Here are details on the latest, hottest News and upcoming Volunteer & Education Opportunities for your Gardening interests! Use the BCMG Master Calendar to find more information on upcoming Classes and Seminars, Volunteer Opportunities, and Gardening Events.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
On the BCMG Website
Read the January Scion Newsletter now. And, the January Calendar .pdf and a 2016 Online CEU Listing are also be available for you to view/download from the BCMG Website Members’ Page.
BCMG Board Treasurer
Want to learn the inner workings of the Master Gardeners? Want to see where our money comes from and goes to? Want to learn rudimentary accounting by working closely with Carol for a few hours a month? Be the Board Treasurer – attend the Board meetings once a month and work with Carol to keep our budget up-to-date. Contact Jack Downey, BCMG President.
“One-Stop Shopping” for Rodeo Volunteers
Come to the January BCMG Meeting and Presentation (History & Educational Impact of the Rodeo with Jackie Van de Walle of S.A.L.E.) from 6-8:30pm on Thursday the 21st, and you can:
Sign up to volunteer if you haven’t done so already!
Complete the Rodeo Release form and get it notarized.
Have your driver’s license and car insurance form copied, if you have volunteered as a shuttle driver.
AND, earn 1.5 CEUs of the new BCMG requirement (three of the total annual six CEUs be earned at BCMG Monthly Meetings or Seminars).
BCMG Board Meets Next Week: Thu, Jan 14
The monthly meeting of the BCMG Board of Directors will take place 4-6pm on Thu, Jan 14 at 3355 Cherry Ridge Street, San Antonio. If you are interested in placing items on the agenda, email President, Jack Downey by Sat, Jan 9. And, all members are welcome to observe the meetings; however, in order to accommodate seating, please email the President, Jack Downey, that you will be attending.
Some Really Great News!!
The Bexar County Master Gardeners Facebook Group has over 600 members now! Kudos to Lisa Nixon and Shawn Bowers for all their hard work in establishing and maintaining this FB Group which has become a such wonderful way to share gardening news and ideas, ask questions about plants, or post a favorite botanical photo. Anyone (BCMG member, or not) anywhere (out of the County, or out of the state) can join. All you need is a FaceBook account. Then, just login and search for Bexar County Master Gardeners. Click on “Join Group” in the upper right of the screen and you will receive an invitation to the group.
Office Closure
Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Bexar County Master Gardeners offices will be closed Monday, January 18th.
Special BCMG Office Hours
The BCMG office will be open from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday thru Friday, January 26, 27, 28, 29. It’s good to call (210) 631-0404 before you come, just to be sure. [Note: Regular hours for Carol Law to be in the office are Wed and Friday from 9am – 2pm.]
Hemisfair Park Cottage Awakens
BCMG has been asked to re-plant and tend the Schultz Cottage which was previously a centerpiece of Master Gardener demonstration gardening and a gardening gift shop. If you are interested in rolling up your sleeves and restoring our cottage as part of San Antonio’s redeveloping Hemisfair Park, please email President Jack Downey.
New MG Intern Training Class Selection Process
During a recent Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, Nelda Speller, County Coordinator, and David Rodriguez, County Extension Agent, agreed that the Bexar County Master Gardeners would form a committee to select attendees for future Master Gardener training classes beginning with upcoming Class 60. BCMG President Jack Downey will form the committee to begin reviewing applications received at AgriLife in mid-January.
New Year Resolution
Here is an idea to consider for 2016. Make this the year you become a Texas Master Gardener Specialist! Learn about the training and the specialist areas on the BCMG website. You will also find a list of our BCMG members who are currently certified as Specialists. Watch the e-Blasts and check the BCMG Calendar for Master Gardener Specialist Training opportunities as they are scheduled for 2016.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer Opportunity for the New Year
The Children’s Vegetable Garden Program located at the backside of the San Antonio Botanical is looking for two individuals this year to assist the Watering Team: one person for Tuesdays & one person for Thursdays (and also to water on extremely hot days). Watering Team usually works 7-9am during the Spring Session (late Feb thru early Jun) and Fall Session (late Aug thru early Dec). Occasional watering throughout the rest of the year is sometimes needed. This is a big commitment, but a fun way to earn your volunteer hours for 2016. If interested, please email David Rodriguez.
2016
Another year has nearly gone by and Rodeo 2016 will soon be upon us, beginning Thursday, Feb 11 and running through Sunday, Feb 28. Plan to be part of the excitement and help in the Little Buckaroo Tent. Check your calendar, select how you want to participate, and contact the individual coordinating that activity! Let’s RODEO San Antonio!
Construction Volunteers: Help construct displays and hands-on exhibits in the HEB Little Buckaroos Tent starting January 25th. No construction experience needed….just willing hands to help hold and move things, paint, landscape, etc. Lunch provided by a wonderful group of MG volunteers. Email Ron Csehil or James Harris for more info, or to let the cooks know you are coming!Come join us:
Jan 25-29, M-F, 8am-3pm (Sat, Jan 30 optional)
Feb 1-5, M-F, 8am-3pm (Sat, Feb 6 optional)
Feb 8 & 9, M-T Early hours for plant unloading and then landscaping
Greeters: Everyday during Rodeo volunteers are stationed at the barn entrance to greet and welcome guests as well as tally the number of people coming in. Please email Suzan Bartholomew with your day/time preferences.
Feb. 11 – 11am-4:30pm (only 1 slot left for a Greeter) & 4pm-9:30pm
Feb. 28 – 9:30am-2pm & 1:30pm-6:30pm
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – 9:30am-2pm; 1:30pm-6:30pm & 6pm-10:30pm
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – 8:30am-1pm; 12:30pm-5:30pm & 5pm-9:30pm
Hospitality: Volunteers will help provide lunches for the hard-working construction crew during setup and breakdown times. Email Susan Noonan if you would like to help out.
Master Gardener Booth: With the release of the 2015 Rodeo Tomato, the Master Gardener booth will be busy with plant sales and plant questions! Email Suzan Bartholomew with your day/time preferences.
Feb. 11 – 11am-4:30pm & 4pm-9:30pm
Feb. 28 – 9:30am-2pm & 1:30pm-6:30pm
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – 9:30am-2pm; 1:30pm-6:30pm & 6pm-10:30pm
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – 8:30am-1pm; 12:30pm-5:30pm & 5pm-9:30pm
School Tours: During the first two weeks of Rodeo, schools tours will be conducted with children viewing the Little Buckaroo Tent exhibits. For these days (Feb 16-18 & Feb 22-25; 8:30am-12:30pm) enthusiastic volunteers are needed to guide the kids and talk with them about the displays. Please email Suzan Bartholomew with your day/time preferences.
Van Drivers: Shuttle services are provided every day of Rodeo for volunteers, and van drivers are always needed. Please email Jack Downey for more information. As of Jan 5th, 82% of the available driver shifts have been filled. The remaining open shift opportunities are:
Sat, Feb 13: 9:15am-1:30pm and 5:30-10:30pm
Wed, Feb 17: 8:15am-1:30pm
Thu, Feb 18: 8:15am-1:30pm
Sat, Feb 20: 5pm-10:30pm
Wed, Feb 24: 8:15am-1:30pm
Thu, Feb 25: 8:15am-1:30pm
Fri, Feb 26: 1-6pm
Sat, Feb 27: 1-6pm and 5:30pm to 10:30pm
Watering Team: Volunteer to help with watering and cleaning up the plants inside the tent. Please email Ted Ritchie if you would like to volunteer for this early morning task.
Youth Activities: Every weekend during rodeo! Short hands on activities will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-1pm. Sat & Sun, Feb 13 & 14 –– Make Your Own Love Bug. Presidents Day, Mon, Feb 15,10am-1pm –– Name that Veggie Game. Sat & Sun, Feb 20 & 21 –– Make A Terrarium Necklace. Feb 27th and Feb 28th –– Pot a Plant Activity. Email RubyZavala to participate.
Many Requests for Speakers Bureau
The Speakers’ Bureau has a lot of requests to fill. Please, please, please help!! Email Karen Gardner or call: 210-571-3903.
When: Wed., Feb. 17th 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood San Antonio, TX 78250
Topic: Your choice of Herbs or Organic/Natural Gardening
When: Sat, Feb 27, 2016, 9-10am or 10am-Noon
Where: 13153 Iron Horse Way, Helotes TX 78023-3535
Topic: Backyard Orchard Growing Fruit Trees in San Antonio
When: Sat, Feb 27, 2016, 9-10am or 10am-Noon
Where: 13153 Iron Horse Way, Helotes TX 78023-3535
Topic: Container Gardening
When: Wed., Mar 16th, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Great Northwest Library, 9050 Wellwood, San Antonio, TX 78250
Topic: Your choice of Herbs or Organic/Natural Gardening
When: Sat., Mar 19, 2016, 1-2:30pm
Where: Converse City Hall Parking Lot, 405 S. Seguin, Converse, TX 78109
Topic: Rain Barrel Demonstration
When: Sat., Mar 19, 2016, 1-2:30pm
Where: Converse City Hall Parking Lot, 405 S. Seguin, Converse, TX 78109
Topic: Native Plants, Composting
When: Thu, Mar 24, 2016 10-11:30am
Where: SA Oasis, 602 Babcock Rd. 78201
Topic: Container Gardening for Spring
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Upcoming Classes — See All the Details on MG Calendar!
Mon, Jan 11: Lunch & Learn–Spring Vegetables (Schertz)
Mon, Jan 11: New Rose Introductions
Tue, Jan 12: What’s NICE About Natives
One Fruit Tree?
What: Free Fruit Tree Seminar and 1.5 CEUs
When: Sat, Jan 16, 10:30am to Noon
Where: Milberger’s Landscape Nursery, 3920 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78247
Info: Whether you want to plant one fruit tree or an orchard, learn the basic steps of selecting appropriate tree species, how to properly plant them, how to train and manage these trees as well as harvesting and general overall maintenance. David Rodriguez, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Horticulturist will present this wonderful seminar.
Get Ready for Rodeo!!––General Meeting
When: Thu, Jan 21, 6-8:30pm
Where: 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230
Info: 1.5 CEUs; free. BCMG meeting begins with a social time at 6pm followed by the special presentation at 6:30pm. Jackie Van de Walle of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition will be speaking on the history of the Stock Show and Rodeo, legacy, educational impact, and much more. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the presentation. For more information, email the BCMG President or call 210-699-0663.
Note: This is the first opportunity of the year to start meeting the new BCMG CEU requirement that three of the total required six CEUs be earned by attending either BCMG Monthly Meetings or afternoon Educational Seminars.
Plant an Orchard Now
What: Free Fruit Tree Seminar and 3 CEUs
When: Sat, Jan 23, 9am to Noon
Where: Fanick’s Garden Center Inc., 1025 Holmgreen Rd, San Antonio, TX 78220
Info: Dr. Larry Stein from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will show you how to properly select, plant, prune and maintain fruit and nut trees for maximum production. Also learn about the overall care of your trees before and after harvest. For more information, visit Fanick’s website.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! (More Opportunities to Meet New BCMG CEU Requirements!)
Bulbs for San Antonio––BCMG Educational Seminar & General Meeting
When: Thu, Feb 18,1-4pm
Where: 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230
Info: 2 CEUs; free. Sandy Justice will present a program on how to select the kinds of bulbs that will grow in San Antonio on how to plant and propagate them, and where to find them for starters. For more information, email the BCMG President or call 210-699-0663.
What to Grow in the Shade––General Meeting
When: Thu, Mar 17, 6-8:30pm
Where: 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, San Antonio, TX 78230
Info: 1.5 CEUs; free. BCMG meeting begins with a social time at 6pm followed by the special presentation at 6:30pm. Dotty Woodson will help us learn what we can grow in the shade. For more information, email the BCMG President or call 210-699-0663.
AND, CHECK THIS OUT!
Save the Date
The 31st Annual Fort Bend Regional Vegetable Conference is scheduled for Thu, Feb 4 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Bldg. B&C, 4310 Hwy. 36 S., Rosenberg, TX 77471. For details email Brandy Rader, Fort Bend County-Horticulture, or call (281) 342-3034. You can register online.
Dinner Tonight Program!
A brand new Dinner Tonight program has been launched with a new website and new ways to interact with the Dinner Tonight team, their recipes and programs. The new website features Recipes, Tips & Tricks, Family Mealtime, and Taste of Texas.
In Case You Missed It!
New BCMG Volunteer Activity List >> for 2016
How About a Mitchell Lake Garden Work Day?? Email Nicki Apostolow or call (210) 628-1639 if you want to organize a Garden Work Day.
Applications Being Accepted for Master Gardener Intern Training Class #60>>
BCMG Scholarship Program>>
Spring 2016 Children’s Vegetable Garden Program>>
Nature Photography Exhibit at the William R. Sinkin Eco Centro>> thru Feb 5
CPS Energy>> tree planting reward through April 30, 2016.
SAWS Residential Irrigation Design Rebate>> and free WaterSaver Irrigation Consultation>>.
PLEASE NOTE: The email address associated with this e-Blast is only checked once a week. To volunteer or to sign up for a class, please use contacts provided. Thank you! If you no longer wish to receive e-Blasts from Bexar County Master Gardeners, please send an email to eBlasts@bexarmg.org with “Remove from Distribution List” in the subject line.
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