President Margaret Otis called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and asked Jo Molnar to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Margaret thanked the ladies who provided today’s lovely tea and went on to thank all the many women who helped her lead the club over the past two years.  She is looking forward to returning to being a “regular” member of the club and to helping take care of Exit 10 off the Mid-Cape Highway .  Margaret was presented with a painting done by member Joyce Hawks and with a flower arrangement made by Doris Casey.

The secretary’s report for May was accepted and filed.  

The treasurer’s report for May was accepted and filed.  A reminder was given to those who have not yet paid their dues which are due by June 15^th.  

The corresponding secretary sent a get well card to Marcia Bearse and a condolence card to the family of life member, Charlotte Clark, who recently died.  Charlotte did the yearbook cover for 10 years and a display was set up on the side to show these 10 books.  Margaret Otis showed the gardening book that will be sent to Brooks Library to commemorate deceased members from June 2007 to May 2009:  Aileen Leonard, Noreen “Andy” Hedmark, Natalie Keil, Marguerite Hefferman, Constance Collinge, Gail Sumner, Helena Woodward, Kate Lebrecque, Nancy Murphy and Charlotte Clark.  

Membership Chair Carrie Wailgum announced that 100 members and 8 associates were present for today’s meeting.  She then introduced eight new members for the club: Lorraine Cowhey, Nancy Hipp, Sandra Tanner, Nancy Patterson, Joanna McInerney, MaryAnn Cantella, Mary Anderson and Eileen Riley.  Three other new members will be recognized at the September meeting.  Carrie then thanked her membership committee of Judy Cutts, Jo Molnar, Mary Pickett, Joan Bittrich and Rosie Landis.  Everyone was presented with a potted plant.  

Program chair Jeanne Tassinari reported that the fashion show made $1,284 for the club.  

Civic Beautification chair Irene Mitchell thanked Margaret for her support over the past two years.  This department now handles 17 gardens, including the newest one on Route 28 at Julian Road .  Water has finally been installed at Brooks Park. Doane Park was tidied by work crews over two separate days, Landscaper Bob Kingsbury did the mulching and lawn edging and he has made a commitment to maintain the lawn.  

JoAnne Root reported that there are now 34 blooming barrels maintained by 27 women.  There are new barrels at Red River Beach and Brooks Library.  She went on to thank Ellen Schipke for her many years of maintaining barrels and added that Kathy Willett is her new co-chair in this endeavor.  

This year’s plant sale under the direction of Audrey Osborn was a great success.  The plants brought in $3,497, the bake table $194.75, the raffle $213, and the garden gift table $92 for a total of $3,996.75.  Audrey thanked Gerri Schumann, Sally Kimball, Sue Hart, Joan Our and Lee Tanner for their assistance with this event.  

Mimi Foster spoke next about the fall bridge luncheon.  The date has been set for Oct. 8^th, 2009 at the Allan Harbor Yacht Club.

Margaret Otis reported for Pearl Fournier concerning the club’s scholarships.  There will be three tool ships given out this year and two scholarships, one to a student from Harwich High School and one to a student from Chatham High School .  

Joan Garrity is still in need of volunteers for the Historic House and Garden Tour on June 27^th.  She also needs people to bring cookies to Brooks Academy the day of the event.  Tickets are now available for $25.00.  Alma Davis is selling raffle tickets for the painting of the Brooks Park fountain by member Joyce Hawks.  

A motion was made and carried to send a letter to the Harwich Board of Selectmen concerning turning over the ownership and responsibilities for the Brooks Park fountain to the town.  Ruth Alberding will act as liaison between the Garden Club and the Selectmen.  A copy of the letter is attached.  

Irene Mitchell, acting for the nominating committee of herself, Elaine Sampson and Gerri Schumann, then presented the slate of officers for 2009-2011.  The slate was accepted by  unanimous vote.  Irene asked the new officers to come forward and several photographs were taken.  

Elaine Sampson reminded those who signed up, that the container gardening session at Pine Tree Nursery is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.  

New Business:  Jane Molyneaux told the membership that the Harwich Conservation Trust has openings at their $100 fund raising dinner at the Sea Grille Restaurant.

Laurel Ferry reminded everyone that the club would be selling daffodils again in the fall.

Nancy Jones and Kathy Willett are in charge of the teas next year and are looking for a few members who will help with this task.

The Yearbook will go to the printer at the end of June; all material for inclusion must be received before then.

The newsletter has a deadline of August 1^st for articles and information.

A member suggested that the club extend more scholarship aid since the club is in a good financial state.  Margaret explained that this matter will be addressed by the board at their next scheduled meeting in the fall.  She then turned the meeting over to Jeanne Tassinari who introduced today’s program.  The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Oudemool, Recording Secretary