May 13, 2024

 FAIRFIELD HARBOR GARDEN CLUB GENERAL MEETING

The president, Cheryl McAskill called the meeting to order at 9:32 am.

She led the members in a Pledge of Allegiance. Cheryl McAskill called on Membership Chair, Phyllis Godwin to announce new members and visitors present. Guests were Michelle McCurdy and Janet Jonah.

Secretary, Yvonne Meissner reported that the April 2024 General Meeting report was posted on the FHGC website. There was a motion for approval (Pam Kubik/Sandy Riggs) which was carried.

Treasurer, Jan Reitzel reported that there is a balance of $7801.07 as of April 30, 2024. She informed the members that as only a small number of members had registered to go on the trip, the Bus Trip had been cancelled. The contract with the bus company states that only 50% of the paid deposit would be refunded upon cancelation. Jan asked the members to vote on her proposal to reimburse Sandy Riggs for her $250 out of pocket loss. The members agreed unanimously. Sandy returned all checks to members who had prepaid for the bus trip.

Jan reminded the members that at the last General Meeting the members had discussed an increase in Membership Dues. She proposed a raise to $15 or $20. The majority voted for dues to be $20 starting from the new fiscal year.

Jan told the members that the Tea social was a huge success with 17 members attending.

Barbara Paulsen has organized a Tryon Palace Garden Tour for June 5th to be led by David Hite. Preregistration and payment ($10.68) is required by June 2nd. Those who wish to attend and/or carpool need to contact Barbara at 607-731-9727 or [email protected].

On behalf of the Nominating Committee (Pam Kubik, Carolyn Barry, Phyllis Godwin, Robin Gale and Ginger Thompson) Pam Kubik informed the members that the slate of Officers for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year is:

President – Barbara Paulsen

1st Vice President – Jan Reitzel

2nd Vice President – Jane Haeussler

Secretary – Yvonne Meissner

Corresponding Secretary – Kathy Hallquist

Treasurer – Julia Sherman

Assistant Treasurer – Rhonda Harrington

There were no nominations from the floor.

There was a motion to vote for approval (Hazel Alcock/Maury Thompson) which the Ayes carried.

Cheryl informed members of the NC Extension’s Plant Sale on May 18th from 10am – 12pm at 300 Industrial Drive in New Bern.

27 members have signed up for the President’s Luncheon at the Harbour Pointe Restaurant.

A visit to Hazel Alcock’s garden was postponed to June 10th after the Meeting.                                                                                        

Hazel informed the members that Layla Prescott is this year’s recipient of the Scholarship award. Lyla is a graduate of Pamlico High School and will be attending UNC at Chapel Hill. Hazel is working on updating the Scholarship Application to include colleges as well as high schools.

Cheryl McAskill again displayed her poster board outlining the various Committees and what it takes to Chair them. She made another appeal for members to volunteer for the various chair openings.

Pam Dion presented Jim and Leah Abell, residing at 906 Coral Court, with a May Yard of the Month certificate.

There was a motion to adjourn at 10:10 am (Jan Reitzel/Pam Kubik) the Ayes carried the motion.

Respectfully submitted

Yvonne Meissner

Secretary