2025 June Luncheon
Flowers by Ellen Whitney, from members’ gardens
For those of you unable to join us for the June Luncheon at the Concord Country Club, here is what you missed.
Outgoing President Lauren Huyett
Lauren Huyett began her parting remarks as club President by thanking her board, as well as the many additional members who took on organizing responsibilities for the year like the Plant Sale, the Pansy Project, and numerous other jobs that make our club so vital. As she concluded: “It takes a village”.
Ellen Whitney was given our attention so she could thank members who opened their gardens to her harvest of the flowers that adorned every table. Featured flowers included yellow Itoh and pink Herbaceous Peonies, Allium, Lady’s Mantle, and Astilbe.
photo by Lauren Huyett
Lauren returned to the podium to remind us of the club’s service award, named in honor of Judith Rose Shea. There were a few amusing moments when it became clear that this year’s honoree had not yet arrived, so when Rod Riedel attempted to sneak in twenty five minutes after eleven am, all eyes were immediately on him! Can you imagine yourself showing up to a meeting and having EVERYONE crying out as you entered? Rod rallied once he realized the reason for our collective interest. Lauren asked all present recipients of the award to join her up front in the presentation, and Rod accepted graciously.
Judith Rose Shea Award recipients: Sandra Lynn, Wilhelmina van der Wansem, Rod Riedel, Amal Moamar, Joan Campbell
A standing ovation
As chair of the nominating committee, Kathleen Kennedy named Holly Salemy as the committee’s choice for our next president. Holy has skillfully served as the Vice President for two years, and is ready to step into the new role. Kathleen also nominated Pam Nelson for Vice President, and Carol Hryniewicz for Corresponding Secretary. The membership elected the full roster unanimously.
After receiving the microphone, President Holly Salemy’s first order of business was to thank Lauren for her service, and to present her with the club’s traditional token of appreciation, the silver lady slipper pin. The occasion also offered an opportunity to gather all former Presidents who were present for a group photo.
Julia Farwell-Clay, Elizabeth Berk, Sarah Beguelin, Betsy Howerton, Leslie Cheney, Wilhelmina van der Wansem, Charity Tremblay, Kathleen Kennedy, Kate Wharton, Lauren Huyett. photo by Holly Salemy
Two of our four new members were then ceremoniously welcomed with their club aprons and badges (those who have submitted bios – hint hint – can be learned about below). The gathering then also approved of the proposed Budget to the coming year, with the news that thanks to donations, collective thrift, and a planned member auction for the fall, we are in sound financial shape.
Holly adjourned the business meeting, and we carried on in good company. How we wish you could have been there!
Welcome New Member Faye Allen
Flowers are part of my DNA. Both of my parents were florists and I literally grew up in a flower shop as the first 5 years of my life the business was run in the living room of our home. I walked the aisles of the Philadelphia Wholesale Flower Market as a kid and worked countless hours in the shop. I owned Rosewood Interiors for 25 years while raising my family and participated in two Designer Show Houses.
When my divorce and empty nest coincided, I took that as a sign to start fresh and do something more meaningful with my life. I moved to a new town and soon became involved volunteering at a soup kitchen and food pantry. I eventually became a board member and then took on the role as volunteer coordinator.
I moved to Concord 13 years ago when I married a great guy who, many moons ago, sat behind me in homeroom class in high school. I volunteered at Household Goods for the past 12 years and was responsible for volunteer appreciation. These last two years I was on the Concord250 Community Participation Subcommittee. One of my responsibilities was decorating the town for the parade route which included working on the pansy project. I had such a great experience with the committee members and said to my husband, I’ve found my people at The Garden Club of Concord.
I love to be involve in creative projects both big or small. You can count of me to show up for an activity with a hot glue gun holstered at my hip, a box full of wonders, a tiptop design strategy and a big bottle of wine. I mean a big plate of cookies. Nothing makes my heart sing more than the combination of flowers and friendships.
Welcome New Member Jill Stone
Jill has lived in Concord for almost six years, and has three children, ages 5, 3, and 1. Before becoming a full-time parent, she worked as a management consultant and later as a home goods buyer. Since moving to Concord, Jill has enjoyed getting involved in the community, serving on the board of Milldam Nursery School and volunteering with the Concord-Carlisle Foundation. She looks forward to expanding her gardening know-how and connecting with a new community in Concord.