2016 Summer BOD: Warrenton

May 10, 2024

Nina Mustard held her first Board of Directors meeting at Airlie in Warrenton on July 16, 2016.

Board members and spouses arrived for the weekend retreat on Friday and were invited to Granville Farm, home of former GCV President, Kim Nash and Bunny Nash, for cocktails and a delicious al fresco dinner that evening.

Nina called the meeting to order on Saturday morning, asking attendees to introduce themselves and to describe their garden club experiences. She then presented the new organizational chart, noting that committee responsibilities would change with implementation of the new strategic plan. The Executive Committee will direct Human Resources, staff will manage websites and the Corresponding Secretary will assist with donor acknowledgements. Based on the success of the recent trip to India, the Development Committee will explore options for future travel opportunities.

Board members were encouraged to attend committee meetings, advising that they inform a committee chairman in advance, being mindful not to “overshadow” the chairman in discussions.

Nina informed the Board that the exhibit featuring Catesby prints at the Jamestown Settlement/Yorktown Victory Center was beautifully done and well received. The two GCV prints on loan for the exhibit were being conserved in return for the loan and will be returned immediately upon completion. She then provided a preview of the 2016-2018 Directory & Handbook cover  — the cardinal from the Catesby collection.

Executive Director Lynn McCashin and Director at Large Pam Combs provided an update on HR policies, job descriptions, grievance procedures and performance evaluations. Lynn was praised for her excellent work as Executive Director and with the staff, and she responded that work on the HR policies and manual were assisting the staff and her in doing their jobs well.

Financial reports from Finance Committee Chairman Vicky Alexander and Treasurer Betsy Worthington were positive: $5,000-$6000 savings on new insurance policy; Annual Fund over projection by $15,000; lower draw needed from the endowment; and generally higher income and lower expenses.

Conservation and Beautification Committee Chairman Wendy Vaughn moved that the Board approve a draft of a letter to the Honorable Abigail Ross Hopper, the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, with copies to selected federal and state officials. Wendy noted that the letter is a request that seismic air-gun testing for oil and gas off the Atlantic not be allowed. The motion carried, and Nina will sign the letter on GCV letterhead. Wendy’s motion to proceed with sending letters to Senators Warner and Kaine regarding opposition to the Dominion towers across the James River was also approved.

Development Committee Chairman Debbie Lewis thanked her predecessor, Jean Gilpin, for her efforts in hiring the new Director of Development, Lexie Haglund, and described the ongoing benefits of development software Raiser’s Edge.

Restoration Committee Chairman Dianne Spence reported that since the Bow Knot Garden at Woodrow Wilson’s Presidential Library has been closed due to boxwood blight, the committee has been involved in lengthy discussions concerning the removal process and redesign.

The Centennial Committee, chaired by Anne Cross, is collecting material for the 2020 exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, with plans for a publication to accompany the exhibit. State Parks Committee Chairman Jeanette Cadwallender reviewed the history of the partnership between the GCV and Virginia State Parks that led to a centennial project to provide $500,000 over five years for park improvements. Lively centennial budget discussions followed.

The 2015 Strategic Planning survey had shown tremendous support for flower arranging and artistic design but very little support for flower shows. Subsequent conversations with club presidents revealed a stunning lack of support for hosting flower shows, citing high cost, manpower burnout and lack of attendance. A dedicated task force was created to address the issue and its recommendations were presented to the Board and approved: (1) eliminate the requirement for clubs to sponsor and participate in flower shows; (2) a redefined Flower Shows Committee, with staff support, will host one annual event, expanding the existing Daffodil Show to include more programming such as flower arranging school, vendors and speakers on related topics; and (3) reevaluate the needs of the Lily and Rose Committees in concert with the Horticulture Committee.

Historic Garden Week Chairman Meg Clement displayed the preliminary poster for Historic Garden Week 2017, featuring the iris, and announced that Oatlands will be featured on the cover of the Guidebook.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:28 p.m. after which attendees enjoyed cocktails and dinner on-site at Airlie.