January 8, 2024

Fairfield Harbour Garden Club General Meeting Minutes

The president, Cheryl McAskill called the meeting to order at 9:30 am.
She led the members in a Pledge of Allegiance.
There was an attendance of 49 members. Cheryl McAskill called on Membership Chairs (Carrie Berry, Phyllis Godwin and Marcia Werneke) to announce new members and visitors present.
Eileen Wagner was present for her second time and was welcomed.


The speaker, David Hite from the Tryon Palace gave an informative presentation on Growing Herbs for your Garden. Everyone enjoyed his presentation, there were many questions answered and all agreed that they would like David to return and lecture on another topic. (Click here for David’s Presentation.)

Cheryl McAskill reported that the secretary, Yvonne Meissner’s November 2023 General Meeting report was sent out to the membership. There was a motion for approval (Sandy
Riggs/Ginger Thompson) which was carried.


Treasurer, Jan Reitzel reported that there is a balance of $7417.76 as of December 31, 2023.
One of last years’ two Scholarship recipients, Piper Brandton, has now enrolled in a veterinary program which does not fall under the FHGC Scholarship outlines. The $1,000 was returned and is reflected in the Scholarship fund. She is no longer registered as a Scholarship recipient and this will be corrected in the next directory printing.

Hazel Alcock has updated Scholarship Forms that she will be sending out to the school counselors this month. She was present at the FHGC Board meeting where she suggested that the Club award only one Scholarship each year as is stated in the By-Laws. All Board members present agreed.


Sandy Riggs stated that the Coffee Cart is finally up and running.

Sandy reported that the FHGC’s attendance at the FH Christmas Parade was a mere six members and was seeking input for ideas on how to improve this for the next parade.

Sandy is working on plans for the FHGC annual Bus Trip and would also like ideas from members for that outing. The date for this is still TBD.


Barbara Paulsen stated that the Webb site, FHGardenClub.com is shaping up nicely.

She requested that members fill out her Survey as this information is very helpful in how the Club serves its members.

Barbara is heading up the Nominating Committee {Phyllis Godwin, Robin Gale, Carolyn Berry and Pam Kubik} and asked members to think about serving in the various open positions.


Lucille Durst raffled off two potted Tulips for this month’s door prizes. The winners were: Carolyn Berry and Clare Ostrosky.


There was a motion to adjourn at 10:42am {Judy DuPree/Mary Griffin} which the Ayes carried.
Respectfully submitted
Yvonne Meissner
Secretary