DRAFT
Great Island Garden Club May 4, 2021
Zoom Meeting Minutes
Present: 29 members
President Pat Lenz called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM.
Glicka moved to approve the general meeting minutes of April 6, 2021. Mary Briggs seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
Plant Sale
Glicka asked if there is another truck that could be used as a drop-off for plants on the Friday before the sale. Brenda Reynolds volunteered her truck, which will be at Biggie’s.
A price chart is needed. Jane Finn will see if there is a model on her computer that she could update.
Boxes are also needed for customers to take away plant purchases. Please bring boxes to the Sale.
Plant Sale Publicity:
Diane said that a Google Doc signup sheet was sent around with the latest newsletter to sign up to distribute plant sale posters. There are 50 posters, 60 sites, and more posters can be printed if needed. Posters should be distributed this weekend if possible.
Nancy has contacted 10 area garden clubs with information about the plant sale.
The direct mail postcard will go out Monday.
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Glicka thanked Nancy and Diane for their hard work on Plant Sale publicity.
Guards will let people into the sale without charge. Chief White has also been informed.
The question of where club members should park for the sale was discussed. Members may walk, or may park to the left inside the entry gates, perhaps at the library. (The boat park will still be in use.)
Some time was spent assigning digging parties for morning and afternoon sessions in several gardens.
Committee Reports
Civic – Susan Gough announce the first Rec Center cleanup will take place at 9 AM on May 13, to coordinate with the first Green Waste on the 15th. The cleanup should be relatively quick, involving mainly dead heading and clearing some leaves. Please bring appropriate tools and some brooms.
Biggie reported that the window boxes were successfully planted with pansies.
Membership - Mary Pat Gibson reported that the Club now has 62 members. Please let her know if there is anyone you know of who might be interested in joining.
There will be a handout at the Plant Sale about the Club and how to join.
Lawn signs are coming soon. News outlets have been notified.
Andy Schulte has sent out a notice, and will be asked to send out a reminder.
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In order to help new members get involved in the Club, the membership sign-up sheet will include a listing of committees, and ask new members to indicate which committees they might be interested in joining.
Programs – Caroline Rini suggested a program on NH Beekeeping would be of interest.
Outreach - Barbara reminded members please to make suggestions for organizations the Club might support under its Outreach Program this year. Suggestions should be submitted, with two or three sentences about the organization’s work, by May 24.
Daffodils 400 - Pat Lenz said that there will be five different varieties available this year. Information will soon go onto the website, and handouts will be available at the Plant Sale. Yetis will also be available to purchase at the Plant Sale.
Website – Pat Wilson said that the Plant Sale poster just went up on the Website, and Daffodils 400 will follow soon.
New Business
Pat will be sending out recommended amendments to the By-laws on Friday (30 days before the Annual Meeting) for members to consider in advance of discussion and a vote at the meeting.
Dues are due on June 15, but focus on this will wait until after the Plant Sale
The meeting was adjourned at 10 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moore, Vice President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
April 6, 2021
Zoom Meeting
General Meeting Minutes
Present: 31 members
President Pat Lenz called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM.
Deborah Trickett, owner of Captured Gardens in Milton, MA, presented an inspiring program titled “Jaw-Dropping, Traffic- Stopping Containers” on how to create beautiful containers for each season.
Following the presentation, after a short break for social purposes, Pat Lenz called the meeting to order. As this was the club’s last program of the season, Pat took the opportunity to thank the Program Committee for their creativity and flexibility this year, when a number of programs had to be adjusted, often more than once, and the Website Committee for their work adjusting program information on the website.
Biggie moved to approve the March 2, 2021, general meeting minutes. Pat Lenz seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
Mary Pat Gibson moved to accept the October 31, 2020 treasurer’s report and Pat Lenz seconded the motion. The treasurer’s report was approved.
Plant Sale
The Plant Sale will take place on the Common on May 22 from noon to 3PM. Pat reported that preparations are well underway. Diane Coniglio has joined Andrea Williamson and Nancy Borden on the Publicity Committee, and the committee has prepared a poster and a notice for Island Items. The next general meeting of the club, on May 4, will start with a Zoom meeting and then members will be asked to go to various gardens in New Castle to help dig plants for the sale. Members are asked to each prepare 10 plants to donate to the sale or to donate $50.
As well as plants, there will be Great Island logo hats for sale in spring colors, and Yeti drink containers. The latter will be available in 20oz., 30 oz., and child size in various colors, and will soon be available for club members to pre-order if desired. Members should keep an eye out for order forms, which will be sent out via email.
Credit cards can be accepted this year for purchases at the sale.
Biggie will soon be sending out information on preparing plants for the sale (pots, labels, etc.)
Plants can be dropped off at various locations in town (TBD) the day before the sale, or at the Common the morning of the sale.
Committee Reports
Civic - Biggie George reported she and Susan Spaulding will shop for plants this Saturday. She plans to work on maintaining the window boxes at her house on April 12th, and planting them on the 14th. She has invited new members to participate, or to sign up for other seasons’ plantings.
Susan Gough reported the Rec Center Garden is in good shape after last year’s pruning. Mulching will probably be undertaken this spring. The first Green Waste day this year will be on May 15, so Rec Center cleanup will be scheduled earlier that week.
Daffodils - Pat Lenz said that the Daffodil Sale will gear up late in April, and Handouts will be prepared for distribution at the Plant Sale.
The Annual Meeting will take place, via Zoom, on June 8. The Board will be proposing changes to by-laws, and we will be deciding which organizations to support with Outreach funding.
The meeting ended at 10:40AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moore, Vice President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
March 2, 2021
Zoom Meeting
General Meeting Minutes
Present: 17 members: Beth Barnhorst, Mary Briggs, Diane Coniglio, Jane Finn, Biggie George, Susan Gough, Elizabeth Hall, Mariesa Holloway, Gail Kelly, Pat Lenz, Annie Lynch, Sylvia Marple, Kathleen Matthews, Barbara Moore, Julie Thomas, Astrid Weeder, Claudia Wilbur, Pauline Elkin, Pat Wilson and Deedee Hammer
After a Zoom workshop presentation by Natalie Fream of Churchill Gardens on creating a terrarium, President Pat Lenz called the meeting to order at 10:10 AM.
Julie Thomas moved to approve the February 9, 2021 general meeting minutes, and Biggie George seconded the motion. Claudia Wilbur moved to accept the February 23, 2021 treasurer’s report and Susan Gough seconded the motion. The treasurer’s report was approved.
Plant Sale: Pat Lenz updated information about the Plant Sale, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 22 in the vicinity of Pavilion #2 on the NC Common from 9:30AM – 12:30PM. Glicka Kaplan is chairing the sale this year. Plants should be dropped off at the Common on Friday, May 21, from 4 – 5 PM. More information will be forthcoming, but members are asked to mark these dates on their calendars.
There will be no “Treasures” this year because it would be difficult to set up on the Common, where sale items must be left overnight.
Members will wear GIGC aprons to identify themselves during the plant sale. If you need an apron, please contact Glicka soon to place an order.
The May General Meeting will start with a Zoom planning session, followed by members’ gathering at houses of members who would appreciate help identifying or digging plants for the sale. (Members are expected to donate at least 10 plants, or $50, to the sale.)
Additionally, if members know of someone who is not a member who has plants members could come and dig for the sale, please let Glicka know.
Committee Reports
Programs - Claudia Wilbur announced that the next program, which will take place on April 6 at 9:30 via Zoom, will be about container plantings. Presenter Deborah Trickett will discuss containers, soil, and plant choices, and will do a hands-on demonstration.
Pat Lenz updated plans for the Club luncheon at the Wentworth Country Club that has been tentatively rescheduled for June 2, a Wednesday. A survey of members will be conducted in early April to determine how many members plan to attend so that a decision can be made whether to go forward with the luncheon in June, or to postpone it to a later date.
The Annual Meeting will take place on June 8 (rain date June 9) outdoors at the NC Common. Please plan to bring a chair or blanket and a mask.
Civic - Biggie George thanked Julie Thomas for tending the window boxes at the Town Hall and removing the Christmas wreaths.
The meeting ended at 10:17AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moore, Vice President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
Zoom General Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2021
Present: 35 members and 8 guests
At 9:30, Liz Barbour presented a Zoom talk on sheet pan cooking. She demonstrated a beef and broccoli dish, and a sweet potato plum dessert.
Recipes for these and many other dishes are available at Liz’s website, thecreativefeast.com.
After the presentation, President Pat Lenz called the Club meeting to order at 10:35 AM.
Glicka Kaplan moved to approve the January 5 minutes, and Biggie George seconded the motion.
Claudia Wilbur moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, and Sharon Dobbins seconded the motion.
Committee Reports
Membership - Mary Pat Gibson welcomed new member Pam Cullen, and will contact today’s guests to ask if they would like to attend another meeting, or if they might be interested in becoming members.
Programs - Claudia Wilbur announced the next meeting will be hands-on Zoom workshop on March 2 conducted by Churchill Gardens. Churchill Gardens will supply kits for terrariums that will include a glass jar, charcoal/soil/moss, etc. and three plants for $27. (However, those who wish to attend the workshop and supply their own materials need not purchase a kit.) Claudia will be sending out further information on the plants that will be provided and a picture of the finished product. If you would like a kit, please mail a check for $27 to GIGC PO Box 49 by February 16 (or let Claudia know before that date that a check is coming.) Kits can be picked up at Claudia’s home the day before the workshop, on March 1.
The April program will be a Zoom meeting on creating beautiful outdoor spring container plantings.
Plant Sale
Glicka reported that the plant sale will take place on the New Castle Common starting at 9:30 am Saturday, May 22. Plants can be dropped off on May 21 (time to be decided). Pat Lenz said that the Selectmen had given permission and were very supportive. Pat has reserved Pavilion #2.
With no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:42 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moore, Vice President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
January 5, 2021
Zoom Meeting Minutes
Present: 25 members
Program Chair introduced the speaker, Jamie Colen of Fuller Gardens at 9:32 AM.
Jamie Colen then presented his talk on Zoom entitled “Understanding Soil Dynamics and Common Sense Gardening in New England.” Members with questions for the speaker may contact him at fullergrdn@aol.com.
Following the presentation, President Pat Lenz asked Membership Committee Chair Mary Pat Gibson, who had to leave the meeting early, to report. Mary Pat reported no committee news, but extended a welcome on behalf of the club to new member Diane Coniglio.
Pat Lenz then asked for approval of the minutes for the December 1, 2020 meeting. Mary Pat Gibson moved to approve the minutes, and Claudia Wilbur seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.
Biggie George moved to accept the December 29, 2020 treasurer’s report and Mary Pat seconded the motion. The treasurer’s report was approved.
Committee Reports
Civic – Biggie expressed regret that the Christmas trees in front of the Town Hall were leaning over. There was a windstorm before the ground froze, and the trees then froze in a leaning position.
Programs - Claudia Wilbur announced that the next meeting, which will be via Zoom on February 2 from 9:30 – 11:00 am, will be on “Sheet Pan Meals.” The speaker is Liz Barbour, who presented a very well received program in the fall of 2019.
Unusually, it will be necessary for members to register for this workshop to be sent the Zoom invitation. Registration can be done in advance, or even at meeting time. Instructions are included in the January Newsletter.
The March 2 meeting has been planned as a Kokedama workshop (plants wrapped in moss) at Churchill Gardens. Since conducting this workshop outside is not feasible, it may be that kits will be distributed for members to work with in their homes over Zoom.
Pat Lenz introduced Glicka Kaplan as this year’s plant sale chair. The board would like to hold an outdoor plant sale this year, if possible. Various options are currently being investigated.
Members had no New Business to discuss.
President Pat Lenz therefore adjourned the meeting at 11:06 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moore, Vice President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
December 1, 2020
Zoom Meeting
General Meeting Minutes
Present: 23 members (Nancy Almgren, Beth Barnhorst, Nancy Borden, Mary Briggs, Cynthia Burns, Jim Burns, Irene Bush, Jane Finn, Biggie George, Susan Gough, Judy Hajjar, Nancy Jackson, Glicka Kaplan, Gail Kelly, Pat Lenz, Annie Lynch, Sylvia Marple, Barbara Moore, Brenda Reynolds, Julie Thomas, Astrid Weeder, Claudia Wilbur, and Pat Wood); and 2 guests (Drew Bush and Diane Coniglio)
President Pat Lenz called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. Lisa Wise, Climate Adaptation Program Manager with NH Sea Grant Extension, presented “Gardening in a Changing World.”
Following the presentation, the business meeting began at 10:30 AM. Glicka Kaplan moved to approve the November 10, 2020, general meeting minutes. Julie Thomas seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. Glicka Kaplan moved to accept the November 24, 2020 budget, which is posted on the website, and Biggie George seconded the motion. The treasurer’s report was approved.
Committee Reports
Civic - Biggie George reported that the town winter planting has begun with lighted trees at the Town Hall, and the greens and berries have been collected to decorate the flower boxes at the Town Hall and Post Office on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
It is not possible to put up lights this year at the Rec Center, as we usually do, because of difficulties with the electrical connection.
Rec Center - Susan Gough reported that the final fall Rec Center cleanup took place two weeks ago. Members trimmed, raked and cleaned, and Steve Tabbutt took the leaves away. Earlier in the fall, trees and shrubs had been pruned, so the garden now looks neat.
Programs - Claudia Wilbur announced that the next program, which will take place on January 5 at 9:30 via Zoom, will be presented by Jamie Cohen of Fuller Gardens. He will speak about the care of roses and other plants, and promises colorful pictures.
December Luncheon and Annual Meeting - Pat Lenz reminded members that the December luncheon has been rescheduled at the Wentworth Country Club for June 2, a Wednesday. The Annual Meeting will take place on June 8.
New Business – Jim Burns wanted everyone to know that the Men’s Coffee has now moved to the Coast Guard Garden, and the men much appreciate the GIGC plantings.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moore,
Vice President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
November 10, 2020
Zoom Meeting
General Meeting Minutes
Present: 23 members and 1 guest
President Pat Lenz called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM.
Dawna Blum, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, a shop in Woburn MA, presented a talk entitled “Twelve Elements of the Thoughtful Bird Feeding Station.” Following the presentation, Claudia Wilbur moved to approve the October 6, 2020, general meeting minutes. Barbara Moore seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. Judy Hajjar moved to accept the October 31, 2020 treasurer’s report and Mary Pat Gibson seconded the motion. The treasurer’s report was approved. Pat Lenz reminded all members that the minutes and treasurer’s reports are available to view on the club’s website.
Committee Reports
Civic - Biggie George remarked that the town fall planting, which took place in early October, is enjoying an extended season due to the fine weather.
Membership - Mary Pat Gibson will follow-up with today’s guest regarding membership.
Programs - Claudia Wilbur announced that the next program, which will take place on December 1 at 9:30, will be about “Gardening in a Changing World.” The presenter will be Lisa Wise, who is Climate Adaptation Program Manager with NH Sea Grant Extension. Pat Lenz reported that the December luncheon has now been rescheduled at the Wentworth Country Club for June 2, a Wednesday. The Annual Meeting will take place on June 8. Pat further reported that the meetings scheduled for Jan. 5 and Feb. 2 can take place via Zoom. The meeting on May 4 will be a Plant Sale work session.
Daffodils 400 - Pat Lenz announced that our daffodil sale is now complete. The club earned approximately $3,000 through this project. One hundred additional daffodil bulbs “British Gamble” were recently planted at the Coast Guard Station patio. This is considered Phase II of the project.
New Castle Apparel Sale - Pat Lenz announced that the apparel sale, which was very well received, is also nearly complete, with just a few additional sample items to sell. The apparel sale will net the GIGC just over $2,000. The apparel sale will likely be reopened in the spring of 2021.
New Business – Susan Gough announced that the final fall cleanup of the Rec Center is planned to take place on November 19 at 10 AM. This is not expected to take very much time. Pat Wilson also reported that the geraniums originally intended for the pot at the entrance to the Common were donated to the Historical Society this summer, since the Common was closed at the time. Yesterday, however, Pat and other members decorated the pot with birch logs and pinecones foraged from the Common. This will be a nice addition since the Common is being heavily used right now
Barbara Moore moved to adjourn the meeting and Claudia Wilbur seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Moore, Vice President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
October 6, 2020
Zoom Meeting
General Meeting Minutes
Present: 28 members and 2 guests
President Pat Lenz called the meeting to order at 10:15 AM, following a Zoom presentation on Propagating Perennials by Joan Butler.
Claudia Wilbur moved to approve the September 15, 2020, general meeting minutes. Mary Pat Gibson seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. Pat Lenz reminded all members that the minutes and treasurer’s reports are available to view on the club’s website.
Committee Reports
Civic - Biggie George announced that the fall planting in town will be done on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. There will likely be two planting sessions scheduled that day to allow for social distancing.
Membership - Mary Pat Gibson announced that we had two guests present for today’s program. Mary Pat will follow up with those guests. Anyone who knows someone who might be interested in joining the club is encouraged to contact Mary Pat.
Hospitality - Pat Lenz announced that Wendy Tauber will be sending out a survey to all members to help gauge how many people plan to attend the December luncheon at the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club. Pat encouraged everyone to respond.
Programs - Claudia Wilbur announced that 19 members attended the September 19, 2020, hypertufa workshop that was held at Churchill Gardens. Another hypertufa workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2020, also at Churchill Gardens. This is a stackable pumpkin workshop. The cost is $45. Please let Claudia know if you are interested. Also, please keep an eye out for information regarding the November general meeting on bird feeding.
Publicity - Pat Lenz announced that the Islander magazine is going out of business. October will be the final issue.
Coast Guard Station Project - Mary Pat Gibson stated that the Coast Guard station project was completed over the summer. The garden spans 60 feet x 20 feet and features grasses, poppies, alliums and daffodils.
Daffodils - Pat Lenz announced that our daffodil shipment was received and all the bulbs were repackaged. Pat will reach out to members to see if they would like to pick up their bulbs early. Pick-up day for the public is October 10 from 9:00 AM to noon at Pat’s house.
New Castle Apparel Sale - Pat Lenz announced that the apparel sale is now live and will run until midnight on Sunday, October 18th. The response so far has been very positive.
New Business - Mary Pat Gibson raised an issue regarding the naming of the Village or Corner Garden. Mary Pat explained that five years ago she approached the Select Board and the Department of Public Works about the Garden Club taking over the planting of that garden, since it was neglected and overgrown. She approached the Select Board with a plan for a “Village Garden” that would serve as a learning tool for members of the public. In January of 2018, a vote was taken to change the name of the garden to “the Garden at the Corner of Wentworth and Main Street” or the “Corner Garden”. Mary Pat was not notified of that vote, nor was she present when the vote was taken to present her point of view.
Some of the arguments for using the name, the Corner Garden, concern confusion surrounding the location of the garden. The Village Garden designation could be confused with the garden at the Common, for example.
Mary Pat made a motion to restore the name of the garden back to the Village Garden. Jane Page seconded the motion. Pat Lenz asked for input regarding how a vote should be conducted. It was suggested that Pat Lenz send an email to the members who were present for this discussion. Members were asked reply back to the email with their vote.
Biggie George moved to adjourn the meeting and Susan Gough seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Lenz, President and Acting Recording Secretary
Great Island Garden Club
September 15, 2020
General Meeting Minutes Churchill Gardens - Workshop
Present: 19 members
President Pat Lenz called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM.
Caroline Rini made a motion to approve the February 4, 2020 general meeting minutes, the June 2, 2020 annual meeting minutes and the August 31, 2020 treasurer’s report. Claudia Wilbur seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Committee Reports
Membership - Mary Pat welcomed two new members to the workshop, Linda Patchett
and Mary Briggs. We now have a total of nine new members.
Programs - Claudia Wilbur announced that our October general meeting on propagation will now be conducted by Zoom. Pat Lenz reminded members to please read any email announcements they receive from the club, as well as the on-line calendar on our website. Given the current pandemic, there may be last minute changes to existing programs.
Civic - Biggie George announced that the fall civic planting will be done in October. Please keep an eye out for an announcement regarding the October date. Biggie also announced that Brenda Reynolds will be her new assistant for the fall plantings. Susan Gough thanked Pat Wilson and her husband Steve, for their assistance trimming around the Rec Center. She also stated that seven members of the club helped with the recent Rec Center clean-up. The Rec Center committee also recently enlisted the help of a landscaper to do some major pruning around the garden.
Coast Guard Station Project - Mary Pat Gibson stated that the Coast Guard station project was completed over the summer. The garden spans 60 feet x 20 feet and features grasses, poppies, alliums and daffodils.
Daffodils - Pat Lenz announced that we sold over 3,700 bulbs, which will give us a net profit of $3,200, provided all of our extra bulbs are sold. Anyone who is interested in purchasing extra bulbs should contact Pat Lenz. Purchasers have been notified to pick up their bulbs at Pat’s house on October 10, between 9:00 am and noon.
New Castle Gear Sale - Pat Lenz announced that Deedee Hammer has been working hard on coordinating our sale of New Castle gear. The sale is expected to roll out on October 1, 2020. A total of eleven different items will be sold, including t-shirts, hoodies, outerwear, hats and tote bags. The items will come in sizes for men, women and children. The majority of the items will be embroidered with the New Castle archipelago that Deedee designed, while a few of the items will be screen printed. Items can be purchased through a link on the garden club’s website. Stay tuned for more information.
Mary Pat Gibson moved to adjourn the meeting and Claudia Wilbur seconded the motion.
The business meeting was adjourned at 9:50 AM and was following by a hypertufa bird bath workshop.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Lenz, President and Recording Secretary
