2019 Spring Annual Meeting: Elizabeth River

September 15, 2024

The 99th Annual Meeting of the Garden Club of Virginia was hosted by The Elizabeth River Garden Club in Portsmouth on May 7-9, 2019. Photos

The board of directors was invited for a lovely luncheon on Tuesday at the home of Luana Hugel. Board members then traveled to the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel for the afternoon meeting.

Centennial Steering Committee Chairman Missy Buckingham provided updates and included a packet of information to be distributed at the Annual Meeting.

Plans for Daffodil Day 2020 at Lewis Ginter were presented and included the possibility of a hands-on workshop during judging.

Restoration Committee Chairman Anne Baldwin introduced guests Judy Perry and Ann Heller, who gave a slide presentation of Ver-sur-Mer and the British National Memorial commemorating World War II. The board felt it was a good idea to send a $20,000 gift to support landscaping around the memorial and voted to bring the gift up for a vote at the Annual Meeting.

Anne then provided updates on projects at Poplar Forest, Stratford Hall, Mary Washington House, and the Kent-Valentine House. A discussion of appropriate “gifts and contributions” followed and resulted in the need for more clarification.

Treasurer Vicky Alexander distributed financial reports and moved to approve the FY2019-2020 budget as presented. The motion carried.

Historic Garden Week Committee Chairman Stephie Broadwater moved to accept the request by the Blue Ridge Garden Club to host HGW every other year, beginning with the 2021 tour. The motion carried.

Executive Director Lynn McCashin presented an opportunity for GCV collaboration with Wakefield Handmade Pots, stamped with the GCV logo. The board voted to move forward with the idea.

At the request of Conservation and Beautification Committee Chairman Carrie Dorsey, the board voted to redistribute dues payments in order to include Virginia Forever membership. She also brought up the difficulty in attracting applicants for the Conservation and Environmental Fellowship program,

Horticulture Committee Chairman Wendy Walker reported that Horticulture Field Day had sold out with over 200 registrants, and the Artistic Design Committee Chairmen reported that the artistic division at Lilies in Bloom had filled.

Following reports by the Directors at Large the meeting was adjourned.

Attendees gathered on Tuesday night aboard the “Carrie B” for a beautiful sunset cruise with entertainment and a Dutch treat dinner.

Optional tours on Wednesday morning included a trip to Paradise Creek, a tour of Virginia International Gateway Terminals, and a walking tour of Olde Towne Portsmouth. Lunch followed at the delightful Anderson-Wright Rooms and Garden.

President Jean Gilpin called the meeting to order at the Renaissance Hotel following lunch and introduced meeting co-chairman Martha Perkins who welcomed attendees. The Elizabeth River Garden Club President Betty Jo Gwaltney introduced Mayor John L. Rowe, who welcomed the GCV back to Portsmouth, as the Board of Governors was hosted in Portsmouth in 1931.

Jean thanked ERGC President Betty Jo Gwaltney, co-chairmen Martha Perkins and Shirley Sondej, and all club members for hosting the meeting. She noted the lovely evening prior on the Carrie B. and proclaimed, “Today marks the day we begin celebrating our Centennial!” She then recognized former GCV Presidents in attendance and presented each with a GCV Centennial scarf.

Treasurer Vicky Alexander presented abbreviated financial reports and then reviewed the proposed FY2019-2020 budget, reporting that the board had approved the proposed budget at its meeting the day before. She called attention to projected revenue and expenses. A motion to approve the proposed budget carried.

Finance Committee Chairman Tricia McDaniel reviewed the responsibilities of the Finance Committee that include the budget, investments, insurance matters, and the annual audit of the GCV accounts.

First Vice President and Chairman of the Centennial Steering Committee Missy Buckingham announced, “Let the countdown begin!” launching into the celebration of 100 years.

Second Vice President Catherine Madden introduced Daffodil Day Chairman Adele Smith who presented “by the numbers” associated with a very successful 2019 Daffodil Day. She thanked the GCV Membership Committee for hosting a new member orientation during the event and applauded Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for its Facebook posts and information in the membership newsletter. Jeanette Cadwallender was awarded best in show for her ‘Green Arrow’ daffodil entry.

Lilies in Bloom Chairman Nina Mustard announced plans for the event to be held Tuesday, June 18, 2019, for the second year at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Goochland. The show will offer a comprehensive North American Lily Society (NALS) horticulture schedule and GCV members-only horticulture trophy classes. She noted the two GCV InterClub classes of artistic design classes were filled.

Artistic Design Committee Chairman Tory Willis reported the committee has been busy with workshops, Symposium, and Daffodil Day over the past year. There will be an opportunity for each club to create an arrangement to be displayed during the Founders Day celebration at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

Corresponding Secretary Janet Rosser thanked everyone for their generous donations to the Annual Fund. Janet then introduced the following committee chairmen for whom she serves as board liaison. GCV Historian Judy Perry reminded everyone to write their two-year club history after their term as president. The humorous memories project continues, and the deadline for stories is June 1. Over 100 stories have been received. Judy then reported that architect Liam O’Connor, who is designing the British Normandy Memorial to be unveiled in 2020, had contacted her. Mr. O’Connor had noticed the plaque installed at a church listing the names of GCV husbands and sons that had been lost in World War II. The GCV had adopted the little war-torn town of Ver-sur-Mer, a commune in the Normandy region, and restored ten stained glass windows in a 12th-century church located there. The town honored the GCV by naming a street the “Rue de Garden Club of Virginia.” The story of GCV’s involvement with Ver-sur-Mer can be found online as written in Follow the Green Arrow, Volume 1. Read Judy Perry’s Journal article.

Journal Editorial Board Chairman Julie Grover announced the Journal would be redesigned, to be revealed in the June 2020 Centennial edition. The new design will feature larger, more numerous photographs; more white space; and issues with themes such as floral designs, the environment, garden legacies, and travel. There will be a focus on member club projects, member gardens, and profiles on experts and organizations in GCV-related fields.

Conservation and Beautification Committee Chairman Carrie Dorsey introduced Conservation and Environmental Studies Fellow Brynn Cook, who gave an informative presentation, “Foraging Specialization in Polluted Atmospheres.”

Following Ms. Cook’s presentation, Carrie reported 2019 Legislative Day was successful with a large turnout. The committee reviewed the governor’s proposed budget, which allocated funds for conservation and natural resource programs, representing a historic increase this year. A bill was passed to require Coal Ash CleanUp at the four unlined coal ash ponds in Virginia. The GCV continues its affiliation with the Virginia Conservation Network and Virginia Forever, which are excellent resources. The committee will write a letter to the EPA on behalf of the GCV supporting the protection of the highest standards of water quality and maintaining the integrity of the Clean Water Act.

Carrie then announced plans to hold the 2019 Conservation Forum on September 25 during the Back to Nature event at Natural Bridge State Park. ‘Trees: Canopy of Conservation” will feature four speakers, including Frazier Armstong of Capital Trees, Elizabeth Brantly of Bartlett Trees, Eric Wiseman of Virginia Tech Big Tree Program, and Andrew Moore, author of Pawpaw: In Search of America’s Forgotten Fruit.

Conservation Awards Committee Chairman Heidi James announced the recipient of the 2019 Bessie Bocock Carter Conservation Award, Winchester-Clarke Garden Club, for its Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve project. President Barbara Bandyke accepted the $7000 award. Read Joural article.

Virginia State Parks Committee Chairman Nina Mustard presented the schedule of events for Back to Nature. Monday, September 23 will be a setup day. Tuesday, September 24 will include the Native Plants Horticulture Show, geocaching, and group and self-guided hikes. Bartlett Trees will hold an event for children that will include a tree planting. Sip and See is scheduled from 4-6 p.m.

Horticulture Committee Chairman Wendy Walker encouraged members to bring specimens to Back to Nature and noted there is no advance registration except for the Picnic in the Park, which requires individuals to bring a food item from their garden that will be judged. She thanked attendees for bringing “storm survivors” for the meeting’s horticulture exhibit. She then announced the 2019 Horticulture Award of Merit recipients: Susan Garrett, The Nansemond River Garden Club and Sherry Leffel, The Spotswood Garden Club.

GCV Recording Secretary Kris Carbone presented the Membership Committee report for Chairman Diane Wilkinson. Three Rivers Garden Club has increased its membership to 25, and its members assisted The Ashland Garden Club during the 2019 HGW tour. An informative membership orientation was held at Daffodil Day with support by GCV chairmen and staff.

Common Wealth Committee Chairman Karla MacKimmie announced two finalists for the 2019 Common Wealth Award: “Peter Paul Development Center and Playground Enhancement” submitted by The Boxwood Garden Club and “The Discovery Trail: Connecting Children with Nature” submitted by Mill Mountain Garden Club.

Restoration Committee Chairman Anne Baldwin announced Fellowship recipients: Dania Khlaifat, the Rudy J. Favretti Fellow, will be researching the historic landscape at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville. The William D. Rieley Fellow, Hayden Hammons, will be researching Mount Airy in Warsaw.

Anne presented an idea for a special GCV gift to the British Normandy Memorial in honor of the D-Day 75th anniversary. GCV sent a $1000 gift in 1940 from Restoration funds to England in support of civilian relief. And in 1941, GCV sent $20,000 for relief in Britain — the entire proceeds of HGW for that year. Today, $20,000 is the equivalent of $357,000. Lady Astor, the first woman elected to the British Parliament, facilitated these efforts. A motion from the Restoration Committee to send $20,000 from Restoration funds to support landscaping at the British Normandy Memorial was approved by the board.

Anne then introduced GCV Landscape Architect Will Rieley who presented, “A Short Look Back at What We have Done in Virginia.”

The meeting was adjourned following Will’s presentation.

Attendees were invited on Wednesday evening for cocktails at the lovely home of Pam and Peter Kloeppel, followed by the awards banquet at the Renaissance Hotel. The Massie Medal for Distinguished Achieved was awarded to Judy Perry, The Elizabeth River Garden Club. The de Lacy Gray Memorial Medal for Conservation was presented to Anne Beals, The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club.

The meeting resumed on Thursday morning. Jean thanked The Elizabeth River Garden Club and congratulated medal recipients. She announced that Bartlett Tree Experts would be the lead Centennial sponsor with support that includes 12 workdays at GCV Restoration properties.

Development Committee Chairman Sue Rosser thanked the Centennial sponsors in addition to Bartlett Tree Experts: Towne Bank, Hilldrup and the McDaniel family, IMVA, Valley Protein, Robert and Lucy Huff, and Grelen Nursery.

Kent-Valentine House Committee Chairman Jody Branch announced that all current projects at the KVH will be finished by summer. There is new paint, a repaired roof, new carpet, new upholstery, refinished furniture, and soon the floors will be refinished. Two pier mirrors have been conserved, two are in the process of being conserved, and one is in the pipeline. The landscape will be attended to and ready for the fall. The dogwood planted in honor of Margaret Bemiss was filled with blooms, and the ‘Green Arrow’ daffodils bloomed out front. There will be a cocktail reception at the KVH on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, as part of the Centennial celebration events. Jody reminded everyone to please bring members to visit the KVH.

The Directors at Large presented club accomplishments and announced Presidents Day to be held on June 3, 2019, at the KVH.

DALs Debbie Lewis, Ellen Upton, and Meg Laughon, with the help of Second Vice President Catherine Madden sang the song “Red Roses,” and presented each club president with a red rose. Tuckie Westfall, Meg Laughon, and Ellen Upton are ending their terms and were thanked for their service.

First Vice President Missy Buckingham presented the Nominations Committee report for Chairman Ann Gordon Evans. The nominations for Directors at Large include:

District 2: Fran Carden, Albemarle Garden Club; District 5: Laura Francis, The Hunting Creek Garden Club; District 6: Debbie Bonnewell, Harborfront Garden Club

There were no nominations from the floor and the slate was approved as presented.

Chairman of Strategic Planning Candy Crosby communicated the committee’s continued focus on GCV’s next 100 years: HGW trademarks and copyrights; HGW accounting best practices; GCV five-year sustainable budget planning; communication needs; Journal redesign; membership categories; how to identify potential leaders; and the relationship between DALs and member clubs.

GCV Photographer Claire Mellinger described increasing interest in photography with 16 exhibitors in four classes at Daffodil Day and 16 exhibitors in six classes at the Symposium; member photography features in the monthly Membership News; well-attended workshops; and a Centennial exhibit, “A Sense of Place,” to feature GCV Restoration projects.

Annual Meeting Co-Chairman Shirley Sondej then introduced guest speaker Captain M.K. Nunley, Nurse Corps, USN, Retired, who gave a presentation about activities on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Shirley then introduced Captain George W. Watkins, retired, who shared pilot stories and facts about the Port of Virginia, including Virginia’s imports and exports.

Historic Garden Week Committee Chairman Stephie Broadwater expressed appreciation for the tremendous efforts during 2019 HGW tours. She visited seven tours and noted the beautiful weather. Because HGW concluded on May 4, no reports were currently available with results expected by mid-June. She reminded each club to take a fresh look at how tours are planned — to consider available resources BEFORE planning a tour. More houses require more resources. The HGW State Committee is focused on social media and encourages clubs to do the same. Facebook followers have increased by 20% and Instagram followers have increased by 42%. HGW was mentioned this year for the first time by The Wall Street Journal and was also featured in Virginia Living, Garden and Gun, Albemarle magazine and other publications. HGW has an ongoing relationship with Flower magazine. She noted also that a writer from Architectural Digest attended.

Significant updates are planned for the Insiders Guide, to include job descriptions of key roles. Stephie emphasized the committee’s job to view HGW as a statewide event, not just single tours. HGW is going to be organized into geographic regions instead of the current districts. These regions include the east, west, north, south, and central regions. A handout was shared, “Historic Garden Week by Day,” showing a layout of how many tours are scheduled on each day. Tour proceeds can be affected by too much competition on a single day, bad weather, and gaps between regional tour days.

Stephie then introduced Tricia Garner, The Rappahannock Valley Garden Club, who will chair the Historic Garden Week Committee for the 2020 and 2021 tours.

Virginia State Parks Committee Chairman Nina Mustard reported the GCV is in year four of the five-year, $500,000 funding commitment to Virginia State Parks. She presented a slide show depicting the history, attendance, and spending at Virginia State Parks, and noted that 21 member clubs partnered with 23 State Parks, and 12 grants were given in 2019. Her slides also featured projects already funded by the GCV Centennial State Park commitment. She encouraged everyone to attend Back to Nature at Natural Bridge on September 24-25.

Jean noted Nina would be rotating off the board as Immediate Past GCV President and thanked Nina for her 11 years of service to the GCV board of directors.

Annual and Board of Governors Meetings Chairman Sydney Jordan thanked members of The Elizabeth River Garden Club, recognizing co-chairmen Martha Perkins and Shirley Sondej for planning a wonderful Annual Meeting. Susie Rawles, The James River Garden Club, thanked Elizabeth River and noted they had set the bar high, before issuing an invitation to the 100th Annual Meeting in Richmond on May 12, 2020.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.