TRGC Annual Meeting Minutes, June 15, 2023
Meeting was brought to order at 12:00 p.m. by Karen Neilan (President)
Attendance: 35 active members, 16 excused members, 3 privileged members
Karen Neilan, President
● Karen explained how we came about to select Kentford Farm for our Annual Luncheon Meeting. Karen presented Paul with a donation and certificate of appreciation.
● Karen asked if there were any corrections or amendments to the April 20, 2023, meeting. No amendments or corrections were heard. Minutes were approved.
● Karen acknowledged our hospitality team along with herself and thanked: Jill Johnson, Becky Starrett, Kayla Mullen, and Ann Thibault. She also acknowledged the Audio Committee, Rod Atkins and Richard Bucklin.
● Karen talked about creativity and how she had given us soil last year as a favor. This year she is giving us miracle grow favors and already has something in mind for next year to complete the theme.
● Karen wants to keep the creative juices flowing for our club and talked about what has been accomplished during the past year. A new ad hoc committee was formed to review the bylaws, followed by the implementation of a policies and procedures manual, which is now available in hard copy, digital and via our website. Karen was chairperson of the committee and thanked the following members: Pam Atkins, Brenda Kramer, Elaine Lombardi and Val Haagensen. Liz Paganetti and Joanna Woodward created a great website and have agreed to chair the committee. They have done an outstanding job making it user friendly and putting such important content at our fingertips. Karen also thanked Margie Sydney for creating our Facebook page. Karen also announced we welcomed 10 new members in the past year. She encouraged everyone to keep thinking outside the box.
● Karen gave a “shout out “to all standing committee chairs and everyone attending. Karen announced that we would like to plan a summer event at the home of Elaine Lombardi on August 17, 2023. Karen asked for volunteers to make up a committee for this event. She will send out an eblast as well to all members.
● Karen discussed the Penny Pines Project, which the National Garden Club challenged each club to become involved in to support the USDA Forest Service to reforest areas that have been damaged by natural disasters. The goal is to fill the floral vase she provided with donations between now and next year in support of the cause. She will pass the vase around at each meeting throughout next year.
Vice-President – Val Haagensen
· Val did not have an official report; however, she thanked Karen for all she has done for the club and let her know how much we appreciate her efforts. She also encouraged members to read the policies and procedures manual.
Treasurer- Elaine Lombardi
● Elaine distributed and presented the treasurer’s report and plant sale report.
● Karen asked for a motion and second to approve the budget as presented followed by open discussion. Vonice expressed concern that the yearbook expenses may be too low. Elaine will adjust the budgeted line item, if need be, following a review of the figures. Motion passed with one abstention.
● Elaine distributed the philanthropic donation report. Karen asked for a motion and second followed by open discussion. Kristen requested we add a donation for fencing repair on the Town of Waterford property. Elaine explained this does not meet our mission statement. It was mentioned that all requests should be submitted in the timeframe given for suggestions. Motion passed with one abstention.
Recording Secretary- Pam Atkins
● Recording Secretary- No report
Corresponding Secretary- Laurie Markowicz –
- Thank you note from Bugi Reiff.
Committee Chairpersons Reports
- Civic – Joan Treadow reported on the Jordan Park area that needed attention. Joan planted some hydrangeas and noticed when she went back to water that the entire garden had been removed. Since that time, the Town of Waterford has replanted and it looks pretty good. Joan will send out an email for the next scheduled clean up. Oswegatchie School project went well. Kayla Mullen was the contact person and the second graders had fun. Joan also knows where to get pines for holiday wreaths. Cedar Grove Cemetery – a scope of work was presented to Joan. It was a bit beyond our limitations, however, they continued to do a walk through with Gail McDonald. She is trying to get on a historical list. Gail is willing to come to one of our meetings to give more details and possibly see if anyone can help with restoring the garden. Lawrence & Memorial Hospital Healing Garden- Joan followed up on a request to help maintain the garden. The person asking for help was on site when she went to take a look. She is asking for help for one or two hours per week. Joan asked for members to get on a list for this project. Vonice asked for help for a garden outside the window of the children’s room at the Waterford Library.
● Environmental – Ivy Plis is looking for members to join this committee. She gave examples of the projects they are working on.
● Garden Therapy Nursing Home – Margie Sydney reported there are nine members currently attending and residents love the visits.
● Garden Therapy Prison – Peggy Schepp reported the prison is ready for the volunteers to come back next week.
● Hospitality- Jill Johnson reported things are moving along and there are only a couple of months left to fill.
● Plant Sale- Claudia Kenyon announced the overnight stay at Mohegan Sun drawing for members that still wanted to buy tickets. Claudia went on to say the Plant Sale did very well. The feedback from the post plant sale meeting was to bring back the bake sale, have a children’s table, and white elephant table which she asked members to save items for. Claudia reminded members to please wear their t-shirts, aprons and name tags. Manly will be in charge of a new area selling shrubs so someone is needed to chair the drawing booth. Ethel Gerity won the overnight stay at Mohegan Sun drawing. Plant Sale grossed $8,636 and netted $6,075. Proceeds from the drawing will be added to this amount.
● Program- Susan Bellefleur and Pam Atkins – Pam reported how the Program Committee works. The committee meets in April to put the coming season’s program together. We use information obtained from the Southeastern Garden Clubs of CT meeting that is held in March. Pam explained that we welcome your suggestions and want to hear from you anytime. Please email or talk to us at the meetings. We don’t want anyone to feel left out. If you want more first-hand input, we would love to have you join the committee. Pam then went on to give the list of speakers scheduled for the year.
● Way & Means- Margie Sydney has t-shirts to sell. The response from her survey to the members was to have reusable shopping bags.
- Website- Joanna Woodward and Liz Paganetti reported that they beefed up the Resource Page. Joanna asked committee chairs to send her or Liz suggestions or ideas concerning this page or any portion of the website.
Meeting adjourned 1:10 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Atkins, Recording Secretary