 and are sent to the ANR Communications – Events Management Services. Deadline to re-certify for $20 is January 29, 2016. From January 30 through February 12, you can still re-certify but there will be a late charge of $10 added to your fee. After February 12, if you have not completed re-certification and submitted fee payment, you will be moved to Inactive status.

If you wish to join only the MMGA (the State Association), you can register online at http://www.michiganmastergardener.org/membership-form/ and send the $5 membership fee to the MMGA Treasurer or use Pay Pal to submit the cost.

If you wish to join both the MMGA and the local MCMGA, you can fill out the membership form (available on-line http://www.macombcountymga.com/news.html ) and pay $10 to the MCMGA which will cover the cost of the MMGA membership for Certified Master Gardeners. Payments and/or membership forms can be mailed to the MSUE Office or brought to an MCMGA educational program.

VMS Re-Certification Class Tuesday, April 19, 2016 – 1:00-3:00 PM at the Clinton-Macomb Library Main Branch on Romeo

Plank Road – if you would like assistance with re-certification on the VMS, we will be hosting a

program at the Clinton-Macomb Library to explain what to do. If you bring your laptop you will be able

to connect to the Internet and actually complete the process.

MMGA Facebook Visit the Michigan Master Gardener Association, Inc Group Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganMG/

If you enjoy - please "like" the page - Thanks!!

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Bouquets / Boutonnieres to: Do you know a Master Gardener who has been especially helpful or has jumped right

in to do the job? Let us know and we will recognize their efforts with a “Bouquet”

announcement!

November 13 – December 23, 2015 LAST SHOPPING DAY Wednesday, December 23, 5pm

_________________________________________________________________________

We will be putting all the Macomb County Master Gardener

Association News and Programs in this area (Look for the Logo)!

Check out the MCMGA website: http://www.macombcountymga.com/

Fund Raisers!!

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Support Your Local Garden Association!

Kroger – Go to krogercommunityrewards.com Register with you Kroger card. MCMGA’s

number is 76389 (although usually our name shows up) If previously registered, must re-register

each April.

Christmas Gift Ideas!

English Gardens – We get a donation for every Flower of the

Month card purchased. Cannot just place order in the store. Recommend purchase

by phone: 313-308-0500 ext. 116 (although usually the person who answers the

phone without going to the extension is the correct contact). Or on website:

www.adxlonline.com In both cases, mention MCMGA Fundraiser.

Flower Power – Go to http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com Click on

Find a Group (top right of home page). Type in Organization: Macomb County

Master Gardener Association, and state, MI (Leave City Blank) We get 50% of

purchases.

Next MCMGA Board of Directors Meeting:

January 6, 2016, 3:30 PM at the MSUE office.

If you are interested in purchasing a magnetic backing for your badge (to

replace a pin) contact the MSUE office at 586-469-6440. Cost is $3.00.

Payable by cash or check made out to the MCMGA.

MCMGA Educational Opportunities:

December, 2015

No Classes

Merry Christmas!!

To Register for any of the following events, please Email:

macombcountymga@gmail.com

Education Programming January-July 2016

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Monday, January 11, 2016

“Growing Plants Successfully From Seed” with Advanced Master Gardener Karen

Burke. Learn the do’s and don’ts of starting your garden indoors. When to start seeds,

and how to tell when; how and when to water, when to fertilize, and what to look out

for. Know what supplies you need, and how to care for your seed starting equipment.

6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING WILL FOLLOW THE CLASS

Thursday, February 11, 2016

“Gardening with Kids” Join us while Advanced Master Gardener, Anne Crotser

teaches us, how to teach gardening to the kids in our lives. Topics will include

plant parts and functions, plant needs, bugs, worms, and other “icky” things kids

love. Also, other things plants are used for, games and crafts. Get tips on garden

design and how to adapt lessons for readers and pre-readers. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the

MSUE Extension Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

Register by February 8 to receive a packet of handouts.

Participants wishing to remain after class and make a kid-friendly watering can, should

bring a clean, empty laundry detergent container and a pair of scissors.

Monday, March 21, 2016

“Spring Ephemerals” Advanced Master Gardener, Cheryl English will

present Native Wildflowers for the Woodland Garden. Tired of tulips?

Find Daffodils dull? How about trying out some of our very own spring

ephemerals! From Trout Lilies to Trillium, from the exotic to the familiar,

explore some native alternatives for the spring garden. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the

Mt. Clemens Library Auditorium, 150 Cass Ave., Mt. Clemens, MI. Cheryl is also the owner of Black Cat Pottery, and will have a display of her wares for sale before and

after the presentation. Light refreshments will be served.

$5.00 to MCMGA Members +2 guests. $10.00 to all others.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

“Companion Planting” Join MSU Extension Consumer Horticulture coordinator, Mary

Gerstenberger, as we take a look at the friend and enemy plants of the garden. The

Companion Planting presentation will cover what companion plants are, or are not; talk

about what makes good companions; and what services they provide to one another, as well

as the gardener. 6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE Extension Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

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MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING WILL FOLLOW THE CLASS

Monday, May 23, 2016

Pam Goros, from Wild Birds Unlimited, Macomb Township, will present:

“Who’s In My Backyard?” Ever wonder why a Robin cocks his head? Can’t tell the

difference between a Downy and Hairy Woodpecker? And, what does a Red Winged

Blackbird have in common with the TV show Sister Wives? Learn the answer to these

questions, and more fun facts about birds. 6:30-7:30 P.M. at the MSU Extension

Assembly Room.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

“The Iris Lady”, Advanced Master Gardener Betty Slominski will show us how to divide

all of those overgrown Iris in our gardens. This will be a “hands on” class, so dig up a clump

or two of Iris from your garden and bring them to class. You will be taking home your

divided, healthy Iris, and maybe even make a few trades with other classmates. If you have

“buggy” Iris, please bring them to class. 6:30-8:30 P.M. MSUE Assembly Room.

CLASS SIZE LIMITED. MUST REGISTER.

Free to MCMGA Members +1 guest. $5.00 to all others.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

“Viburnums” Join Advanced Master Gardener Cheryl English as she educates us on

one of the most diverse geneses of garden-worthy shrubs. Viburnums are also less

utilized than they should, due to that very diversity. Get beyond “garden” variety and

explore some other options with this charismatic group of plants and become

acquainted with some superb native species in the process. 6:30-7:30 P.M. MSUE

Assembly Room. $5.00 to MCMGA Members +2 guests. $10.00 to all others.

MCMGA QUARTERLY MEETING TO FOLLOW CLASS

Education Hours from MCMGA 2015 classes: **see corrections

Date Class Hours

January 13 – Hummingbirds------------------ 1

February 23 – Bringing Natives Home-------1

March 20 – Getting Ready for Spring--------1

April 23 – Proven Winners-------------------- 1.5**

May 20 – Tool Care Class----------------------2

June 9 – Butterfly Class------------------------1

July 9 – the Iris Lady---------------------------2**

July 15 – Grasses--------------------------------1.5

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August 18 – Janet Macunovich--------------- 2.5

September 17 – Birds in Winter---------------1

October 14 – Pruning---------------------------2

December Tool class (rescheduled from November………… 1.5

Educational Opportunities:

From MSU Extension:

Community Gardening – The Basics MSU Extension is offering the program, “Community Gardening – The

Basics” on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Macomb MSU Extension Office,

21885 Dunham Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48036. This program will cover what you need to know to set up

and/or participate in a community garden, and the types as well as the benefits of community gardens and

basic vegetable gardening information. For those interested in forming a garden in their neighborhood or

community, now is the time to get started. This is a free program but seating is limited. Please register in

advance by calling 586-469-6440. Deadline to register is Monday, January 11, 2016

VMS Re-Certification Class Tuesday, April 19, 2016 – 1:00-3:00 PM at the Clinton-Macomb Library Main Branch on Romeo

Plank Road – if you would like assistance with re-certification on the VMS, we will be hosting a

program at the Clinton-Macomb Library to explain what to do. If you bring your laptop you will be able

to connect to the Internet and actually complete the process.

Seed Swap and Seed Storage Tips Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 pm, MSU Extension is offering Master Gardeners the

opportunity to share extra seeds with each other. We will be providing tips and techniques for safe seed

storage as well as starting seeds indoors. There is no cost, but please register in advance by calling the

MSUE office at 586-469-6440.

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Other Educational Programs & Events:

Rochester Garden Club Program Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Ikebana — The Japanese Art of Flower Arranging will feature Cheryl Linck. Chery has

been studying and practicing the art of Ikebana for over 15 years after obtaining a

certificate in Floral Design from the Depatis Floral School in 1990. She is past president

of Ikebana International Chapter #85 Detroit and has demonstrated and exhibited at the

Detroit Institute of Arts as well as the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. Meeting at the Rochester

Community House at 816 Ludlow Street. Registration begins at 11 am. Program at 11:15.

Meadow Brook Garden Club

Don’t Let Your OAK WILT

The Meadow Brook Garden Club will meet Friday, January 22, 2016 at Meadow Brook

Hall, 480 South Adams Road, Rochester MI 48309-1904. Coffee and refreshments will

be served at 9:15 a.m. with program to follow at 10:00 a.m. featuring guest

speaker, Dr. David L. Roberts, Senior Academic Specialist at Michigan State University

who has worked with oak wilt for over 25 years. Oak Wilt is a lethal disease that is

spreading throughout Michigan. It is prudent to learn how to avoid oak wilt, how to recognize symptoms

and how to effectively manage the disease if detected. Guests are welcome. There is a $5 non-member

donation. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact 248-364-6210,

or MBHGCMembers@gmail.com, or

visit www.meadowbrookhall.org

Oakland County Master

Gardeners:

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MG Education Share: Master Gardeners, if you watched a video, webinar or other online class that you feel other

Master Gardeners might enjoy, please send us a link and a short description and we will

share it here.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Nothing at the moment. Check the VMS for project areas that you may be interested

in joining.

Photo Fun:

Have any pictures of your project that you would like to share? Email them to me at:

mary.gerstenberger@macombgov.org

Wishing all of our Master Gardeners a Very Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year! Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays!!

Maureen

Karen

Mary