2007 Annual General Meeting

Many members and their guests braved the elements to attend the Nobleton - King City Horticultural Society's final event for 2007, the annual pot luck supper held Nov. 26 at the Nobleton Community Hall.

Outgoing president Kate Agosta and her husband Terry Biddleman welcomed everyone. Dinner began with the singing of O Canada, the Blessing and the toast to the Queen.

Sharing the head table with the society president was past-president Blair Day and his wife Elizabeth Becker, First Vice-President Barbara Downey and her husband Robert, John Arnott, Mary Anne Merrit (representing the Nobleton Women's Institute), Lisa Wolfgram (past president of the Ontario Horticultural Association), Mary Sasiela (assistant director for York West - part of District 15 - representing director Brenda Heenan [Note: Nobleton - King City is one of five societies in York West and one of 17 societies that make up District 15 of the OHA.]), Bert Card (a former president of the OHA) and his wife Joan.

Bert Card paid tribute to Gladys McGlatchy, a longtime member of the Richmond Hill Horticultural Society and a former OHA president who, for a good number of years (including 2006) graced the head table at our annual meetings. Sadly, Grace passed away in January, a few weeks before her 100th birthday.

During the break between the main course and dessert, Mary Sasiela conducted the election of officers for 2008, our 50th year. The new president is Barbara Downey (Castlederg), who also served as president once before, being elected to that office Nov. 26, 1978, exactly 29 years ago. No one volunteered for the office of first vice-president. Lynda Rogers (Nobleton) was reelected as second vice-president. Directors elected for one year are John Arnott (Tecumseth Pines Tottenham), Blair Day, Jill Gelately (both King City) and Jean Keane (Laskay). Directors elected for 2 years are Kathy Ball, Susan Beharriell (both Nobleton), Rosalind (Roz) Elson, Tina Stone and Maria Pedersen (all King City). Once again, Jules Maule-ffinch (Caledon East) agreed to take on the job as treasurer. No one volunteered for secretary. Joan Jackaman (Nobleton) and Nola Stacey (King City) will continue to serve as auditors.

Following dessert, the awards for 2007 were presented by Barbara Downey, assisted by long-time member Mary Watson (Pottageville). Highest points winner in the open section was Nancy Hopkinson (Nobleton) with 295. Nancy received the Women's Institute Cup last year, so according to custom, she cannot win it again for five years. Points runner-up Barbara Downey, therefore, won the coveted WI Cup, which was presented by Mary Anne Merrit. Carol Hall (King City) won the prestigious Olive Nelson Cup and accompanying piece of crystal for earning highest points in the novice section. Kate Agosta won the award for most points in the flowering bulb category and Barbara Downey won the award for most points in the rose category.

President Kate Agosta and past president Blair Day presented the Ontario Horticultural Association's Service Award to Maria Pedersen for her outstanding service to our society, particularly in organizing our annual garden tours. Maria also does all the table decorations for the Award's Dinner. The President's Award was presented to Kathy Ball for her many and varied contributions to the Nobleton - King City Horticultural Society. Congratulations to all the winners and participants in the society's 2007 activities.

Many thanks also to Jean Keane and her social committee of Tina Stone, Virginia Turman (King City) and Maria Pedersen, who organized and set up the pot luck dinner. Jean once again cooked a delicious turkey. Thank you as well to the Path Finder girls and their leaders who did all the cleaning off of tables and the washing up.

Everyone went home with a door prize thanks to contributions from members and from local businesses. The evening ended with incoming president Barbara Downey reading a delightful e-mail from Hans Nielsen, former society president and King City resident, now of Parry Sound, where he takes an active part in that community's society.

(Some of the great door prizes at the 2007 AGM)