Fairfield Harbour Garden Club Minutes
Monday May 12, 2025
Barbara Paulsen called the meeting to order at 9:32 – 30 members present
Speaker: Jan introduced her husband, Rick Reitzel, who spoke to us today on the importance of keeping our gardening tools sharpened.
Minutes from April 14th were approved. 1st by Jim Biondi and 2nd by Ginger Thompson.
Treasurer Report: Eileen reported we have a current balance of $5,090.46 It was also reported that the GC has a CD with a $4000 balance, not included in the above total.
Members voted to approve keeping the dues for next year the same: $20 per household for the year.
Hospice Fundraiser: Eileen reported she had 7 floral donations from the hospital and 4 flower bouquets donated by Food Lion which she will use for the fundraiser. It was approved by collective vote that any money already donated individually by members, could be given as a cash donation to the fundraiser. The arrangements are being delivered on May 13th .
Carolina Gardens: Kathy summarized and shared pictures of our trip on Tuesday, May 6th. Many members who attended also spoke to the success of the trip, the feeling of welcome, and the knowledge shared by the owner and his staff who hosted our group. Thank you again to Kathy for organizing such a wonderful day!
Kathy sent two thank you notes: one to Brian Wattson(owner) and Debbie Long (tour organizer).
Jane Haeussler shared she had spoken with Debbie and there may be an opportunity for those interested, to take a class with Debbie at the garden center in the future.
Fall Flowerpot Fundraiser: Jan Reitzel shared that the donated clay pots were scrubbed clean by a group of members and are ready to be painted. She is looking to “prime” the pots the last week of May and then will have two painting sessions this summer. One in July and another in August. Jan has her original group on an email list and will send out the exact dates. If you would like to help prime or paint, please call or email Jan, so she can add you to her list. If you’re not a painter, it was asked if you would like to donate a plant (indoor, outdoor, or even herbs) we will be selling some of the pots with these plants already potted. These will be planted after the September meeting, so get those seeds germinating. Donations of potting soil and saucers for the pots (all sizes) are also needed and appreciated. These Painted Pots will be replacing the Scarecrow Contest as the Fall Fundraiser in the fall.
Scholarship Winner: Hazel reported that there were four applicants and her committee unanimously voted for Storey Skinner. Storey will be graduating from Craven Early College East and attending ECU and studying Entomology (Bugs) in the Fall. Storey will be attending our meeting in June to accept her scholarship. Thank you to Hazel and her committee for taking on the task of appointing this wonderful scholarship to our youth.
Board Nominations for 2025-2026 year: Kathy Hallquist and Robin Gale presented the ballot for voting. There were no nominations from the floor when asked, so members voted to accept the ballot as presented. The Board will be installed during the June meeting.
Your newly approved Board:
- President – Barbara Paulsen
- 1st Vice President – Jan Reitzel
- 2nd Vice President – Robin Gale
- Secretary – Lori Walker
- Corresponding Secretary – Kathy Hallquist
- Treasurer – Eileen Wagner
- Assistant Treasure – Sharon Nash
Committee Chairs and Participants for 2025-2026
There are many opportunities to volunteer next year. Several members are stepping down and we would love for some of you to think about joining us, by getting involved on a committee, and helping to keep our garden club vibrant and active! There will be sign ups at the June meeting, so please think about which committee would most benefit from your unique talents and gifts!
Linda Gregg and Janet Jonah are still chairing the Fall Raffle Baskets and submitted these themes: Gardening, Golfing, Boating, and a 4th to be announced. They would love to hear your ideas, be ready to share at the June meeting.
Yard of the Month: 6119 Cutlass (corner of Caracara, look for our sign)
Door Prizes: Lucille raffled off 1 yellow/ 1 white Mandevilla and 1 red/1 pink Geranium.
Winners: Louie Nash, Kathy Hallquist, Cindy Scallion, and Barbara Fossett – who also happened to be our Guest this month. Congratulations!!
Reminder, next meeting June 9, at 9:30. Join us for a continental breakfast, slide show, recognition of our Scholarship Winner, Club Volunteers, and the installation of the new BOD.
Meeting Adjourned by Barbara Paulsen at 10:51 – 1st by Jim Biondi / 2nd by Hazel Alcock
Minutes taken and submitted for Yvonne, who was absent, by Lori Walker on 5/12/25