Dear Master Gardeners, I hope that this document finds you in good spirits. A few days ago when I was flipping through my high school alumni and college alumni magazines and it suddenly occurred to me that formal periodic updates really do serve a vital function for the continued development of a group of individuals who share common ideas and goals. Even the digital alumni newsletters that I receive from my graduate school offers me the same sense of connectedness and inspiration. The magazines I get from my fine academic institutions keeps me connected to the like minded friends and colleagues who are making great service, academic or professional contributions to communities and organizations big and small. For the past two years (perhaps even more), there has been a call for someone to coordinate the Master Gardener newsletter for the alumni and for the public. Sadly, there has been no serious expressed interest. Fortunately, I feel inspired. I would like to share my inspiration with you. I am pushing the newsletter issue a bit stronger. How about a mini-digest??? Ok, it’s a newsletter. I really wish I had the energy to produce an eye-catching magazine for our Master Gardener group; however my garden needs my time. This proposed newsletter, should be considered an internal message and to be shared with the public. It includes important information for you to read. Please read the messages carefully and give them consideration. In addition to reading the important messages, please consider what it would be like receiving this kind of newsletter three or four times a year. Likewise consider how it could potentially benefit the greater Shasta County community. I am wondering if this is a useful means of developing connectedness amongst fellow Master Gardeners. If you find this to be a worthwhile project, I am hoping that that this endeavor will inspire at least 15 or so people to actively participate in this project either directly or indirectly. No pressure at this point. Just take your time and read. The hard sell comes later. Wishing you the best of weekends,
Ajen