03/27/2026
March 25, 2026, if you missed the meeting:
Jeanne Duarte welcomed the group with the Garden Club Prayer
She reviewed the following:
Budget for the 2026-2027 Programs will be $1200.00, $300 per guest speaker for the months of Sept-Nov, Mar-May. We may not use that amount. For the month of October or earlier it was suggested that as a group we could wire ornaments, make bows and ribbons or centerpieces for the Holiday Season.
Judy Bento sent out forms for the Scholarship Program to the local schools due back by May. Scholarship amount $1000.00.
Charlton Hospital budget for the year is $150.00, we volunteer and the hospital buys greens and flowers for the pots.
Jeanne Duarte is resigning as President of the FRGC.
As discussed at a Board Meeting, Jeannie called Zelma Braga on a new venue for our meetings, available kitchen, date available and cost compared to what we have now at Kuss and the School Department. Currently we are not charged anything to have our meetings there. Board waiting to hear from Zelma, Pros
vs Cons of staying at Kuss or other locations.
Barbara Bellino sent out Thank You notes to those who donated money to the FRGC.
Jeannie attended an Elk's meeting to see if we could have a Clam Boil at their facility. They denied her request as they were filled up with request already for the year.
We received a large amount of ornaments from the City of Fall River, FREE, in all sizes, shapes, volume and color.
Judy Bento, balance in our checking account is $8150.00. A check came in from Arbella for $1000.00. This is all the donations promised by Michael Dion for 2025
Bonnie Bliss-Camara made an announcement that she is leaving the FRGC and is sorry that she cannot host the Summer Party.
Bonnie introduced our guest speaker Mark Cordle, Gardening for the Birds: What Local Homeowners Can Do to Bring our Birds Back, is a URI Master Gardner. He is passionate about Native Plants which help protect birds and pollinators. Mark showed us pictures of St. Luke’s Church and the Mitchell Varnum House and Preservation in East Greenwich, RI where he worked on the gardens and planted Native Plants.
A flyer that Mark brought: Species to plant would be Columbine, Blue False Indigo, Thread Leaf Tickseed, Foxglove, Butterfly W**d, Black Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Anise Hyssop, Fireworks Goldenrod, Aster.
Locally you can visit Prickly Ed's Cactus Patch a specialty nursery focusing on native plants, pollinator-friendly species. Open for business April 24, 2025 Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM-5PM, 315 Barneyville Road, Swansea, MA
Mark had handouts and the group could follow the presentation and take notes with many of their questions.
Jeanne explained that positions are open for:
President
Vice President
Programs
If anyone is interested please call Jeanne or email her
Pauline Breault will be setting up Hostess list for the next season dates are as follows:
9-26-26 need 5 hostesses, Judy Bento has already signed up
10-21-26 need 6 hostesses
11-18-26 need 6 hostesses
12-26 Holiday Party Judy Bento has already signed up need 5 volunteers
3-24-27 need 6 hostesses
4-21-27 need 6 hostesses
5-19-27 need 6 hostesses
6/27 Summer Party
Please email Pauline if your interested
Our next meeting will be on April 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Heritage Parking lot at the Carousel, bring cutters, gloves and learn how to prune Hydrangeas by David LaLima.
