2001 Summer BOD: Warm Springs

February 22, 2022

The Board of Directors held its summer board meeting at the Inn at Gristmill Square in Warm Springs. Board members and their husbands enjoyed dinner the previous evening at the inn’s charming tavern, originally a mill built in 1771.

Mina reported a meeting with Douglas Martin, a Richmond gardener who is assisting with the purchase of library books. She also expressed the need for a library selection committee, as she admitted she was apt to accept any book offered to her, the most recent being a three-volume set of books, the world authority on trees, written in German!

Annabel Josephs reported that Roberta Hughes would replace Housekeeper Annie Tyler who was no longer able to work due to ill health.

Development Chairman Widgee Zirkle sent a report requesting that the recent $25,000 unrestricted gift from Lynn Wiley be designated toward the proposed kitchen project. A motion as such carried.

Business discussions included plans to evenly distribute Board of Governors, Annual Meetings and flower shows throughout the state; the disturbing trend of attendees leaving before adjournment at Annual Meetings and Board of Governors; and the logistics of transitioning from three-year terms to two-year terms for Directors at Large.

New Historic Garden Week Chairman Meredith Scott discussed proposals for online advance ticket sales and Guidebooks and the need for understanding the increasing complexity of internet marketing and transactions — growing pains. She also pointed out that Easter would fall on the first Sunday of Historic Garden Week in 2003. The board agreed to increase GCV insurance coverage to include homeowners’ liability insurance for HGW tours in their homes, with funds to be drawn from Historic Garden Week proceeds.

Conservation Chairman Sue Cecil described upcoming events and expressed concern over continuing loss of wetlands as mitigation projects stalled and regulations were challenged. She reported the approval of funding for a bird trail that was to run from the Eastern Shore to the mountains.

The Flower Shows Committee proposed to divide the artistic InterClub class into four classes, each with a distinct style of arrangement. Clubs would be expected to enter all shows, and an annual InterClub award would be presented to the club with the most points. The committee also requested funding for Daffodil and Lily perpetual award cards. The board approved all requests.

In remaining business, the board decided against renaming the Kent-Valentine House Endowment but did not rule out the possibility of establishing a separate Garden Club of Virginia Endowment.