Minutes for the MHGC October 13, 2010 Board Meeting at the home of Debbie Quillin
I.
Meeting was called to order by Meredith French at 5:35 PM. Members present: Carol Costarakis, Mary
Shelley, Nancy Carter, Linda Lawley, Meredith French, Barbara Strona, Scott Borden, Debbie Quillin
II.
Minutes of previous meeting approved via email
III.
Treasurer’s Report : Carol Mosley (not present) Meredith had expenses to date which were fine
IV.
Program Report: Meredith French
A. Debra Baldwin is January’s speaker on container succulents.
B. February’s is Lynlee Austell on Creating and Sustaining a Healthy Garden
C. Meredith is looking for a speaker on grasses that are suitable for our gardens
V.
Committee Reports
A. Communications: Sabine Starr (not present) No Report
B. Community Projects: Linda Lawley
1. We’ve bought big pots (24” tall by 30 “ wide) similar to those of 1Mission. MAD will maintain
as long as they are within their district (along Washington)
2. A hanging basket was stolen and has been replaced
3. Lunch for Dos Gringos has been cancelled as their management says it would be impractical to
feed so many people who are not free at the same time; they prefer a plaque of appreciation.
We will eventually have a field trip there.
4. December Nights: People who want to work on the tree (that’s all we need to do) will be
meeting at a time to be determined. This year’s theme is Anything Goes.
5. Arbor Day – Reforestation: Linda is working with Barbara Kocmur on this.
C. Education: Mary Shelley
1. She’s getting sub-chairs for committees
2. Crawford High School:
a. Letter from Michelle Raymont describing how students are selling their produce to the
school cafeteria & composting the left-overs; hope to sell to restaurants & have a booth at
a local Farmers’ Market
b. The garden program encompasses many disciplines. Our donation this year helped to fund
15 interns selected from 50 applicants for the fall program.
c. Their wish list includes a picnic bench, a gazebo, gardening gloves, etc. We might donate
usable items which they could pick up at specific meetings.
3. Garden Walk: Martha Pehl and Marien Kissling (not present) No report
4. Hospitality: Debbie Quillin
a. Member Reception December 1 in lieu of meeting in November from 7-9 PM
1) Food is store bought nibbles & a little catering
2) Must RSVP by 11/22
3) Members free; guests $20.00
b. Theme is Holiday for Heroes.
1) Target gift certificate for each of 24 wounded in a unit at Balboa Hospital
2) Debbie will create a structure on which to hang 24 stockings for which she will
donate the fabric
a) Cozy Quilt will donate their shop for one night
b) Club members & Cozy Quilt customers are invited to bring their sewing
machines and make the stockings
c) Debbie will embroider each service person’s name on his/her stocking
3) Scott Borden moved that the Board support the Holiday for Heroes and anticipates
that member donations (to be solicited) will be sufficient to support this project.
In the event of a shortfall, the Board will fund the difference up to $1000.00.
Nancy Carter seconded the motion which was then passed unanimously.
F. Membership: Barbara Strona stated that the current membership is 212.
G. Special Events: Carol Costarakis
1. To encourage people to join let’s charge non-members for field trips & special events so they see the
“cool stuff” that members have access to at a much lower cost!
2. Knife lady: to make visits worth her while & help members remember to bring knives, etc.
a. Make reservation with $5.00 deposit
b. No knife, forfeit your $5.00
c. If you did NOT have a deposit & you DO bring a knife, if she has time you’re in
d. Email reminder with price list
3. January 2 Bus trip to Rose Parade with Floral Association
a. Members pay $45.00; guests pay $60.00 (normal cost is $75)
Snacks, entrance, and transportation is included
b. Checks will be mailed to Nancy Carter (first come, first served) & she has graciously
agreed to confirm amount paid with membership list.
VI.
Old Business
VII.
New Business:
A. How can we encourage new members to join and current members to be more involved?
1. Guests paying more for special events, etc. (see above)
2. Through our communications & publications:
a. Articles about special events and who went and what they did
b. Photos of people who went to special events
c. Link to our website to continue an article from our newsletter that might be of interest but may
not be to everyone. This would also shorten the length of the newsletter
d. Page limit for readability & to save money
e. Carol’s inviting and intriguing flyers
f. Recognition of achievement in each issue
B. Mary Shelley would like us to sell 3 year calendars from CGC, Inc. All proceeds go to our parent club CCGI.
Each calendar sells for $5.00
C. Meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM
D. Next meeting at Joyce Disraeli’s on November 10, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Strona, Membership Chair