Minutes
District X Meeting
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
PRESENT: Judy Bergstrom, Program Consultant; Ann Bloom, Awards Chair; Lorraine Booth, Historian; Carol Comando,
Recording Secretary; Michele Farr, Membership Chair; Marian Fries, Arboriculture/Horticulture Chair; Kathy Gorman,
Co-President, Ramapo Valley GC; Andrea Hamburger, Publicity Chair; Ginny Hughes, President, Community GC of Pine
Bush; Christie Kuriger, President, Community GC of Liberty; Melanie Lanc, World Gardening Chair; Camille LiPuma,
President, Clarkstown GC; Ellie Loughlin, Co-Director; Jane Madis, Assistant Director; Sally Mattausch, Internet Chair;
Ann Muller, Finance Chair; Jayne Petersen, President, Cornwall GC; Josephine Pierce, President, Garden Lovers of
Middletown; Mary Pohlman, Garden Therapy Chair; Alberta Rosiak, President, Artful Gardeners & Life Membership
Chair; Diane Schliphack, Co-Director; Faye Schuerholz, Corresponding Secretary
ABSENT: Mary Austin, Co-President, Roscoe-Rockland GC; Heidi Buchholz, Treasurer; Patricia Fusco, Hospitality &
Protocol Chair; Mary Jane Gisselbrecht, Judges Council and National Gardener Chair; Jeanne T. Nelson, Bylaws &
Parliamentarian; Kathy Sabella, Co-President, Ramapo Valley GC; Patricia Zschack, Co-President, Roscoe-Rockland GC
CALL TO ORDER – at 10:00 AM by Co-Director Ellie Loughlin, who thanked the Community GC of Pine Bush for arranging
today’s breakfast meeting and luncheon at the West Hills Country Club in Middletown, NY; welcomed FGCNYS guests
Gail McGee, President and Charlotte Spiers, Treasurer; congratulated new club presidents Alberta Rosiak, Artful
Gardeners; Christie Kuriger, Community GC of Liberty; Jayne Petersen, Cornwall GC and Josie Pierce, Garden Lovers’ Club
and welcomed guests in attendance.
RECORDING SECRETARY’S REPORT – Carol Comando reported that copies of the minutes of the January meeting were
emailed to board members and snail-mailed to 3. Also emailed and mailed was notice of proposed amendments to
District X Bylaws Article XII Section 5, to be voted upon at today’s meeting, 30 days in advance of this meeting as per the
bylaws.
Motion by Alberta Rosiak and seconded by Ann Muller to accept the minutes as corrected was approved.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY’S REPORT – Faye Schuerholz reported that two sympathy cards and one get-well note
were sent during this quarter. A notice of the annual meeting was emailed to Board members as well as a card sent by
postal service.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Opening balance 1/01/13 in the checking account was $3,829.53. Receipts for the quarter
1/01/13-3/31/13 were $108.00 and disbursements were $1,489.58, leaving a balance of $2,447.95 in checking,
$5,379.15 in savings, a CD due 1/14/13 for $5,347.21, for total operating funds of $13,174.31. The Flower Show School
Scholarship CD due 2/5/13 has $1,310.08. Report prepared by Heidi Buchholz was read by Ann Muller. Ann also
reported that the CD due 1/14/13 would be rolled over.
Motion by Kathryn Gorman and seconded by Jane Madis to file the report for audit was approved.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2013-2015 BUDGET – Finance Committee Chairperson Ann Muller presented the proposed Tenth District Budget for
2013-2015 with a two-year income and expense line of $8,685.00.
Motion by Judy Bergstrom and seconded by Jane Madis to accept the budget as presented was approved.
AMEND BYLAWS - Article XII – Duties of Officers and District Directors, Section 5
Add the underlined language:
Section 5. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all monies, funds and securities of the District and shall
deposit them in the name of the FGCNYS District X, in such banks and/or financial institutions as the Board of
Directors shall approve. There will be two (2) signatures, Treasurer and the current District Director, on file at
the bank which will authorize either the Treasurer or the District Director to sign checks. The Treasurer shall
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provide and arrange proper records of each account; that notices to District Club Presidents and Treasurers of
dues to be paid by May 1st of each year; supervise the recording of all financial transactions of the District and
provide financial statements to be read in a condensed form at each District meeting; which will include checks
written, income received and a final balance.
Motion by Michele Farr seconded by Mary Pohlman to accept the underlined language was approved.
State Reimbursement – Ellie Loughlin announced that the proceeds realized by New York State from hosting the 2012
NGC Annual Convention in Buffalo were divided equally amongst the districts, and that the District X award will be
donated to the Orange County Arboretum for their Woodland Gardens.
Motion by Michele Farr seconded by Ann Bloom to adjourn the regular meeting and commence the annual meeting
was approved.
ANNUAL MEETING
DISTRICT DIRECTOR’S REPORT – As Co-Director of District X, Diane Schliphack reported that she had fulfilled all the
duties of Director for New York State. Diane attended the FGCNYS Fall Conference, September 2012, in Binghamton, NY;
the Annual Spring Meeting/Installation in Buffalo, NY in March 2013; two FGCNYS Board meetings at the state offices in
Guilderland, NY; attended all District X meetings for the past year along with Co-Director Ellie Loughlin; and presided
along with Ellie at three garden club installations of officers, Cornwall, Liberty and Artful Gardeners. Diane thanked Ellie
for making the past two years easy and fun. Diane wished Jane Madis, incoming director, her officers and board a
wonderful two-year term.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT – During the past year, thank you notes were sent to the clubs who
hosted the Board meetings and to all the clubs for their participation in the October Luncheon and Fashion Show. A
note of thanks was sent to Fran Solimando for her great job of chairing the event. Get well, sympathy and notes of
congratulations were sent to individual members of the district. Thank you notes were also received during this time.
Notices of board meetings were sent by email and postal service. Report by Faye Schuerholz.
TREASURER’S ANNUAL REPORT 4/01/12-3/31/13- Balance in checking as of 4/01/12 was $3,657.38, savings $5,369.30,
estimated interest earned was $9.85, CD at Orange County Trust due 1/14/14 was $5,347.21 and receipts were
$8,234.00 for a total of $22,617.74. Disbursements for the same period were $9,443.43, leaving a balance of
$13,174.31.
CLUB PRESIDENTS’ ANNUAL REPORTS:
Artful Gardeners – (19 Active members) - Report by Alberta Rosiak.
During 2012-2013, the Artful Gardeners were enriched by the refurbishing of the Port Jervis Library basement meeting
facility. Most of their meetings were and are to be held here. In Beautification, the club was able to offer flowers at the
library entranceway, decoration of library property with new plantings and seasonal planting at Fort Decker. Members
learned through workshops: the art of pressing flowers, making wreaths, dying plants, cooking with herbs, and flower
arranging by the World Association of Flower Arrangers through slides of their Boston extravaganza.
The club’s February special meeting allowed them to present a slate of candidates which was voted into office in March.
In March, District X Co-Directors Diane Schliphack and Ellie Loughlin came to induct the new slate. At that meeting,
plans for 2013-14 were shared with the members. The club resumed their program of design critique in preparation for
a small standard flower show.
Clarkstown Garden Club – (28 Active, 1 Associate member) – Report by Camille LiPuma.
The club had an active year planting impatiens at United Hospice of Rockland and working in the Children’s Garden at
the New City Library. A donation of $100 was given to support Joseph Somma of Troop 33 for his Eagle Scout project –
Creating a Children’s Garden @ Nanuet Library.
April: “Designing Workshop” – Brian Dratch, owner of New City Flower Shop, demonstrated and provided guidelines for
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creating a floral design. Members completed and took home their arrangements. On April 23, officers were invited by
United Hospice of Rockland to attend the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Nyack Seaport to be recognized for
the club’s involvement in planting and maintaining the gardens. Peggy Leyden chaired the tree planting for Arbor Day.
May 5-12 was the club’s annual plant sale fundraiser in conjunction with Schimpf Farms. The topic for the meeting was
Members’ Design Show and Contest. Designs were judged by Jeanne Nelson and each member was critiqued. Members
left learning a little more about design structure. Planting of marigolds was done on May 17th at the New City Library.
On May 21, members planted at United Hospice of Rockland.
June: “The Edible Garden” – a slide show presentation by Vivienne Dickman, Master Gardener of Cornell Co-operative
Extension of Rockland. Ursula Woolley completed work on the club’s new website, clarkstowngardenclub.org. A
Wonderful time was had by members on June 9th, the Members’ Garden Tour. Members enjoyed many beautiful
gardens, lots of laughs and plenty of food and drinks.
The Summer Reunion held in July took place at the home of Harriet Cornell. Harriet has opened up her lovely home
each July. It is an event everyone looks forward to.
August meeting was a demonstration on Winter Container Gardens given by Vivienne Dickman of the Co-op Extension of
Rockland. It was interesting with many helpful hints and the results were quite beautiful.
September is the annual Herb Dinner which was held at Camille LiPuma’s home. Wonderful food and drinks were
provided by each member. The Perennial Bloom Award was presented to Muriel Woolley for her accomplishments and
longtime membership. In preparation for the District Luncheon and Fashion Show, Ellie Loughlin had meetings at her
home to paint and decorate river rocks for favors.
The October meeting was a hands-on workshop, “Help Save the Eastern Bluebirds”. All members assembled a nesting
box and placed them in their backyards or a location of their choice. The club was thrilled to receive honorable mention
from FGCNYS for their yearbook at the October luncheon. On October 20th members met at a designated site and
cleared trash and debris for Keep Rockland Beautiful.
November’s meeting is open to the public and is usually held at the New City Library. Unfortunately, this year the
meeting was held at the Street School meeting place and attendance was limited to members and friends. Margaret
Bridge, President of Black Meadow Flora, Inc., spoke on caring for orchids and brought a variety of orchid plants for sale.
As true gardeners, members went home with many new orchid plants.
December was the annual Holiday Brunch at LaTristina, Congers, NY. All members and guests brought in food and the
club was able to donate over 70 lbs. of food to People to People.
January meeting was held at Camille Li Puma’s home and started off with the usual catch-up time and some
refreshments. This is the club’s planning meeting covering topics for programs, trips, garden therapy and most
importantly putting together initial information for the yearbook. Ellie Loughlin spoke on the many award scholarships
available, the importance of setting up an Awards Committee and the District X Fashion Show check for $118.29 to be
put to use at Hospice and the New City Children’s Garden.
No meeting in February.
March 13, 2013 was the Installation Dinner held at LaTerraza Restaurant, New City. Ellie Loughlin installed our new Vice
President, Mary Donnollo. A short meeting was fit in to discuss the April 16th trip to the Orchid Show at NY Botanical
Gardens. Everyone went home with plants and as always, had a wonderful time.
Officers were invited to the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner April 8, 2012 at the Nyack Seaport, Nyack, NY for the
club’s efforts in planting and maintaining their gardens at Stokum Lane, New City. April meeting will be a workshop and
planning meeting. Clarkstown Garden Club will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2014. Every effort is being made to
plan an outstanding year of events and trips.
Community Garden Club of Liberty - (39 Active, 4 Associate, 3 Honorary members) – Report by Judy Bergstrom.
April: Following business meeting, club had a great presentation on “Invasive Plants” presented by Renee Stover,
Master Gardener with Orange County Cooperative Extension. Clean-up day was held at Woodland Wildlings. Arbor Day
celebration was held in conjunction with Sullivan County 4H Teens. A maple tree was donated by club to LaPolt Park in
Liberty and 50 hemlock seedlings were handed out to the public.
May: A picnic lunch and business meeting were held at Orange County Arboretum. Afterwards, Peter Patel, Arboretum
Horticulturist, gave a tour of the gardens. Garden Therapy was held at Adult Day Care Center, CRMC. Members pruned
and planted their outdoor deck.
June: Field trip to Black Meadow Flora, orchid cultivation by owner Margaret Bridge was enjoyed.
July: Business meeting was held at the church and a pressed flower workshop presented by Patricia Yelle, owner of
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Morning Star Creations and member of Roscoe-Rockland Garden Club.
September: Annual members’ plant swap at the home of Lenore Weinstein was preceded by business meeting.
October: Business meeting at the church was followed by workshop on Making Herbal Vinegars by Kathleen Grady,
Master Gardener-in-training. Held Annual Bake/Plant Sale at Catskill Regional Medical Center, the club’s only fundraiser.
November: Business meeting was held at home of Judy Bergstrom, followed by PowerPoint program on “Horticulture in
Winter” by Francis Groeters, PhD in Ecology and owner of Catskill Native Nursery. The club decorated a Christmas tree
for the annual Sullivan County Historical Society’s Holiday Tree Exhibit.
December: Business meeting and holiday luncheon was held at Yiasou’s Café in Liberty.
January: Business meeting and voting on 2013-2015 officers was held along with covered dish luncheon and program
discussion.
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February: Several meetings were held with new club officers, Christie Kuriger, President; Judy Brennan, Vice President;
Sonya Coney, Recording Secretary; Nancy Driscoll, Corresponding Secretary; Lenore Weinstein, Treasurer. 2013
programs and yearbook were planned.
March: Installation of 2013-2015 officers was held at the home of Judy Bergstrom with guests, Tenth District Directors
Ellie Loughlin and Diane Schliphack, who installed the ladies. Two new members, Kathy Fielding and Vivian Ginsberg,
were welcomed into the club.
Community Garden Club of Pine Bush – (28 members) - Report by Ginny Hughes.
2012 was a productive and successful year for the club. Although the club does not meet in January or February, it is a
busy time as they get ready for the upcoming year. Lots of behind the scenes work going on setting up programs,
printing the yearbook and preparing the budget. Added to the usual preparations was the planning of today’s luncheon
which they are happy to host but glad they won’t have to do it again for a while!
Prior to the first meeting in March 2013, members of the club participated in a business expo held in conjunction with a
pancake breakfast sponsored by the Wallkill East Rotary Club. This is a great opportunity for the club to do a little PR
work and increase their exposure in the community. Several members also made the trek to Springfest, an annual
garden show in Sussex, NJ.
The March meeting happened to fall on the first day of spring and Master Gardeners presented a wonderful program on
pruning trees and shrubs. 2013 budget was approved at the March meeting and is several hundred dollars above last
year. The club is extremely happy to increase annual donations as they grow. Most of the monies spent are raised at
the annual tea, which will be held on Sunday, May 19th. They currently fund two high school scholarships, send three
students to DEC camp, and support People for People, Relay for Life, Safe Homes, Rotary Interact, Walden Rotary, and
World Gardening. New in 2012 was a donation of Hannaford gift cards which were distributed via school nurses as they
are well aware of families who need assistance. As for the local food pantry, while the club does send a check each year,
it was also brought to their attention that there was a tremendous need for items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste and
even toilet paper, so they collect these items each month at meetings.
While there are no new projects on the board as of yet, they do anticipate expanding their gardening and beautification
efforts, increasing membership and seeking new ways to branch out even more into their community.
Cornwall Garden Club – (47 active, 13 associate and 2 honorary members) – Report by Margaret Vatter.
The club had a variety of programs this year. They had hands-on activities with herbal mustards and butters and a
holiday workshop, both led by members. They toured the Arboretum and, one evening, toured member gardens. This
program will be continued this year as it is very popular. They learned about wildflowers, recycling everyday items for
use in gardens, and were amazed by a garden landscaper. The annual plant sale brought wonderful weather and funded
continuing activities. In March the club installed the new board, with many of the ladies keeping the same positions and
a couple who moved into new ones.
The club does not meet in January and February, but the time consuming program book was put together. In March, the
club held their spring luncheon and installation of officers at the Powelton Club in Newburgh. They recognized Ann
Bloom for her work and entered her into the Book of Recognition. Future activities include a visit to Stonecrop Gardens
in Cold Spring.
Projects were especially successful as flowers and plantings all showed their glory despite the dry/hot or wet/cold
weather. The circle, bandstand, memorial garden, senior center, Main Street planting, historic Sands Ring Herbal
Garden, and the “always a location surprise” bulb planting went off without a hitch. Another tree was planted along the
alley at the town park. The Garden Therapy group made potted plants in wrapped bags for the Senior Lunch Program.
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Capers, our much loved newsletter, produced three wonderful editions this year.
Included in the meetings were horticulture talks, horticulture exhibits, and flower arrangement exhibits.
Programs: Tour of Grounds and Greenhouses, Orange County Arboretum; Wildflowers, Bonnie Mangiaracino, Hudson
Highlands Nature Museum; Salvage Garden Art, Sharon Roll, Master Gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension; Serenity
in the Garden, Jan Johnsen, Johnsen Landscapes & Pools, PO Box 1011, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549, cell 914-393-4812,
janjohnsen23@gmail.com
Garden Lovers’ Club of Middletown - (63 Active, 7 Associate, 12 Honorary Members) – Report by Melanie Lanc.
April: Annual Spring Luncheon held at Morrison Hall, SUNY Orange, in gratitude for all of the club’s hard work
decorating Morrison Hall for the holidays and maintenance of the gardens in front of Morrison Hall. Greenville Park
Civic Beautification committee met to clean up the garden. Club took part in the Arbor Day celebration at the OC
Arboretum with the planting of a shrub by the waterfall.
May: Business meeting was held at Thrall Library with guest speaker Master Gardener James Alton Thomas giving a
presentation on “Everything you ever wanted to know about growing roses”. Civic Beautification committees for
Greenville Park, SUNY Orange Gardens, Hill Hold, and Thrall Park were busy preparing their gardens for planting.
Horticulture project was to teach members how to propagate plants. The field trip was to Eden Farms, 1665 Union
Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480 (973-728-1799). This was a very large garden center. Garden Therapy met at
Hand-in-Hand Day Care to assist residents in creating a fresh flower arrangement and a craft.
June: Civic Beautification committees continued to plant their gardens at Hill Hold, Thrall Park, Greenville Park, and
SUNY Orange Gardens. Artistic Crafts project was an “Instant Bonsai” and a one gallon size “Procumbens” Juniper.
Since June 4-10 is National Garden Week, the club decorated the foyer showcase of the Thrall Library with garden
related materials for the month of June. Before the regular meeting, members were to bring their lunch to Hill Hold to
enjoy the committee’s herb garden, but it rained so all went directly to Arboretum for lunch and regular meeting. The
main part of meeting was to discuss upcoming Hidden Garden Tour. Field trip was to Elizabeth Park, Hartford, CT to see
and smell the roses, oldest municipally owned operated rose garden in the country. Garden therapy met at St. Theresa’s
Nursing Home to assist residents in creating fresh flower arrangement and a craft. Hidden Garden tour was on June 22
with pre-tour for homeowners and garden club members the day before. After-tour picnic was held evening of the tour
for homeowners partaking and garden club members. Through the summer months there was a schedule created to
have members open their yards for other members to come and enjoy a relaxing social evening and enjoy their gardens.
The club will continue this event this summer.
July: Civic beautification met at Thrall Park, SUNY Orange, Hill Hold and Greenville Parks. Business meeting had Frank
Almquist as speaker talking about his gardens in Kingston, NY and showing his pictures. His garden is registered with the
American Hemerorcallis Society as an official Display Garden. Garden Therapy met at Promenade Nursing Home to
assist residents with fresh flower arrangement and a craft. Conservation & Ecology committee arranged for club to send
two boys to DeBruce Environmental Camp.
August: The field trip was to Locust Grove, 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY. Tour included visiting the villa designed
in 1851 and historic gardens. Civic beautification committees continued to maintain Hill Hold, SUNY Orange, Greenville
Park and Thrall Park. The business meeting was held at Thrall Library with a presentation of a video about peonies from
Cricket Hill Gardens, Thomaston, CT. Garden Therapy met at Promenade Adult Day Care to assist residents with fresh
flower arrangement and a craft.
September: Civic beautification worked at Hill Hold, SUNY Orange, Greenville Park and Thrall Park. Field trip was to
Black Meadow Flora in Chester, NY to see their orchids. Speaker at business meeting was Linda Cowell, former member
of Artful Gardeners and a Master Gardener, who spoke on moss. Field trip to her moss gardens followed two weeks
later. Garden Therapy was at Elliot’s to assist residents with fresh flower arrangement and craft.
October: Fall cleanup for civic beautification committees was held at Hill Hold, Greenville Park, SUNY Orange Gardens
and Thrall Park. Field trip was to Olana, 5720 Route 9G South of Rip Van Winkle Bridge, Hudson, NY (518-828-0315).
Club members toured the historic home of Frederic Church with over 250 acres of artist designed landscape. Business
meeting included master gardener Gerda Krogslund and Kate Honders speaking on “Infusing with Herbs”. Holiday
shoeboxes were decorated and filled for Head Start children. Garden Therapy met with residents at Park Manor to
create a pumpkin flower arrangement and a craft.
November: Club held an “Open to the Public” event at Thrall Library with presentation by Cathy Miller, Dried Flower
Lecturer and Author, presenting several arrangements around theme “It’s Holiday Time”. She was funny, had great
ideas and was well versed. The club thanks the district for the $500 that was applied to this presentation that was open
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to the public and very well attended. Artistic crafts provided a chance for members to make a kissing ball or boxwood
tree. Garden Therapy Holiday workshop had members gather to make wreaths and holiday arrangements for senior
facilities, civic buildings and shut-in members.
December: “Celebrating Holidays in the US” was the theme for decorating the Morrison Hall Mansion at SUNY Orange.
It was held for two weekends and well attended. The business meeting was “Holiday Tea” at Morrison Hall among the
decorations. Holiday music was provided by Gail Johnson and her choral group.
January: Executive meeting to have committee chairpersons submit their dates for upcoming year.
March: Annual Business Meeting with annual reports from all committees and election of officers.
Ramapo Valley Garden Club – (28 active and 3 honorary members) Report by Co-President Kathy Gorman.
The year was a busy one for the ladies with bad weather conditions through summer (June) and fall (October) months.
The club had seven business meetings and one cancelled due to poor weather conditions. The club had scheduled four
field trips, with two again cancelled for poor and terrible weather conditions. All remember Hurricane Sandy. The two
trips that were cancelled were to Storm King Art Center and Museum, and a visit to Thain Forest, New York Botanical
Gardens. Successful trips through Boscobel House and Gardens in July and Stone Barns in September brought out the
ladies to enjoy both venues.
The good news is that the club hosted the 10th District April luncheon at the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo, NY. The theme was
“A Victorian Renaissance…Let the Flowers Speak”. Ken Norman, Jr. AIFD officer and award winning floral designer
created magnificent floral arrangements which were raffled off to lucky winners. A wonderful day was had by all in
attendance.
Arbor Day was noted by the club with a flowering tree planting at the Suffern Free Library.
The Civics Committee again did a spring cleanup of the Suffern municipal beds and in May planted at various locations,
Veteran Soldiers’ Monument, Miele Point Park, a Revolutionary War horse watering trough, the Village Hall and at a
commemorative monument honoring the Continental army.
Monthly Garden Therapy was accomplished with members bringing a floral display to a group home. A holiday donation
was given to the Suffern Soup Kitchen. The club held two small household treasures’ auctions as fundraisers for their
treasury. They had a speaker at the February meeting, Janet Schultz, a Master Gardener and President of the Wyckoff
Area Garden Club and horticultural lecturer. The topic was Artful Gardens. Janet offered slides of various types of
gardens with color accented artwork, sculptures and furniture to brighten up one’s garden, and how to accessorize in
gardens for personal enjoyment. Color schemes were also emphasized.
In March, Garden Therapy and the annual meeting and luncheon were held at the Chalet at the Spook Rock Golf Course.
Installation of new officers, re-installation of current officers was carried out. In addition, a past president pin was given
to outgoing Co-President Dodie Bracken and an NGC silk scarf was presented to Honorary Member Mrs. Val
Grosselfinger, who celebrated her 55th year of gardening.
Roscoe-Rockland Garden Club – No report.
Warwick Valley Gardeners – 54 Active, 4 Associate and 1 Lifetime members – Report by President Jane Madis.
By April 1 of this president’s first year, she was consumed with details of chairing the Plant Sale, promoting National
Garden Week, meeting with committee chairs and chairing the Selection Committee for the club’s Garden Tour. During
this time, several members were contending with illness or injury that limited fulfilling their responsibilities.
The Plant Sale in June, Garden Tour in July and Barn Sale in September were the most successful in many years thanks to
the dedication and positive attitude of members who participated.
In August the club had a program open to the public with the wonderful fun speaker Rick Mikula from Rutgers College,
on Butterflies and Their Habitat.
September meeting was cancelled due to tornado warnings.
October, another very popular program open to the public: Pruning Basics – a Kinder Cut, was presented by two
speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension. They were most informative, explaining about pruning and how trees and
shrubs grow. Members took lots of notes, excited to get pruning techniques in order, the right tools for the job, and
most importantly husbands lined up for this manly job.
In November the club had a workshop on how to make a Festive Seasonal Arrangement, with hands on help from the
owner of Grammy’s Garden, Sandy Kurtz. Near the end of November, the club decorates Railroad Green Park and holds
a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the “Home for the Holidays”, the start of shopping local. The Holiday Committee did
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an outstanding job with the decorations. They served hot cocoa to visitors, and arranged for the youth choir to sing.
The year ended with a festive Holiday Party at the Warwick Valley Winery. Not forgetting the needy, members brought
donations for distribution by the food pantry of a local church. Both the party and the donations were organized by
Mary Pohlman. Mary is club chair of Garden Therapy, extended Butterfly Garden and Dragonfly Habitat, mentor to one
new member, as well as chairing both Awards and Publicity for the club. Her endless enthusiasm and dedication have
helped make the community aware of the club’s work in the areas of civic pride and community service.
(The above report is being repeated from the January 9, 2013 minutes as it is the club’s annual report up to that date.)
The meeting on January 15, 2013 was the traditional Presidents’ Meeting held to present reports for the previous year
and to discuss options for growth and change in 2013. At this meeting, amendments to the bylaws were presented that
would change the annual meeting from March to January and change the March luncheon as the membership
Appreciation Luncheon. At this luncheon, the club will start a new tradition in 2013 honoring members with a pin
purchased from FGCNYS for 15-17 years of service. In 2014, the club will include members who have served 15-20 years.
Fundraising Chairs reported great success and continued enthusiasm for the changes that were made. The club’s nine
gardens continue to flourish as well. The Youth Group program revitalized last year is growing and promises to be an
asset to the community.
February 19, 2013 was the first program of the year open to the public with speaker John Ruszkiewicz, President of the
Pine Island Historical Society. John gave a fascinating talk on the Black Dirt area and how this special soil was formed
during glacial times. He provided a map which was helpful defining the immediate Pine Island area. John explained how
the men and women who dedicated their lives to farming, the struggles they faced, and the religious refugees settling in
the area were instrumental in forming a community with strong family values and the work ethic that is part of the long
history of this area. John explained how the war came and young men left to serve their country. Many were lost. The
ones that returned had quite a time rebuilding the farms. Today this community has endured the affects of recent
hurricanes and many of the youth are not committed to continuing the farming tradition of their ancestors. The Black
Dirt Area covers many miles in the southern Hudson Valley. The talk inspires the sustainability of this historic area. To
contact John for a speaking engagement, his number is 845-258-4359. A business meeting followed where the 20132014 Budget and the bylaw amendments were approved.
March 9, 2013 was the Member Appreciation Luncheon where members were acknowledged for their years of service
with a certificate and a pin. Yearbooks were handed out, and the sun catchers handmade by one of newer members
were given to those present. Historical memorabilia and a scrapbook were displayed for members and the president
gave a brief history of the first 10 years of the Warwick Valley Gardeners.
April 16, 2013 program, 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kings Highway, Warwick, NY, will be open to the
public. A presentation is planned by Hudson Valley Seed Library owner on the organic, heirloom seeds they grow. Seeds
will be available for purchase. For information, contact Maureen Charade at 845-986-3652.
COMMITTEE REPORTS;
Awards – Ann Bloom reported that all clubs in the district have won at least one award this year.
Birds, Butterflies & Bees – No report.
Bylaws and Parlimentarian – No report.
Calendars – Report by Heidi Buchholz was delivered by Ann Muller.
The 2013 calendars were distributed at the October 10, 2012 meeting. We had one standard size (5 ½ x 8 ½”) Vision of
Beauty calendar available. The price was $6.00 each. Thirty-three calendars were ordered. At a cost of $5.00 per each
plus postage ($165.00 and 23.61), a check of $188.61 was issued to FGCNYS. When all funds were collected from the
various clubs, a profit of $9.39 was realized. The orders were as follows: Clarkstown, 2; Liberty, 4; Cornwall, 7, Artful
Gardeners, 10; Warwick Valley, 8, Roscoe Rockland, 2.
Finance – No report.
Garden Therapy – No report.
Historian – During this past year, it was decided that the Historian’s job would be to record the events and happenings
of District X on its own. It was felt that each club has an historian to record the activities of their club. Three items were
added to District X history this year. The scrapbook is available for anyone to see. Report by Lorraine Booth.
Horticulture – No report.
Hospitality & Protocol – No report.
Internet – Sally Mattausch reported that the January 2013 District minutes was added to the website, along with new
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District officers for 2013-2015 and District X Committee Chairs updated for 2013. Sally suggested that clubs may wish to
create a Facebook page for their club. It is an easy way for members to communicate by posting information, meeting
dates, and photos. All club members could actively participate. Report by Sally Mattausch.
Judges Council – No report.
Life Membership –No report.
Membership – Michele Farr reported that the District X membership for 2013 is 329 Active, 39 Associate and 22
Honorable members, which represents a difference of 5 less Active, 1 more Associate and no change in Honorable
memberships over 2012. A handout, Increasing and Keeping Membership, was distributed to club presidents. Michele
requested that club presidents please let her know if their membership numbers change. Report by Michele Farr.
National Gardener –No report.
National Garden Week (June 3) –Each club received two National Garden Week posters for display in their areas.
Program Consultant – Judy Bergstrom distributed a new and up-to-date Speakers’ List
.
Publicity – No report.
Ways and Means – No report.
World Gardening –Incoming Chairperson Melanie Lanc and former Chairperson Marian Fries reported orally that the
video Water for Sudan is available for clubs to borrow. Ellie Loughlin has one copy and Kathy Gorman will return the
copy used by Ramapo Valley. A discussion ensued about when contributions are collected. Checks may be submitted at
any time up to early February of the following year. In District X, checks should be sent to Melanie Lanc, who will submit
them to the NYS Chairperson Lucy Bauer. A minimum of $25.00 qualifies clubs to receive a World Gardening Certificate,
but any amount is appreciated.
Yearbooks – Ellie Loughlin collected the yearbooks submitted by each club and reported that the committee will meet in
May or June to review them for submission to the state for awards. Ellie advised that last year the criteria for yearbook
awards was distributed and reminded presidents that if they are going for an award, to follow the rules. Ellie took this
opportunity to tell everyone that it was so much fun to visit the clubs.
Youth – No report.
Motion by Alberta Rosiak, seconded by Faye Schuerholz to adjourn the Annual Meeting and resume the regular
meeting was approved.
NEW BUSINESS –
FGCNYS – Diane Schliphack distributed copies of Second District Flower Show School, Course 1, to be held May 14, 15
and 16, 2013 at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy, Great River, NY.
NYS President Gail McGee thanked everyone for inviting her to today’s luncheon and reported that information will be
made available from the state for scholarships, youth, garden therapy and state and national awards available. The
state has available a PowerPoint presentation for district directors which Maryann Jumper will customize for each
district. Gail reported that the state will start communicating directly with club presidents. NYS Third Vice President
Anthony Antes will e-blast information as it becomes available. Two hard copies per year will be mailed to every
member. Gail also reported that there was a problem with the dues list and presidents did not receive a copy. Club
presidents will be asked to print out their membership list and send it to the state, or send it when state dues are
submitted to NYS Treasurer Charlotte Spiers with $8.00 per member, in a check made out to FGCNYS, Inc.
ANNOUNCEMENTS –
1. Jane Madis presented an award to Melanie Lanc, a new Life Member, from FGCNYS.
2. Jane reported that because of her illness, Mary Pohlman will assume the duties of President of Warwick Valley
GC.
3. Community Garden Club of Pine Bush will host Blossoms & Butterflies Garden Tea on Sunday, May 19, 2013,
from 2-4pm at the Pine Bush Firehouse, Route 52, Pine bush, NY, $15 per guest.
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4. Community Garden Club of Liberty is sponsoring a bus trip to Brooklyn Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, May 21,
2013. Bus far $35, plus admission $10 adult, $5 senior, lunch on your own. Bus leaves 8:00am from Gov’t
Center in Monticello and returns by 6:30pm.
5. Garden Lovers’ Club of Middletown, NY, sponsoring Hidden Gardens Tour, Saturday, June 22, 2013. Ticket sales
9:00am to 1:00pm on the front lawn at SUNY Orange, Morrison Hall, 115 South St., Middletown. Advance
tickets are $12.00 and $15.00 on the day of the tour.
Ellie Loughlin distributed a Super Jumble Quiz of common flower names and the winner received a copy of Proven
Winners The Gardener’s Idea Book.
Jane Madis presented gifts to outgoing District Co-Directors Ellie Loughlin and Diane Schliphack.
ADJOURNMENT – Motion by Faye Schuerholz to adjourn at 11:20 AM was approved.
Minutes submitted by: Carol Comando, Recording Secretary
NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2013, KASUGA CLASSROOM AT ORANGE COUNTY ARBORETUM
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