Society Meeting for November 25

Approximately 50 members enjoyed the traditional Pot Luck dinner. As usual, members showed amazing culinary skills.

Since Colleen Green’s term of President has expired, the meeting was run by Gayla Campney in her place.

Business

A motion to adopt the minutes of the previous AGM was moved by Bob Simmons, seconded by Marianne Malachowski. The motion carried.

A motion to adopt the Financial Report was moved by Howard Hunter and duly seconded. The motion carried.

A motion to appoint the same auditors for 2016 was moved by Bob Simmons and duly seconded. The motion carried.

A motion to adopt amended By-laws (members having been previously notified) as posted on the web site was moved, seconded, and carried.

Elections

Penny Stewart took over for the formal election of directors. A new slate of directors was offered to the membership. No new nominations were received from the floor. The 2016 Directors are (left to right) Nan Keenan, John Garside, Anne Reeves, Darlene Johnston, Mary Jenkins, Howard Hunter, Gayla Campney and Sheila Simmons. Colleen Green will sit with the directors as Past President.

Following the elections, Penny Stewart gave a brief overview of OHA changes coming in the new year, including the re-branding of the OHA as Gardens Ontario. Penny thanked the Horticultural Society’s directors, members, and supporters for their efforts and closed with a ‘keep up the good work’.

Awards

Mary Jenkins then presented the traditional Horticultural Society awards.

Sandra Dowds – winner of the Floral Excellence trophy and the Peony Cup for best peony

Pat Stuckey – winner for Best Design and most points in the 2015 mini-shows

Junior winners: Kayla Hepburn and Maggie Lindsay

Colleen thanked Mary for handing out the trophies and award plaques. This year, the OHA has a “President’s Award” which goes to the people who most helped the President. The winners were Hedy Campbell, Anne Reeves (both shown below), and Elizabeth Cowan who was not able to attend the Awards Ceremony.

President’s awards for Hedy Campbell [L] and Anne Reeves [R]

Photographs © by Bert Jenkins