Term: 2015 to 2016

As a former educator, Pat Newman brought her organizational skills and attention to detail to her term as president of The Garden Club of Long Beach Island.

Pat and her husband, Ed, met in Long Island, then moved to Connecticut where they raised a son and daughter before moving officially to LBI about 12 years ago. Pat credits Judy Dicso with getting her involved with The Garden Club as a way of meeting new friends and giving back to the community.

Besides being President, Pat’s responsibilities in The Garden Club included working on the house tour selection committee as well as chairing a house in the 2016 tour.

Working with the Board during her Presidency, Pat  helped The Garden Club realize many rewarding achievements:

* The celebration of the 50th anniversary of our house tour (2015)

* Changed the reading of the minutes of the board and general meeting to an electronic procedure

* The  Blue Star Memorial Marker, which will be placed at the Beach Haven

Library  Gardens

*The brick pathway at the entrance of  the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens and a small brick patio at Beach Haven Library Gardens.

*The honor of an engraved brick at the Beach Haven Library patio for members who have served The Garden Club for 25 years.

*Reestablishing a flower design committee

* A photo directory was updated and placed on our website

* Garden club awards  from the Garden Club of New Jersey which included recognition of Edith Duff  Gwinn and Beach Haven Library Gardens, the children’s garden, the yearbook  (won 2nd place), youth awards, and conservation achievements.

As of 2017, Pat and Ed are planning a move to Delaware. Pat shares that what she will always remember most about The Garden Club: the opportunity to make friends and work with members. It appears that The Garden Club delivered Pat’s initial goal of making friends and giving back to the community. Pat will be remembered for both.