Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the home of Donna Roberts on Gibson Island

Minutes of Evergreen Garden Club

May 20, 2025

Attending: Connie Anderson, Julia Bellinger, Susan Bluhm, Cherry Bourque, Carol Cramer, Winkie Crigler, Jane Dana, Jane DeCell, Doris Dixon, Catherine Farrell, Mary Jane Glass, Claire Marshall, Colet Mitchell, Jackie Poortman, Ann Reid, Donna Roberts, Laurene Sherlock, Anne Snodgrass, Ellen Thrasher, Susan Vanderver, Rosa Wallach, Ann Williams.

Members gathered in Donna’s airy, sunny house overlooking a freshwater pond before climbing into a platoon of golf carts for a tour around the island. Donna offered informative guidance as we trundled along, but my cart seems to have missed a great deal. We still enjoyed beautiful views along the river and on the bay, passing wetlands, forests, the elegant clubhouse, and charming houses. There was one particular beauty being sold at auction a day or two after this meeting, but as you read these minutes, you have missed a prime opportunity. I didn’t quite take in the starting bid amount, a considerable number of millions.

Winkie called the meeting to order and thanked Donna for hosting this luncheon and meeting in her glorious house in this beautiful Gibson Island. She asked anyone who has not paid for this luncheon to give a check to Assistant Treasurer Catherine Farrell. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved unanimously, with Colet Mitchell making the motion to approve and Doris Dixon seconding.

Winkie said it has been an honor and much fun to be the club president. She thanked the officers who have made her job so much more pleasurable, and presented them with small gifts:

·      Doris Dixon, First Vice President

·      Donna Roberts, Second Vice President

·      Mary Jane Glass, Recording Secretary

·      Anne Snodgrass, Corresponding Secretary

·      SusieTaylor, Treasurer

·      Catherine Farrell, Assistant Treasurer

·      Jane Dana, Website Guru and Editor

The incoming and outgoing executive boards will meet at Winkie’s house next Tuesday afternoon (May 27) to hand over responsibilities and records and to ensure a smooth transition. Similarly, the incoming and outgoing treasurers will meet shortly to get the signatories on our Capital One bank account transferred.

Treasurer’s report (Susie Taylor, presented in Susie’s absence by Winkie). The club currently has $11,216.45 in the bank.

As mentioned in the April treasurer’s report, the club will likely incur expenses associated with the May luncheon.  However, any expenses should be offset by the $30 per person fee. The club membership is set to approve the distribution of $3,990 as recommended by the Philanthropy Committee and as approved in the budget. The final bank balance at the end of the 2024-2025 season should be approximately $7,000. This is approximately $1,800 more than the closing balance at the end of the 2023/2024 season.

It has been a great honor serving as the club’s treasurer these past two years. Thank you for entrusting me with this critical job.

Philanthropy Committee report (Mary Jane Glass) – The members of this year’s Philanthropy Committee are Jane Dana, Mary Jane Glass, and Ellen Thrasher. The Philanthropy Committee had planned to give each of last year's recipients (Tregaron, Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Youth Garden, Building Bridges Across the River, and Joseph's House) the same amount that they received last year. However, since the Executive Board had budgeted $4,000 for this year's gifts, we needed to cut $1,000. By cutting three grants from $1,000 to $830, we came up with gifts totaling $3,990.

·      Tregaron ($1,000) We had our workday this week at Tregaron. It seems to go from strength to strength. Our area, the steps rising to the north of the property, surrounded by edgeworthia, native ephemerals, bulbs, hellebores, and sedges, gets lovelier every year.

·      Rock Creek Conservancy ($830) The conservancy battles invasive plants, erosion, and climate change in this urban national park. They use our gift wisely.

·      National Youth Garden ($830) This is a demonstration garden to educate DC and Maryland school-garden-keepers about growing healthy food. We have supported them for years.

·      Building Bridges Across the River ($830) Until the 11th Street Bridge project gets underway, we are supporting five pocket urban farms, a greenhouse and demonstration garden, and maintenance on a forest walk at the ARC facility. Note: While the funding is complete for the bridge facility, affairs are unsettled because of the federal government turmoil.

·      Joseph's House ($500) The outside area is small but attractive. They will repair their outside power outlet and buy plants and mulch with our gift.

The membership voted unanimously to approve the committee’s recommendations, with Anne Snodgrass moving and Colet Mitchell seconding.

NCAGC: Saturday June 21, in lieu of a presidents' brunch or tea, District I will host club presidents and members for a docent-guided tour of the gardens of Hillwood Estate. All Evergreen members are invited.

The incoming president, Ellen Thrasher, thanked Winkie for her efficient and effective leadership. She made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Doris. The attendees voted unanimously to adjourn. And enjoy a delicious meal.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Jane Glass