2014 Annual Meeting: Leesburg

November 11, 2022

The 94th Annual Meeting of the Garden Club of Virginia was hosted by the Leesburg Garden Club at the Belmont Country Club May 13-15, 2014, co-chaired by Jill Beach and Kate Williams.

The Board of Directors attended a luncheon at Belmont Country Club’s Lee Mansion prior to the Board meeting at Fairfax Hunt Board Room.

President Ann Gordon welcomed Board members and thanked them for their hard work, their devotion to the Garden Club of Virginia and, most of all, their loyal support, saying that she “treasured every moment of my service with you.” She then presented each Board member with a lovely gift, a unique Nancy Thomas painting depicting their birth month.

Tribute to Ann Gordon

Prior to the Board meeting, First Vice President Jeanette Cadwallender had given each member a slip of paper with a descriptive adjective. Each member inserted her adjective at the appropriate time during Jeanette’s tribute that follows:

“I’m not certain of the miles she put on her car during her term but, for many of them, Rusty was her capable chauffeur. We have a small present for Rusty as the official GCV chauffeur.

“In describing Ann Gordon, I would use the following adjectives: tall, blonde, organized, dynamic, consistent, good listener, capable and also, steadfast, loyal, strong, soft-spoken, attractive, courageous, graceful, smart, patient and thorough. These two years have been ones of good work for our organization. You all know that our vision remains strong and our programming supportive of what our mission says. This doesn’t happen by accident. Ann Gordon has reminded us of these important points all along the way. I’m grateful for her leadership.

“Why did you join your garden club and why did you stay? These were her questions to each of us two years ago in Williamsburg. Well, each of us has a slightly different answer to these questions, but all of us are glad we’ve stayed and gotten to work with YOU, Ann Gordon. You have shown us the value of these friendships we treasure in the Garden Club of Virginia.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to present this token of our appreciation to you.”

She then presented Ann Gordon with a beautiful, engraved crystal bowl from Tiffany’s.

Ann Gordon introduced Long-Range Planning Committee Chairman Catherine Whitham. Catherine reviewed the work of her committee that began in 2012, “listening to various constituencies within the GCV about the direction the organization should take over the next five years and changes that need to be addressed.

Catherine then reported on her committee’s work in bringing a final recommendation for a centennial project to the Board of Directors — a partnership with Virginia State Parks. In January 2014, Director of Virginia State Parks Joe Elton met with several LRP Committee members to explore an unusual partnership opportunity. He was well prepared to speak about the GCV’s long association with Virginia State Parks and outlined a proposal whereby GCV could make a significant impact at the state level while meeting the parameters of the centennial project. He presented a compelling case for the GCV to support new interactive exhibits in visitor centers that are being designed to tell the story of the natural world and the cultural history of each specific park. The GCV would be a partner with other groups to see these exhibits come together. While the monetary contribution has not been determined, the GCV would be recognized on the donor panel for those exhibits we support.

Catherine then presented additional key initiatives: Funding a graduate research scholarship in environmental studies at a Virginia college or university and endorsing the presentation of a gift to each club (to be determined) to beautify their own communities in commemoration of the centennial of the GCV. On behalf of the Long-Range Planning Committee, Jeanette Cadwallender presented three motions that passed without objection.

• that the GCV partner with Virginia State Parks to support interactive exhibits in visitor centers that are being designed specifically to tell the story of the natural world and the cultural history of each specific park.
• that the GCV fund a graduate level research scholarship in environmental studies at a Virginia college or university.
• that the GCV give to each GCV club a gift to enhance the beautification of their community in commemoration of the centennial.

Lynn reported improvements to KVH internet service and replacement of an ancient boiler and furnace. She spent two days at Charleston’s Festival of Homes and Gardens, meeting with the foundation’s president and marketing director. They do not have a ready membership which produces the tours, but rather recruit volunteers from the community, many of whom have served for 10 to 20 years. Attendance averages 15,000 visitors. The marketing office works with the College of Charleston Tourism Analysis office to conduct an economic impact study every year because of the competition for tourism and advertising dollars.

First Vice President Jeanette Cadwallender reported that she met with incoming Board members and committee chairmen in early April to discuss some initiatives and to learn about Board roles and responsibilities. She also reported a meeting with Nelson Lankford of the Virginia Historical Society to discuss a GCV 2020 VHS exhibit. She and Deedy Bumgardner will attend a ceremony on May 12 to transfer Natural Bridge from the Virginia Conservation Legacy Fund to the state of Virginia as our newest state park.

Treasurer Anne Baldwin presented definitions for GCV funds and the wording for Restoration donations to be given to auditors. She then reviewed the complete budget that was approved by the Board.

Annual and Board of Governors Meetings Chairman Julie Grover reported changes to the Planning Guide for Hosting the Annual or Board of Governors Meeting (revised April 2014), “The spouse of the award recipient will be the guest of the GCV; other family members must pay for their own dinner.” Julie then provided financial reports from Annual Meeting and Board of Governors meetings during her term.

A meeting of the Conservation and Beautification Committee was held on January 26 to discuss issues involving legislation that centered mainly upon clean water, recurring flooding, and plastic bags. Leighton Powell of Scenic Virginia spoke to the committee about various legislative issues, as well as the lower James viewshed and fracking. It was the sense of the committee that the GCV should develop a position on fracking in the near future, and the committee has repeatedly discussed the usefulness of spearheading a grassroots effort to control the use of plastic bags.

Development Committee Chairman Julie MacKinlay described Annual Fund growth in its five years of existence and the resulting impact on GCV finances. She outlined strategic plans that will culminate with recommendations to the Board regarding capital campaign planning in advance of 2020.

On behalf of the Rose Committee, Flower Shows Committee Chairman Bettie Guthrie moved that the GCV Board of Directors approve a perpetual award given by Dolley Madison Garden Club in honor of Bernice Walker for Section II, Challenge Classes, Class 26-Hi-Lo Challenge. The Board approved the award, to be given for the first time at the 2014 Rose Show.

Attendees boarded trolleys Tuesday evening from Lansdowne Resort for a Dutch treat dinner at Murray Hill, the lovely home of Peggy and John Rust. The glorious evening on the Potomac was highlighted by delicious Italian cuisine and Italian opera.

Wednesday morning tours included a visit to Oatlands Plantation and its spectacular gardens, or a self-guided walking tour of the historic town. Lunch followed at Belmont Country Club’s Lee Mansion where Directors at Large met with presidents from their districts.

President Ann Gordon Evans called the Annual Meeting to order Wednesday afternoon and introduced Leesburg president June Hambrick who welcomed attendees.

Ann Gordon remarked that the Annual Meeting gives us the opportunity to review the year’s activities, to learn of future plans and events of the GCV, to review financial information, and, as the bylaws state, to elect future leadership. We look forward to these two days as we hear annual reports and as we give thought to plans for 2014-2016.

Long-Range Planning Committee Chairman Catherine Whitham reported that after quite a bit of research, she was pleased to announce a centennial project that the Board approved unanimously yesterday. After relating a remarkable story, Catherine announced a partnership with Virginia State Parks — a partnership to strengthen visitors’ experiences and support implementation of innovative technology in visitor centers. She continued that Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton had outlined an unusual partnership opportunity whereby the GCV can make a significant impact while meeting the parameters of the centennial project — visibility at state level; involvement at club level; and incorporating conservation, education, and beautification. Catherine then introduced Mr. Elton who narrated a video that revealed the power of interactive technology and explained how a partnership with the GCV can make such a difference.

Executive Director Lynn McCashin provided a comprehensive report, first describing the results of a spring 2013 survey of online HGW ticket buyers that showed this group was mostly female, from Virginia and across the country, age 55-70 with income of $100K or more. Typical spending was $132 per day or $1200 if here for more than one day. They are incredibly loyal, love the gardens a little more than the houses and are appreciative supporters. Lynn pointed out that the information was used to leverage transportation, forge new partnerships, secure parking and to show city officials how member clubs and Historic Garden Week help the local economy.

Buoyed by this experience and financially supported by a new partnership with Bartlett Tree, Lynn reported that GCV has embarked on a comprehensive study of Historic Garden Week and its economic impact on Virginia, to be conducted by Chmura Economics and Analytics. After Chmura puts the results into sound economic models, GCV will be able to demonstrate its impressive impact over the years, and how the GCV has indeed been changing the landscape across Virginia in significant and important ways.

Treasurer Anne Baldwin provided a detailed financial update on operating accounts and investments. She then provided a condensed version of the 12-page annual budget.

She pointed out that membership dues, Annual Fund donations and Historic Garden Week proceeds are carried forward from the previous year. The Finance Committee and the Board of Directors approve a draw from the Endowment if additional funds are needed to balance the budget. She explained that higher than usual program expenses should be offset by Symposium revenue. The budget was approved as presented.

Development Committee Chairman Julie MacKinlay asked the questions, “What is the Annual Fund doing for GCV? How is it being used? What has changed since it was established five years ago?” She answered all three questions with one answer, “A LOT.”

She explained that gifts to the Annual Fund strengthen the GCV network of 47 clubs in a fundamental way by underwriting statewide operations and keeping dues low; by helping defray expenditure for clubs hosting flower shows and meetings; supporting excellent GCV programming like Horticulture Field Day, Symposium and Flower Arranging School; by enhancing our ability to educate and communicate with one another and our Virginia communities; by adding professional resources to aid a tireless volunteer workforce; and by enriching this union of 47 clubs and developing a culture of philanthropy on which to build. She closed with, “Historic Garden Week is part of what we do together for Virginia. The Annual Fund is part of what we do to support one another.”

Executive Director Lynn McCashin noted that wear and tear on the Kent-Valentine House kitchen from increased usage has necessitated the replacement of the icemaker and that other appliances, cabinets and floor are not far behind. Preliminary plans for remodeling the kitchen are in the works but were temporarily put on hold when an aging heating system and boiler had to be replaced. Major rugs are being sent out for repair and cleaning on a rotating basis. Several of our larger rugs need to be replaced.

Lynn then announced that the Huntington Garden Club under the leadership of Lynn Hutchens has donated a pair of 19th-century Chinese vases fashioned into table lamps in honor of their member and Garden Club of Virginia President Ann Gordon Evans. The lamps are displayed in the Georgian parlor at the KVH.

Horticulture Committee Chairman Dianne Spence announced 2014 Horticulture Award of Merit recipients: Tyra Freed, Hampton Roads; Kris Lloyd, Hillside; Wanda Russo, Elizabeth River; Dorothy Tompkins, Albemarle; Judie Wine, Spotswood; and Mary Queitzsch Zocchi, Dolley Madison.

Common Wealth Award Committee Chairman Kathryn Knopf announced two finalists for the 2014 award, to be presented at the 2014 fall Board of Governors meeting: The Ashland Garden Club for the Ashland Train Station-Ashland/Hanover Visitors Center and the four Richmond garden clubs for Capital Trees for Canal Walk at Great Shiplock Park.

Historian and Custodian of Records Penny Dart reported that 22 club historians gathered in November 2013 to hear Lee Shepard, Vice President of Collections at the Virginia Historical Society, present a program entitled, “Putting Your Historical House in Order.” He stressed the importance of using archival materials, of making hard copies to back up digital records and of the importance of correct storage of materials.

Admissions Committee Chairman Martha Moore described three primary objectives during her term: to review and propose GCV Honorary Members; to address any inquiries about membership for potential new clubs; and to plan and organize six New Member Orientations. Mission accomplished! Nancy Ross Hugo and Frank Robinson became Honorary Members of the Garden Club of Virginia in 2013, inquiries were fielded from clubs with potential for GCV membership, and the six New Member Orientations were a resounding success serving 150 new members and 170 “seasoned” members. The orientations were welcoming and exposed the newest GCV members to the many resources and offerings of our statewide organization. Dedicated GCV committee chairmen attended and described the nuts and bolts of the organization. The orientations were enhanced by hands-on activities that included flower arranging demonstrations, horticulture lessons, website demonstrations, seed stations, conservation information and even a costumed plant sleuth who explained the joys of learning about plants, sharing them in their clubs and learning what special plants are in their friends’ gardens. A new video was created, thanks to the creativity and talent of Missy Janes from Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club, who tirelessly interviewed, edited and created the video, “GCV: A Legacy of Purpose; an Atmosphere of Pride.”

The meeting was adjourned for the day and attendees boarded trolleys for the awards banquet in the Grand Ballroom at Belmont Country Club.

The Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award was presented to Albemarle Garden Club for Interpreting the Bog Garden: Where Conservation, Horticulture and Civic Projects Meet.

The Annual Meeting continued Thursday morning with the reports of the Directors at Large, followed by the presentation of the 2014-2016 slate of officers by Nominations Committee Chairman Kim Nash. There being no nominations from the floor, the slate was approved as presented.

President Ann Gordon Evans, unable to stay at the meeting for the remaining reports, came forward with closing remarks that were accompanied by a slide presentation.

She described her presidency as the experience of a lifetime and thanked members, staff and former GCV Presidents for their loyal support.

Throughout her two years as president, Ann Gordon often asked the question, “What would Virginia look like without the efforts of the Garden Club of Virginia?” She remarked that, thanks to your efforts, the GCV continues to make its mark all over the Commonwealth with the restoration of public historic properties.

Adding that she would soon join former GCV Presidents on the front row, she introduced Jeanette Rowe Cadwallender and said, “Seven years ago at this very meeting, the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Garden Club of Virginia, held in Newport News and hosted by our sister club, the Hampton Roads Garden Club, Jeanette and I entered the beautifully decorated banquet hall at Christopher Newport University looking like twins.” She expressed indebtedness to Jeanette for fulfilling her GCV obligations, speaking to the clubs, attending GCV events and committee meetings and, all the time, “keeping me fully up-to-date during the fall of 2013.” She then passed the gavel to the 48th President of the Garden Club of Virginia.

Jeanette thanked Ann Gordon for her kind introduction and added, “Thank you for keeping our club on a steady course — remaining true to our mission. We have heard such great reports in the past two days that reflect the vibrancy of our organization. Ann Gordon, your steadfastness, bravery and courage in what has been a challenging year have been exemplary.”

Speaker Cate Magnesia Wyatt, president of The Journey Through Hallowed Ground, gave a compelling presentation about a 180-mile-long by 150-mile-wide swath of land that stretches from Monticello to Gettysburg. Not only is it a land of beauty but a land of leadership, a land of conflict and reunification. The Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating the unparalleled history of the region.

Jeanette closed by saying, “It is a true reflection of the Garden Club of Virginia that our centennial project is one of future action and not a monument to our past achievements. As important as how we commemorate our past is how we move into our next century and, as any gardener knows, the cultivation begins now.” She declared the 94th Annual Meeting of the Garden Club of Virginia adjourned.