The Communications Team is committed to delivering the most accurate, useful and timely information. Two of the most effective ways tools we use to do so are the DCMGA website (public and for DCMGs only) and Mark Your Calendar (for DCMGs). Luckily, the DCMGA has several skilled volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to collect, proofread, edit and deliver this information in a clear and engaging format. In appreciation for their generous service, we are honored to recognize four of them today.

Alexa Peterson serves as the DCMGA webmaster, a role that requires mastery of many skills- she creates and manages the content and organization of a website, monitors the computer server and a myriad of technical programming aspects, develops a budget and recommends the most effective software for our needs. During a recent attempt to infiltrate our site, Alexa contacted HostGator, our web hosting provider, and successfully prevented permanent damage. Her creativity seems boundless as well, developing a stunning online catalog of Japanese maples with photos and relevant facts that prompted buyers to purchase them in record time. We are so grateful to Alexa for sharing her knowledge, all while working several jobs and attending graduate school at Texas A&M- College Station.

Another very important part of the website is the maintenance of the DCMGA calendar of events.  When Cynthia met Susan Jones at a NLCP class several years ago and she mentioned the challenges faced with completing her volunteer requirements while working full time as a nurse, they talked about working on the website, tasks she can manage from home when time allowed.  How fortunate we are that she accepted the position, and she has quietly coordinated the calendar ever since, categorizing the events as public, continuing education or MGs only.  While she has regular times scheduled for updates, she is always willing to “fit in” an urgent add-on event when asked.

Perhaps the most important method we use to communicate vital information to our Master Gardeners is through our twice monthly newsletter, Mark Your Calendar. Mary Cunningham has served as editor since MYC’s inception over two years ago, and she does a superb job of organizing data in a bullet-point format that is useful, accurate, and easy to read.

Mary’s efforts combine seamlessly with the expertise of Christina Herman, our Mailchimp guru and technical wizard extraordinaire.  Once Mary organizes the bullet points to be included, Christina transposes them into a Mailchimp template and creates links for events when needed.  Even if she is away on business or pleasure, she always responds promptly and manages the edition from her phone.  If edits are needed, she makes the changes quickly and without complaint.  Since its inception, Mark Your Calendar is always distributed on time.

All of these volunteers are truly invaluable in making communication with our members and the public as smooth as possible.  We appreciate each one!