The Flower Lovers Garden Club met Nov. 4 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The meeting was called to order by President Denise Ducharme at 1 p.m. Tables were decorated with beautiful fall centerpieces furnished by the hostesses Karen McCloud, Meribeth Kussmaul, Sandra Lawson and Margie Staten (absent).
President Denise acknowledged Priscilla Zachary, Marty Heinold, Jan Stout and Shari Patton who celebrate birthdays this month. Karen Cook lead the group in prayer and members enjoyed refreshments including various cheese balls, crackers, assorted vegetables, cookies and apple cider provided by the hostesses.
Roll call was taken by Linda Crispin with 34 members present.
A sign-up sheet for pies to be served at the Christmas dinner was circulated. The trip and speaker suggestions signup sheets for 2027 also circulated.
Denise reminded everyone that 2027 member dues and Christmas luncheon must be paid for in advance.
Members that wish to get a copy of the newsletter in the mail must provide Heidi Gobreski with self-addressed stamped envelopes.
Club members have been invited to the Rededication of Whitlock Hall at St John’s Episcopal Church at 5 p.m. Nov. 8.
Downtown Flowerpots: Shari Patton reported that several pots were acquired locally for a donation. The remaining pots are in storage; the new pots are in place. She is seeking people to help fill them with dirt by the end of the month.
2027 Garden & Arts Tour: Shari Patton reported that nine gardens will be featured on the tour and circulated a signup sheet for more members to join the committees.
Christmas tree at Masonic Cornerstone: Ann Stanley is collecting silk flowers to decorate the tree. Tree to be decorated by the Festival of Trees event.
Election of Officers: The proposed slate named Denise Ducharme, President; Lana Presslor, Vice President; Linda Crispin, Secretary; Belinda Grimble, Treasurer; and Janet Hook, Historian. Shari Patton moved to approve the slate, and another member seconded the motion. All five were elected, with terms beginning in 2027.
An auction was held featuring gently used garden items. Belinda Grimble provided the auction paddles; she and Teresa Huxhold were the auctioneers. Many members went home with new treasures.
Members were reminded that the Christmas Dinner would be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 2 at the Masonic Cornerstone. To participate in the “Dirty Santa” game, bring a wrapped, garden-related gift.
The Christmas luncheon will be the final meeting of 2026, hosted by the executive committee: Denise Ducharme, Lana Presslor, Mary Lou Dawald, Belinda Grimble, Kezia Blackwell, Donna Walton, Shari Patton, and Karen Cook.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:34 p.m.
