,
GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Piedmont Community Center
11:00 am Boutique Shopping Begins
12:00 Noon Luncheon Meeting
Hostesses in Charge: Pam Cedercreutz
Hostesses: Di Bates, Susi Browne, June Brugger, Sydney Brush, Nancy Girard, Sue Herrick, Nancy Jacobs, Mary Ann Parachini, Karen Rollandi, Fran Wolfe.
Active and Sustaining Members: Please regret to Pam by Friday, November 14th if you are unable to attend. 652-9193
Associates: Please RSVP to Pam by Friday, November 14th if you are able to attend.
652-9193
November Calendar
Wednesday, November 5th, Flower Arranging Workshop at the Flower Market and following at the Kettlewell Room.
Wednesday, November 12th, 9:30 am Photography Workshop with Margy Pengilly, at the Piedmont Community Church. The room has been changed to the Fireside Room.
Monday, November 17th, 9:30 Board of Directors Meeting at the home of Deborah Van Nest.
Wednesday, November 19th, Holiday Boutique and Lunch and General Meeting.
Thursday, November 20th, Conservation Field trip to the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.
Thursday, November 27th, Happy Thanksgiving
Save the Date:
Monday, December 1st, 2:00 PM Lights repair and replace and check.
Tuesday, December 2nd, 9:00 AM Lights Up- rain or shine.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 9:15 Flower Arranging Workshop, Kettlewell Room, Piedmont Community Church
Wednesday, December 3rd, 7:15 pm Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tuesday, December 9 at 4:00 pm PBF Quarterly meeting at the home of Mary MacRae, 236 Sea View Avenue
Tuesday, January 6th, Lights down
Wednesday, January 7th, 9:15 Flower Arranging Workshop
Flower Shows in the Future: Philadelphia: March 1-7
Honolulu: Apr. 17-19; Woodside-Atherton: Apr. 23; Chelsea, London: May 19-23. Would someone would be interested in arranging a "field trip" to one/all of these shows? It certainly would be fun. Call Jackie.
Announcements:
Membership: The following is the timeline for PGC’s Confidential Proposal Procedure. The intent is to allow ample time between each meeting and/or deadline for the process to be completed thoroughly. The dates listed are deadlines, however, each step may be completed in advance of the deadline.
By February 1: Members may convey in writing to the Membership Chairman relevant objections regarding any member of the community
By February 14: Active members must contact the Membership Chairman to discuss a Candidate proposal. If the Membership Chairman discerns no problem with the proposal, the Sponsor is asked to complete the Confidential Candidate Information form, and to return 8 copies to the Membership Chairman by February 28.
By March 14: Proposers meet individually with the Membership Committee to discuss Proposed Candidate. Membership Committee convenes immediately following to discuss Proposals.
By March 21: Membership Chairman advises Proposers of Committee’s recommendation. If the Proposal is to proceed, Sponsors are asked to secure 3 Seconders for their Candidate. The Proposer and Seconders must each write a letter to the Membership Committee about the Candidate.
By April 4: The Proposer must provide 8 copies of each of the 4 letters to the Membership Chairman. The Chairman distributes copies of these letters to each of the Committee members.
By April 11: Membership Committee meets to discuss and vote on each Candidate.
By the April Board Meeting: (typically the 3rd Monday in April) the Membership Chairman contacts each Proposer of the outcome of her Proposal.
At the April Board Meeting: Candidates are announced to the Board.
At the April General Meeting: The Membership Chairman announces the names of the successful candidates. Immediately following the meeting, invitations for membership are delivered to the successful Candidates.
Conservation: Trip to the Academy of Science Thursday, November 20th. Those wishing to join the group please contact Diane Coleman 693-2105 or email jrcdsc@aol.com . We will meet at Crocker Park at 8:15 to arrive at the Academy for our tour at 9:30. Discounted adult admission is $19.96 and seniors 65+ $15.96 and an additional charge of $7.00 for a head set. We will be having lunch at the Academy. Deadline for discounted tickets is Nov 10th.
Photography:
Want to get more creative with your camera…or find out how to enter a photograph in a GCA competition…or discover what makes a photograph something special?
DON’T MISS MARGY PENGILLY PRESENTING OUR NEXT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:
ART THROUGH THE VIEWFINDER-
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BASIS PRINCIPLES
THAT ARE USED IN GCA JUDGING
Wednesday, November 12th
9:30 - 11 am
Piedmont Community Church, Fireside Room
No sign-ups necessary. All are welcome to come – get inspired and discover photography from a new perspective!
Also, don't miss the photography online magazine!! Go to the GCA homepage, click on FOCUS and then on the wonderful new issue which is the FALL 2008-VOL 2- ISSUE 1 ( "Winter 2008" is really the old 2007 issue)
Ways and Means: HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
Boutique News!
We have lots of exciting offerings to look forward to on November 19th at 11:00,
the day and time of the boutique! Prepare to be delighted!! Remember the drop
off time for your donations is the day before, Tuesday, November 18th between 2
pm. and 4 pm.
AS A PREVIEW, for auction, we have a progressive dinner for 8, a golf weekend, a
weekend at a lakefront Tahoe home, a nature hike, a bridge luncheon for 8, and
three other, fabulous parties! We have lots of homemade food delights, gift
baskets, potted plants, note cards, tickets, gift certificates and holiday
decorations to look forward to. Many of the very popular items you have had (and
loved) in the past are being offered by our most generous and talented members!
YET, I have not yet heard from 30 out of 85 people! Even if you are planning on
just making a buying contribution, I would really appreciate hearing from you!
And, if you want to offer something, but do not know how, please let me know.
The best way to reach me is probably on my cell phone, 701 0846, or you can find
me at home, too!
Just to jog your memory, or if you were not at the last two meetings, we are
trying to make this boutique intimate and not intimidating. Below are the
headings we created to help you think of something!
Planted Containers
Parties - (Dinners, cocktails, luncheons, picnics, bridge parties, meals
delivered)
Holiday Decorations (wreaths, ornaments, trees, candles, glassware,
gingerbread houses...)
Gift Certificates (restaurants, theater tickets, game tickets, spa
treatments...)
Stationary (decorative note cards, enclosure cards...)
Great Escapes (vacation homes, golf/tennis outings, nature walks...)
Handcrafted Items (guest towels, purses, needlepoint, knitted items,
quilts, painted flower pots, aprons....)
Food (jams, condiments, nuts, candy....)
Small gift baskets (let your imagination go wild!!)
Thank you everyone helping me. I have a wonderful committee. Mary Wood, who is
not even able to come to the boutique is going to Half Moon Bay to buy the
FABULOUS topiary centerpieces which will be for sale!
Ways and Means will look forward to seeing each of you, on November 18th and
19th! It is sure to be a wonderful event.
Conservation Tip: Did you know that leaks can account for up to 30% of indoor household water use? Checking for silent leaks in your toilet is easy! Put a dye tablet (free from EBMUD) or several drops of food coloring in the tank. Don't flush, wait 15 minutes to see if the dye color appears in the bowl. If it does, it's fix-it time. You will need to replace the flapper valve and to be sure you replace the flapper with a perfect match, take the old flapper to the hardware store to compare. After replacing the flapper, do the dye test again to be sure it seals properly.
Flower Arranging: Flower Arranging Workshops: The next workshop will be on Wed. Dec. 3 in the Kettlewell Room at the Piedmont Community Church. Coffee at 9:15 and workshop at 9:30. This workshop will focus on various types of Holiday Designs. Details will be emailed to all who signed up.
Call Sherry Dumke 925-284-1384 or Kim Lally 510-595-8038 with questions.
PRESIDENT'S PATTER:
**Have a question about your garden? Please bring it to the next meeting and, using our own resources, we'll try to find an answer for you.
**GCA is making plans for their big Centennial Celebration in 2013 and they are asking our support. Locally we're encouraged to develop a community project titled: "2013 Preserving the Past, Growing the Future: TREES, Our Living Legacy". Our Horticulture Chairman, Karen Barbieri, is currently considering what PGC might do.
**An easy way to "go green" is to support our local Farmers Markets.
**To prepare yourself for our January Speaker, Fergus Garrett, log on to "www.greatdixter.co.uk". It will be a joint meeting with the Orinda Garden Club and we're looking forward to it. NOTE: PGC will have their general meeting before the speaker across the street at the Piedmont Community Church…at 9:30 AM. After our meeting we'll join Orinda at the Community Center to hear the speaker.
**There's a new Garden Club of America Book titled: Gardens Private & Personal. It features 93 private gardens owned & maintained by fellow GCA members across the US. Copies are $52 and can be ordered on line at "gcamerica.org" ("members only" section). It would make a beautiful holiday gift.
**You're really missing something if you've missed PGC's many workshops. Your Horticulture, Conservation, Photography & Flower Arranging Chairmen have been busy creating educational, hands-on workshops for us and they have all been superb. Look ahead at the calendar of scheduled events and don't miss another chance to expand your world.
**Big kudos to our Provisionals!! They have been involved and active in ALL PGC activities. We are delighted with their enthusiasm and it's a joy to get to know each of them better.
**REMEMBER: "It is difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a home-grown tomato"!! Lewis Grizzard
T-H-I-N-K B-O-U-T-I-Q-U-E T-H-I-N-K B-0-U-T-I-Q-U-E
P.S. I have a beautiful blue scarf that was left at the Sept. meeting.
GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday, October 15th
Piedmont Community Center
9:15 am
COMMUNITY MEETING
Invited Guests and Coffee
10:30 am
“Going Green: Living It and Loving It”
Peg Thompson, member Woodside-Atherton Garden Club, will inspire us with her environmentalism for optimal living. Peg’s tips and resources, invaluable!
Please invite guests.
Hostesses in Charge: Peggy Stock
Hostesses: Lisa Cole, Ann Marie Frasco, Mary Heafey, Nancy Peterson, Marilyn Weber, and Jan Zovickian.
Active and Sustaining Members: Please regret to Peggy by Friday, October 10th if you are unable to attend. 655-1644
Associates: Please RSVP to Peggy by Friday, October 10th if you are able to attend.
655-1644
October Calendar
Wednesday, October 8th, Conservation Meeting at 9:00 at the home of Nancy Scott. Plans will be made for the rest of the year.
Wednesday, October 8th, Horticulture Meeting at 10:00 at the home of Jo Shuman. This is a propagation workshop.
Monday, October 13th, 9:30 Board of Directors Meeting at the home of Mary Wood.
Wednesday, October 15th, Business Meeting followed by Community Meeting.
Wednesday, October 15th, 6:30 pm, Ribbon-cutting and Dedication Ceremony of the Exedra Plaza Phase III and the Barbara Magee Overlook sponsored by the City of Piedmont and the Piedmont Beautification Foundation.
Wednesday, October 22nd: 'Intro to Digital Photography’ workshop, 9:00-11 am
With Dennis Mockel. Piedmont Community Church, Kettlewell Room. See below.
Wednesday, October 29th: 9:00-11:00 A workday in the Piedmont Park at the Native Plant Garden…All hands welcome! Join Conservation/Horticulture for morning garden maintenance. Contact: Mary Lou Righellis.
Save the Date:
Wednesday, November 6th: Flower Arranging Workshop. All participants please meet at the church at 6:30 am to carpool to the SF Flower Market for tour and continental breakfast with workshop following back at the church. . Details will be emailed to all who signed up. Call Sherry Dumke 925-284-1384 or Kim Lally 510-595-8038 with questions.
Tuesday, December 2nd, 9:30 am Lights Up- rain or shine.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 7:15 pm Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Announcements:
Associates:
The Board has developed an option for our
Associate
members stemming from a suggestion made by one of our Associates.
Associates can now pay a flat fee of $60 to cover the luncheon and coffee costs for the year instead of paying for each event separately.
There are two major
caveats: No money will be returned if you do not attend one of the events and
you MUST continue to RSVP to the head hostess.
This is an OPTIONAL plan for payment. You may continue to pay as usual each
time you attend a meeting.
If interested, the $60 fee should be made out to PGC and sent to Treasurer Pam
Dickson.
NOTE: This DOES NOT change the rest of your dues structure. PGC and GCA dues
will stay the same. ($50 for GCA and $75 for PGC)
Membership: Anne Zerbst has (regretfully) resigned her membership in PGC since she sold her Piedmont home and moved to San Francisco. She loved her experience during her Provisional year and wants to stay in touch.
PBF: See Nancy Peterson to sign up for helping with Lights Up and Down.
Ways and Means: HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE IS BACK!
Yes, by popular demand, our beloved holiday boutique is back! It will be
held before the November Luncheon on November 19th, donations to be dropped off
to the Community Center on November 18 (details to follow). For those who
haven't yet experienced the boutique, it is a great place to find wonderful
holiday gifts, and, of course, the items only you could know how much you want!
This year we have decided to have a smaller and more intimate event and have
themes to inspire you! The Ways and Means Committee is a great resource for
ideas! You will see them with their sandwich boards of ideas at the next two
meetings, stop them and ask if you are idea challenged, or want to brainstorm an
idea you may have.
We will be passing clipboards at the next two meetings asking for your ideas.
HOMEMADE FOOD ITEMS are always a huge favorite! You may have your own
favorite holiday food, but chocolate syrup, toffee, mixed nuts and jam are a few
of the many possibilities.
PLANTED BASKETS (all planted things!)
For instance, rose bushes, clematis, and lemon trees
FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS! People love flowers during the holidays
VACATION HOUSES Every year garden club members generously offer their
houses and we would appreciate yours!
PARTIES
For instance, wildflower walks, fancy field trips, girls parties,
bridge luncheons, taking grandchildren to Oakland zoo - let your imagination go
wild!
Conservation Tip: This year the Conservation Committee’s focus will be on WATER. As you know water rationing has returned and in order to save water outdoors remember to:
1. Mulch, mulch, mulch
2. Install a drip irrigation system
3. Use a squeeze nozzle on your hose or use a watering can
4. Water at night to prevent evaporation
5. Take your car to a carwash that recycles water
6. Go to EBMUD web site for more ideas www.ebmud.com
Flower Arranging: The October workshop produced beautiful arrangements made with the following material:
Dahlia 'Tahlia'
Red Asters 'Matsumoto'
Doc (pinkish/burgundy filler)
Green Hypericum
Green chrysanthemums (they called it Pom? or another great green one is called 'Ethos')
Ladies Mantle
Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
Hydrangea 'Broccoli Green'
Leucadendron
Curly Willow
Introduction to Digital Photography with Dennis Mockel:
Please bring $10.
Do you know what your digital camera can really do? What can you do with pictures once they are in your camera? Dennis will cover the basics, how to download to your computer, email your pictures, burn a CD and make prints. Come with your questions, your camera, if you want, and enjoy Dennis’ entertaining way of demystifying going digital! (Dennis’ Piedmont Adult School class gets rave reviews. This is a real bargain!)
Once Again, Two GCA publications worth discovering!
The Real Dirt (TRD) for Horticulture and Focus for photography
Just as a reminder:
GCA website (gcamerica.org )
User name ( gcamember )
Password ( compost ), Click OK and open the link.
Found: A robin’s egg blue scarf/shawl with some beading was left at the last meeting. Contact Karen Sullivan.
President’s Patter:
* Where’s Gander? And why do we care? Find out at our next meeting if you don't already know….
* How about a trip to Hawaii? Why not plan to enter their flower show April 17-19, 2009 at the Honolulu Academy of Arts (do it with a friend--it's fun). Of course you might like a bigger trip, so think about the International Floral Extravaganza in Sydney, Australia, August 28-30, 2009. If you allow it, Garden Club can really take you places!
* Be sure you don't miss another one of our workshops. They have been very exciting and stimulating (remember--YOU are welcome at any and all PGC activities).
* To keep fruits, veggies and flowers fresh check this out: go to "GreenBags.com"--they say it really works.
* In the Bay Area we have many treasures right in our own backyard. Did you know the SF Botanical Garden is hosting a Family Field Trip Day on October 18th from 1-4 pm? Guaranteed to please ALL ages, they have a planned exploration of the gardens and IT'S FREE!
LUNCHEON MEETING
Wednesday, September 17th
Piedmont Community Center
11:45 am
Program: Liza Dalby, author of EAST WIND MELT THE ICE and anthropologist will share her stories of the changes in her garden, winter, spring, summer and fall with phrases such as “dormant creatures start to twist”.
Hostesses in Charge: Maureen Allyn and Wendy Kistler
Hostesses: Christine Bohar, Cyndy Chiles, Ann Frizell, Marcia Redford, Mary Lou Righellis, Karen Sullivan, Betsy Wagener, Nancy Walsh.
Active and Sustaining Members: Please regret to Wendy by Friday, September 12th if you are unable to attend. 652-6199
Associates: Please RSVP to Wendy 652-6199 by Friday, September 12th if you are able to attend.
September Calendar
Tuesday, September 9th, 3:00 At the Exedra Plaza for a look at the progress of Phase III and the Barbara Magee Overlook.
Tuesday, September 9th, Piedmont Beautification Foundation meeting at 4:00 at the Rollandi’s home, 311 St. James Dr.
Wednesday, September 10th, Conservation Meeting at9:00 at the home of Fran Wolfe. This will be a planning meeting for the year and also a review of Piedmont’s new Garbage Contract.
Monday, September 15th, 9:30 Board of Directors Meeting at the home of Jackie Davis.
Wednesday, September 17th, Luncheon Meeting, 11:45 Piedmont Community Center
September 19-21, “The Late Garden Show” is being arranged for the first time at Copia. Emphasis on water-wise gardening. Robin Parer co-chairs with Anita MacAleavey. Invited speakers include Dan Hinkley, Roger Raiche, Kate Frey (the Chelsea winner), Martin Grantham, Dick Turner (Pacific Hort Magazine) and many, many more. Victor (526-4704) is on the committee and can give you the whole scoop.
Save the Date:
Wednesday, October 1st, Flower Arranging Workshop, Piedmont Community Church, Kettlewell Room (to the left at the top of the stairs). Signups will be available at the September meeting. Call Sherry, 925-284-1384 or Kim 595-8038 for questions.
Wednesday, October 8th, Horticulture Workshop about Propagation at 10:00 at the home of Jo Shuman.
Wednesday, October 15th, 6:30 pm, Ribbon-cutting and Dedication Ceremony of the Exedra Plaza Phase III and the Barbara Magee Overlook sponsored by the City of Piedmont and the Piedmont Beautification Foundation.
Tuesday, December 2nd, 9:30 am Lights Up- rain or shine.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 7:15 pm Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Announcements:
Scholarship: There are two overseas scholarships offered, both of which have early application deadlines of November 15th: the Rome Prize Fellowship in Landscape Architecture and the Interchange Fellowship and Martin Mc Laren Scholarship. The GCA website has more information and Ann Marie Frasco is available for questions.
!
Ways and Means: HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE IS BACK!
Yes, by popular demand, our beloved holiday boutique is back!
It will be held before the November Luncheon on November 19th, donations to be
dropped off to the Community Center on November 18 (details to follow). For
those who haven't yet experienced the boutique, it is a great place to find
wonderful holiday gifts, and, of course, the items only you could know how much
you want! This year we have decided to have a smaller and more intimate event
and have themes to inspire you! The Ways and Means Committee is a great resource
for ideas! You will see them with their sandwich boards of ideas at the next two
meetings, stop them and ask if you are idea challenged, or want to brainstorm an
idea you may have.
We will be passing clipboards at the next two meetings asking for your ideas.
HOMEMADE FOOD ITEMS are always a huge favorite! You may have your own
favorite holiday food, but chocolate syrup, toffee, mixed nuts and jam are a few
of the many possibilities.
PLANTED BASKETS (all planted things!)
For instance, rose bushes, clematis, and lemon trees
FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS! People love flowers during the holidays
VACATION HOUSES Every year garden club members generously offer their
houses and we would appreciate yours!
PARTIES
For instance, wildflower walks, fancy field trips, girls parties,
bridge luncheons, taking grandchildren to Oakland zoo - let your imagination go
wild!
Flower Arranging Workshops: Workshops will be held on the 1st Wednesday of each month beginning in October and ending on April 1st. They will all be held in the Kettlewell Room (to the left at the top of the main stairs) at the Piedmont Community Church. Sign ups will be available at the general meeting prior to the workshop. Call Sherry Dumke or Kim Lally if you have questions.
Once Again, Two GCA publications worth discovering!
The Real Dirt (TRD) for Horticulture and Focus for photography!
The Real Dirt can be accessed on the GCA website on the hot link on the member's page and also on the Committee page under Horticulture.
Focus can be accessed on the GCA website on the Committee page under Flower Show then Photography Committee and then New
sletter- FOCUS
Just as a reminder:
GCA website (gcamerica.org )
User name ( gcamember )
Password ( compost ), Click OK and open the link.
President’s Patter:
In case you haven't noticed, summer is over! Hopefully, our happy memories will hold us over until next year.
PGC members are so fortunate. While some of us were resting and vacationing, a group of our leaders were putting together programs and workshops for us to enjoy this coming year. All the activities look exciting and stimulating and I can't wait to get started. Hopefully, each of you will set aside time to participate.
For instance, a special thanks to Jan Zovickian and Mary Lou Righellis, our Program Chairmen, for planning and coordinating ALL the programs for 2008-2009.
Our creative Committee Chairmen, Nancy Scott, Sherry Dumke, Karen Barbieri and Robin Sweet, have put together workshops that will both educate and challenge us. Thank you one and all.
Another big project was completed over the summer--the Greenbook! Michelle Winchester carefully assembled this detailed document and will have it in our hands at the September 17th meeting. Thank you, Michelle.
As you see, if you're reading this, Margo Anderson has kept us up to speed with the Greensheet. Thank you, Margo.
Idea: Remove the GCA Directory from your August Bulletin and keep it in a safe place in case you need to contact any of the ladies listed: GCA Officers, Zone Chairmen, Presidents from other clubs, etc.
Two interesting events are happening Saturday, Oct. 4th relating to gardens I thought you might like to know about. The first is the Lakeshore Free Neighborhood Plant Exchange from noon to 4 PM at 3811 Lakeshore Ave. To check for more info email: plantexchange@hotmail.com or call 510-866-8402. The second one is Filoli's Annual Autumn Festival from 10-3:30 PM. For more info on this event call: 650-364-8300 or email: newsletter@filoli.org.
Of course, Piedmont's own Harvest Festival is just around the corner, Sunday, September 21st., from 11:30 AM-3:30 PM, and it always makes it seem like Fall has officially started.
So, let's meet for lunch on September 17th at PGC's kickoff meeting and reconnect with our garden club friends!
See you there, Jackie