27 October 2019
Hostess Team
Lunch was served at 12:00 PM. Sarita Lentz served as head hostess supported by Jan Ball, Helen Bell, Vicky Bowen, Susan Christopher, Debbie Gillispie, Karen Peterson, and Nancy Stogowski.
Call to Order
President Kathy Truxall Called the meeting to order at 12:45 PM. Our chaplain, Cindy Boyce, led the group in devotional thoughts and shared "Autumn Blessing" by Beverly J. Anderson.
Speaker: Trent Jones, “Farming in the Northern Neck”
Wonda Allain introduced guest speaker Trent Jones, Northern Neck Agriculture Extension Agent, who presented a history of farming in our region and what is happening today. Trent is a graduate of Virginia Tech and serves Northumberland and Lancaster Counties. He began by reviewing the history of farming in the Northern Neck relating advancements in machinery and scientific methods to increased production. He also described how farming has moved into the Information Age through the collection and analysis of detailed crop data and the use of "smart" machinery to improve crop yield.
There are three main crops grown in the Northern Neck - corn, wheat, and soybeans. The wheat grown here is the soft red wheat. Most is used by the Little Debbie Company. Farmers are also branching out into Canola and sunflowers. There are also vegetable farms that produce fresh produce for local markets. Very little livestock is grazed here since the flat, fertile soil has more value when used for crops.
Old Business
The financial report for September 2019 was posted and can be found in the Members Area of the website. Corresponding Secretary Anne Haynie read a thank you message from Roz Messing for the club's donation in memory of her husband.
Committee Reports
Membership - Thirty-five members attended the meeting. Our total membership is 51. All but two of the yearbook inserts have been distributed.
Hospitality - Sue Moore gave an update on the Holiday Luncheon to be held December 18th at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club. Send your payment and menu choice to Sue by December 9th. Sharon Stieber will be making vases for floral arrangements on the tables. These will be raffled off as door prizes.
Nitti-Gritti - Wonda Allain reminded members of the hypertufa workshop to be held at her home on October 29 at 10 AM.
Civic Development & Youth Education - Linda Hixon reminded members to participate in "The Saved Seed" program for first graders at Northumberland Elementary school on October 25 at 11:15 AM.
Ways and Means - Jacqui Penney reported that wreath forms along with bows and pins are available for sale at the "store."
Floral Design - Darleen Nelson presented awards to 8 eight beautiful and creative designs that were all Assemblages. Jerry Jenkins earned a Blue and Best in Show.
Ribbons were awarded to --
Advanced: Carol Cole, Blue; Sharon Lemke, Blue; Rebecca Elston, Red; Jerry Jenkins, Blue; Darleen Nelson, Blue; Patsy Sylvia, Blue; Kathie Truxall, Red.
Novice: Linda Hixon, Blue.
Horticulture - Rebecca Elston presented awards to eight participants. Wonda Allain earned a Blue and Best in Show.
Ribbons were awarded to --
Wonda Allain - 4 Blue (and Best in Show), 1 Red; Debbie Boze - 2 Blue; Bobby Brogden - 3 Blue; Anne Crawley - 1 Blue; Rebecca Elston - 4 Blue, 2 Red, 1 Yellow; Anne Haynie - 4 Blue, 1 Red; Jacqui Penney - 1 Red; Patsy Sylvia - 2 Blue.
President's Report
Kathie Truxall announced that Bethany UMC and Northern Neck Young Life are two local sources for purchasing wreaths this year. The monies raised by the sales will support next year's church adult mission trip and camp for the Northern Neck Young Life. Kathie also discussed the expectations for club involvement in the upcoming "Christmas on Cockrell's Creek" event. Decoration design teams are actively meeting with participating home owners and planning their holiday decorations.
Club members may now take names of guests interested in our trip to Longwood Gardens in June 2020.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.
Article contributors include Sharon Lemke and Karen Luzuriaga. Photos by Debbie Gwaltney.