The Garden Club General Membership Minutes
Thursday February12, 2026
The meeting was called to order by JoAnne McKee at 12:32pm at the United Methodist Church. She led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thought for the Day By Carolyn Rule
Embrace Winter as a sacred time for rest, introspection and preparation. Allowing you to appreciate the vibrant of the summer even more. While summer invites external joy, winter cultivates internal strength, proving that both seasons are essential gifts for a balanced, growing and resilient life.
JoAnne called for a motion to approve the January minutes. Joyce Hillyer motioned, Carol Sweeney seconded. The minutes were approved. Membership The membership report was given by Andrea Apruzzesse. Susan Coppolino and Donna McPartland were approved for membership. They will be inducted at the April general meeting. Andrea reminded all members to please check in as they come to the meetings.
If you lost your name badge and need a new one, please let Janice Stonmaker know. In order to keep our yearbook current, please let Janice know of any changes in your contact information.
Environmental Committee
Helen Comba gave the committee report. Helen gave updates on the following:
Club Apparel Sale. Today is the last day for the sale of Garden Club Logo outerwear. No orders, including online, will be accepted after today.We have new stickers for use at all our events. These were designed by Tracey Cameron and will be used at all our events. Helen discussed the two new environmental laws that will be affecting the State of NJ. This bill builds on the plastic bag and foam law already in effect. Helen announced that the next meeting of the Environment Committee will be held on 2/23 at the Surf City Library.
Hospitality Refreshments for today’s meeting were provided by: Janet Vilardo-Farrell, Rosemary Fallar, Eileen Szperka, Olga Perlman, Lisa Carmelengo, Marilyn Upton, Diana Castle, Kim Carroll Jane Niemeyer and Marie McCafferty. Centerpieces were provided by Amy Haeberlein and Gen Cunningham.
House Tour
Wendy Karopoulos and Eileen Milacek are the new Chairpersons for the Holiday Tour of Homes for 2026 and 2027. The Tour year will be held on 12/9 and 12/10. The tour will be the same as last year. The luncheon at the restaurants was a success and will be held the same way this year. The committee is working on securing homes for the tour as well as other aspects that make tour a success. They will be reporting at all our meetings and are looking forward to having another successful house tour.
Art in Bloom
Barbara Duff and Caril Freas will be chairing Art in Bloom this year. It will be held on 5/21 at the LBI Foundation for the Arts. Set up will be on 5/20. The committee needs 20 designers as well as hostesses and greeters. This is a curated art show that is free and open to the public. Sign up sheets are on the tables in the back of the room. Please consider signing up.
May Day Baskets
Joyce Hillyer announced that there are two changes in this event for this year. The baskets will be assembled on 5/29 at the Bay Ave Community Center in Manahawkin. We will only accept requests for baskets whose recipients live in Manahawkin or LBI. Sign-up sheets for this event will be available at the March meeting. Please consider signing up.
Outdoor Living Tour
Joanne Orlani is the chairperson, and Michele Farias is the co-chairperson for this event which will be held on 6/25 with a rain date of 6/26. They are looking for members gardens, especially on the north end of the Island, to be on this tour. They are also looking for House Chairs and workers for the gardens that will be on the tour. There will also be a green elephant sale. Garden and ocean themed only
Tickets sales will be in March and April.
Website
JoAnne introduced Barb Cona as the new Chairperson for the website and social media functions, which were previously done by Daine Macrides. JoAnne requested that all information intended for publication on the website or any of our social media accounts be sent directly to Barb. JoAnne and the other members extended their congratulations to her.
There being no further business called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Joanne Orlandi motioned and Kim Carroll seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30pm.
Respectfully submitted Jane Niemeyer Recording Secretary