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
Thames River Garden Club 