District 1, National Capital Area Garden Clubs: 2012 Presidents' Luncheon with National President

Fort Washington, MD, June 16, 2012: National Garden Club President Shirley Nicolai hosted the annual District I Presidents' Luncheon at her home along the Potomac. Nicolai is a member of two District I clubs-- Tanta-Cove Garden Club and Fergie's Gardeners.

Coffee on the porch overlooked the Potomac River.

Secretary Sonia Johnson records welcome by District I Director Danielle Brabazon.

Nicolai (left above) discussed her activities as National Garden Club president. Vickie Godwin (right above), president of National Capital Area Garden Clubs, discussed state activities.

David Healy, NCA 1st Vice President, discussed the President's Package on the state website: ncagardenclubs.org

Carol Edwards (left), president of Capitol Hill Garden Club, discussed the club's programs and activities. She invited District members to attend their monthly programs.

Ann Gardenhour, president of Cheverly Garden Club, reported on its activities and informed the District of Cheverly's new continuing education grants for community members taking classes in horticulture.

Betsy Reid (right), president of Fergie's Gardeners, discussed their plans for renovating the 1920s country house gardens at The Ferguson Foundation. She invited clubs to take advantage of their teas, tours and luncheons.

Elizabeth Dietel (standing above), president of The Gardeners of the Junior League of Washington, discussed her club. She said the League was needing younger members.

Christine Hambach (left), reported on the 50 years of Goddard Garden Club and their recent anniversary celebration.

Charmane Truesdell (left), president of Montpelier Garden Club, reported on the death of its co-founder and active member Jimalou Whiting.

Julie Harrison (above), immediate past president of Mount Airy Clay Breakers Garden Club, reported on its activities. Its after school youth program will next work on a butterfly garden. The first year it had a salad garden and the second year a pizza garden.

Mary Alice Bartman (right), president of New Carrollton Garden Club reported that many of its members had moved away from the community but nevertheless were offering programs to attract New Carrollton gardeners.

Lydia Barbour (right), president of Tanta-Cove Garden Club, described the three gardens that are maintained by its member in the community. Tanta-Cove will host Morning of Design for District I in October.

Arvie Atkinson (left), president of Woodberry Garden Club, told of its volunteer activities at Joint Base Andrews.

Sally Oconnell and Sue Santucci, members of Woodmoor Garden Club, discussed their club's activities, including its plant sale and garden tour each spring.