Dear Members,

Hello to everyone!  In just a few short weeks we will be resuming our garden club activities.  I am grateful to our Executive Board, Cynthia Eckard, First VP; Ann-Boyd Newman, Second VP; Helen Von Salzen, Recording Secretary; Anna Smith, Corresponding Secretary; Mary Jane Knight, Treasurer and Julia Mattingly, Assistant Treasurer, for their willingness to serve.  I am also grateful to those of you who have agreed to act as committee chairpersons: Archives, Tris Fearon; Bylaws, Virgina Swayne and Anne Howell; Club Programs, Cynthia Eckerd and Ann-Boyd Newman; Envoirnment, Alison Halbert; Horticulture, Marilyn Grube; Hospitality, Ann-Boyd Newman; Membership and Orientation, Jane Lewis; New Projects, Meredith Clifton; Publicity, Peggy Sarvis; Sandhills Garden Council Representative, Mary Jane Knight; Scholarship and Endowment Fund, Mary Jane Knight; Ways & Means, Cav Peterson and Nancy Smith; and Yearbook, Alice Robbins.

Many of you are already substantially involved in your responsibilities.  Cynthia and Ann-Boyd have arranged new and exciting presentations and are finalizing plans for two outings.  Our yearbook is expected to be ready for distribution at our first meeting, thanks to Alice’s diligence.  Your response to Cav and Nancy’s proposal for a “Pay and Play” fundraiser has received enthusiastic support from an overwhelming majority of members.  They are proceeding with plans for this lighthearted event.  Details will be available for distribution at our September meeting.  We are well underway!!!

The success of any organization depends on its ability to effectively communicate with its membership.  The U.S. Postal Service is operating at a significant deficit and has again proposed a rate increase.  After discussion with our Corresponding Secretary Anna Smith, and recognizing that the vast majority of active members have internet accounts, it has been decided that we will use email as our preferred method of communication.  Anna will be sending an email announcement two weeks prior to any meeting date.  A flash reminder will be sent on Monday prior to the meeting.  Those active members who do not have internet connections will continue to receive notices through postal mail.  I am enclosing the most recent list of email addresses for your use.  Please advise Anna of any changes.

In past years, monthly meeting notices have been sent by postal mail to Associate Members, though the objective of associate membership is to be free of requirement to attend meetings.  In lieu of these monthly reminders, I am enclosing, for Associate Members, our yearly schedule which also includes program topics and meeting venues.  We are always delighted to have Associates participate in our programs and activities and Nancy Howe, a member since 1986 and Anna Smith have agreed to serve as liaisons to Assocites to provide information and answer any questions.  If you have an email account, please advise Anna so that you can be included on the email list.

Enjoy the last days of summer!  I hope to see you all at our first meeting on September 8th.

Sincerely,

Thea Pitassy