2008 Fall BOG: Elizabeth River

June 24, 2022

Photos

The eighty-ninth meeting of the Board of Governors was hosted by the Elizabeth River Garden Club on October 14-16, 2008, at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth, chaired by Tricia Halstead and Judy Perry.

The Board of Directors met on Tuesday, October 14 at the home of Pam Kloeppel for a lovely luncheon prior to the board meeting.

Finance Chairman Marsha Merrell reported on immediate needs of the Kent-Valentine House: ongoing moisture problems; roof leaks; deteriorated balusters, newel posts and bottom rail section of back porch stairs and window sashes; updates to phone and security systems. The committee will meet on January 22, 2009, to discuss how best to present the GCV budget, as the current method “only addresses the use of our dues and does not present a true picture.” Marsha suggested that GCV consider integrating the Kent-Valentine House and GCV budgets. Development Chairman Martha Wertz presented a comprehensive report of plans for the Campaign to Grow the GCV Endowment.

GCV Online Chairman Nina Mustard reported that while our attempt with Closerware was unsuccessful in managing the database, it did allow us to move forward in several important areas: the use of PayPal for online registrations, the use of Constant Contact for the concept of “email and click to register,” and learning the logistics of shared web mastering.

Attendees enjoyed a beautiful evening on the Elizabeth River aboard the “Carrie B.” with cocktails and Dutch treat dinner.

Cabell West called the Board of Governors meeting to order Wednesday morning and introduced Elizabeth River Garden Club President Sharon Knowles, who welcomed attendees and pointed out the lightship “Portsmouth,” adjacent to the hotel with its beacon of light welcoming all.

Former GCV President Helen Murphy provided a moving tribute to Bessie Bocock Carter, GCV President 1998-2000. Bessie served as Conservation and Beautification Committee Chairman and Restoration Committee Chairman, receiving both the Massie Medal for Distinguished Achievement and the de Lacy Gray Memorial Medal for Conservation. Bessie had a passion for conservation which she inherited from her mother who saved everything, including what she labeled “string too short to use.” She was a member of the Conservation Council of the Garden Club of America, served on the boards of the Nature Conservancy and Piedmont Environmental Council, and was a founding member of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters.

Bessie worked closely with GCV Landscape Architect Rudy J. Favretti who responded, “Sometimes I would send Bessie a message in the form of a limerick; she loved it, so here goes:”

Helen closed her tribute with “Farewell to our glorious friend, Bessie.”

President Cabell West talked about “Tradition in Transition,” as it related to ongoing changes brought about by the 2006 Strategic Plan. She announced a new ad hoc Policies and Procedures Committee, chaired by Dianne Spence, and reminded attendees that in the current volatile market, “GCV will have to be prudent and conservative with finances, not only with GCV expenses, but with Flower Shows, BOG meetings, the Annual Meetings and individual club expenses.”

Development Chairman Martha Wertz described a gap between the cost to run the organization — what is covered by dues and what is needed to cover all the expenses. She announced a June 2012 fundraising goal of $1,000,000 for the Campaign to Grow the GCV Endowment.

Judy Perry then introduced Randi Strutton, founder and Executive Director of the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, who presented a program about the preserve and conservation of our natural resources.

The meeting was adjourned for the afternoon and attendees were invited to club members’ homes for lunch, followed by a tour of Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve.

Cocktails and the awards banquet were held at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Beautiful floral centerpieces were cleverly designed to feature sports equipment.

The Brunswick Garden Club received the 2008 Common Wealth Award for “A Fort Called Christanna and Its Trading Center.” The funds will be used to create a teaching/seating lecture site for visitors. Native Americans will be beneficiaries of an authentic and sacred setting for annual ceremonies to honor their ancestors. Diane Wagner, president of the Brunswick Garden Club, accepted the award.

Business reports that followed included plans for new member orientations. Chairman of the Outlook Special Committee Dianne Spence, charged with oversight of the Strategic Plan implementation, introduced round-table discussions that focused on the “Strategic Directions of the Garden Club of Virginia.”