The meeting was called to order by President Margaret Otis at 12:45 after a delicious tea at twelve o’clock .  Jo Molnar led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Brian Mann, who is in charge of Outreach and Stewardship for the Harwich Conservation Trust, gave an overview of the organization and spoke of the need for volunteers.  They have a weekly work schedule of Wednesday mornings at 9 A.M. and he hopes that some garden club members will be free to join them at that time.  

Pat Doherty then presented this year’s Civic Beautification Awards.  The business winner was Brian Albee who planted the rotary at Rte 39and Queen Ann Road which is appreciated by everyone who drives by.  The private home award was given to Barbara Segal at 416 Lower County Road .  She was not able to be present but Pat read a letter of thanks from her.  She maintains an “old cape cod” style garden around her home.  

Carrie Wailgum announced that there were 120 regular members at the September meeting and 12 associate members.  She and her committee then presented eight new members to the club;  Dottie Miller, Karen Helliwell, Virginia Doyle, Patricia Tworek, Jackie Leach, Barbara McEachern,  Susan Pleines and Alma David.  

President Otis thanked the Tea Committee for the lovely meal.  She thanked Doris Casey, Lynne Drummond, Shade Cronin and Diane Schoenfelder and daughter for their work on behalf of the Garden Club at this year’s Taste of Harwich.  The yearbooks were dispensed at the sign-in table and Margaret thanked Phyllis Burnham and Judie Palleschi for putting the book together.  Peg Erdlen was thanked for the latest newsletter.  

The secretary’s report for June was accepted and filed, as was the treasurer’s report.  The corresponding secretary listed the cards sent and then read the thank-you notes received.  Vice-president Jeanne Tassinari thanked everyone who attended the June field trip to New Bedford . She reminded members of the chance to visit the garden of the owner of Arbortech in Brewster the next day. Meet at exit 10 at 1:30 P.M. to car-pool.  

Aileen Demeusy is taking orders for King Alfred daffodils, $10.00 for two dozen.  

Doris Casey announced that the design workshop this Thursday has been changed from succulents to a small arrangement for a tea tray.  The cost is $10.00.  

Glee Jansen and Carole Davis have set the dates of October 9^th and 16^th from 9:30 to 11 A.M. for working on the town pole wreaths.  This will happen at the Chamber of Commerce building and volunteers are needed to help refresh the wreaths.

Ann Lawson then spoke about the annual bridge luncheon at Allen Harbor on October 22^nd.  Volunteers are needed to assist Mimi Foster and the other women running the event.  Peg Erdlen is in charge of the kitchen, Pricilla Davis is handling the beverages, Ellen Schipke, set-up and tables, Ann Haley, reservations, and Sally Kimball, the raffle.  

Cathy Dillon is heading the Christmas boutique on December 5^th.  She asked members to clip their green plants and bring the greenery to the December 1^st workshop at the Harwich Community Center .  The Garden Club banner is still missing and Cathy asked everyone who worked on taking down last year’s event to please look for the banner again.  She is also selling raffle tickets for the Lower Cape Rose Society and the prize is a trip for two to the Rose Bowl Parade and game in January.  

Before closing the meeting President Otis made several announcements.  Joan Garrity is in charge of the joint house tour with the Historical Society in June.  Audrey Osborn will head up the annual May plant sale.  There is a short meeting on Sept. 18^th for officers and the new members. The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 .  

Irene Mitchell and Lynne Drummond then presented a most informative program on all of the gardens and plantings maintained by garden club members in the township,  

Respectfully submitted,  

Sharon Oudemool, temporary recording secretary