On Wednesday, July 8, more than 35 members of the Boothbay Region Garden Club met in the Boothbay Harbor Armillary Garden for the first monthly membership meeting since the COVID-19 shutdown last spring. Breezy and a little overcast, the weather held long enough for everyone masked, six feet apart and sitting in camp and folding deck chairs of every description, to carry on the business of the club in a new and unique way. Though no tea or luncheon was served, members were enthusiastic about being able to safely meet after so long a hiatus. Pat McMurry provided a portable PA system so that speakers could be heard over the sounds of nature.

Awards for programs and projects completed during 2019 were announced by Kathleen Marty who reminded members that these awards are normally heralded at the Garden Club Federation of Maine (GCFM) June convention, an annual event cancelled this year due to the pandemic. Following is the impressive list of awards given to BRGC by the GCFM and the National Garden Clubs organization for its dedication to the promotion of a healthy natural environment in our local region.

• 1st Place for work with Youth and Gardening
• 1st Place for Civic Development in the Community
• 1st Place for Website design and maintenance
• 1st Place for Garden Therapy Program at St. Andrews Village
• 2nd Place for Club Yearbook
• Certificate of Club of Distinction for 250 points
• Recognition Award for work with Blue Star Memorial Marker
• Recognition Award for work with Habitat for Humanity

In addition, National Garden Clubs awarded Boothbay the following Certificates:

• Appreciation Award for Therapy Gardens (St. Andrews Village)
• Appreciation Award for Education about Pollinators for Youth (Schools)

Linda Bonin proudly displayed the fistful of awards for a photo op!

Jane Lunt, Garden Club scholarship chair, read a lovely thank you letter from Mackenzie Colby who has just graduated from Eckerd College in St Petersburg, Florida. BRGC helped support Mackenzie’s educational goals for the past four years. Mackenzie, a Boothbay Region High School graduate, majored in environmental studies at Eckerd. A total of $14,000 in scholarship money was awarded by BRGC last year (2019-2020) to support college students and Y camperships.

Though the House and Garden Tour 2020 has been postponed until 2021, 1st Vice President Gloria Wakefield talked about the upcoming Festival of Trees. Already in the planning stages, the health and safety of club members and the community will receive primary consideration if conditions in the fall warrant a reevaluation of the event going forward.

Linda Redman reminded all present that the stunning garden in which all were seated is only possible through the dedicated work of the weekly weeding teams who would like help to lessen the load. All present were encouraged to sign up to do a few hours per month to keep the gardens beautiful.

As the sky darkened and the breeze picked up, the meeting was closed with a “same time, same place next month” announcement for the August meeting!