Before I begin the annual president’s report, I would like to say that every woman needs a good man in her life and that man for the Village Garden Club of La Jolla is our AV expert, David Estrin. Every meeting for the last six years, David has worked with our av system so that we could hear and see our speakers. I wouldn’t want to have a meeting without him because I know we are in good hands. Thank you so much, David.
And now for our formal report. I am speaking on behalf of Marilyn, who you will hear from shortly, and myself when I say how grateful we both are for all the support and competence of our executive and governing boards.
Let’s begin with our program chairs, Susan Geier and Katie Pelisek, who have given us the opportunity to hear about Julia Morgan, the groundbreaking architect of Hearst Castle, Steph Green on Container Gardens, Loria Stern on “Eat Your Flowers”, Rene van Rems for holiday floral ideas, a speaker on California natives, James T Farmer III a true Southern gentleman, and our last speaker on using art in the garden and public places, Betsy Schultz. Our speakers are the focal point of our meetings, and you have exceeded all our expectations.
Our Vice Presidents for Workshops, Janet Cooke and Taunya Daley gave us four amazing and well attended workshops. December was special because of our speaker, Rene van Rems, who also did a workshop on floral design, the day before our meeting. The holiday luncheon was chaired by Margaret Dudas for the second year and it was beautiful and delicious.
Our Field Trip Chairwomen, Alyce Ashcraft, Judy Oliphant, and Christy Wilson, have outdone themselves this year with a tour of the San Diego Zoo emphasizing the botanical specimens and a lovely lunch afterwards, followed in March by a tour of the renovated historic Botanical Building at Balboa Park and an ethnic lunch that was so special. In April, twenty one of us traveled to Filoli in Northern California and this trip was spearheaded by Shelby Strong, Judy Oliphant, and Shannon Cummins.
One of the highlights of the year for many of us was our updated, Expressions in Art & Flowers. Mary Ann Driscoll and Janet Evans put a fresh face on this event and we were so impressed with all the artistic and floral talent within our group.
We have had an action packed year and it has all been made possible by our wonderful board: Susan Geier, Katie Pelisek, Taunya Daley, Janet Cooke, Mary Lippman, Mary Ruyle, Cindy Lococo, Suzanne Ward, Sheryl Lester and advisors Roz Bradley, Susan Harris, and Devonna Hall. Marilyn and I are so grateful for your help.
Our many civic projects have been handled so expertly this year by Glee Logsdon, Devonna Hall, Libby Levine, Mary Lippman, Leigh Hartman, Susan Vandendriesse, Kate Engler, Linette DaRosa, and Linda Karpowich. Thank you for your part in making our community better.
If you thought the Spindrifter couldn’t get any better, you were wrong. Led by the incomparable Donna Queen and assisted by Mary Lippman, Deanna Weeks, and Lynn Sauer, the newsletter soared to new heights
Ana Lyon for the second year in a row, hosted in her beautiful garden, a new member reception with many committee members including Kate Engler, and Robin Vandever, helping to make it special.
Sheryl Lester has continued to improve our membership renewal process and made renewing this year the easiest it has ever been. I am pleased to announce that we have a total membership of 318 with 34 new members.
One of the most challenging jobs is creating the yearbook. This year Devonna Hall, Becky Dembitsky, Robin Vandever, Donna Koziol, and Katie Pelisek worked together to create another book which we all depend on so much.
Sara Carpenter kept our website up and running. Our Facebook page was again administered by Elizabeth Hansen and Susan Harris managed our E-Blasts. All of you ladies who have handled our technical communications are greatly appreciated.
Did you know that before you arrive for each meeting, there is a team of wonderful ladies and a gentleman who help to set up this space and make it functional and beautiful for us?
-They make all the arrangements for the tables & equipment: Margaret Anne Lozuk & Joan Kroener.
-They check us in- Susan Harris, Heidi Gutierrez, Nettie Keck, Geetha Manchala.
-They check our guests in- Priscilla Moxley and Flo Kennedy.
-They make sure we have gorgeous floral arrangements- Chris McGregor & Annette Gomez.
-They make sure we are well fed- Liz Ogilvy and Cynthia Chasan
-They make sure we have our coffee- Susie Johnson and Eva Richman
- and Mary Pringle along with Jim Stelutti tidies up the space and locks up the building. YOU ARE ALL APPRECIATED!!