Tag Archives: Extension updates

Benton Master Gardener eNews

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Small bites & treats potluck
+ awards

To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Saturday, November 19, 2022 @2-4PM
Event Address:  Central Electrical Training Center Tangent, OR 97389
Contact: Elizabeth Records, program staff: elizabeth.records@oregonstate.edu 541-730-3471

We gather to honor your achievements as a Master Gardener volunteer and celebrate what our community can do together.
Be recognized for your commitment to growing knowledge, gardens, and communities.
Enjoy a dessert/small bites social (please bring something to share and label food suitable for particular dietary restrictions).
Celebrate our graduating class of new Master Gardeners.
Honor volunteer achievement with awards and prizes.
Family, friends and loved ones welcome. To RSVP CLICK HERE.

Best from your hosts—
Linn County Master Gardener Association
OSU Extension Service Master Gardener Program

with support from–
Benton County Master Gardener Association
  • Shout outs
    • Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31.
      • Log your hours 
      • Are you a trainee who needs help completing your service? I can email you plant clinic questions on demand!
      • Questions about completing your service? Schedule a visit about volunteering or contact Elizabeth Records: elizabeth.records (at) oregonstate.edu, 541-730-3471.
  • BCMGA News
    • The Fall 2022 OMGA (Oregon Master Gardener Association) newsletter, ‘The Gardener’s Pen’ is now out. Please take a moment to review the newsletter, which includes important updates on OMGA advocacy to improve MG Program funding.
    • Meetings: Please see member email for meeting locations in person and/or online.
      • 10/24 Membership meeting. The October membership meeting will be on Monday, October 24 rather than October 17.
        • Vote for 2023 BCMGA board members
        • Learn how to identify and report emerald ash borer with Jennifer Killian, City of Corvallis Urban Forester.
  • Volunteer opportunities:
    • Cocoon Care – Trainees welcome! Volunteer to help at Fall 2022 Mason Bee Cocoon Harvesting Classes. 10/8-10/25 (sites and times, including Corvallis). Assist instructors, support learners, and sell supplies. Some shifts are evenings or weekends. Learn more and RSVP. Report service as “instructor: direct”.
    • New! 10/25-11/3 Dig & Divide days for the BCMGA Plant sale. The Plant Sale Team is working on growing the inventory for our May 2023 sale NOW! We are hoping to reach this year’s goal of 40% of the plants in our inventory coming from Dig and Divides. That’s still a LOT of plants that need to get potted up in a very short time frame and we need help to do it. Please consider coming to some of the upcoming work sessions listed below. Contact Leslie Hauser at lesliehauser107 (at) gmail.com or 702-340-6513, if you have any questions or need help finding us.
      • Tuesday, October 25 10:00am – Dig at Jennifer Klammer’s Garden, 3343 NW Silktassel Dr.11:15am – Divide at Nellie Oehler’s farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
      • Thursday, October 27 11:15am – Divide only on this day at Nellie Oehler’s Farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
      • Monday, October 31 10:00am – Dig at Alsie Campbell’s Garden, 1403 NW Alta Vista Dr. 11:15am – Divide at Nellie Oehler’s farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
      • Thursday, November 3 10:00am – Dig at Calvin Community Garden, 1310 NW Cleveland Ave.11:15am – Divide at Nellie Oehler’s farm, 5570 SW West Hills Rd.
    • Community science. Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Explore and sign up. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”. 
    • Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public on weekdays, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Sign up HERE. 
    • Demonstration Garden at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders (at) comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix (at) verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • NEW – Prairie Plant Grant Opportunity! ***Apply by October 27th*** Do you have a volunteer project coming up this fall to plant a native prairie garden in a community space? This grant is not only for upland prairie plant diversity and the insects and other organisms that rely on it, but also for the human community. Learn more and apply.
    • NEW farm to school booster grants DUE November 8, 2022. Up to $2,000 for school garden projects (and maybe community garden projects)! Short application! Learn more and apply.

Benton Master Gardener eNews

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Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program staff by the second or last Wednesday of each month. Please use this event checklist to ensure all needed information is included in your request.


While flowering plants provide pollinators with food, insects also require shelter for nesting and overwintering. Most bees and wasps create nests in the soil or within dead plant stems or in cavities in wood. Many butterflies, wasps, moths, and lady beetles seek shelter in leaf litter and brush piles. Master Gardener volunteer Janet Morlan assembled some tips to reduce garden labor and protect pollinators. This is part of the Neighborhood Planter Kiosk series. Read Janet’s post for three things you can do to provide nesting & winter habitat.
  • Shout outs
    • Cocoon Care volunteer opportunities
      • This Thursday! Cocoon Care helper training 9/29 @10am-12pm OR 9/29 @6:30pm-8:30pm. This course is recommended for volunteers nd trainees who are helping at cocoon care events. Please email Ranee Webb at raneewebb66@gmail.com to RSVP. Report service as “educational event prep: indirect”.
      • Trainees welcome! Volunteer to help at Fall 2022 Mason Bee Cocoon Harvesting Classes. 10/8-10/25 (sites and times, including Corvallis). Assist instructors, support learners, and sell supplies. Some shifts are evenings or weekends. Learn more and RSVP. Report service as “instructor: direct”.
    • Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31. Log your participation here.
      • Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on Saturday, November 19 from 2-4 in Tangent. 
      • Are you a trainee who needs help completing your service? I can email you plant clinic questions on demand! Or Schedule a visit about volunteering or contact Elizabeth Records.
  • BCMGA News
    • Meetings: Please see member email for meeting locations in person and/or online.
      • 10/10 – BCMGA board meeting 3:00-5:00.
      • 10/24 Membership meeting. The October membership meeting will be on Monday, October 24 rather than October 17.
        • Vote for 2023 BCMGA board members
        • Learn how to identify and report emerald ash borer with Jennifer Killian, City of Corvallis Urban Forester.
    • NEW! From Jeff Stephens: The board has recently approved the Greenhouse Facility Committee! The committee is looking for several MG members to join in designing, building and maintaining our propagation growing space at Philomath High School. Please contact Jeff Stephens (Greenhouse Facility Chairperson) at jeffks023 (at) gmail.com if you would like to help, or if you have questions and/or ideas to share.
  • Volunteer opportunities:
    • New! 10/7-10/27 (various sites and times) Dig & Divide days for the BCMGA Plant sale. Contact Leslie at lesliehauser107 (at) gmail.com to be added to the email list or for more information.
    • Community science. Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Explore and sign up. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”. 
    • Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public on weekdays, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Sign up HERE. 
    • Demonstration Garden at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Your extra pots are needed by the Plant Sale team. You can drop them off behind the shed at the Demonstration Garden at the fairgrounds.  
    • 10/8/2022 Houseplant & cuttings swap. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Please bring cuttings and starts of healthy houseplants to share. (Note, volunteer plant clinic spots for this event are filled, and volunteers serving at this event CAN earn service hours. Attending the event as a guest is not eligible for MGV service, but we hope you’ll bring and share houseplant cuttings!)

Linn Master Gardener eNews

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Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program staff by the second or last Wednesday of each month. Please use this event checklist to ensure all needed information is included in your request.

A trap crop can be defined as a sacrificial plant that draws away damaging insects from the desirable crop. Research shows that Brassica juncea (among other brassicas) is a good trap crop to distract flea beetles.
The trap crop works as an alternative host that draws away invading insects, giving the main vegetable crop an added layer of protection. In some cases, insects have a preference for these alternative hosts, and when given the choice, will go to the trap crop first. After trap crops are infested with target insects, they can be controlled with timely insecticidal applications or mechanical removal.
Linn Master Gardener trainee Carrie Falotico has found some helpful resources for making trap crops a part of your garden integrated pest management. Get specific tips for flea beetles, and read the entire post.
  • Shout outs
    • General membership meeting TODAY Sept 22nd 
  • Ranee Webb is graciously hosting this meeting as a potluck.
  • Meet at the Demo Garden by 5:00 pm to carpool or be shuttled to Ranee’s house.
  • (Parking is limited on her street) If you really need to drive yourself, please use their driveway, the street in front of their house or Navajo Court (the street to the right before you get to their house.)
  • Ranee and Marc are supplying hamburgers and buns.
  • Bring a dish or dessert to share.
  • Bring a folding chair if you have one
  • Please email Ranee at raneewebb66@gmail.com if you plan to come.
  • Cocoon Care volunteer opportunities
    • Trainees welcome! Fall 2022 Mason Bee Cocoon Harvesting Classes. 10/8-10/25 (various dates/times including weekends). Assist instructors, support learners, and sell supplies. Learn more and RSVP. Report service as “instructor: direct”.
    • Trainees welcome! Cocoon Care helper training 9/29 @10am-12pm OR 9/29 @6:30pm-8:30pm (recommended but not required). Please email Ranee Webb at raneewebb66@gmail.com to RSVP. Report service as “educational event prep: indirect”.
  • 9/24 Fall 2022 Master Gardener BioBlitz. Grab your camera and join us on iNaturalist to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon! Online – all day. Learn more and join. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”. 
  • Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31
    • Log your hours or call Elizabeth if you need help: 541-730-3471.
    • RSVP for graduation and celebration on Saturday November 19 from 2-4 in Tangent. 
    • Are you a trainee who needs help completing your service? Schedule a visit about volunteering or contact Elizabeth Records.
  • Linn County Extension Open House – Oct 17, 2022 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm – free, drop in. Network and visit with Extension stakeholders, volunteers, employees, and community. Enjoy door prizes and refreshments.

LCMGA news

  • We have two positions open on our board: The 1st VP is responsible for scheduling the PNW talks and any talks for our membership meetings. The treasurer is responsible for maintaining our financial records on Quick Books, issuing checks, and providing a report of expenses for our monthly Board Meetings. I and the entire Board will help and support our new officers to make this a fun and rewarding experience. As a Board member, you can help shape the future of Linn Master Gardeners. Please if interested in joining our board in any capacity, call me, 541 990 5624 or email goergenb (at) gmail.com
  • Volunteers needed
    • New – Community science! Contribute data to research on gardens, plants, and wildlife. Explore and sign up. Many projects are remote and on your own schedule. Report the time as “citizen science: indirect”. 
    • New fall dates – Extension open house! Pop-Up Plant Clinics need people to “talk plants” with our communities. Sign up HERE. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
    • Anytime – Become a Forest Pest Detector and report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Returning volunteers may report time spent with training as continuing education, and time spent spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
    • Trainees welcome – Demo Garden: Join us for work parties at the Linn Demo Garden on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 10:00am-12:00pm. Report service as Educational Garden (Maintenance): Indirect.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
  • Continuing education
    • Rich Little entomology learning
      • Rich is at the plant clinic most Thursday afternoons from 1-3ish. RSVP and bring an insect, or a plant damaged by insects, and hone your diagnostics skills with this longtime MGV and retired entomologist.
    • 10/6 – Gardening in the PNW: Insect Explorations with Rich Little. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Retired entomologist Rich will introduce you to pollinators and pests alike.
    • 10/20 – Gardening in the PNW: Successful Gardening with Physical Limitations, with Karin Magnusson. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. You can keep gardening over the years, using adaptive methods to match your garden and your abilities.
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Kelly Muller has a new email – muller2kelly@gmail.com
  • 10/8/2022 Houseplant & cuttings swap. 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Albany Library, 2450 14th Avenue SE. FREE, drop in. Please bring cuttings and starts of healthy houseplants to share. (Note, volunteer plant clinic spots for this event are filled, and volunteers serving at this event CAN earn service hours. Attending the event as a guest is not eligible for MGV service, but we hope you’ll bring and share houseplant cuttings!)

Benton Master Gardener eNews

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Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program staff by the second or last Wednesday of each month. Please use this event checklist to ensure all needed information is included in your request.

Did you know you can extend your container garden to include berries? If you rent your dwelling, you can take your plants along when you move. Master Gardener volunteer Chris Smith has compiled top tips for growing blueberries and cane berries in containers.
–Pick plants that are dwarf or limited to about three feet tall
–Pick plants that are self-pollinating, that don’t require pollen from two or more bushes of different varieties to produce berries.
–Pick the right size for a container and consider placing it on a tray with wheels. That way you will be able to move the container to follow the available sunlight, and to overwinter in a protected area if your location is subject to hard freezes.
For more check out the full post:
https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/linnbentonmg/

  • Shout outs
    • Program update via Richard Riggs, Regional Director: “Elizabeth Records will be returning to her role as an Education Program Assistant supporting your groups and Brooke Edmunds will be returning in a limited capacity as the community horticulture faculty supervising Elizabeth. This is a limited-duration appointment for Brooke as we hope the legislature restores Extension’s funding in the 2023 session. If you have questions for Brooke and Elizabeth, please get in touch with them directly. A Zoom meeting for the BCMGA Board is scheduled for 9/8 at 3 pm.”
    • Via Elizabeth Records: “Hi folks, I will be out September 12 on medical leave and working from home September 13-14.”
    • Save the date: Linn County Master Gardeners will again offer in-person blue orchard bee cocoon harvesting classes. Rich Little will offer a “Train the Trainer” class at the Linn Extension office on Wednesday, September 14th from 10:00-Noon. Sign up coming soon.
    • Save the date: Graduation and Celebration 11/19/22 in Tangent.
    • Plant Sale Propagation teams will be meeting every Tuesday in September from 9:00 -11:00am near the greenhouses on the west side of Philomath High School, 2054 Applegate St. Bring gloves, pruners, your badge, and perhaps a bottle of water. No experience is necessary. We’ll get you started potting up baby plants in no time! Please RSVP to Leslie at lesliehauser107@gmail.com (or show up anyway if you forget). This year, with your help, the Plant Sale Team will be growing 60% of the propagated plants for our May Plant Sale at Philomath Highschool. The other 40% will be from a scaled-down Dig and Divide season beginning mid-September. Stay tuned for more info on how you can join us at Nellie’s house this fall! Here are the dates. Please mark your calendar.
      • September 6
      • September 13
      • September 20
      • September 27
  • Volunteers needed
    • NEW! 9/14 – Evaluating aesthetic qualities of selected landscape plants. 10am – 2pm (Arrive when convenient; ratings take about 60 min). OSU’s North Willamette Research & Extension Center in Aurora. Learn more and get directions. Report the time as “citizen science:indirect”. 
    • Anytime: Volunteer opportunity: Become a Forest Pest Detector and report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Master Gardener volunteers in Master Gardener Programs of Linn and Benton Counties may report time spent with training as continuing education, and times spent and spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
    • Evening & weekends – Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Weekdays – Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Wednesdays – Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
    • NEW! 9/14 – 2022 Dry Farming Field Day: The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms Program is offering the 8th annual Dry Farming Field Day. Come learn about multiple dry farming research projects, taste different varieties of dry-farmed produce and visit with other growers and researchers in the Dry Farming Collaborative. Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (844 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97331). This event is free to attend but registration is required. Space is limited. Farmers and service providers: https://beav.es/ib5; gardeners: https://beav.es/ibi. For more info and registration please visit: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/projects/dry-farming or contact Teagan Moran at 541-713-5011 or Teagan.moran@oregonstate.edu. 
    • Rich Little entomology learning ops:
    • NEW! 9/24 Fall 2022 Master Gardener BioBlitz. Grab your camera and join us on iNaturalist to capture the insects, birds, wild plants, and other wild organisms in your garden or a nearby community or public garden space. Your efforts will help to document garden biodiversity in Oregon!

BCMGA News

  • The next board meeting will be Monday, September 12, 3:00-5:00. We are looking at holding an in-person meeting but will keep the Zoom option. See the latest Board update email for in-person and online locations.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • BNC (Basic Needs Center) Food Pantry Welcomes Produce from Home Gardens: The OSU BNC Food Pantry would love any extra produce from your gardens. Our community relishes fresh produce. If you have a surplus, contact the BNC (541-737-3747 / bnc@oregonstate.edu) for best time to drop off.

Benton Master Gardener Volunteer eNews

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Bookmark our page: Find newsletter archives, volunteer handbook and more volunteer opportunities at https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/activebentonlinnmg/

Share an item for eNews by contacting your program staff by the first or third Wednesday of each month. Please use this event checklist to ensure all needed information is included in your request.

Volunteer opportunity: Become a Forest Pest Detector and report observations of potentially invasive species. Report hours as “citizen science: indirect”. Master Gardener volunteers in Master Gardener Programs of Linn and Benton Counties may report time spent with training as continuing education, and times spent and spotting and reporting possible pests as “citizen science: indirect”.
  • Shout outs
    • Sign up now: 9/3 & 9/4 Plant Clinic at the State Fair. Free wristbands and parking permits for participants. Volunteer from the comfort of the air-conditioned Floral Building, and then stay to check out the fair! Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct
    • MGVs protecting youth: at Mini College the Statewide Program Coordinator reminded volunteers that all OSU volunteers are required by university policy to report suspected child abuse discovered while performing duties related to OSU youth programs. Both employees and non-employees must immediately report suspected child abuse and neglect to either the Department of Human Services or law enforcement. Learn more: https://youth.oregonstate.edu/abuse
    • Volunteer service hours and continuing education are due 10/31
      • Congratulations to the growing group of trainees who have completed learning and service goals to earn their first Master Gardener Volunteer Certifications! Save the date for graduation and celebration on November 19 in Tangent.
      • Thank you everyone who is reporting service and continuing education! Here are goals to meet for two popular tracks for returning volunteers from our Guide to Volunteering:
        • Certified Continuing Master Gardener Volunteer: A Master Gardener Volunteer who has graduated and wishes to remain active in the program beyond the initial year and volunteer in an educational role. Certified continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are required to recertify each year by completing 20 hours of volunteering, 10 hours of continuing education and submitting completed OSU volunteer paperwork.
        • Continuing Master Gardener Volunteer (non-certified): a Master Gardener Volunteer who has graduated and wishes to remain active in the program beyond the initial year but not volunteer in a direct educational role(s). Non-certified continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are still required to complete program agreements annually. Non-certified Continuing Master Gardener Volunteers are not eligible to provide education to public (presentations, plant clinic, serving as a mentor, any direct education, etc.) until they become certified.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Plant Clinic at State Fair 9/3 – 9/4, Salem OR. Volunteers get free wristbands and parking permits. Sign up HERE.
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign-ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Trainees and other Volunteers are Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign-up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
    • NEW! 2022 Dry Farming Field Day: The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms Program is offering the 8th annual Dry Farming Field Day. Come learn about multiple dry farming research projects, taste different varieties of dry-farmed produce and visit with other growers and researchers in the Dry Farming Collaborative. Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture (844 SW 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97331). This event is free to attend but registration is required. Space is limited. Farmers and service providers: https://beav.es/ib5; gardeners: https://beav.es/ibi. For more info and registration please visit: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/smallfarms/projects/dry-farming or contact Teagan Moran at 541-713-5011 or Teagan.moran@oregonstate.edu. 
    • Rich Little entomology learning ops:

BCMGA News

  • The next board meeting will be Monday, September 12, 3:00-5:00. We are looking at holding an inperson meeting but will keep the Zoom option. See the next Board update email for in-person and online locations.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • None this week.

Benton MGV eNews

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Welcome to the team: Nicole Mason-Martin, office specialist
Nicole is the new office specialist at Benton County Extension – say hi to her when you next visit.
All meeting room requests, equipment reservations, copy jobs, etc., should be directed to Nicole. 
Nicole M. Mason-Martin, Office Specialist
Oregon State University / OSU Extension Service Benton County
4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333
nicole.masonmartin@oregonstate.edu
541-713-5002
  • Shoutouts
    • Trainees welcome–Urban Garden Row at OSU: Especially for busy folks or those with limited transportation: Work alongside Kathleen Dennis, formerly of the Oregon Garden, to learn plant identification, gardening techniques, landscape design for urban garden features like containers and trellises. Create Social media and blogs about projects in the Urban Garden to reach local and Statewide audiences, especially gardeners growing in small spaces, containers and community gardens. Based at Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticutlure on campus. To learn more, please contact Elizabeth Records. 
    • Plant problem show and tell: Lilacs with puny blossoms and leaf spots – Plant Problem Show and Tell from trainee Catherine W. Trainees – you can write one of these and earn plant clinic credit right now! Send in a Plant Problem Show and Tell. Report service as Plant Clinic: Direct or if you are a continuing volunteer, as Continuing Education.
    • Don’t be scammed: Approximately 400 Oregon State University student, staff and faculty accounts have been compromised by an email phishing attack that took place on Monday, May 16. Please review available materials on Phishing.
    • Seeds for educational programming: OSU Extension MGV Program received a large number of seed packets left over from the Grow This! Challenge. If you are offering an educational opportunity to the public where free seeds are needed, please email Elizabeth Records to reserve some.
    • Got Plant Sale lawn signs? If you had a lawn sign out this year, please either:  (i) save it and put it out again for next year’s Plant Sale; or (ii) drop it off at the Extension Office.  Thanks for your cooperation. – Bob Smythe
  • BCMGA news
    • PPS receives kudos. Many folks have worked on developing and refining the Plant Problem Scenarios, but you may not know that BCMGA received not only the statewide Search for Excellence Award but also the national award for them. Here’s what was said recently: I am the MG working with Marcia using the Problem Scenario Book for our Metro trainees’ Diagnostics Workshop. I just wanted to say what a masterful work this is. What an amazing tool for MG training, and what an amazing effort everyone did to put it together. I realize that it was designed as a role play guide. However, it is certainly up there with any of the references we might choose to guide clients. Thanks to you and everyone who worked on this book. Well done, indeed. Claudia
  • Volunteers needed
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Farmer’s Market Clinic Table! It’s time for the outdoor farmer’s market in downtown Corvallis. Beginning in May the Master Gardener clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market will be the 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of each month. Certified Master Gardeners are required to give advice but trainees may volunteer as well. If enough people volunteer, we can have two shifts. Please contact Debbie Lauer at 541-929-7544 or DSL2017@peak.org to sign up.
    • Trainees and other Volunteers Welcome at the Fairgrounds Demonstration Garden. The BCMGA maintains a demonstration garden at the Benton County Fairgrounds to demonstrate planting possibilities, practices and techniques for home vegetable gardens.  It is supported by a small but lively group of volunteers who have a lot of fun working in the garden and learning from each other.  We would love to have new volunteers – no experience is necessary.  We are currently meeting on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.  You can access the garden through the RV park entrance to the Fairgrounds.  Sign up is not required and drop-ins are welcome.  If you would like more information, please contact Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net or Dan Dix at ddix@verizon.net
    • Seasonal content team:
    • Find more opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
    • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Save the date for the 21st Annual Through the Garden Gate tour! Saturday June 18th, 202210:00 to 4:00, Six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets on sale June 1 at linnmastergardeners.com  

Benton MGV eNews

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Interested? Email elizabeth.records@oregonstate.edu
Work with staff, intern and a small-medium group of volunteers to create blogs and social media, based on:
OSU Garden Calendar and Master Gardener Program Priorities.
Work with staff and intern to review posts for copyediting, quality sources and consistency with OSU style guide.
Work with Extension staff and intern to publish posts to program blog
Create social media posts from blog highlights, using Canva templates provided.
Bonus activities: identify volunteer activities that tie into garden calendar items and enhance posts with video or photos from events.
  • Correction: Debbie Lauer’s email address had an error in eNews. The correcte email for Debbie is DSL2017@peak.org
  • Shoutouts
    • Returning volunteers – need a replacement badge? Order them HERE.
  • BCMGA news
    • Please spread the word about the upcoming Plant Sale on May 7! If you’re on Facebook please like and share. Check out the Board President’s newsletter for more sharing opportunities.
    • Next Board Meeting is Monday, May 10, 3:00 – 5:00
  • Volunteers needed
    • Online Plant Clinic – check for messages on evenings and weekends. Volunteer from anywhere with an internet connection. Enroll HERE.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Pairs of volunteers can currently sign up in the front office again! Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Farmer’s Market Clinic Table! It’s time for the outdoor farmer’s market in downtown Corvallis. Beginning in May the Master Gardener clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market will be the 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday of each month. Certified Master Gardeners are required to give advice but trainees may volunteer as well. If enough people volunteer, we can have two shifts. Please contact Debbie Lauer at 541-929-7544 or DSL2017@peak.org to sign up.The 2022 Plant Sale is on! Click HERE to volunteer for the BCMGA Plant Sale on May 7 at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed for both May 6 (Set up) and May 7 (Sale day).  If you have any questions or prefer to not use Sign-Up Genius, please email Leslie Hauser, this year’s Volunteer Coordinator, at lesliehauser107@gmail.com. Ready to sign up?? Click HERE to find exact shifts, times and job descriptions.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Save the date for the 21st Annual Through the Garden Gate tour! Saturday June 18th, 202210:00 to 4:00, Six unique & artful Albany gardens. Tickets on sale June 1 at linnmastergardeners.com  
    • El laboratorio de abejas melíferas de la OSU y el OSBA presentan el programa de apicultor maestro de Oregón en español. Aprenda la biología de las abejas melíferas, el manejo de colonias estacionales, la producción de miel y más. No se necesita experiencia y no es necesario tener su propia colmena. ¡Y es GRATIS! Nuestros días de campo le presentarán el fascinante mundo de las abejas melíferas. Le prestaremos un velo y analizaremos las colmenas de abejas vivas. Aprenderá cómo manejar adecuadamente sus colonias con un enfoque en la salud, la nutrición, y la hibernación. Asista a los 3 días de campo (21 de mayo, 9 de julio y 10 de septiembre), reciba clases en línea y lleve registros. Responda una prueba al final del año y recibirá la primera certificación en el Programa de apicultor maestro de Oregón. Los días de campo se llevarán a cabo en el Apiario educativo de Oak Creek de la OSU en Corvallis. Le enviaremos detalles al registrarse. El espacio está limitado a 25 participantes. ¡Inscríbase hoy mismo! Los participantes deben ser mayores de 18 años.¿Está interesado? Inscríbase AQUÍ ¿Preguntas? Contacte a Carolyn Breece a carolyn.breece@oregonstate.edu
    • Got Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs? Donate them for research! Jana Lee, a research entomologist at OSU, has a postdoc student needing brown marmorated stink bugs for his research, Ryan Paul. We would be willing to stop by local homes to collect any BMSB where people see them, or pick up any container with them.  If any BMSB are put into a container, they need air since they will ‘stink’ themselves to death in a closed container.  There should also be a wet towel, and some food like carrot stick, bean, apple slice or grape. If you have stink bugs, contact:
      • Jana Lee, Research Entomologist  jana.lee@usda.gov
      • Paul Ryan ryanp@oregonstate.edu

Benton MGV eNews

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Master Gardener volunteers are invited to join a very special opportunity:  
 
Film Screening! Food for the Rest of Us in partnership with the DisOrient film festival and the Lane County Master Gardener Association on April 5. Watch the trailer. Food for the Rest of Us will examine how getting back to the land is tied to other movements such as Black Lives Matter, Idle No More and Times Up. Food for the Rest of Us is a feature film that presents 5 stories of people living life on their own terms, serving as leaders and leading a revolution to a better world, from the ground up! “Growing your own food is probably the most revolutionary thing you can do!” Directed by Carolyn Cox / Canada / 2021  See the emailed version of eNews to sign up.
  • Shoutouts
    • Next Board Meeting is Monday, April 11, 3:00 – 5:00. See invitation from the board president to join.
    • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • LOTS of new volunteer opportunities, see below!
    • Free Seed Packets. We are fortunate to have several generous local garden supply companies who have donated commercial seed packets to the Master Gardener Program that we’ve primarily used for Seed To Supper. Although the packets expired last year, many still have useful viability. We have a large variety of vegetable as well as perennial and annual flower seeds for MG use! If you have a project that could benefit (community gardens, beautification areas, etc.) please contact Shikha Ghosh Gottfried at shikhagg@gmail.com.
  • Volunteers needed
    • The 2022 Plant Sale is on! Click HERE to volunteer for the BCMGA Plant Sale on May 7 at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed for both May 6 (Set up) and May 7 (Sale day).  If you have any questions or prefer to not use Sign-Up Genius, please email Leslie Hauser, this year’s Volunteer Coordinator, at lesliehauser107@gmail.com. 
    • The Grow Team is looking for volunteers to help start seeds at the Philomath High School greenhouses to have plants ready for the annual plant sale on May 7. Please follow the link to Sign Up Genius to volunteer to help with seed starting. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C45AAAE2AA57-bcmg1
    • The Outreach Committee is seeking a volunteer to coordinate clinic tables at local nurseries and related businesses this spring/summer. These are similar to the clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market except they can happen on weekdays, weekends or evenings. It is a great opportunity to connect with the community, and an easy way for our MGs and trainees to gain experience and hours. If you are interested in this position, please contact either Bob Smythe at smytherobert1@gmail.com or Nancy Tovar at njtovar@gmail.com
    • Mentors needed! We have a full class of people about to start training to become Master Gardeners. Mentors are key to helping these folks become effective problem solvers, as well as part of the Master Gardener community. At this time, mentors and trainees are unable to work together at the help desk in the Extension office but can do so in the conference room. They can also meet virtually from anywhere. Training for mentors is being updated to make these meetings easier, using new resources as well as refinements of the virtual help desk. There is a place for continuing Master Gardeners to serve at all levels, from working at the traditional desk to those totally online, so please volunteer to mentor the next generation and keep Master Gardeners thriving. Contact Alan Taylor, Mentor Committee chair, at tayloala@peak.org or 541-929-4141.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Desk is open for solo volunteers, or grab our ipad and mini microscopes and work in the conference room with a friend. Sign up HERE. If you’re a trainee, please wait to connect with a mentor, before enrolling.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:  
  • OSU Extension MGV Program news
    • March is Women’s History Month: A message from Celina Ratliff, Clackamas County Master Gardener. Recognizing National Women’s History Month during the month of March, I invite you to explore these articles and videos highlighting gardening and landscaping accomplishments by women. Read the blog.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Evening Garden Club accepts applications for 2022 Grants Program: Corvallis Evening Garden Club is accepting applications until March 30, 2022.The Evening Garden Club supports the expansion of gardening, education and beautification in the Corvallis community through its Grants Program. The EGC offers grants to Benton County nonprofit organizations to carry out worthy gardening related projects. To learn more about the program and to apply please visit our website: https://corvalliseveninggardenclub.org/grants/

Benton MGV eNews

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  • Now available – Continuing Master Gardener volunteers may enjoy free access to this Master Gardener Online program
Continuing Master Gardener volunteers may now enjoy free access to this Master Gardener Online program, similar to auditing live classes in past. All modules are optional and can be studied at your own pace. If it’s been a while since your first certification or you are transferring from another growing region, this will be a valuable learning experience that you may report as continuing education. This will be available now through the end of the service year.Any classes that cover topics you have not studied recently, may be reported for continuing education. See eNews to enroll.
  • Program Updates
    • Via Richard Riggs, Extension Regional Director Western Region: “OSU is following OHA guidance and has lifted the indoor mask mandate over the weekend.  You may still continue to wear masks indoors if you are more comfortable doing so, and I have asked all offices to maintain a stock of masks on hand to facilitate this.  Offices also no longer need to use/maintain the contact tracing forms.  Additionally, our indoor events no longer require social distancing, however people may be more comfortable maintain a distance so please accommodate them whenever possible.” This means that office plant clinic for volunteer pairs is now possible! We’ll continue to offer other options for plant clinic too. Check out the full post.

OSU is following OHA guidance and has lifted the indoor mask mandate over the weekend.  You may still continue to wear masks indoors if you are more comfortable doing so, and I have asked all offices to maintain a stock of masks on hand to facilitate this.  Offices also no longer need to use/maintain the contact tracing forms.  Additionally, our indoor events no longer require social distancing, however people may be more comfortable maintain a distance so please accommodate them whenever possible. 

The OSU vaccine requirement remains in place for all employees as does the positive case notification of OSU if you test positive.    Additionally, if you test positive or have symptoms of COVID please quarantine and do not come to work sick.  Some of our community partners (e.g. schools or food banks) will have their own COVID requirements and if you are working in those environments make yourself aware of and follow their requirements.   

As we adjust to the endemic phase of COVID there will be awkwardness and people will be uncomfortable, please be patient and show your coworkers and others grace as we reach a new normal. “

– Elizabeth Records – program coordinator (interim)

  • Shoutouts
    • March 2022 Membership Meeting. Time: Mar 21, 2022 07:00 PM
      Join us as we listen to Sharon Knight of Garland Nursery speak about various new items available to enhance your gardening experience – from new fertilizers to new tools. The presentation will be a live event from the barn at Garland Nursery. See members email for the link to join.
  • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • eNews spring schedule: MGV eNews for Benton County volunteers will be published first and third Thursdays. Second and fourth Thursdays, look for a newsletter from BCMGA board president.
    • LOTS of new volunteer opportunities, see below!
    • Containers needed: BCMGA  is putting together a display garden at the fairgrounds to show various types of edible vegetables, flowers and herbs that can be grown in containers.  We are looking for large (18” or larger) decorative pots for the garden, preferably ceramic or terra cotta.  If you have any extra pots that you can donate, please send a photo of the pots and an indication of size to Denise Saunders at vdenisesaunders@comcast.net
  • Volunteers needed
    • The 2022 Plant Sale is on! This is BCMGA’s biggest and only fundraiser this year to support all our education programs. It takes many volunteers to make this event a success. If you are not comfortable working with the public, there are still plenty of opportunities to help. Please mark your calendars to “save the dates”.
      • Friday, May 6: Loading and unloading plants/Sale set up
      • Saturday, May 7: Sale All day and Clean Up
        • Leslie Hauser, this year’s Volunteer Coordinator, is already beginning to fill the lead positions. Contact her at lesliehauser107@gmail.com or 702-340-6513 if you have worked one of the lead positions at a previous sale and would like to continue in that role.
    • The Grow Team is looking for volunteers to help start seeds at the Philomath High School greenhouses to have plants ready for the annual plant sale on May 7. Please follow the link to Sign Up Genius to volunteer to help with seed starting. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C45AAAE2AA57-bcmg1
    • The Outreach Committee is seeking a volunteer to coordinate clinic tables at local nurseries and related businesses this spring/summer. These are similar to the clinic tables at the Farmer’s Market except they can happen on weekdays, weekends or evenings. It is a great opportunity to connect with the community, and an easy way for our MGs and trainees to gain experience and hours. If you are interested in this position, please contact either Bob Smythe at smytherobert1@gmail.com or Nancy Tovar at njtovar@gmail.com
    • Mentors needed! We have a full class of people about to start training to become Master Gardeners. Mentors are key to helping these folks become effective problem solvers, as well as part of the Master Gardener community. At this time, mentors and trainees are unable to work together at the help desk in the Extension office but can do so in the conference room. They can also meet virtually from anywhere. Training for mentors is being updated to make these meetings easier, using new resources as well as refinements of the virtual help desk. There is a place for continuing Master Gardeners to serve at all levels, from working at the traditional desk to those totally online, so please volunteer to mentor the next generation and keep Master Gardeners thriving. Contact Alan Taylor, Mentor Committee chair, at tayloala@peak.org or 541-929-4141.
    • BCMG Greenhouse Help: It’s time to begin growing veggies in the greenhouse at Philomath High School for the annual plant sale on May 7. Enroll HERE.
    • Presentation: Corvallis CERT (Community Emergency Response  Team) in Corvallis, Oregon is seeking a presentation for a group of volunteers that are interested in learning more about gardening, non-invasive species, native plants and more, as part of emergency response! If interested, please contact Elizabeth Records.
    • Office Plant Clinic sign ups open: The office is open to the public, and volunteers can sign up for plant clinic shifts as desired, to answer client questions or practice skills. Desk is open for solo volunteers, or grab our ipad and mini microscopes and work in the conference room with a friend. Sign up HERE.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Benton Volunteer Opportunities Page.
  • Continuing education opportunities:
    • BEEvent – ticket sales for the live webinar have closed, but shortly tickets to view recordings will be available at linnmastergardeners.com
    • OSU Extension Master Gardeners announce 2022 Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series schedule It’s a new year and a new slate of free online learning webinars with Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series. Whether you want to learn how to finally be better with your irrigation, understand if cleaning up leaves in the fall is really good or not so good for the insects in the garden, or get excited for all things roses, there’s a class for you.  
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
  • Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Urban Greenspace: To observe Oregon State University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the Master Gardener Program hosted a screening of the movie ‘The Ants and the Grasshopper’. The movie follows Anita Chitaya, as she travels from her home in Malawi, to farms and gardens across the United States to share her story of how climate change is impacting her village. Afterwards, Dr. Vivek Shandas of Portland State University joined us to discuss the intersection of historical racism, landscaping and greenspace, and environmental justice. Read the blog.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • Evening Garden Club accepts applications for 2022 Grants Program: Corvallis Evening Garden Club is accepting applications until March 30, 2022.The Evening Garden Club supports the expansion of gardening, education and beautification in the Corvallis community through its Grants Program. The EGC offers grants to Benton County nonprofit organizations to carry out worthy gardening related projects. To learn more about the program and to apply please visit our website: https://corvalliseveninggardenclub.org/grants/

Linn eNews

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2022 Bee Supplies Delivery
View pick up dates and locations.
Cut off for order Wednesday March 16th at 5:00. Order cocoons, habitats and books.

  • Program Updates

Via OSU Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, here is the latest on OSU’s public health measures. OSU’s policy of vaccine carding for certain events is going away, and most indoor settings will become mask-optional. Understanding that our community has a wide range of needs around these issues, the local Master Gardener program will continue to offer a selection of activities including inside, outside and online.

Please also note that County policies affect Extension activities, and in Benton County as of today (3/4/22), we are still waiting for County policies to be announced. Next week we should know more.

– Elizabeth Records – program coordinator (interim)

  • Shoutouts
    • Thank you Nancy, Ranee, Rich and Susan for taking the lead on a successful 8th Annual BEEvent! Thank you Bobbye and Diane for leadership in bee gear pick ups, and countless others who have lent a hand! And special thanks to Brooke Edmunds for tech support and Q&A moderation. Together, we put Linn County on the map for pollinator education!
    • Spring schedule for program coordinator: March-June, Elizabeth’s weekly schedule is Wednesday-Sunday, 8-5.
    • eNews spring schedule: MGV eNews for Linn County volunteers will be published second and fourth Thursdays with occasional updates inbetween.
  • Volunteers needed
    • Trainees welcome – help plan the Linn County demonstration garden for 2022 and get involved in this fun hands-on project. For more information contact raneewebb66 (at) gmail.com
    • In-person outdoor community plant clinics coming up this spring to a garden center near you. Locations and times still TBD – likely Saturdays, with an opportunity to engage trainees. If interested, please contact Elizabeth Records.
    • Speakers’ bureau: are you an organized, outgoing person interested in helping connect interested volunteers with community organizations needing gardening education? Please contact Elizabeth Records.
    • Find ongoing and anytime opportunities on the Linn Volunteer Opportunities Page
  • Continuing education opportunities:
    • BEEvent – shortly, tickets to view recordings will be available at linnmastergardeners.com
    • OSU Extension Master Gardeners announce 2022 Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series schedule It’s a new year and a new slate of free online learning webinars with Growing Oregon Gardeners: Level Up Series. Whether you want to learn how to finally be better with your irrigation, understand if cleaning up leaves in the fall is really good or not so good for the insects in the garden, or get excited for all things roses, there’s a class for you.  
    • Growing Oregon Gardeners – Level Up 2022:
  • Extension News
    • Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Urban Greenspace: To observe Oregon State University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the Master Gardener Program hosted a screening of the movie ‘The Ants and the Grasshopper’. The movie follows Anita Chitaya, as she travels from her home in Malawi, to farms and gardens across the United States to share her story of how climate change is impacting her village. Afterwards, Dr. Vivek Shandas of Portland State University joined us to discuss the intersection of historical racism, landscaping and greenspace, and environmental justice. Read the blog.
  • Community news (Please note that anything in this section is not eligible for MGV volunteer service nor endorsed by Extension, but is mentioned as a courtesy to our community.)
    • None this week.