St. George's 98th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon

---

YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS

Barbie Hart - 25 Years

Francis Turner - 25

Josie Worthington - 30

Holly Riorden - 30

Wynn McCormic - 40

Sandy Yellott - 40

Ruth Markum -40

Patty Finney - 50 

Nan Paternott - 55

PERPETUAL AWARDS

1. MRS. MARJORIE WALKER FAIRFIELD PETERSON SPIRIT AWARD (1954)

This award is earned by the member of the club who, during the course of the year, consistently displays a willingness to volunteer her time, energy and talents, wherever needed.
Laura Davis

2 . JOSAPHINE S. FINNEY MENTORING AWARD (1995)

This award is earned by the member of the club who has provided continual support and encouragement to new members by actively sharing her knowledge and love of flowers and who has contributed invaluable service to the activities and ideals of the club by serving as a role model to all.
Hannah Byron

3. DOROTHY LEVERING PACKARD FOUNDERS AWARD (1995)

This award is earned by the member of the club who best fulfills the mission of the club through her notable service and extended commitment to the club and the community-at-large.
Crickett Wholson

4. THE JANE (SIS) HOOPER HORTICULTURE AWARD (1995)

This novice horticulture award is given to a member of 5 years or less who has shown a strong interest in Horticulture.
Jennifer Brittingham

5. MRS. D. C. WHARTON SMITH ARTISTIC AWARD (1995)

A novice artistic award, given to a member of 5 years or less, who has shown continual enthusiasm and interest in the art of flower arranging.
Emily Athanas

6. ELEANOR B. JOHNSON NATURALIST AWARD (2006)

This award is earned by the member of the club who is a hands-on gardener, with a love and keen interest of plants, birds, animals, conservation and the environment. 

Wendy Albert

7. ST. GEORGE’S PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD (2005)

This award is earned by the member who has entered inside and outside photography shows and has won the most combined points.
Gay Legg

8. ST. GEORGE’S PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD (NOVICE)
This novice award is given to a member of 5 years or less who has shown a strong interest in Photography. 

Daphne Bahl

9. THE KATHRYN COKE RIENHOFF BOWL (2007)

This award is presented to the member of the club who has earned the most points or entered the most artistic flower shows outside of St. George’s G.C. shows.
Gay Legg

10. THE FRANCIS YOUNG RIENHOFF MEMORIAL AWARD (1980)

This award is earned by the member who has earned the most overall points in flower arranging shows, inside and outside St. George’s G.C.
Gay Legg

11. THE HORTICULTURE BOWL (1931)

This award is earned by the member who has earned the most points in club Horticulture Shows. 

Rebecca Henry

12. HORTICULTURE AWARD (2011)

This award is earned by a member who has earned the most overall points in both club and outside Horticulture Shows.
Wendy Albert

13. THE MARYLAND DAFFODIL SHOW AWARD

This award is earned by the member who has the most entries or has earned the most points in the Maryland Daffodil Show.
Krissie Verbic

14. THE ELLIE KELLY LEADERSHIP CONSERVATION AWARD (2010)

This award is earned by the member who has, over the year, been a visionary in her understanding and leadership, and has promoted change and awareness of important conservation and/or environmental issues.
Sana Brooks

GCA CLUB AWARDS

CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD
For excellence in photography and her contributions to the Photography Committee.
Kathryn Newhall

CLUB APPRECIATION AWARD
For dedicated and sustained participation in activities within the club, in addition to endless generosity. Amy is truly an inspiration to all!
Amy Newhall

Final awards:
Monica Tucker & Laura Harris  - SGGC’s newest Hort-stars!

Laura Johnson - For all the behind-the-scenes work :-)

To all of you dragonladies, both fierce and refined,
Who’ve gardened and guided and kept me aligned—
I stand here today with a watering can heart,
To thank you all for playing your part.

Let’s start with the Executive Committee—my fabulous crew,
Who calmed my nerves (and there was a few).
when the weeds hit the fan, You had my back
you kindly advised and cut me some slack.

To Patty and Abby and wise Diana dear,
Your wisdom has echoed from ear to ear.
Institutional knowledge? You’ve got it in spades—
You’re the Siri of Garden Club. Minus the shades.

Now past presidents, hear this poetic toast—
You’re the ones I admire the absolute most.
Crickett, Becca, and Hannah with flair,
Laura Davis and Krissie with presidential care.
They coached me with grace (and occasional wine),
And helped me make it to the 1-year finish line

To Committee chairs and co-chairs galore,
You're the powerhouse gal we all just adore!

Photography: Bizzy and Kate, Insta queens,
With challenges monthly and beautiful scenes.
Diana and Kathryn, the show was a dream—
“Maryland: in Miniature,” a picture-perfect theme.
Jay Fleming, our speaker, quite stole the show—
An adorable lensman, with that puppy-dog glow.

Horticulture: Anne Hemmendinger. and Wendy, take a bow,
“Hope Springs Eternal” had us all saying “Wow!”
Plants were preened and blooms were brave—
Even the daffodils knew how to behave.

Floral Design: To Carty, Rebecca, Becca, and Gay,
You showed us how flowers could truly slay.
With snips and flair and goop that sticks,
You turned centerpieces into magic tricks.

Exhibition: Alice, with signage so clean—
Your fonts were crisp, your spacing a dream!

Hospitality: Laura D. & crew - what a feat,
Managing RSVPs like spreadsheet elite.
Even those emails at 8:00 a.m.,
You handled them all like a gem.

Conservation: Sana and Jen, big applause!
You embraced GCA’s noble cause.
And Krissie, dear Krissie, the flame you uphold—
Ellie Kelly’s light will never grow old.

Nominating & Membership: What a brave trio—
Laura, Crickett, and Josie: Club CEO-heroes.
The arm-twisting? Subtle. The slates? A work of art.
And Julie, you vet new dragonladies with a kind heart.

Civic: Barbie and Pam Suan, Hurray Common Ground,
BLISS Meadows & Irvine flurish where you are around.
Anne Hawkins, is House of Ruth’s garden delight,
And Gay keeps Paw Print Park looking just right.

Programming: Emily, Jenn Britt, Ashley, and crew—
Liz Pope and Francis, we’re bowing to you!
The programs were thrilling, the speakers divine,
You made every meeting a simply sublime.

So here’s to you all, the whole blooming bunch,
The dragonladies who pack quite the punch.
With petals and power and fabulous fun,
You made this year a truly great one.