May 25, 1931 marked the first meeting of the Harpswell Garden Club, and on May 19, 2016, several dozen members of the Harpswell Garden Club met at the Brunswick Golf Club for our 85th annual meeting and luncheon. President Ann Standridge presided over the meeting, which featured a slide presentation by author Aurelia Scott of Portland. She addressed the club on “An Insightful View of People Who Exhibit Roses.”

Among the meeting’s highlights was the election of Elisa Civello as our new Vice-President. Elisa will spend the next year learning the in’s and out’s of the club’s operations. Also, two items were approved by the membership at the request of the Harpswell Historical Society. The HHS sought permission to construct a gazebo to house the bell from the 1906 West Harpswell School. Also, the contraction of an outhouse for the one-room schoolhouse behind Centennial Hall was given approval. The addition of these two structures will enhance the schoolhouse experience for future field trips from local schools.

HGC President Ann Standridge at the 2016 annual meeting

Annette Dunn decorated the hat worn by Sue Perless

Newly elected Vice-President Elisa Civello leads the reading of the Conservation Pledge to conclude our 2016 annual meeting.

Ruth Weeks relaxes with Sue Perless before the start of the 2016 annual meeting