Biweekly Update for September 9, 2025
- Brenda Bye
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
President’s Message
From Paula Lupcho
🍅 It’s Picnic Time! I hope to see many of you on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 5-7 p.m. at our annual September picnic. This is purely social and we welcome families, partners, and significant others to join us. Bring a beverage and dish to share (entrée, salad or dessert). The picnic will be held at Avery Park at the Lion Table (south end of the park). There is a covered, open air kitchen with electrical outlets. Table service will be provided. Thanks to Vice President Laura Horsey for organizing this event. After a busy summer of gardening, this is a wonderful way to reconnect with friends and kick off our Fall season.
It is also that time of year when I want to warn everyone that I will repeatedly remind everyone to report your hours! Sooner is better than latter. Enter your hours into the VRS system ( https://mgvrs.extension.oregonstate.edu/). It is important for both the extension program and the association. So, please, find some time and just do it! If you have difficulties navigating the VRS system either Otillia Schreuder or I can assist you.
I would also like to reinstate our hospitality team. We have several events during the year in which we provide beverage service at things like the Awards and Graduation (every other year) and at the Greens Party in December. It generally involves coffee and tea service--set up and take down. It would be great if 2 to 3 people would take this on, and it would provide valuable assistance to those who are organizing these events. Please let me know if you may be interested (pres.bcmga.board@gmail.com or 541-929-3050).
BCMGA Membership News
🍅BCMGA Board of Directors – Call for 2026 Nominations - BCMGA is beginning the process of assembling its 2026 Board of Directors. Open positions include President Elect, Members-at-Large, and OMGA Representative. The Board plays a vital role in guiding our organization and supporting the high-quality training and community education that define our mission.
If you are interested in serving or would like to learn more, please contact Jill Lodwig. The Nominating Committee will also be reaching out to members starting this week.
🍅 CGET Seeking a Second Co-Chair - The Community Garden Education Team (CGET) is one of BCMGA’s most public-facing committees and a cornerstone of our garden education mission. Kandi, Wendy and Cheryl are ready to mentor new leaders. One of the two chair positions has been filled, and we are still looking for a second co-chair to join the team.
If you love vegetable gardening and want to make a meaningful impact in the community, this is a rewarding opportunity. To learn more, contact CGET.BentonMG@gmail.com.
🍅 Annual BCMGA Summer Picnic
Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025 at 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Lion’s Shelter in Avery Park in Corvallis
Bring a main dish, side salad, or dessert to share and your own beverage. Dishes will be provided.
🍅 Mark Your Calendars: Linn and Benton Counties Master Gardener Graduation - Plan to come and celebrate our Trainee Class of 2025 with a potluck brunch and awards ceremony. More details to come.
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Central Electric Training Center in Tangent, Oregon
Attention Trainees! Plant Desk Wants You
Plant Desk is a crucial part of BCMGA’s public outreach and a wonderful way to expand your knowledge base. Desk trainers are available for all trainees and veteran Master Gardeners who would like a refresher on desk procedures. The desk is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. For trainees, these count toward your 20 hours of public outreach. For veteran MGs, these hours count toward your volunteer service hours for recertification. Go to 2025 Signup Genius.
Volunteer Opportunities
These activities are approved by OSU Extension for volunteer hours
🍅 September Plant Propagation Workshops - Each year our association grows thousands of plants for the Annual Plant Sale, which raises the funds for all of our activities throughout the year. The growing and care of those plants is a yearlong endeavor. This is a great opportunity to learn more about plant propagation and care. Check out the SignUp Genius to see what’s available.
🍅 TomatoFest 2025--Saturday, Sept. 27, 10-2: This is a Linn County event but has been approved for volunteer hours for Benton County as well. There are a variety of jobs including a clinic table and a welcome table with lots of opportunities to answer questions about growing tomatoes. Set up for the event begins at 8 a.m. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sheryl Casteen, casteen@aol.com. See the flyer at the end of the newsletter.
🍅 Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School Garden is looking for Master Gardeners to help during Fall Garden Club! Volunteers will help children, ages 5-10, explore the school garden through a variety of activities. Fall Garden Club will run every Thursday from September 18 to October 23, 11:45am-1pm. The KJH School Garden is a vibrant space focused on supporting young gardeners to learn about growing food, caring for pollinators, worms, and the soil. Please contact Amanda at amanda.tucksen@corvallis.k12.or.us for more information.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Approved for CE by OSU Extension
🍅Benton County Master Gardeners YouTube Channel - If you still need more Continuing Education Credits consider catching up on past lectures from our Membership Meetings. They are available on our very own YouTube Channel at:
🍅Marion Master Gardener Association is having their Pollinator Connection Conference on October 19, 2025 in Salem. The admission is free but registration is required. See the event website for details on speakers and location.
Community News
These are items submitted by MGs. They are not approved for credit but are of interest to our membership.
🍅 Master Gardener Jennifer Klammer is Having an Open Garden - Jennifer and her husband have been working on their garden for the past 28 years. She will be welcoming the Evening Garden Club on September 22, 2025 and offered a sneak peak for BCMGA from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Her address is 3343 NW Silktassel Dr.
🍅 Open House for the Institute of Applied Ecology’s 25th Anniversary - The public is invited to join in celebrating this milestone with live music and food as well as family-friendly activities and conservation program exhibits. September 20, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. See the event website for more details.
🍅South Corvallis Food Bank has produce scraps available for compost. Call ahead and see if they have any available for pickup 541-753-4263.
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