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Letters from current and previous presidents of the Club Letters From Our Presidents Fran Ackerly, Incoming President 2025-2027 The Garden Club of Montclair Dear Members and Provisionals, I am honored to be the President of the Garden Club of Montclair for 2025–2027. I became an active member in 2015 and as each year goes by, I grow more proud to be a part of this wonderful organization. I am in awe of what our members’ determination and teamwork can accomplish, as evidenced by the transformation of the Church Street Circle, the successful Bricks Campaign, and the beautiful Avis Campbell Gardens and Triangle Gardens (about to be renamed the Church Street Gardens). This same determination and teamwork goes on “behind the scenes” by the Committees planning and presenting the many varied Club activities and programs. I am excited as I look ahead to the upcoming year. In 2026 the Garden Club of Montclair will celebrate its 100th Anniversary! Special events are being planned for our members and in our community. I know that together we will continue to move the Club ahead in new directions but always remain true to our mission of Education, Beautification & Fellowship. With warmest regards, Fran Ackerly Sarah Olson, Outgoing President The Garden Club of Montclair Dear Fellow Garden Club Members and Provisionals, What a remarkable year it has been—full of growth, change, and exciting accomplishments! We returned to our longtime home at 60 South Fullerton Avenue for programs, meetings, and workshops. Despite some challenges with construction and filming on-site, we adapted smoothly. Although we no longer have our dedicated Garden Club Room, the large properties room has been refreshed and reorganized, thanks to the efforts of our members. We also embraced a major shift in communication, moving away from multiple emails, the printed Yearbook, and the Potpourri newsletter. Instead, we have consolidated communications through our website —streamlining how we share information. Our social media presence has expanded significantly, with engaging posts and reels that showcase our activities and events. We have created a real buzz and have even been featured in the Montclair Local. In September, we kicked off the year with a vibrant Small Standard Flower Show. The creative, sustainable floral designs and beautiful horticultural exhibits were a highlight. October brought us another win—our “Mother Nature” scarecrow earned first place and a $500 prize. Throughout the year, our Garden Therapy and Youth Committees continued their meaningful outreach, and our garden volunteers worked hard to enhance the Avis Campbell Gardens and Triangle raised beds with new native plants. Thanks to a grant from the Montclair Foundation and our successful BRICKS-to-BRICKS Campaign, we will begin renovating the Avis Campbell pathways this fall for better accessibility. Our presence in the community has never been stronger. We participated in local events such as Montclair EarthFest, the Glen Ridge Eco-Fair, and the Montclair Art Museum’s Free First Thursday. We also began collaborating with the town to transform the Church Street roundabout into a native plant garden—our first of several upcoming community beautification projects. We closed the year with our Annual Meeting, where we celebrated members and honored The Montclair Foundation and the Placek Family Foundation with Community awards. Our coveted perpetual awards and our Bloomie awards for unsung heroes capped off the event. As I step down, I do so with deep appreciation and pride. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this incredible club. I look forward to supporting you as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary together. With appreciation, Sarah

Tips for the Judges' Clerks at Flower Design, Botanical Arts, and Horticultural Competitions Clerking Guidelines GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Clerks shadow the judges as they view all entries in the monthly competitions. Clerks should plan to arrive for the competition promptly at 9:30am. ― it is recommended that you arrive at the appointed time to familiarize yourself with the exhibit and location of each class. Judging begins promptly at 10am; judging is completed by noon. Assist the judges for closer inspection of a horticulture specimen by gently lifting the container. The clerk should not handle the plant material apart from conditioned evergreens exhibited without containers. After the judging is completed in a particular class, the judges will circle 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or Honorable Mention. The clerk then punches a hole through the judges' circle and tears off the bottom portion of the entry card. One clerk records the judges' results on the Awards Tally Sheet (both sides). When finished clerking, a Tally Sheet is given to the Flower Design Chair, the Horticulture Chair, and the Botanical Arts Chair. One clerk affixes the appropriate award seal to the entry card. The Flower Design, Horticulture, and Botanical Arts cards need to be kept separate. One week prior to your scheduled clerking date, you will receive an email reminder. If you cannot fulfill your obligation, it is your responsibility to find your replacement. CLERKING TIPS Do stand back discreetly so as not to interrupt the judges' decisions. Don't distract the judges or ask inappropriate questions of the judges. Don't enter into discussion with judges concerning comments and/or decisions of the judges. If you are asked to write the judges' comments, do write precisely what the judges dictate.

Committee Reference Guide for 2026-2027 ease sign up ONLY for the committees to which you feel you can ACTIVELY contribute. The list below is not a general description of our committees, but a request for volunteers. CLICK HERE for a general description of all our committees to see whether you feel you can contribute. CLICK HERE to return to the Annual Dues Form. CLICK HERE for a general description of all our committees and members.. Avis Campbell Gardens and Grounds: Maintain the perennial gardens and shrub plantings, April through early November. Committee members meet as a group every Tuesday morning, with other days and special events scheduled as needed. Committee members will fill one of these three roles: 1. Bed Captain, 2. Bed Partner, 3. Garden Floater. Botanical Arts: Committee members will work with the Chair(s) to help create the schedules at the beginning of the year and help set up the monthly exhibitions. Church Street Gardens: Plant and maintain the raised beds in the downtown Montclair Church Street area. The schedule of work days will be created by the committee. Spring: Prune shrubs and perennials, pull spent tulip bulbs and plant annuals. Summer: Weed and water as needed. Late Fall: pull annuals and plant tulips. The fall and spring workdays (8:30 am - 12:30 pm) are scheduled on Mondays in late October and May. Civic/Environment: Several new joint projects with the township are currently in planning stages. Physically able committee members will assist with the planting and initial maintenance of these projects. Environmentally committed members will search out examples of sustainable practices both within our town and globally, and work with the committee to highlight these on the Club’s social media and website platforms. Be prepared to interface with other committees of our club to learn, educate, and share ideas. Communications & Publicity: We are looking for Members who are interested in the art and science of modern communications. We are also looking for those who can contribute short accounts and photographs of Club activities for inclusion on the website and social media. Facilities: Assist Chair in the maintenance of the Club’s physical plant. Ensure spaces (Club Room and Auditorium or outdoor space) are set up as needed. Interface with building management, i.e., communicate GC needs for use of space, garbage disposal, cleanliness of space. Flower Design: Attend committee meetings to help decide yearly theme, schedule, workshops etc. Assist Design Chair at monthly design competitions and workshops as well as assisting with other responsibilities associated with Flower Design. Garden Boutique: Assist Chair in maintaining the Club’s boutique store. Help set up off-site Boutique events and coordinate outside vendor sales twice a year, and perform other duties as needed. Garden Therapy: Garden Therapy is an opportunity to "give back" to the community with visits to nursing homes, senior centers, specialized schools, and refuges. Garden Club members work with the institutions to design programs that will interest participants and members alike, ranging from hands on workshops covering floral design, aromatherapy, botanical collage art and raised garden bed planting of annuals and herbs. Committee members will participate in purchasing materials, mentoring participants at events, helping to set up and break down the workshops and arranging car pools if needed. Horticulture: Attend committee meetings to help develop the horticulture schedule, choose the Horticulture “Project of the Year” and workshop. Assist Chair with set up and breakdown at monthly competitions, workshops and share your knowledge of exhibiting with new members. Hospitality: One of our three goals is "Fellowship," and the Hospitality Committee ensures that it is never far from any Club event. Members of this committee help organize lunches and teas, and provide all kinds of comforting fare for members and for judges at our competitions. Committee members should also help with set up and breakdown of these events. Membership: Volunteers on this committee are the welcoming faces for Provisionals. Their job is to mentor and make sure new members feel comfortable during their first year. As ambassadors for the Club, they publicize and recruit new members. They will also meet and greet members and visitors at program meetings and other events, and are expected to attend at least one program meeting where they will hand out and collect name tags. Programs: Yearly: Assist Chair(s) in suggesting and selecting interesting speakers for the monthly program meetings. Monthly: Solicit raffle items from speakers and/or purchase items for raffles. Confirm speakers 2 weeks prior to program meeting, confirm their needs for presentation. Check in members/guests at program meetings and sell raffle tickets. Send written thank you notes to speakers after each program. Learn how to set up audio and video equipment and assist Chair(s) with set up and break down at monthly programs. Be available to attend to guest speaker’s needs. Properties: Make sure our exhibitions and shows have the right equipment to make everything run smoothly. Committee members will set up and breakdown for competitions. Ways & Means: Plan and implement fundraising activities that are needed for specific projects. Members have the opportunity to lead specific projects. Workshops: Attend planning meeting over the summer to assist Chair(s) in selecting and organizing monthly workshops and recruiting instructors. Help Chair(s) with set up/break down/clean-up of meeting room. Crane House Decorating Sub-Committee: Assist with pick-up and delivery of greens; assist with set up/clean-up for wreath and swag making; provide refreshments on decorating day; assist with clean up on decorating day. Youth: Help plan and lead activities that introduce children to basic principles of gardening, floral design, floral arts, ecology, and conservation.

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Apply for Membership We are delighted that you are considering Membership in the Garden Club of Montclair. Please complete and submit this form to Cheryl Slutzky, our Membership VP. She will contact you, and answer any of your questions. For more information about joining the club and what we are about, scroll down below the form. Did someone recommend that you consider Membership? Please let us know their name. Thanks for considering Membership! We will get back to you as quickly as possible. Submit Provisional Requirements and Information Requirements Note: If you have a friend in the Club, she/he will be your "mentor," that is, your guide through the first year. If you found us online, we will assign a Garden Club member as your mentor. Mentors join Provisionals at program meetings, competitions, the Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation in May, and social events, and keep track of their progress. You'll find that everyone is more than willing to help you through the year. Provisional members are responsible for completing the following requirements to become Active members: 1 Program meeting 2 workshops 2 two-hour work sessions in Avis Campbell Gardens 1 two-hour work session in Church Street Gardens 1 Garden Therapy session Two of the following: ― 1 Flower Design entry (not judged) ― 1 Horticultural specimen (not judged) ― 1 Botanical Arts entry (not judged). The above requirements are the minimum required. Provisionals are encouraged to attend all Program Meetings and Workshops and enter additional Flower Design/Horticulture competitions. See more details about the above requirements. Provisional Dues: $100. The official Provisional year begins on April 1, but applications are accepted throughout the year. Cheryl Slutzky Membership Chair Back to the form.

Crane House For many years, members have decorated The Crane House and Historic YWCA for the holidays, using only the ornaments, trimmings and garlands the original 18th-Century owners Israel and Fanny Crane would have would have recognized. Watch the video, below, for a virtual holiday tour. In 2020 the Crane House landed in 4th place in USA Today’s 10 Best Historic Home Tours , thanks to the efforts of the Garden Club of Montclair. See also the article in the Montclair Local . The photos of 2021's decorating extravaganza show how we are ready to win again. Thank you to everyone involved in keeping this beloved tradition alive. What an amazing way to end each year.

National, Regional, and State Garden Clubs Contact Information and Calendars The Garden Club of Montclair is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., Central Atlantic Region of State Garden Clubs, Inc., and The Garden Club of New Jersey, Inc. These organizations provide opportunities for further education and provide a wealth of resources to garden clubs across America. Contact them for more information, events, and resources. National Garden Clubs, Inc. Email and Website 4401 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110-3492 Phone: 314-776-7574 President : Brenda Moore President's Theme: Go Green - Plant America Central Atlantic Region - SGC, Inc. Contact and Website Director : Monica Hanson CAR-SGC Director 's Theme: Together We Will Plant America for a Cleaner, Greener, and Healthier World 21 Henning Drive Orchard Park, NY 14127-2816 Newsletters Garden Club of New Jersey, Inc. Contact and Website Location: Holly House-Rutgers University 126 Ryders Lane East Brunswick, NJ 08816 President : Beverly Kazickas GCNG President's Theme: Plant America ... Gardening for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul District II Director : Julie Morgan Newsletters NGC's "The National Gardener" magazine Winter 2024 Winter 2023 Spring 2023 Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Winter 2022 Spring 2022 Summer 2022 Fall 2022 Winter 2021 Spring 2021 Summer 2021 Fall 2021 See also earlier editions of The National Gardener as well as all NGC publications.

Youth Committee Reports Committees 2024-2025 — Donna Karanja, Chair; Susan Straten, Vice Chair This year, the Youth Committee continued working with two long-term partners, Deron School and the Montclair High School Transition program, while also exploring possible new partnerships with other youth groups. In November, we planted tulips at Mountainside Hospital with Deron students and staff and at the YMCA with MHS students and staff. We are grateful to May in Montclair and its tulip chairperson Celia Radek for providing the bulbs. In April, we created jars of potpourri with Deron School students and teachers in their classroom. We met several times during the year with the education staff of Van Vleck House and Gardens to discuss ways we could help with their existing youth-centered programs or present activities of our own on their site. In June, we taught children how to create simple paper flowers as part of Van Vleck's "Sunflowers and Summer Blooms" family day. We have reached out to two local elementary schools and hope to provide activities for them as well as for our existing partners in the coming year. 2024-2025 Committee: Nancy Foster, Grete Scheidl, Allyn Young. 2023-2024 — Donna Karanja, Chair; Susan Straten, Vice Chair Throughout most of the past year the Youth Committee continued to work on rebuilding community relationships that had been disrupted by the long Covid shutdown and on developing new partnerships in and around Montclair. In November we spent two mornings with students and staff from Deron School and Montclair High’s Transition Program planting tulips at Mountainside Hospital and the YMCA. The bulbs for this long-time Youth Committee tradition were provided by the May in Montclair Tulip Committee through its chairperson, GCM’s Celia Radek. After the tulips were planted, things were quiet for our committee until early spring when we suddenly received positive responses from three groups which we had contacted much earlier in the year. Between late April and mid-May we created floral designs with teenagers at Deron School, planted succulent container gardens with fourth graders at Kelly School, West Orange, and taught basic plant identification and potting skills to local fifth grade Girl Scouts at Avis Campbell Gardens. We were delighted by the young people’s enthusiastic participation in these projects; and their leaders provided very positive feedback. Another exciting event in the spring was a meeting we initiated with Van Vleck staff members to discuss partnering with them for a few activities next year. We had a great time brainstorming with Van Vleck’s Director of Education, Michelle Weissner and Environmental Educator, Kelsey Sirica. We look forward to developing projects with them in the months ahead. Overall, our committee ended the year on a high note, resurrected and eager to build on our successes in the year to come. 2022-2023 — Debbie Fitzpatrick, Chair; Donna Karanja, Vice Chair In fall 2023, the on-going pandemic continued to limit opportunities for our committee to work directly with children, especially indoors. We were very happy that Deron School students and staff agreed to join us on a crisp November morning for our traditional tulip planting project at Mountainside Hospital. Many thanks to Celia Radek and "May in Montclair" for once again providing the bulbs for this activity! The rest of our activities this year have involved consulting with youth leaders to plan for the coming year. Sue Straten and Donna Karanja have been in regular contact with Watchung School teacher Drury Thorp about the progress of the school's Connected Courtyard, a project that several GCM members contributed to in prior years. Sue and Donna visited the Courtyard in April and were delighted to see the once overgrown area converted into a beautiful outdoor classroom filled with native plants, weather-proof tables and benches, and hands-on learning centers. Our committee plans to continue supporting Watchung's outdoor classroom in the coming year by suggesting learning activities and helping teachers implement them. Donna has been talking to two local Girl Scout leaders about activities our committee could do with them. We are excited about developing these new relationships and sharing the joys of the plant world with children and their leaders. 2021-2022 — Debbie Fitzpatrick, Chair; Donna Karanja, Vice Chair The Youth Committee's annual tulip bulb planting took place in November 2021. Students from the Deron School in Montclair helped plant tulip bulbs along with Youth Committee Members and GCM volunteers at Mountainside Hospital. In addition, students from the Community-Based Instruction (CBI) Program at Montclair High School and Club volunteers helped plant bubs at the Park Street YMCA. A special thank you to Celia Radek and "May in Montclair " for providing the bulbs! Youth Committee Members also assisted the Garden Therapy Committee in November at the "Good Grows Here" celebration at Van Vleck House & Gardens. They helped families create crafts and seasonal, natural material centerpieces to keep and to donate to "Sharon's Harvest" Thanksgiving guests at Toni's Kitchen. Our primary anticipated project this year was working with Watchung School to develop a landscape plan for its outdoor classroom. Watchung School received a $10,000 award from the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grant Program for its Connected Courtyard Project. The school has hired a landscaper and work is scheduled to begin in late August. No further assistance is needed from the Garden Club at this time. We had also planned to offer flower design workshops to local Scouting organizations. Activities and opportunities to work with both local schools and organizations were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns this past year. 2020-2021 — Nancy Foster, Chair; Susan Straten, Vice Chair Our annual tulip planting took place in November 2020. Traditionally, students from the Deron School help plant about 200 pink tulip bulbs in front of the Oncology Clinic at Mountainside Hospital. The students could not come this year because of COVID. Many, many thanks to Nancy Sweetser and her family who volunteered and completed the planting! The main project this year was working with Watchung School to develop a landscape plan for an “outdoor classroom” in its courtyard. Suzy Straten, Deb Hirsch, Maureen Sprong, Sarah Olson, Barb Baletti, Claire Stepleton, and Susan Dumont met many times during the winter months with Drury Thorp and Sarah Paulsen from Watchung School to develop this plan. Cynthia Corhan-Aitken provided invaluable expertise, including landscape design and plant selection recommendations. Watchung School received a $10,000 grant from the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grant for their “Connected Courtyard” project. Additional fund-raising and implementation of the Connected Courtyard will continue next year. We had planned to again offer flower design classes to local Girl Scout troops to provide an opportunity for participants to enter designs in the Garden Club’s Flower Show. Eight classes were scheduled to take place in the spring, but due to COVID only one workshop took place. The goal of assessing the status of Pollinator Gardens in Montclair’s elementary schools and following up with a plan to implement them was deferred because of COVID constraints. Thanks to our enthusiastic and determined Committee, we made it through the pandemic challenges and had a successful year! 2019-2020 — Nancy Foster, Chair; Susan Straten, Vice Chair Nancy Sweetser again organized a very successful pink tulip bulb planting at the Oncology Center at Mountainside Hospital. On November 6, students from the Deron School enthusiastically planted over 200 bulbs. The Youth Committee identified three projects to pursue for the year: Develop a landscape plan for Watchung School's Courtyard that incorporates a Native American teaching garden. A group consisting of Deb Hirsch, Maureen Sprong, Sarah Olson, Barb Baletti, Claire Stepleton, and Susan Dumont met many times during the winter and, working with Drury Thorpe and Sarah Paulsen from Watchung School, developed a plan for the courtyard which features an outdoor classroom/lunch area, teaching stations and utilizes native species. A few final touches have yet to be made, but the plan has been enthusiastically received by the school and they are seeking funding to execute the plan. Offer Flower Design classes to local Girl Scout troops and provide an opportunity for participants to enter a design in September's Flower Show. Working through the Girl Scout Council, we had 10 local troops express interest in doing a Flower Design workshop. We had eight scheduled to take place in March, April and early May. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, only one workshop took place. We will try again in the fall. Floss O'Sullivan, Susan Benner, Susan Dumont, Marilyn Zaret, Sarah Olson, and Terri Breen volunteered to run workshops Assess the status of Pollinator Gardens in Montclair's elementary schools and follow up with a plan for schools that do not have them. This goal was also to be worked on in the ·spring and is deferred to next year.

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Visit more of our projects: Art in Bloom Avis Campbell Gardens Boutique Civic Beautification Crane House Garden Therapy Open Gardens Social Events Triangle Gardens Trips and Outings Youth Projects Art in Bloom Art in Bloom is a biennial exhibition that brings spring to life at the Montclair Art Museum. Club members create unique, harmonious, and thought-provoking floral designs to complement their assigned work of art. See the designs of 25 of our members in 2024.

Facilities Committee Reports Committees 2024-2025 — Karen Whitehaus, Chair The Club is grateful to have had access to its customary space on the lower level of 60 South Fullerton Avenue for most of this past year, while renovations continued in other parts of the building. During this time, Board Meetings and Committee Meetings were held either in the room connected to the Auditorium or the Garden View Room on the first floor, and Program Meetings were held either in the Auditorium or the Garden Club room on the lower level. The Club had been asked to share its space with the Township of Montclair’s Senior Group; that request appears to no longer be an expectation. The easily accessible storage room on the lower level was painted and new storage racks and containers were purchased. Avis Campbell Gardens continue to thrive and allow easy access to the compost area and two storage sheds immediately adjacent to the parking area. 2024-2025 Committee: Deborah Hirsch, Christine James 2023-2024 — Kate Khachaturian, Chair The Garden Club of Montclair held its monthly program meetings at the Bnai Keshet synagogue on South Fullerton Avenue. Monthly board meetings were held in the first floor Garden View room at 60 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. The downstairs Garden Club room was occasionally used for workshops and to store different items for Flower Design, Horticulture, and Botanical Arts committees. The building has been sold to a new owner, Placek Family Foundation. We have been assured that at some point in the future we will be able to return to the building. Renovations have begun; however, it is unclear as to when we will be able to move back in. 2022-2023 — Kate Khachaturian, Chair The Garden Club of Montclair was pleased to consistently meet in person again throughout 2022-2023. Our Club continued to hold Program meetings at Union Congregational Church in Upper Montclair. The members seemed pleased with its adequate space for Floral Design, Horticulture entries, our new Botanical Arts category, and our usual tea and refreshments. Board meetings were held in the Garden View Room on the first floor at 60 S. Fullerton Ave. in Montclair. We continue to use the Garden Club Room in the basement for Workshops and if weather permits, Avis Campbell Gardens. Clarence Booker now maintains our space and cleans when necessary. 2021-2022 — Kate Khachaturian, Chair In 2021-22, The Garden Club of Montclair continued to hold both Board meetings and Program meetings via zoom due to COVID-19. In early 2022, we began holding workshops at 60 South Fullerton in the Garden Club room. In the spring of 2022, we held two program meetings at Union Congregational Church. The annual awards luncheon was held in Avis Campbell Gardens. For the upcoming year of 2022-23, our meeting place will likely be determined by the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Club continues to thrive despite these difficult conditions. 2020-2021 — Kate Khachaturian, Chair In the year 2020–21 the COVID pandemic continued to rage. Consequently, all Garden Cub meetings were held via Zoom. We were fortunate on May 26 to hold our Annual Awards Meeting in the Avis Campbell Gardens. Due to on-site construction of the United Way building, we will continue in the to hold our meetings via Zoom. We hope to resume our meetings in the Garden Club room in 2022. 2019-2020 — Kate Khachaturian, Chair To say this year has been unusual and challenging would be an understatement. We began the year holding our meetings at Van Vleck House and Gardens due to the fact that the United Way Building was anticipating major renovations. We are very grateful to Van Vleck for its gracious hospitality. In the beginning of 2020,Covid-19 decided to pay a visit to the US and in March required a mandated lockdown. For the rest of the spring all events and Programs were canceled. Board meetings were conducted via Zoom. Thank goodness for technology! Because Workshops were still being conducted in the fall of 2019, the Facilities Committee did maintain the Garden Club room. I wish to thank my Facilities Committee members, Susan Straten and Janice Benton, and the Club Membership for their patience during this difficult time.

2022 Arts & Flowers A Design Specialty Flower Show Barbara Baletti & Cynthia Corhan-Ait ken, Co-Chairs See photos of all the winners. The Garden Club of Montclair staged Arts & Flowers : A Design Specialty Flower Show , at the beautiful Van Vleck House & Gardens September 16-18, 2022. The show adhered to all the specifications of the National Garden Club. The Flower Design, Botanical Arts, and Education divisions were judged by five panels of Accredited Flower Show Judges and the Photography Division was judged by three professional photographers. Florence Leyssène was named Honorary Chair. Arts & Flowers included Flower Designs, Botanical Arts, Photography, and Educational Exhibits. As the title suggests, the focus was on the visual and performing arts. Exhibitors were challenged to create floral designs inspired by the music of Broadway, the movements of a symphony, the blues of Jazz, and the popping and multi-rhythms of Hip-Hop. There were interpretations of Monet, Matisse, and Warhol in Petite Flower Designs and Collages. A highlight was the Alvin Ailey Challenge Design where six exhibitors given the same components created their own unique design interpretations. The Photography Division classes, staged in the Education Center of Van Vleck, featured both color and black and white images that illustrated patterns or reflections in nature, as well as an "Avis Campbell Jubilee" class with photo exhibits of the club's beloved gardens in celebration of its 70th anniversary. Three classes of photographs were judged. The two Educational exhibits highlighted the importance of native trees in our environment and showcased the dedicated efforts of the Avis Campbell gardening team captains. Arts & Flowers was free and open to the public. Upwards of 700 people attended during the three-day period at Van Vleck. Club Preparation and Participation Planning for Arts & Flowers was a two-year process. The Schedule for the sh ow was written by Barbara Baletti and Cynthia Corhan-Aitken with the help, guidance, and expertise of Florence Leyssène, whose contributions were invaluable. Seventy-one Members working on 15 separate committees participated in the staging and execution. Brenda Bingham, our Judges Chairperson, sequestered six panels of 15 judges to evaluate the show. Division I Design: "Aesthetic Adventures" — 10 classes and 40 exhibits of American Traditional, Creative, Parallel, Multi-Rhythmic, and Petite Designs. Division II Botanical Arts Design: "Perceptions of Beauty " — 3 classes and 12 exhibits of Collage, Pot-et-Fleur, and Decorated Wreaths. Division II Botanical Arts Photography: "The Art of Seeing" — 3 classes and 45 entries. Division III Education: "The Garden and its Harmony " — 2 exhibits. "Native Trees: A Few Understories" and "'Oh Captain, My Captain': Avis Campbell Bed Captains Share Their Stories." Recognition from the National Garden Club Arts & Flowers earned the National Garden Club's Flower Show Achievement Award, Certificate of Merit for a Standard Flower Show with a score of 98.5 out of a possible 100. Evaluators stated that the show was "spectacular" and "showcased the talent in design". Top Exhibitor Awards included: Award of Design Excellence: Michele Tomasik Tricolor Award: Michele Tomasik Designer's Choice Award: Tova Narrett Petite Award: Celia Radek Botanical Arts Design Award: Cynthia Corhan-Aitken Educational Award: Celia Radek Recognition Award: Sarah J. Olson Recognition from the Garden Club of New Jersey Mrs. Davd L. George Silver Cup: Finest judged Standard Flower Show 22-23 Garden Club RFD Trophy: Finest Standard Flower Show Schedule of 2022 Dorothy M. Schick Trophy: Excellence in staging a Standard Flower Show Myra Brooks Memorial Trophy — Creativity in Flower Arranging: Tova Narrett Patricia Grossi Petite Award Trophy: Celia Radek Mrs. Reginald Wilson Memorial Award: Michele Tomasik Specialty Awards from the Garden Club of Montclair Betty B. Merriam Silver Bowl/Creative Use of Plant Material: Debbie Moran Barbara Slockbower Schaeberle Award: Tova Narrett Many thanks to all the Members of The Garden Club of Montclair whose efforts made the show a great success, the judges who came from far and wide, the Women's Club of Upper Montclair, the Board staff of Van Vleck House & Gardens, and the Montclair Foundation. Link

Some GCM Projects Avis Campbell Gardens Click on the image for more on our jewel, Avis Campbell Gardens, hidden behind 60 S. Fullerton Av., but open to all. Social Events From the Christmas Tea to outings and fundraisers, members love to get together whenever they can. Crane House For many years, the Club has decorated the historic Crane House in December, winning a national award in 2021. Open Gardens Most summer weekends, someone opens her garden to members — sharing its glory and welcoming visitors. Church Street Gardens Our members work with local businesses to keep downtown Montclair blooming throughout spring, summer, and fall. Art in Bloom Every two years, members interpret art works at the Montclair Art Museum in a stunning display of creativity. Garden Therapy Volunteers bring the joy of flowers to nursing homes and organizations, providing services for people in need. Library Our extensive library, alas, is packed away currently due to construction. Check often to see when it's available again. Boutique Shopping Still available in spite of not having a home, click here to see items such as gloves, caps, snips and other essentials.. Civic Beautification We recognize businesses in town which have made significant landscape elements with special awards. Youth Projects We sponsor many projects with Montclair's children, including the "Connected Courtyard " at Watchung School. Trips and Outings Covid permitting, we will resume our trips and outings close to home (the High Line) and far away (the Netherlands).

Reports of the Botanical Arts Committee of the Garden Club of Montclair Botanical Arts Committee Reports Committees 2024-2025 — Florence Leyssène Chair; Debbie Moran, Vice Chair The Botanical Arts Division held competitions this past year in October, November, January, February, March and April. Each month offered two classes from the Horticulture, Design, Artistic Crafts and Photography sections. A variety of classes was presented: Dried and Preserved Flowers in Horticulture; Exploration, Mobile, Plaque and Pot-et-Fleur in Design; Mask, Napkin Ring, Brooch, Bird House and Corsage in Artistic Crafts; two classes in Photography. The Botanical Arts Division seems to be successful as it attracts new and very enthusiastic designers. 2024-2025 Committee: Kathy Bachmann, Barbara Baletti, Karen DeLuca, Karen Fricke, Debbie Moran, Tova Narrett, Floss O’Sullivan, Susan van Inwegen. 2023-2024 — Florence Leyssène Chair; Debbie Moran, Vice Chair This past year marked the second year since the introduction of classes in the Botanical Arts Division for monthly competition. In each month, two classes were offered from among four sections in the Division ― Botanical Arts, Horticulture, Design, Artistic Craft and Photography ― and the member response was both enthusiastic and impressive in the degree of creativity and detailed execution. It’s clear that there is a home in Botanical Arts classes for some members who do not wish to participate in Flower Design, but like the opportunity to express their creativity using plant material in this different, slightly more informal environment. A decorated fresh pumpkin in the fall and a shoe embellished with plant material were enthusiastically and delightfully created, stunning invitation cards were crafted for a winter party, and a botanical jewelry bracelet and two photography assignments were also challenges embraced. Still a relatively new Division for NGC, each year brings a learning curve that will no doubt continue. Finding imaginative challenges for our members may be the toughest task for the Botanical Arts committee next year!

Garden Club of Montclair Awards See also national and state awards . Competition Awards The Elsie Bristol Novice Award The President's Trophy for Flower Design, Intermediate The Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced The Elsie Bristol Flower Design Award, Advanced Plus The Elsie Bristol Flower Award, Advanced II The President's Award for Horticulture Botanical Arts Division Award Merit Awards The Kay Maclane Van Deusen Rose Award The Amy Hatrak Herb Award The Barbara Meyer Rose Culture Award The Estelle Leibrecht Horticulture Award Special Recognition Awards The Till Beatty Allis Award The Bauer Horticulture Award The Louise D. Mann Award Special Tributes Bloomies Standard Flower Show Awards The Betty B. Merriam Silver Bowl The Barbara Slockbower Schaeberle Award National Council of Accredited Flower Show Judges Master Gardeners The Elsie Bristol Novice Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy awarded to the member of Novice Level who, during the year, achieved the highest score, including the winning of one blue ribbon. Date Recipient 2025 Kathy Bachmann 2024 Karen Fricke 2020 Ginny Demoreuille 2019 Cheryl Slutsky 2018 Michele Reiter 2017 Susan Benner 2016 Fran Ackerly 2015 Tessie Thomas 2014 Lorrie Weeks 2013 Lillian Rockwood 2012 Elizabeth Saylor 2011 Susan Dumont Back to list of awards The President's Trophy for Flower Design, Intermediate A silver bowl perpetual trophy awarded to the member of Intermediate level who, during the year, achieved the highest score, including the winning of one blue ribbon. Date Recipient 2025 Karen Fricke 2024 Cheryl Slutzky 2023 Sarah Olson 2019 Susan Straten 2018 Barbara Baletti 2017 Michele Tomasik 2016 Lillian Rockwood 2015 Lorrie Weeks 2014 Liz Saylor 2013 Susan Dumont 2012 Kathleen McCoy 2011 Fran Liscio Back to list of awards The Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced A silver plate awarded to the member of Advanced Level who received the highest number of points in a year, including two blue ribbons. Note: Prior to 2019, this award was made at the Advanced 1 Level. Year Recipient 2025 Barbara Baletti 2024 Floss O'Sullivan 2023 Barbara Baletti 2020 Fran Ackerly 2019 Michele Tomasik 2018 Fran Ackerly 2017 Sarah Stransky 2014 Fran Liscio 2011 Cynthia Corham-Aitken 2010 Celia Radek 2009 Cynthia Corham-Aitken 2008 Dolores Kelly, Lucy Schneider Back to list of awards The Elsie Bristol Flower Design Award, Advanced Plus A competetive award for those who have twice won the Garden Club Award for Flower Design, Advanced.. Year Recipient 2025 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2024 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken Back to list of awards The Elsie Bristol Flower Award, Advanced II This award, a silver plate perpetual trophy, was retired in June 2018 when the Advanced I and Advanced II levels were combined to become the Advanced Level. The members listed below achieved the highest score, including the winning of one blue ribbon. Year Recipient 2018 Michele Tomasik 2017 Lillian Rockwood 2016 Liz Saylor 2015 Liz Saylor 2014 Sarah Stransky 2013 Fran Liscio 2012 Michele Quinn 2011 Darlene Sneden 2010 Betty Ann Cannell, Pat Green 2008 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2007 Celia Radek 2006 Lori Beitler, Celia Radek Back to list of awards The President's Award for Horticulture A silver plate perpetual trophy awarded to the member who, during the year, achieved the highest score, including the winning of one blue ribbon in the Club's Horticultural Competitions. Year Recipient 2025 Denise Silverman 2024 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2023 Sarah Olson 2020 Denise Silverman 2019 Michele Trevenen 2018 Karen Whitehaus 2017 Susan Straten 2016 Fran Wong 2015 Susan Straten 2014 Fran Liscio 2013 Michele Trevenen 2012 Cynthia Corhan-Aiken Back to list of awards The Botanical Arts Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy is awarded to the Garden Club member who, during the year, achieved the highest total score for participation in Botanical Arts competitions of any type, including the winning of one blue ribbon. The four types include Botanical Arts Horticulture, Botanical Arts Design, Botanical Arts Artistic Crafts, and Photography. Year Recipient 2025 Karen Fricke 2024 Karen Fricke 2023 Floss O'Sullivan Back to list of awards The Kay Maclane Van Deusen Rose Award A silver vase perpetual trophy, given in her memory by her family, awarded to the Garden Club member who, in a Competition scheduled by the Flower Design Committee, best perpetuates the love and use of roses in artistic design. The winner will be chosen by a panel of five members composed of the President, the Awards Chair, and three others appointed by the President. The presentation of this award takes place at the annual meeting. Year Recipient 2025 Cheryl Slutzky 2024 Fran Ackerly 2023 Fran Ackerly 2020 Sarah J. Olson 2019 Denise Silverman 2018 Fran Ackerly 2017 Cynthia Corhan-Aiken 2016 Celia Radek 2012 Elizabeth Saylor 2014 Cynthia Corhan-Aitken 2013 Susan Dumont 2012 Elizabeth Saylor Back to list of awards The Amy Hatrak Herb Award A silver tray perpetual trophy, given in her honor by her family, in recognition of her accomplishments in the field of herbs. To be given to the Garden Club member who, during the September or October Competition, best exemplifies and demonstrates the growing of herbs, for use and for delight, including aromatic, culinary, medicinal herbs, and scented geraniums. To be judged by a panel composed of the President, the Awards Chair, and three others appointed by the President. The Award is announced upon the judges’ decision and the trophy presented at the Annual Meeting in May. Year Recipient 2025 Karen Fricke 2024 Celia Radek 2023 Denise Silverman 2020 Denise Silverman 2019 Nancy Loo 2018 Jamie Chase 2017 Susan Straten 2016 Susan Straten 2015 Elaine Conti 2014 Karen Whitehaus 2013 Elaine Conti 2012 Elaine Conti Back to list of awards The Barbara Meyer Rose Culture Award A perpetual trophy recognizing excellence in rose culture may be awarded to the member of the Garden Club of Montclair whose single rose specimen, grown by the exhibitor, received the highest-scoring blue ribbon in a Club Horticulture Competition, Horticulture Specialty, Standard Flower or Small Standard Flower Show. Year Recipient 2025 Barbara Meyer 2024 Deborah Hirsch 2023 Denise Silverman 2019 Susan Straten 2018 Barbara Meyer Back to list of awards The Estelle Leibrecht Horticulture Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy awarded by the Horticulture Committee to the member who receives the blue ribbon for the Club project, to be judged at a fall or spring horticultural show, a Standard Flower Show, or a Small Standard Flower Show. Year Recipient 2025 Celia Radek 2024 Celia Radek 2023 Debbie Moran 2022 Denise Silverman 2017 Fran Wong 2015 Luce Battsek 2014 Fran Liscio 2008 Nancy Sweetser 2005 Gratia Pelliciotti 2004 Lori Beitler 2003 Maeve Clemens 2002 Ann Liedtka Back to list of awards The Till Beatty Allis Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy given in honor by her family, to be awarded by the Awards Committee to a member who has made an outstanding contribution in the area of Flower Design and Flower Design education. Year Recipient 2025 Debbie Moran, Florence Leyssène 2024 Deborah Moran 2023 Fran Ackerly 2022 Floss O'Sullivan 2021 Florence Leyssène 2019 Brenda Bingham 2018 Florence Leyssène 2017 Sarah Stransky 2015 Cynthia Corham-Aiken 2009 Debbie Moran 2008 Brenda Bingham 2007 Florence Leyssène Back to list of awards The Bauer Horticulture Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy given by the late Mrs. John Bauer may be awarded each year at the Annual Meeting for major achievement in Horticulture. The winner is chosen by decision of the Awards Committee. Individual members may make application for this award. Year Recipient 2025 Heidi Muschick 2024 Karen Whitehaus 2023 Maureen Sprong 2021 Debbie Moran 2020 Maureen Sprong 2018 Michele Trevenen 2017 Jacklyn Kling 2016 Karen Whitehaus 2014 Jaimie Chase 2010 Kristin Krongard 2009 Celia Radek 2008 Barbara Meyer Back to list of awards The Louise D. Mann Award A silver tray perpetual trophy, given in her memory by her family, to be awarded to a member of The Garden Club of Montclair when merited, in recognition of her vision and significant accomplishments in a field that advances Garden Club objectives. The winner is chosen by the Awards Committee. Year Recipient 2025 Sarah Olson 2024 Sue Young 2023 Deborah Hirsch 2022 Sarah J. Olson 2021 Floss O'Sullivan 2020 Claire Stepleton 2019 Gretchen Prater 2018 Celia Radek, Sarah Stransky 2017 Florence Leyssène 2016 Brenda Bingham 2015 Kate Khachaturian 2014 Debbie Moran Back to list of awards The Betty B. Merriam Silver Bowl This perpetual trophy silver bowl may be awarded at a Standard Flower Show or Small Standard Flower Show for any decorative use of plant material having distinctive beauty. Only members of the Garden Club of Montclair are eligible for this trophy, which shall remain in the Garden Club Room. A special panel of judges shall be invited to make the award. A small version of the award shall be presented to the winner. Names of the winners are inscribed on a wall plaque in the Garden Club Room.
 Year Recipient 2023 Debbie Moran 2018 Janice Benton, Jamie Chase, Deborah Hirsch, Debbie Moran 2009 Jamie Chase, Margaret Kenrick, Florence Leyssène 2009 Debbie Moran 2006 Brenda Bingham 2004 Joan Crowther 1995 Barbara Meyer 1994 Brenda Bingham 1993 Brenda Bingham 1992 Mary McGeown 1991 Rita Berkowitz 1990 Gladys Hunziker Back to list of awards The Barbara Slockbower Schaeberle Award A silver bowl perpetual trophy given in her memory by her family, to be awarded at a Standard Flower Show or Small Standard Flower Show to the member of the Garden Club of Montclair who wins the Designer's choice Award. Year Recipient 2023 Tova Narrett 2018 Barbara Baletti 2006 Debbie Moran 2004 Joan Crowther 2000 Brenda Bingham 1998 Joan Crowther 1996 Brenda Bingham 1993 Brenda Bingham 1990 Mary McGeown 1986 Mary McGeown Back to list of awards Special Tributes Year Recipient 2011 Helen Steinbrueck, Karen Whitehaus 2025 Karen DeLuca 2023 Susan Benner, Marilyn & Peter Zaret 2022 Sue Young 2021 Cynthia Corhan-Aiken, Sandy Sorkin, Karen Whitehaus, Fran Wong 2020 Sarah J. Olson, Floss O'Sullivan 2019 Larry Whitehaus, Marilyn Zaret 2018 The Montclair Foundation's Van Vleck House & Gardens 2016 Rene Cohen 2015 Firth Fabend, Gretchen Prater, Lorrie Weeks 2014 Maryetta Bartlett, Nancy Bartlett 2013 Sanford Sorkin, Darlene Sneden Back to list of awards Bloomies Bloomies Award shows are famous for recognizing individual accomplishments, but what about the people in the Club who also make important contributions that we sometimes forget to celebrate? Hence the new BLOOMIES Awards. See details of the 2025 and 2024 winners. Year Recipients 2025 Valerie Slamka (Rookie), Tova Narrett (Pinch Hitter), Marilyn Zaret (Susan Lucci), Barbara Baletti (Trailblazer), Jacoba Coes (Comeback Kid), Karen Kadus (Comeback Kid), Ana Zalles Moore (Rising Star), Betty Murphy and Cynthia Corhan-Aitken (Visioneers), Tracy Reilly and Amy South (Shorty's). 2024 Susan Benner, Melody Brown, Bob Chapman, Cynthia Corhan-Aitken, Karen DeLuca, Karen Fricke, Barbara Meyer, Betty Murphy, Tova Narrett, Sarah Olson, Maggie Rothman, Cheryl Slutzky, Maureen Sprong, Wendy Stahl, Nancy Stroud, Pam Turre, Karen Whitehaus, Fran Wong, Susan Yu, Marilyn Zaret, Lauren Zodel. Back to list of awards Judges National Council of Accredited Flower Show Judges Master Judges: Brenda Bingham, Florence Leyssène, Mary McGeown, Debbie Moran, Heidi Muschick Master Gardeners Master Gardeners Members who have completed the Essex County Master Gardener Course and volunteer requirements for Master Gardener designation. Brenda Bingham, Jamie Chase, Jacoba Coes, Karen Fricke, Donna Wright, Back to list of awards