Annual General Meeting

June 25^th 2013

6:00 PM

Mill Bay Community League Hall

6:00 PM:

The evening began with a wonderful potluck dinner. The dishes were delicious and diverse and the desserts heavenly. The conversation was lively as members took this annual opportunity to mingle.

The first official function of the evening was the judging of the flowered hats. It was noted by many that the number of members sporting hats was far more than in the past and the creativity was impressive.

Grand Chapeau Contest for 2013

Honourable Mention: Ruby Armour, for her ‘dead head’ hat: artfully arranged pickings of hellebores, peonies, and rhododendrons

3^rd Place: Michaela, granddaughter of Dianne Regan- created her bonnet of Mill Bay Hall ferns under great time pressure

2^nd Place Joy Story- sported edibles, a bird’s nest, and creatures of the night

1^st Prize – Carmen Stanek- wore garlic scapes, flowers, creatures, critters and a few live aphids

Door Prizes:

First Prize: Monika Morgan

Second Prize: Gillian Seal-Jones

Third Prize: Kathy Edmunds

It was noted that Monika’s husband won second prize and graciously instructed, to her chagrin, that another name be drawn from the bucket.

7:04: AGM Call to order

Adoption of the Minutes from June 2012 AGM, originally circulated September 25, 2012: Moved by Carmen Stanek, Seconded by Gale McIntyre.

President’s Report: Ajay Oppelaar

A special thanks was given to Barb Kohlman, who has been on the Executive for 10 years, holding several positions including Past President, and is now retiring. Her support and assistance has been most appreciated.

Many thanks to the rest of the Club Executive: Cliff Stainsby, Vice President; Gale McIntyre, Treasurer; and Arlene Dench, Secretary and the Committee Chairs of 2012:

Newsletter: Mary Vandenberg’s hard work was applauded by all present.

Website: Kerry Davis

Membership: Sandra Goth

Library: Janice Rose, absent

Plant sales: Heather Jenkins

Raffle: Carmen Stanek

Kitchen: Dianne Regan

Historian: Mary Gale, who is also one of the founders of the Mill Bay Garden Club and sends out cards of best wishes and condolences to club members. She expressed her concern that members are not telling her when they are sick, dying or dead, please spread the word if you know of anyone or plan to do so yourself.

Vice President: No Report

Secretary: No Report

Treasurer’s Report:

• Gale McIntyre reported that, before any accounting for the AGM expenses, the club has a total of $3,502. 18, which includes $1,104.50 from the plant sale.

• Moved by Gale McIntyre that the club donate $500.00 each to three charities: Cowichan Valley Hospice, Providence Farm, and Go Malawi Girls Go.

Seconded by Mary Gale. Passed unanimously by all club members present.

• After the outstanding expenses for 2013 are paid the remaining funds will be applied to the budget for 2013/2014.

• Gale assured the accuracy of all her figures and invited any challengers present to examine her well-kept spreadsheets.

New members have reported that the club’s financial support of other organizations in Cowichan was an impetus for them joining the club.

2013 Flower and Garden Show Report:

• Heather Gibbins (Chair) sends her thanks for another successful Garden Show.

• The Flower and Garden Show Committee: Heather Gibbins (Chair), Janice Rose (Treasurer), Gillian Seal-Jones (Secretary), Heather Jenkins, Bev Rempel, Monika Morgan, Leslie Sutton, Arlene Dench, Cori-Lee Fisher, and Mary Ellen Deuling.

• It is important to note the contribution of family members of the committee who give their time and talents to ensure the success of the show.

• Janice Rose, who is presently out of the country, was unavailable to provide a financial accounting but it is believed the net total exceeded $3,000.

• The First Time Exhibitor Prize went to Arlene Dench with a score of 10 points, a magnificent showing by a green entrant with a green thumb and keen eye for presentation.

• Monica and Bev, with the assistance of Arlene and Leslie, set a historical precedent in the number of contributors to the Silent Auction.

• Laurie Sale was the entrant with the highest score

Elections:

• Special thanks was expressed to Pip Woodcock a member of the Nominating Committee who was unable to attend the meeting.

• Elaine Scott chaired the meeting for the election of the new executive for 2013/2014.

• The air was electric with tension and all new executive members, after campaigning with great aplomb, were elected by acclamation:

President: Cliff Stainsby

Vice President: Joy Story

Secretary: Sandra Goth

Treasurer: Gale McIntyre

Committee Chairs:

Newsletter: Mary Vandenberg

Website: Kerry Davis

Membership: Arlene Dench

Library: Janice Rose

Plant sales: Heather Jenkins

Raffle: Carmen Stanek

Kitchen: Dianne Regan

Historian: Mary Gale

The handing-over of the gavel from Ajay to Cliff followed the election. Cliff assured the club members the meetings would continue to be enjoyable, informative, and provide many opportunities for club members to get involved.

Cliff observed it was tradition to present a gift to members who hosted the AGM dinner. Though the AGM was relocated due to rain, Ajay’s intention was appreciated and he was presented with an Umbrella Pine.

Ajay shared that this tree was very special to his father who tended one in the family garden. That pine was a great joy to his family and the one presented will be much appreciated in the garden of him and Tom.

There was a reminder that the meetings are the fourth Tuesday of each month, starting in September and that the famous “Sign-up Clipboard” will continue its circumnavigation of the meetings so all have an opportunity to add their energies to club activities.

Vice President, Joy Story, will be organizing speakers for the 2013/2014 Club year and invited club members to submit suggestions for speakers and topics of interest to her. The May 2014 speaker will be Shirley Cook, the head judge for the flower show, to explain the finer points of exhibition for future entrants who wish to strut the stuff of their gardens.

Motion for Life Memberships: No nominations

New Business – No new business

Meeting Adjourned at 7:46