2010 Fall BOG: Albemarle

October 8, 2022

Photos

The 2010 fall Board of Governors meeting was held October 12-14 at the Omni Hotel and Conference Center in Charlottesville, hosted by Albemarle Garden Club and chaired by Trina English and Kathy Parker.

The Board of Directors met Tuesday, October 12 at Oak Hill, the home of Liza and Bill Edgerton. President Kim Nash welcomed board members and introduced new GCV Executive Director Lynn McCashin.

Treasurer Anne Baldwin reviewed bank accounts and reported on activities of the new bookkeeper, Kathy Knollman. Finance Chairman Julie MacKinlay reported progress on the consolidation of budgets and the completion of funding transfers to the endowment and the Common Wealth Award Fund. On behalf of the Finance Committee, Julie moved to approve the hiring of a Communications Coordinator. Motion carried.

Development Committee Chairman Barbara Luton reported a significant increase in the number of gifts in the past year, with 48% of the gifts from first-time donors. She announced a $60,000 Annual Fund goal for 2010-2011, but pointed out that the ongoing issue of coordinating multiple fundraising efforts (i.e., Annual Fund, Symposium, Historic Garden Week, Endowment) would be studied by Executive Director Lynn McCashin and Director of Development Karmen Gustin in order to recommend and establish priorities and to ensure a unified approach.

Tuesday arrivals were given recommendations for dinner options. Wednesday morning tours included a choice of the new Visitors’ Center at Monticello, the South Lawn at the University of Virginia or a walking tour of the downtown mall. Following the tours a beautiful al fresco luncheon was held at Carr’s Hill, home of the President of the University of Virginia.

Kim called the Board of Governors meeting to order at the Omni Wednesday afternoon. Albemarle Garden Club president Candy Crosby welcomed attendees and recognized Trina English and Kathy Parker, co-chairman of the meeting.

Treasurer Anne Baldwin summarized recent changes in GCV financial procedures that included consolidation of HGW, Restoration and Kent-Valentine House accounts and the employment of part-time bookkeeper Kathy Knollmann. Anne gratefully acknowledged the work of past GCV Treasurer Joanie Robins, and past Finance Chairman Marsha Merrell, and Kathy.

Finance Chairman Julie MacKinlay described the budget consolidation of five major activity centers – the Journal, the Kent-Valentine House, Development, Historic Garden Week and Restoration. She noted that, even with increased payroll, the Finance Committee was able to balance the budget by taking a minimum 4% of a three-year averaged value of the endowment as a draw.

Committee business reports followed.

Public Relations Chairman Clarkie Eppes and Photographer Casey Rice, “A couple of chicks: tweet-twitting and chick clicking,” provided hilarious entertainment as they navigated the language of new technology.

Development Chairman Barbara Luton reported that the May 2010 Annual Fund appeal (the message was printed on card stock embedded with flower seeds) brought in an additional 293 gifts.

The meeting was adjourned following late afternoon reports of Directors at Large.

Attendees were invited for cocktails at Cherry Hill, the lovely home of Anne and Gene Fife. The awards banquet followed in the Omni’s East Jefferson ballroom where the 2010 Common Wealth Award was presented to Harborfront Garden Club for their project, the Butterfly and Sensory garden at St. Mary’s Infant Home for Disabled Children. The award check for $10,500 was to be used to complete a courtyard garden that will enable the physically and mentally disabled children who live at the home the opportunity to observe and learn about plants, butterflies and nature.

The business meeting reconvened Thursday morning with additional reports by Directors at Large.

Common Wealth Award Committee Chairman Betsy Worthington introduced Janet Hickman, president of Hillside Garden Club, who gave an informative presentation about the 2009 Common Wealth Award project at the Anne Spencer Garden. Her presentation included poetry by Mrs. Spencer, a noted poet of the Harlem Renaissance, and shared details of Mrs. Spencer’s life and garden in Lynchburg. Learn more.

Following a report by Restoration Committee Chairman Deedy Bumgardner, attendees gathered for roundtable discussions: Attracting New Members; Involvement with the GCV; and How to Be an Effective President. Read roundtable summary.