The Washington Garden Club meeting was held on October 11 at the Grace Harwell Senior Center. Fellowship began at 9:30. The meeting was called to order by President Mary George Hocevar at 10 o’clock. Sandra Snapp shared the invocation, “A Gardener’s Thanksgiving Prayer.” Pat Benson introduced her guest, Dot Renchlear.  Hostesses Mara Graves, Claire Stiwell, Patricia Moore and Edie Miller were thanked for their delicious snacks and lovely fall display.
Edie Miller introduced the program. The outreach development coordinator for the Pamlico Tar River Foundation, Kelly Jochim, was introduced. Kelly provided background information on the PTRF, including various programs such as the building of camping platforms along the river, fishing clinics and restoration initiatives supporting the enforcement of the Clean Water Act. Current advocacy includes “Save Blounts Creek.” The PTRF opposes the wastewater runoff of up to 12,000,000 gallons of water a day from the proposed Martin Marietta Materials open pit mine that will endanger this aquatic habitat. Volunteer opportunities were also covered. Thanks were given to Kelly for her informative presentation.
The District 12 annual meeting was held on Oct. 8 in Kill Devil Hills. Our Washington Garden Club was mentioned for three awards. We sold the most calendars, had a net increase in membership and earned a blue ribbon for our yearbook. The yearbook will proceed to state competition.
Business was conducted. Treasurer Ann Rafferty reported there were no major expenditures for the month. The librarian encouraged members to check out landscaping books. Corrections were made to the yearbook and members were reminded that dues are currently being collected. Publicity committee members Elaine Sheridan and Sandy Coffee were thanked for their work. Club members have been invited to the opening reception of the art show presented by the Beaufort County Arts Council. This is in appreciation for the club’s sponsorship of the Memorial Award. It was announced that the Civic Beautification Committee would meet and have lunch at the Blue Door. Other club members would enjoy lunch at the Meeting Place.
Delights from the garden were shared as a part of the closing. Nancy Nash presented the bench show, “The Colors of Fall.” Nancy encouraged creativity using household items such as candleholders in composing fall arrangements. She commended the use of flow and balance that was demonstrated in designs. Horticulture was presented by Mara Graves. The meeting closed at 10:50.