PLANT WNY MEETING MINUTES – Thursday, February 6, 2025
Salvatore’s Italian Gardens
6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043
The meeting was called to order at 6:14pm by Ryan McMillan, president.
Crystal O’Hara, treasurer, presented the financial report PLANT WNY. The financials were emailed to the membership prior to the meeting and included the profit and loss statement and balance sheet.
Committee Report
CNLP Awareness and Promotion – 130 were in attendance for CNLP & Hort 101 Day. Soon CNLPs will be able to purchase clothing and other items through an online store by Cross Bar Athletics. CNLPs will log in with their CNLP number.
Ed Day/Trade Show – A big thank you to the Foundation for providing funding of $9,000 so that we can bring in high quality speakers and keep the event reasonably priced. The Foundation also covered the cost of the SUNY Niagara students to attend both days. Roger Restorff thanked the sponsors – Gold Sponsor – Draves Tree Service Silver Sponsor – Batavia Turf; Bronze Sponsor – ADMAR, Ewing Outdoor Supply and Lawley; Bag Sponsor – Gernatt Seminar Room, Bag sponsor – Gernatt Asphalt Products; Room Sponsors – Scranton’s Thruway Builders Supplies and SiteOne Landscape Supply. Many thanks to the Ed Day Committee of Helen Makeyenko, Kim Schichtel, Kristy Schmitt, Steve Sypniewski.
PLANT WNY Foundation – Matt Dore gave a historical recap of the Foundation and how it has grown over 55 years. The endowment is about $625,000. It produces dividends which are used to support the Association as well as McKinely High School, SUNY Niagara and more. This year the Foundation is supporting Buffalo Niagara Gardens. Phil Colarusso is the new president of the Foundation. The Foundation will be working on Policies & Procedures. Since the Foundation has changed over the years, due to wanting to retain the charity status, it is time to work on updating the policies and procedures. Funding request must be in by the end of the year as the Foundaton meets in January and sets their budget for the year.
Historian – February 19 will be a gathering at Matt Dore’s home to begin the process of sorting through documents. Members who have a good knowledge of our history will be asked to participate.
Landscape Awards – There were a record number of entries in 2024. Reminder was given to take photos in the spring as well and continue entering the program. They are in need of a new committee member as Phil Colarusso has stepped down – many thanks to Phil!
Membership – The membership directory will be printed in July. The directory is a great resource to keep on hand or make available at your garden center/business. Members should review it and send changes to Joyce Janson now. The directory is also available on the PLANT WNY website.
Plantasia – There are a few vendors spaces available. Kim Schichtel is coordinating volunteers. Judging will take place Thursday morning with an awards ceremony in the evening. Theme is Welcome to the Jungle.
State Reps – Beth Fry, president of NYSNLA gave a NYSNLA report. The NYSNLA board voted to change their name to PLANT NYS. A by-laws review was completed and fixed some outdated language and dues levels. Going on now is the virtual education series. Coming up is a Zoom board meeting, which serves as an orientation, followed by an in-person board meeting in March. Advocacy is currently watching a few bills that are before the state legislature. CNLP Day will take place September 12 in Region 1, Riverhead Long Island.
McKinley High School – A committee of students will be working on props and benches for Plantasia. Ron Callea thanked the Foundation and PLANT WNY for their support.
Buffalo Museum of Science/Tifft Nature Preserve – Tifft Nature Preserve is doing habitat restoration and an accessible trail.
SUNY Niagara – Students are appreciative of having the opportunity to attend, The partnership SUNY Niagara has with PLANT WNY is critical to the students and their success. Carolyn Stanko thanked the Foundation and PLANT WNY for their support.
New Business
- There are plans for a meat raffle.
- The Riverline – 2025 Workforce Development Course is looking for companies that can host interns from March 24 – April 11.
- David Clark spoke about the program and the valuable experience it provides.
- Matt Dore has been in conversation with the Ralph Wilson Park ((the former Lasalle Park), A billion dollar project is being built right now and it may be a good project to get involved in. The renovated park will open in phases. There are plans for a very large tree planting and they may need our assistance with planting trees.
- Ed Dore asked the Executive Board that Dave McIntyre be considered for lifetime membership in PLANT WNY. It will be discussed by the Executive Board and put on the agenda for next meeting.
Ryan McMillan asked for a motion to accept the minutes of October 9, 2024. Ed Dore made a motion to accept the minutes of October 9. The motion was seconded by Kim Schichtel. All were in favor.
Ed Dore made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Kristy Schmitt. Meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.
Respectfully submitted by: Joyce Janson