TRGC Minutes – June 2019

 

Thames River Garden Club Minutes – June 20, 2019

 

Attendance             Active: 42                  Privileged: 4                    Excused: 2

 

President Brenda Kramer called the meeting to order at 12:30 and thanked hosts Pam Atkins, Rod Atkins, and Everett Munro. Brenda introduced our guests, Dale Salmonsen and Jane Bucklin, wife of Richard Bucklin. Brenda directed our attention to the beautiful floral arrangements produced the day before at the Line Design Workshop under the expert tutelage of Juanita Toledo, workshop presenter. She asked members to review and make corrections to or update information being passed to ensure club information is accurate. The minutes from the May 16 meeting were presented; Jerry Theiler moved to approve the minutes, and Sandy Kelly seconded, and the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report. In Phyllis Teeson’s absence, Brenda asked all present to carefully review the 2019-2020 budget attached to the agenda for today’s program. Discussion followed. Everett Munro moved to accept the budget for the upcoming club year, with Jan Theiler seconding. The proposed budget was approved by the membership.

Committee Reports.

Bylaws—Ethel Gerity said that the bylaws are ready for discussion when we meet in September.

Civic—Jan Theiler requested members of the committee sign up for a time during July to work on the Beebe Gardens as they need attention while Jan is away. In addition, she suggested that those members of the civic committee who are unable to work in the gardens may wish to sign up for a different committee that might be more comfortable for them. Jan will plan a committee workday the end of July.

Environmental Studies/Conservation—Juanita Toledo said that the June 5 cleanup day at Harkness State Park was very successful. Committee members cleaned areas of protected beach dunes where rare and threatened Piping Plover and Least Terns nest. Please consider joining this committee; new members are needed.

Garden Therapy—Juanita reported that the patients at Beechwood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center were very happy with the initial garden therapy group’s visit and that Beechwood will be added to the committee’s projects; because Beechwood will provide flowers for the therapy meetings, the club’s budget will not be affected. Sandy Kelly said that the committee welcomes new members to help with projects. Sandy was pleased that Barbara Mingo and her granddaughters spray painted cans to be used as pretty containers for arrangements at the rehabilitation centers.

Nominations—Everett Munro presented the revised slate of officers for program year 2019-2020:

     President—Elaine Lombardi

     Vice President—Vonice Carr

     Treasurer—Joan Treadow

     Assistant Treasurer—Betty Ann Coviello

     Recording Secretary—Pamela Atkins

     Corresponding Secretary—Dolores Markowicz

     Immediate Past President—Brenda Kramer

Plant Sale—Claudia Kenyon reported that the plant sale was a great success. Judy Graziano said only three showed up to dig plants for the sale, and many more attendees would be greatly appreciated next year when there will be a dig in the fall and one in the spring.

Program—Susan Bellefleur told the membership that the program is all set for next year. Susan provided everyone with a list of the speakers and topics.

The meeting was paused for lunch at 12:55.

President’s Remarks. Brenda resumed the meeting at 1:55 and thanked everyone for their support throughout her two-year tenure. She thanked Tara Mahn of Aroma Catering for the delicious luncheon we all enjoyed. Pam Atkins thanked everyone who took part in the Line Design Workshop. Today’s speaker, Trish Manfredi, is judging the thirteen designs, which were assembled at the workshop. Brenda welcomed Trish and then asked Everett Munro to present the revised slate of officers for program year 2019-2020:

     President—Elaine Lombardi

     Vice President—Vonice Carr

     Treasurer—Joan Treadow

     Assistant Treasurer—Betty Ann Coviello

     Recording Secretary—Pamela Atkins

     Corresponding Secretary—Dolores Markowicz

     Immediate Past President—Brenda Kramer

Ruth Hammell moved to rescind the previous proposed slate of officers and substitute the new slate listed above, and Barbara Mingo seconded. The motion was unanimously approved. Brenda thank the retiring officers for their service and then proceeded to install the new officers, who will serve for the next two years.

Joyce Beaudoin moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:30, and Barbara Skinner seconded; motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Skinner, Recording Secretary

TRGC Minutes – May 2019

Thames River Garden Club Minutes 

May 16, 2019 

Attendance Active: 37 Privileged: 3 Excused: 6 

President Brenda Kramer called the meeting to order at 12:16 and thanked hosts Susan Bellefleur, Maria Zalegowski, Tricia Cass, and Mary Ellen Hagen for our wonderful luncheon. She asked members to sign the attendance sheets, mute their phones, and refrain from side conversations. Brenda inquired whether any guests were present, and Susan Bellefleur introduced her guest, Barbara Reynolds; Bugi Reiff, who was our guest in April, joined us once again. Regina Kowenhoven moved to accept changes to the April minutes and Elaine Lombardi seconded. Everett Munro moved to accept the minutes as corrected, and Jan Theiler seconded; motion passed. 

President’s Report. Brenda welcomed our guests and introduced our newest member, Rod Atkins. She then asked for a round of applause for a very successful plant sale. She reminded those present that our garden party luncheon, catered by Tara Mahn, will be held June 20 at her home, and she asked all to wear sun hats. Checks should be sent in by June 6. Brenda is looking forward to installing the new Executive Committee. Brenda shared login information for the FGCCT website: user name is fgcct and the password is charteroak. 

Treasurer’s Report. Phyllis Teeson reported that we aren’t able to vote on the budget at today’s meeting because an audit is being conducted. Ruth Hammell moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, and Marian Shilstone seconded; motion passed. Phyllis reminded members that the TRGC tax number is for club purchases only and not to be used at wholesalers for personal purchases. Phyllis thanked everyone for supporting her during her tenure as treasurer. 

Plant Sale Cochairs’ Report. Cochairs Claudia Kenyon and Maria Zalegowski spoke about the very successful plant sale held May 11 at the Waterford Town Hall and thanked all who worked so hard. Claudia greeted customers at the door and inquired how they learned about the sale. Most either saw signs posted throughout the area or were return customers. Annuals did very well this year, and the gazebo helped. Phyllis Teeson added that Ella T. Grasso in Groton generously donated flats of annuals.   Because Grasso will be unable to provide seedlings next year due to renovations, Sheila Elliott volunteered to have the Prison/Garden Therapy group work at the prison to provide seedlings for next year’s sale. 

Committee Reports. 

Civic—Jan Theiler reported that cleanup of the Beebe-Phillips garden took place during Arbor Week on April 24. The garden was weeded, old plants removed, and new plants planted for spring; the garden was mulched and made ready for viewing for the Waterford Art Exhibit. 

Environmental Studies/Conservation—Juanita Toledo said that members participated in the cleanup of the Labyrinth Garden at Harkness State Park. On June 5 and September 4, committee members will again work at Harkness in an effort to protect two endangered bird species. 

Garden Therapy—The garden therapy group is expanding its efforts by making floral arrangements with residents of Beechwood in New London. This morning’s session was well received, with twenty in attendance, and the committee decided to visit Beechwood four times next year. 

Horticulture—Members were asked to bring in a native plant in conjunction with May’s lecture topic “Going Native.” Eight horticultural specimens were entered and a blue ribbon was presented to Dolores Markowicz for her Coastal Leucothoe plant; other participants received honorable mention ribbons. Thanks to our internal judges Joan Treadow, Pat Uguccioni, and Suzy Young. 

Juniors—Suzy Young thanked Tricia Cass and Nancy Cole for transplanting plants with children at the plant sale. Suzy has arranged for each of the eighteen members of Troop #63428 (Waterford and New London) Daisies (grade K, 1) and Brownies (grade 2, 3) to receive a TRGC “Kid’s Pack” comprising two pots, two bags of soil, two packets of flower seeds (one to attract birds and one to attract butterflies), plant ID sticks, and planting instructIons in order to stimulate the children’s interest in gardening and to transfer knowledge of seed germination. Presentation of the Kid’s Packs will be on June 3 in conjunction with the troop’s annual party. 

Hosting—Elaine Lombardi thanked those who signed up to host next program year. 

Nominations—Everett Munro presented the proposed slate of officers for program year 2019-2020: 

President—Elaine Lombardi Vice President—Pam Atkins Treasurer—Joan Treadow Assistant Treasurer—Betty Ann Coviello Recording Secretary—TBA Corresponding Secretary—Dolores Markowicz Immediate Past President—Brenda Kramer Program Chair—Susan Bellefleur Hospitality Chair—Elaine Lombardi 

Peggy Schepp-Ashkenazi moved to approve the proposed slate of officers and Barbara Skinner seconded; motion passed. Members were asked to consider volunteering to serve the club as Recording Secretary. 

Workshops—Members are encouraged to attend a Line Design Workshop presented by Juanita Toledo to be held June 19, the day before the Garden Party, from 10 to noon at Brenda’s home. Flowers and containers will be provided and no Oasis will be used. Juanita asks members who will be attending to please sign up by June 9 and to bring greens from their yards. 

Suzy Young moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:11, and Jan Theiler seconded; motion passed. 

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Skinner, Recording Secretary 

Florence Griswold Museum Flower Show June 14 – 16

Dear Members of the TRGC,

                Our very own member, Pam Atkins, will be entering a flower design in the Florence Griswold Flower Show.

The painting that she has been assigned is, ‘Bow Bridge, Lyme, Connecticut’

The show is June 14-16.

I hope you will be able to go to the show and see Pam’s creation.

TRGC Minutes – April 2019, corrected

Thames River Garden Club Minutes

April 18, 2019

Attendance Active: 33 Privileged: 0 Excused: 9

President Brenda Kramer called the meeting to order at 12:22 and thanked hosts Manly Church, Patty Hancock, Mary Ann Richard, and Jan and Jerry Theiler for our delicious luncheon and Ann Thibault for the flowers. She asked members to please: sign the attendance sheets, mute their phones, and refrain from side conversations. Brenda enquired whether any guests were present, and Pam Atkins introduced Bugi Reiff, who had called her to ask about TRGC and been invited to attend the meeting. Manly Church moved to waive the reading of the minutes of the March meeting and accept the minutes as written, and Ruth Hammell seconded; motion passed.

President’s Report. Brenda welcomed our guest, then spoke about the FGCCT Annual Meeting held April 17 at the Aqua Turf Club with speaker Michael Derouin; nine members attended. Brenda reminded members to let Ruth Hammell, Sunshine Chair, know when club members should be sent cards. She reported that our garden party luncheon, catered by Tara Mahn, will be held June 20 at her home; invitations will be mailed in early May.

Vice President’s Report. Elaine Lombardi announced that we have a new TRGC member, Rod Atkins.

Treasurer’s Report. Phyllis Teeson reported monthly expenditures totaled $148.16. Barbara Skinner moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, and Pam Atkins seconded. Motion passed. Phyllis said that she hasn’t yet heard recommendations for organizations to be considered to receive TRGC donations and that donees are scheduled to be selected at the May executive committee meeting. Phyllis requested that members send separate $25 checks to pay for their dues and the June luncheon.

Committee Reports.

Civic—Jan Theiler passed a signup sheet for work to be done at the Beebe Garden.

Environmental Studies/Conservation—On June 5 and September 4, committee members will work at Harkness State Park, a natural heritage site for Connecticut, which has areas of protected beach dunes so that the rare and threatened Piping Plover and Least Terns can nest.

Garden Therapy—Vonice Carr shared that Fisher Florists donated beautiful carnations for use during garden therapy. Approximately twenty arrangements were made and flowers were brought to residents who were unable to participate.

Habitat for Humanity—Manly Church said that plants left over from the sale can be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Horticulture—Suzy Young asked members to bring a native plant to the May meeting.

Hosting—Elaine Lombardi passed the signup sheet so that members could sign up to host our various meetings and events next program year.

Plant Sale—Suzy Young has available the first seven pages of the FGCCT rules, which apply to plant sales. Maria Zalegowski discussed the tag sale table with garden-themed items planned for the sale; please donate items in good condition, such as vases, garden books, and tools. Maria asked all who want to buy patio tomatoes to sign up on another sheet being passed. All members should take and distribute two posters to advertise the plant sale, and each member is asked to make an item for the bake sale table and bring it with them the morning of the sale. Bake sale chair Pat Uguccioni advised that pies sell very well.

Ways and Means—Pat Uguccioni has aprons and TRGC tees available for sale to wear at the plant sale.

Workshops—Members are encouraged to attend a Line Design Workshop presented by Juanita Toledo to be held June 19 at Brenda’s home.

Unfinished Business. Maria Zalegowski offered to donate flatware to be used at luncheons instead of the plastic flatware we’ve been using.

Barbara Skinner moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:08, and Ruth Hammell seconded. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Skinner, Recording Secretary

Plant Sale Thanks!

Dear Members of the Thames River Garden Club,

                CONGRATULATIONS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !!!!!

What a Plant Sale!  Friends working together certainly can achieve great things!

Claudia, Maria, All the Chairs, and All the workers—

Thank you for your contributions and your time to make the Thames River Garden Club Plant Sale a success.

TRGC MInutes – April 2018

Thames River Garden Club Minutes

April 18, 2019

Attendance Active: 33 Privileged: 0 Excused: 9

President Brenda Kramer called the meeting to order at 12:22 and thanked hosts Manly Church, Mary Ann Richard, and Jan and Jerry Theiler for our delicious luncheon and Patty Hancock and Ann Thibault for the flowers. She asked members to please: sign the attendance sheets, mute their phones, and refrain from side conversations. Brenda enquired whether any guests were present, and Pam Atkins introduced Bugi Reiff, who had called her to ask about TRGC and been invited to attend the meeting. Manly Church moved to waive the reading of the minutes of the March meeting and accept the minutes as written, and Ruth Hammell seconded; motion passed.

President’s Report. Brenda welcomed our guest, then spoke about the FGCCT Annual Meeting held April 17 at the Aqua Turf Club with speaker Michael Derouin; nine members attended. Brenda reminded members to let Ruth Hammell, Sunshine Chair, know when club members should be sent cards. She reported that our garden party luncheon, catered by Tara Mahn, will be held June 20 at her home; invitations will be mailed in early May.

Vice President’s Report. Elaine Lombardi announced that we have a new TRGC member, Rod Atkins.

Treasurer’s Report. Phyllis Teeson reported monthly expenditures totaled $148.16. Barbara Skinner moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, and Pam Atkins seconded. Motion passed. Phyllis said that she hasn’t yet heard recommendations for organizations to be considered to receive TRGC donations and that donees are scheduled to be selected at the May executive committee meeting. Phyllis requested that members send separate $25 checks to pay for their dues and the June luncheon.

Committee Reports.

Environmental Studies/Conservation—On June 5 and September 4, committee members will work at Harkness State Park, a natural heritage site for Connecticut, which has areas of protected beach dunes so that the rare and threatened Piping Plover and Least Terns can nest.

Garden Therapy—Vonice Carr shared that Fisher Florists donated beautiful carnations for use during garden therapy. Approximately twenty arrangements were made and flowers were brought to residents who were unable to participate.

Habitat for Humanity—Manly Church said that plants left over from the sale can be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Horticulture—Suzy Young asked members to bring a native plant to the May meeting.

Hosting—Elaine Lombardi passed the signup sheet so that members could sign up to host our various meetings and events next program year.

Plant Sale—Suzy Young has available the first seven pages of the FGCCT rules, which apply to plant sales. Jan Theiler asked members to review the signup sheet being passed to make sure that their plant sale assignments are correctly listed. Maria Zalegowski discussed the tag sale table with garden-themed items planned for the sale; please donate items in good condition, such as vases, garden books, and tools. Maria asked all who want to buy patio tomatoes to sign up on another sheet being passed. All members should take and distribute two posters to advertise the plant sale, and each member is asked to make an item for the bake sale table and bring it with them the morning of the sale. Bake sale chair Pat Uguccioni advised that pies sell very well.

Ways and Means—Pat Uguccioni has aprons and TRGC tees available for sale to wear at the plant sale.

Workshops—Members are encouraged to attend a Line Design Workshop presented by Juanita Toledo to be held June 19 at Brenda’s home.

Unfinished Business. Maria Zalegowski offered to donate flatware to be used at luncheons instead of the plastic flatware we’ve been using.

Barbara Skinner moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:08, and Ruth Hammell seconded. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Skinner, Recording Secretary

Thames River Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale