MNLA Committees Summertime Means Summer Conference
Certifiable: MCH News Corner
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o there I was, enjoying Summer Conference at a picnic table at the Topsfield Fair Grounds, having a great chat with people I know very well and a few I don’t know well at all, consuming an amazing lunch of clams, corn, watermelon, and lobster. Yes, lobster! Outside, it was a perfect July day: lots of sun, but not too hot and not at all muggy. MNLA, MCH, and MFGA members sat on the grass catching up with friends. There were beautiful plant exhibits. My personal favorites were the amazing annuals brought by John Forti and David Fiske of MassHort from the trial gardens at Elm Bank. I must admit I’ve never been a great fan of annuals (what’s that comment about friends not letting friends grow them?), although I did adore working in those gardens once upon a time. Perhaps I’ll reconsider. There were some wonderful speakers discussing truly timely topics. A number of people approached me after those talks to suggest we send some of those speakers on to New England Grows, an idea we will certainly consider. I’d love to see a round-table discussion again with Karen Howard, Kerry Preston, and Deb Trickett — and not just because I introduced them. They are three talented, smart ladies willing to share some great ideas and comfortable working together. I’ve been to the Topsfield Fair a few times, but would never have thought of it as a venue for Summer Conference had it not been for Education Committee member Gene Demsey. Thanks also to all the people who introduced speakers, helped at the sign-in tables, and ran the wonderful MCH Plant ID area. Special thanks to our amazing Education Committee members. Of all our get-togethers across the year, Summer Conference has always been my favorite. Late July gives us all the chance to take a day, relax and unwind with friends, pick up some new ideas, learn, and grow. And speaking of new ideas, please, get in touch with us with your ideas for future speakers and venues, as well as thoughts pro and con about this conference. We’d really like to hear from you. And don’t forget to suggest lobster for lunch. Kathy Bergmann, MCH, Bergmann Construction Education Committee Chair
he committee has unveiled a new MCH brochure designed to help your customers better understand your MCH credential. Once you’ve downloaded it from MNLA.com, you can add your logo to the document. A link with instructions has been sent to all MCHs who have provided their email address. If you have not received the link, please send an email to the MNLA office (mnlaoffice@aol.com). Impressive! Congratulations to the newest MCHs who rose to the challenge. It certainly pays to study! Christopher Clark, Nick’s Tree Service, Abington Laura Craig-Comin, Merrifield Garden Design, Natick Douglas Field, Ahronian Landscape & Design, Holliston Jessi Flynn, MA, DCR, Boston Morgan Gasperini, Ward’s Nursery, Great Barrington Sophie Gianniotis, Parterre Garden Services, Cambridge Shannon Gojanovich, Cavicchio Greenhouses, Sudbury Bryan Hamilton, Parterre Garden Services, Chatham Ashley Hill, Wolf Hill Garden Center, Ipswich Victoria Hiney, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, Boston Dustin Johnson, Wilkinson Ecological Design, Orleans Ellen Parker Menounos, Phil Mastroianni Corp, Waltham Susan Opton, Terrascapes, Needham Brendan Pearson, Foxboro Country Club, Walpole Michael Pistninzi, Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, Boston 2015 Recertification Points You’ll find opportunities to get your remaining 2015 recertification points in many places before year-end. Look for these: • New England Grows. Earn two points for attending the educational workshops and an additional point for achieving a successful score on the Plant ID Challenge. • Plant for Success. One point is available for a completed article with a jpeg photo. These MUST be submitted electronically at MNLA.com. Watch your email for event messages from MNLA, and look at the Event page on the website for opportunities to learn and earn. Questions? Email Cheryl Salatino at cheryl@dancingshadowsdesign.com. Please put MCH in the message subject. Cheryl Salatino, MCH, Dancing Shadows Garden Designs Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) Board Chair
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