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Bill Overton, President

Bill Overton earned his Master Gardener Certification in 2005 and his Advanced Master Gardener Certification in 2007, each with the Brooklyn class. He interned at the Channel 3 Kids Camp Garden (2005) and has been involved each year since; he joined the Channel 3 Kids Camp Board in 2007. Bill retired in 2003 after 42 years in the oil industry. He is a member of the Manchester Garden Club, Board Secretary of the Manchester Board of Tax Appeals, a member of Manchester’s Energy Improvement District Board, and a member of the Dean of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Advisory Board. Bill joined the CMGA Board of Directors in 2008.

Bill is looking forward to the New Year for CMGA. He’s eager for the leadership team to institute the new bylaws (voted in November 2009) and to increase the size, involvement, and value of membership in CMGA. His monthly President’s Message will be posted on the website to keep members aware and connected.

Jay Beausoleil, Vice President

Jay Beausoleil earned his Master Gardener Certification with the Brooklyn Class of 2005. Jay interned at the Channel 3 Kids Camp Garden and has been actively involved each year since. His involvement with the camp is all encompassing: purchasing seeds and plants; starting seeds in the greenhouse and transplanting as weather allows; overseeing the garden plan, and mentoring campers and counselors. Jay is also among the founders of the Mansfield Farmers Market, and he is actively involved with the People’s Harvest. His knowledge, experience, and leadership are valued.

Roger Gregoire, Treasurer

Roger Gregoire received his Master Gardener certification with the Tolland class of 2008. He joined the CMGA Board of Directors right after graduation. Roger is a licensed Professional Engineer and president of an engineering consulting firm. In addition, he is an Adjunct Faculty member in the Mathematics Department at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic. Roger is especially interested in vegetable gardening. He has grown vegetables from Asparagus to Zucchini, but, there are always new varieties to try! He and wife, Carol, designed and built a solar greenhouse and enjoy year-round gardening, having several hundred house plants including African violets, cacti, exotics, orchids, succulents, and tropicals. Roger has taught a number of Advanced Master Gardener classes at three Extension offices. He is happiest when sharing his experiences in gardening with other, like-minded people.

Fran Maynard, Secretary

Fran received her Master Gardener Certificate with the Tolland Class of 2008 and joined the Board of Directors in December of that year. She was elected to the office of secretary and has served in that role since January 2009. Fran retired from her position as school principal in 2007. As a dedicated educator, she taught teachers as well as students and also served as an adjunct instructor at the college level; she continues to supervise student teachers.

While working toward her MG certification, Fran interned at the Channel 3 Kids Camp. She continues to be involved with the gardens and the program there. Time allows her to work with her local garden club, Tolland Garden Paths, and to serve on a variety of community and church boards and committees. She is happiest when she is learning and enjoying the outdoors in any way.