Hampton Roads Garden Club
Membership Meeting
Hidenwood Presbyterian Church
March 3, 2026
President Ann Fisher welcomed everyone to today’s meeting. Ann reminded everyone that after today’s meeting, membership will get to see the homes that we will transform and enhance with our floral creations for our tour day on April 22nd.
Jennifer Dick called the roll 42 members were in attendance.
The February minutes were approved as sent.
Scott Meadows, Principal at Deer Park Elementary School in Newport News, presented the Garden Lab /Learning Garden project that would help over 400 children learn about plants, gardens and the environment with hands on experiences in the courtyard at the school. There were many questions and discussion about the project.
Officer’s reports:
President:
Ann Fisher reviewed a couple of items from the GCV Membership News. First, to support the naming of the Brown-belted Bumblebee as the VA Sate Native Pollinator, however Julie LoCicero announced that this proposal did not make it out of the committee.
Secondly, the VA Dept. of Forestry is partnering with select local nurseries throughout the state to offer a $25 discount on eligible trees valued at $50 or more. Look for the “Throwing Shade VA” tag on eligible trees. The discount extends from March 1-May 1, 2026.
Ann thanked the History Blooms floral arrangement team, Melanie Wharton, Amy Ziglar, Mary Johnson, Ann Moir and Page Kremp for the beautiful arrangement.
Ann gave a huge thanks to our Fundraising Committee and Mardi Gras party hosts, Val Bowen, Donna Herbert, Carrie Karnes, Mary Kay Lawson and Ann Moir led by Teresa Robinson. What a fantastic job ! Everyone really stepped up to the plate with great auction items!
The Ivy Anchor newsletter lists 2 local garden symposiums scheduled for April. Hope you can attend one.
- The CNU Gardening Symposium on Sat. April 11th: The Purposeful Garden: A Symposium on Pollinators, Plant Breeding and the evolution of Agriculture”
- Williamsburg’s 79th Annual Garden Symposium: Great American Gardens, April 16-18.
Ann read a thank you note from Kris Karbone, GCV president. The note thanked us for our hospitality and said” Your club has a great spirit and wonderful camaraderie”.
Vice President:
Allison Clock thanked Hidenwood Presbyterian and hostesses Bobbie Cooke and Linda Smith for the refreshments today. Allison facilitated the seed exchange and then reminded us of upcoming Daffodil Day and the next meeting on April 14 at Hampton History Museum with hostesses, Sarah Huddletson and Melanie Wharton.
Treasurer:
Sam Bishop reported our balance in Towne Bank was $68,950.96 She also reminded everyone that dues for the 2026-27 year of $125 are due by May 31st.
New Business:
Fundraising:
Teresa Robinson thanked the membership for supporting the Mardi Gras event with your donations, purchasing auction items and bringing friends. The event raised an estimated $6430.54 for the club. The two-year total of the Fundraising Committee is $9,179!
GCV Annual Fund:
Mary Johnson reminded the membership to contribute to the GCV Annual Fund. As of February 24, 2026, the club had 15 Actives (30%) and 3 Associates (14%) contribute this year to the Annual Fund. As a club, that is 25% of our total membership. The goal is 100%.
Historic Garden Week:
Stacy Queensberry reviewed the details of HGW. Everyone should have their flower assignment and be prepared to take photos, measurements, etc. today. This will be your only opportunity in your assigned home. If you need any assistance, please call flower chairs Jane Quinn and Sidney Jordan.
Our volunteer shifts are full, but please reach out to Julie LoCicero or Kristin Barnes for any changes or concerns.
Online ticket sales are open on the GCV website until 11:59pm on April 21st. Paper tickets are also available for sale at Rooms, Blooms & More in Hilton Village. Please remember that all club members must have a ticket to tour the homes.
Flowers After Hours tickets are $25 each. This year’s event will be held at the Mariners’ Museum and will be catered by Joanne’s Catering. You may pay by cash, check or Venmo. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Dick or Carrie Karnes.
Nominating:
The nominating committee presented the 2026-27 Slate of Officers to be voted on at the April 14th meeting.
2026-2028 HRGC Executive Board
President: Allison Clock
Vice President: Pam Patterson
Recording Secretary: Kristin Barnes
Corresponding Secretary: Ann Moir
Treasurer: Julie LoCicero
Immediate Past President: Ann Fisher
Directors At Large: Amanda Graham, Stacey Queensberry, Teresa Robinson
Nominating Committee:
1. Mindy Beasley
2. Debbie Tanner
3. Page Kremp
Membership Committee (Term 2026-2028):
1. Jane Quinn
2. Linda Smith
Peninsula Council of Garden Clubs:
Martha Sides reported the next meeting of the Peninsula Council of Garden Clubs will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 am. Mr. Nate Brauner, Peninsula Master Naturalist, will present his program “Mosquito Abatement”. We will learn to reduce the number of mosquitoes in our yards without using harmful chemicals. Nate will also bring some of his products for purchase.
Ways and Means/Charleston Bus Trip:
Kristin Barnes and Jane Quinn reminded membership that the bus trip is a Ways & Means project and all members are required to donate food or money to support the trip. Food donations can be dropped off at Becky Tench’s home (206 Riverside Dr., Newport News, VA. 23606) between 2:00 and 4:00 on Sunday March 22nd. If you have any questions, please contact Kristin or Jane.
Old Business:
There was no old business.
Announcements:
March Birthdays
4-Dale Banning
8-Frankye McAdam (associate)
16-Ellen Jones (associate)
26-Allison Hund
27-Becky Tench
29-Mary Kay Lawson
Ann Fisher thanked all of you who have worked behind the scenes organizing every detail for this year’s HGW tour. She reminded us to enjoy our visits to our assigned homes and let our creative juices flow!
With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Dick
Recording Secretary
thehrgc 