Blue Star Memorial Dedication at Congressional Cemetery

May 29, 2011: On the occasion of their 82d annual convention, which for the first time was held in the District of Columbia, National Garden Clubs, Inc., dedicated a Blue Star Memorial at historic Congressional Cemetery.



From left: Past NGC Blue Star Chairman Maria Nahom, NCAGC Blue Star Chairman Marion Caldwell, NGC Blue Star Chairman Jimmie Meinhardt, NGC President Renee Blaschke, NCAGC District I Director David Healy and NGC President-Elect Shirley Nicolai:
NGC President Renee Blaschke presented the memorial to Cindy Hays, Executive Director of Congressional Cemetery:
The United States Armed Forces were represented by Col. Monica Midgette of the United States Air Force (center left); The Honor Guard represented the District of Columbia National Guard:












Members of the NGC board (starting third from left): Barbara May, Sandra Robinson, Deen Day Sanders, Linda Nelson, Renee Blaschke, Shirley Nicolai, Barbara Mikkelson, and Robin Pokorski.
NCAGC members with NGC President Renee Blaschke. From left: NCAGC President Vickie Godwin, Danielle Brabazon, Charmane Truesdell, David Healy, Shirley Nicolai, Blaschke, Ann Gardenhour, Marion Caldwell, Libby Coffee, Babs McClendon, Estelle Woodcock and Julie Harrison.
District I board members with NCAGC President Vickie Godwin and NGA President-Elect Shirley Nicolai who is a District I member. From left: Godwin, Charmane Truesdell, David Healy, Nicolai, Ann Gardenhour and Danielle Brabizon.







































--photos by Bill Dean

82d Annual National Garden Club Convention

May 28, 2011: National Capital Area Garden Clubs, Inc. hosted the 82d annual convention of National Garden Clubs, Inc. at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in downtown Washington.









This design by Rilla Crane honored outgoing NGC president Renee Blaschke:
This design by Harlin Turner honor incoming NGC president Shirley Nicolai:
This design by Joyce Overholtzer honored outgoing NCAGC president Mary Ellen Alden:
The hotel florist also went all out for the NGC convention:

These sunflower arrangements were from the opening luncheon:









--photos by Bill Dean.