1997 Winter BOD: Richmond

December 21, 2021

With Kent-Valentine House construction in full swing, Helen Hamilton hosted the Board of Directors at her lovely home in Richmond on January 16, 1997, for the board meeting and lunch.

After “much discussion of pros and cons and the ramifications of shortening the BOG meeting,” an ad hoc committee was formed to study the idea. KVH Chairman Barbara Catlett reported that housekeeper Cynthia Mason resigned and was replaced with Annie Tyler. HGW Chairman Helen Hamilton reported that independent film producer Jody Rawley had approached the Garden Club of Virginia expressing interest in producing an hour-long video of Historic Garden Week at no charge. He would then sell the video to local stations in and around Virginia. The board felt it best to seek legal advice before signing a contract. Parliamentarian and Editor of the Register Nancy Talley initiated lengthy discussion about a new format for the Register that would include first names and addresses of all GCV members.

And from the Admissions Committee, “The committee unanimously recommends that the Garden Club of the Middle Peninsula be invited to become a member of the Garden Club of Virginia. The membership of this club is composed of 50 talented and dedicated women from four counties: Essex, King and Queen, King William and Middlesex. The members are fairly distributed through these four counties. They have a wonderful yearbook with excellent and varied programs. They have assisted the Garden Club of the Northern Neck with Historic Garden Week. They have many outstanding old homes and churches in the area and would be a great addition to Historic Garden Week. The club is very aware of the requirements of the Garden Club of Virginia. Several members attended the Lily Show in Charlottesville, the Rose Show in Newport News and, again many attended the Judging School in Richmond. The Admissions Committee feels the Garden Club of Virginia has a “golden opportunity” to include this club in our organization as our 47th member club, whose talented, attractive and enthusiastic members can make a valuable contribution.” Letters of endorsement by the Garden Club of the Northern Neck, the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club, and Helen Murphy were included.

Two motions were presented and passed. Restoration Chairman Helen Murphy moved to accept the Restoration Committee’s recommendation that restoration records be given to the Virginia Historical Society and that true copies be kept on file at the Kent-Valentine House. And Conservation Chairman Hylah Boyd moved that the Conservation Chairman (or her designee agreed upon by the Conservation Chairman and the GCV President for a specific time), in consultation with the GCV President, should be able to speak for the GCV in favor of or in opposition to specific bills.