THINK SPRING !
2014 Master Gardener Winter School
Murfreesboro, TN February 20 and 21

From the Desk of Dr. Cooper:

Calling all Master Gardeners! Can you believe that another Winter School Conference is upon us? It’s true and we would like for you to be a part of this educational event. Two distinct learning tracks are available for Master Gardeners and Extension Personnel to help manage and facilitate volunteers and to provide community support and education to sustain the mission of the Tennessee Master Gardener program. This year’s theme is ” Healthy Plants/Healthy People”. Come join us in the great city of Murfreesboro on February 20-21 for this grand event. This promises to be a good time had by all. I hope to see you there!

For credit card Early Registration at a reduced rate, go to our state website here:

https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=415

Registration Instructions:

Pre-register by completing the website form and returning the appropriate registration fees by February 10. Late registrations will not have guaranteed meals or materials. Meals, snacks and materials will be provided for each track.

Payment Options:

Registration Deadline is February 10,2014

Fees:

$75 for the entire conference (both tracks) or
$45 per track (Education or Leadership)

After February 10, late fees: $90 (both tracks) or $60 per track.

Meals during conference are included in registration. Please note special dietary needs.

A. Registration form and check, payable to “University of Tennessee” should be mailed to:

Attn: Sandy Kitts
TMG WS Registration
2431 Joe Johnson Drive
252 Ellington Plant Science Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-4561

B. For secure credit card payments, go here:

https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=415

For Questions or More Information contact Chris Cooper (901) 752-1207

Proposed Schedule for Winter School 2014
(We know there will be some changes but here is what we have so far:)

Leadership Track – Feb. 20

7:00 am registration/silent auction check in
8:00 welcome – Chris Cooper
8:30 keynote speaker – Dr. Scott Senseman
9:30 break
9:45 concurrent sessions

1) First time attendee orientation – Denisa Cate & TMG Board
2) Fund raising/grants – Mike Payne and Tiffany Howard
3) Marketing (including social media) – Megan Bruch

11:00 break
11:15 SFE presentations – Suzanne Allen
12:00 lunch and meet/greet Dr. Senseman, Dr. Burns, Dr. Cross
12:45 Alliance meetings (one group in another building)
1:30 break
1:45 general session – officer training

Moderator – Chris Cooper opening comments/responsibilities/Q&A
President/VP – TBD
Secretary – TBA
Treasurer – TBA

2:30 break
2:45 concurrent sessions

1) Organizational finances – Dr. Burns and Tim Fawyver
2) Improving communication – Lisa Sterns

3:45 break
4:00 concurrent sessions – Problems/Issues/Ideas

1) Large clubs – Bob Ary
2) Small clubs – Chris Ramsey

(group discussions/networking – meeting planning, managing projects, publicity,business meetings, community involvement, member development, etc.)

5:00 dismissal

Education Program – Feb. 21

8:00 – 8:15 Call meeting to order… morning announcements
8:15 – 9:15 Keynote Speaker… Mr. T.J. Tennent, Engineering Manager, Light Truck Products and Government Products at Bridgestone/Firestone
9:15 – break
9:30 – 11:30 Educational Session Part One

“Healthy Plants” speakers… Dr. Alan Windham and Dr. Frank Hale, UT Distance Diagnostic Team, Tom Stebbins, UT Extension Hamilton county, and David Cook, UT Extension Davidson county

Dealing with the public, Master Gardener Help Desk, What’s wrong with my plant? You be the Detective, finding and using/storing information, distance diagnostics…how and when? etc.

11:30 – 12:00 Awards Program
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Educational Session Part Two

“Healthy People” speakers… Laurie Williams, Memphis Botanic Garden and Karla Kean, UT Extension Montgomery county

Horticultural Therapy, activities and programs and their effect on the mind and mental health, raised beds; physical therapy programs using plants. Cooking with herbs, garden to the table, healthy eating, indoor plants and their effects on the home environment and people.

2:45 wrap up, end of silent auction and pick up of auctioned items. And awarding of DOOR PRIZES! Y’all stay put ’til after 3:00!

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wcmg