FHGC General Mtg. Minutes March 9,2026
Call to Order: 9:33
WelcomeGuest: Terri Gunn and New Members: Lori Boulos, Susan Maggi, and Mary and Al Lang!
Speaker: Ruth Weld guided us through a mason jar flower arranging workshop. We had 14 participants as well as members who observed and learned from Ruth’s many helpful tips! Check out the attached Flyer highlighting Ruth’s process for flower arranging and be sure to visit her new shop, Bloom & Ivory, opening in New Bern, 2855 Trent Rd. Soft opening on March 30t, Grand Opening Celebration on May 2, 3:00pm.
Business Reports:
February General Mtg. Minutes approved. 1st Debbie Mikuta 2nd Beverly Myrseth
Corr. Secretary: Thank you sent to David Hite and Recovery Card to Jan Reitzel.
Treasurer Report: Eileen presented a balanced budget for February.
Beginning Balance: $5,817.94 Balance: $5,835.68
Nomination Committee reported that Donna Ross has been nominated for Treasurer and Jan Reitzel has been nominated for Assistant Treasurer. Barbara has agreed to continuing doing the power points for the meetings and maintaining the GC Website. We are still in need of nominations for President and 1st Vice President. Please consider sharing your gifts and talents, by serving on the Board next year. Contact Robin Gale ([email protected]) to nominate yourself or another member.
New Business:
Bylaw Change: Last month, it was proposed to the Membership that a change in the bylaws, Section 2, regarding a “Past President” position, be added. The Past President position would allow for the outgoing president to remain on the Board for one year, in order to help the new president transition into the role.
Minta Fannon motioned for the vote. Hazel Alcock first approval and Kathy Hallquist seconded. A vote was taken and the Members passed the motion unanimously. The By Laws will be officially changed to reflect the vote, and the position of “Past President” will now be a Board seat.
Barbara led the membership in a five minute “Open Forum” discussion, focusing on gathering member opinions on the structure of our general meetings. Focus was on: length of meetings, length of speakers, and if the business meeting should be first or the speaker presentation should remain first on the agenda?
The discussion was fruitful and opinions shared offered suggestions that will be considered as we move forward with planning for next year. For example; 1. Following the Robert’s Rules of business model we do have to present certain items during the meeting, but we can continue to streamline information.
2. Possibly having the speaker at the end will allow more time for questions and if members need to leave early, they won’t miss the business meeting.
3. Depending on the speaker and what they are presenting, we could sometimes have the speaker first and the business meeting second or vice versa, keeping in mind time constraints and speaker availability.
Thank you to all members who shared their thoughts and ideas, the Board values your feedback!
Upcoming Events:
March 19th High Tea at the Harbour Club Join us for a lovely afternoon of tea sipping and conversation sharing! There are still some seats available, cost $20, contact Jan Reitzel to secure yours!
April 23rd: Garden Club Day Trip Signups are underway for our spring adventure to the Pitt Co. Arboretum in Greenville. We will enjoy an hour tour and time to wonder on our own. Then we will have lunch together at the Scullery Coffee House for lunch, where they specialize in locally sourced ingredients and All-Day Breakfast! Lastly, we will continue on to Plant & See in Winterville. There is NO COST. Everyone is responsible for their own lunch and whatever you purchase at the nursery. Contact Sharon Nash or Debbie Mikuta to register and join the car pool.
May 5th: FH Garden Tour We have FOUR beautiful gardens for you to tour in the Harbour this spring. Registration will be limited to 30 people and the cost is $5. Contact Barbara Paulsen to sign up and be part of this inaugural garden tour!
General Reminders: Remember to check out the Community Events happening around the area this spring.
FHGC Visors are now available at the Merchandise Table
Next Meeting April 13th at 9:30 in the Cape Lookout Rm in the Harbour Club.
Door Prize Winners: Ann Cooper and Lori Boulous
Adjourn: 10:03 Donna Ross 1st Jane Haeussler 2nd
Minutes submitted by Secretary, Lori Walker