Known as Sue2 we began our term welcoming back 365 members that included an enthusiastic new group of 22. We chose “It takes a Village” as our theme and little did we realize how prophetic our choice turned out to be. Initially, Sue Miller received a cancer diagnosis that required a leave of absence during treatment and then in early 2020 the dreaded Covid Pandemic made its debut ending our ability to meet in person.
Thanks to the strong support, inspiration, and programing of both our Executive and Governing Boards we were able to finish out 2019 through February 2020 with sold out workshops thanks to the imagination of Maureen McMahon and Mary Ruyle, Bouquet of Thanks Committee delivery of 153 pumpkins to our veterans at the VA hospital, a successful Holiday Pantry thanks to the talents of Linda Beinhoff & Leslie Dupree followed by beautifully by our traditional Holiday Luncheon at the Marine Room chaired by Roz Bradley and Carolyn LaPierre.
Little did we know in February that the imaginative programming of Susan Harris and Sheryl Lester would close out the last open meeting of our term. Our Speaker Emma Manners, The Duchess of Rutland, held us all enthralled from the moment she made her grand entrance into the sanctuary. With humor, grace, and charm, she shared the history, current status, and plans for the future of Belvoir Castle.
The Pandemic forced us to shift our focus to maintaining our membership in order to sustain the viability of the Club during this unprecedented time.
· A weekly e-newsletter was sent to the from April – August featuring past photos, pictures and articles from our members, and other gardening news and information.
· Fortunately, we had already initiated a closed Facebook page in the fall that members could access.
· By September, we were all introduced to Zoom general, executive and committee meetings. We even had a Zoom holiday party.
· Yearbooks were distributed via “drive by” at Congregation Beth Israel.
· In order to support our civic projects, we held two “Treasures” sales outside.
· A small committee continued to tend the Healing Garden at the Moores Cancer Center. Holiday Cards for the VA were signed at this time that were delivered along with poinsettias to the patients and staff at the VA.
In spite of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Sue Miller continued as co-president with extraordinary attention to detail, humor and fortitude. Her commitment to honoring the past, while ensuring the future are a tribute to both Sue and the rich history of the Village Garden Club of La Jolla.