PROGRAMS
September 2, 2026
Turning Waste Into Resources
Conservation and Environment
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Dana Strotman, Recycling Specialist with Anne Arundel County, will share the importance of recycling and how the County's recycling program promotes responsible waste management by encouraging the reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials that would otherwise be discarded.
By transforming waste into valuable resources, the program helps reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and support a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Through community participation and education, this initiative demonstrates that the items we throw away can become opportunities to create positive environmental and economic impacts, while highlighting how everyday recycling efforts contribute to a healthier community and a more sustainable future.
Horticulture Topic: Leaves of Three, Let It Be!
Hostesses: Catherine Reardon (Lead), Trish Lilek Demers, Yael Beckman, and Verna Pond
Board Meeting: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Dana Strotman, Recycling Specialist with Anne Arundel County, will share the importance of recycling and how the County's recycling program promotes responsible waste management by encouraging the reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials that would otherwise be discarded.
By transforming waste into valuable resources, the program helps reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and support a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Through community participation and education, this initiative demonstrates that the items we throw away can become opportunities to create positive environmental and economic impacts, while highlighting how everyday recycling efforts contribute to a healthier community and a more sustainable future.
Horticulture Topic: Leaves of Three, Let It Be!
Hostesses: Catherine Reardon (Lead), Trish Lilek Demers, Yael Beckman, and Verna Pond
Board Meeting: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
October 7, 2026
Behind the Gates: A Tour of the U.S. Naval Academy
Architectural and Landscape Design
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Following the business meeting, members are encouraged to carpool to Gate 1 of the U.S. Naval Academy and gather at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, located just inside the gate. We will be treated to a private, two-hour walking tour of the scenic Academy grounds, affectionately known as "the Yard," led by Rear Admiral Kenneth Barausky, Retired. As we stroll the grounds, we will observe how contrasting architectural styles reflect the Academy's long and evolving legacy, while monuments and gardens honor the courage and sacrifice of its graduates.
Special Note: The cost of the tour is approximately $13 per person. A REAL ID (driver’s license with a star) or a valid U.S. passport is required for entry.
Design Exhibit: Rustic Fall Design – Traditional or Creative Design that includes wood elements, such as branches, wood chips, etc., with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Jessica Kruse (Lead), Linda Marquand, Margo Antonelli, and Littany Hollerbach
Board Meeting: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Following the business meeting, members are encouraged to carpool to Gate 1 of the U.S. Naval Academy and gather at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, located just inside the gate. We will be treated to a private, two-hour walking tour of the scenic Academy grounds, affectionately known as "the Yard," led by Rear Admiral Kenneth Barausky, Retired. As we stroll the grounds, we will observe how contrasting architectural styles reflect the Academy's long and evolving legacy, while monuments and gardens honor the courage and sacrifice of its graduates.
Special Note: The cost of the tour is approximately $13 per person. A REAL ID (driver’s license with a star) or a valid U.S. passport is required for entry.
Design Exhibit: Rustic Fall Design – Traditional or Creative Design that includes wood elements, such as branches, wood chips, etc., with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Jessica Kruse (Lead), Linda Marquand, Margo Antonelli, and Littany Hollerbach
Board Meeting: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
November 4, 2026
Honoring Our Veterans
Community Outreach and Floral Design Worksop
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Project Chair Cindy Hansen leads a hands-on workshop where members create patriotic-themed floral arrangements to honor local veterans. Using red and white flowers, accented with American flags, patriotic ribbons, and fresh greenery, members design thoughtful tributes celebrating veterans' service. Following the workshop arrangements will be delivered by club members to Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena, where they will be given to veterans under hospice care.
Hostesses: Jessica Kruse (Lead), Rena Pogue, Jim Mynes, and Charlotte Sazama
Board Meeting: Tuesday, November 24, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Project Chair Cindy Hansen leads a hands-on workshop where members create patriotic-themed floral arrangements to honor local veterans. Using red and white flowers, accented with American flags, patriotic ribbons, and fresh greenery, members design thoughtful tributes celebrating veterans' service. Following the workshop arrangements will be delivered by club members to Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena, where they will be given to veterans under hospice care.
Hostesses: Jessica Kruse (Lead), Rena Pogue, Jim Mynes, and Charlotte Sazama
Board Meeting: Tuesday, November 24, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
December 2, 2026
Celebrate the Season: Decorating and Holiday Luncheon
Civic Beautification Project
Location and Time: Walden Country Club, 1500 Riedel Road, Crofton. Social and business meeting at 11:00 AM followed by lunch at 12:15 PM.
Program: Led by Committee Chair Tracy Backus, members gather to decorate the Village Green with fresh evergreen wreaths accented by festive bows. Members also deliver wreaths to the Crofton Community Library, local schools, and Town Hall, helping spread holiday cheer throughout the community.
Following this annual civic project, members enjoy a festive holiday luncheon at Walden Country Club. During the luncheon, a 50/50 raffle is held, with all proceeds benefiting the club’s ongoing community projects and programs.
Special Note: Reservations will be taken at the November membership meeting. Guests are welcome.
Hostesses: Patty More (Lead), Sally Moore, Pat Stevenson, Angela DeLuca, and Carol Morris
Board Meeting: Tuesday, December 29, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Led by Committee Chair Tracy Backus, members gather to decorate the Village Green with fresh evergreen wreaths accented by festive bows. Members also deliver wreaths to the Crofton Community Library, local schools, and Town Hall, helping spread holiday cheer throughout the community.
Following this annual civic project, members enjoy a festive holiday luncheon at Walden Country Club. During the luncheon, a 50/50 raffle is held, with all proceeds benefiting the club’s ongoing community projects and programs.
Special Note: Reservations will be taken at the November membership meeting. Guests are welcome.
Hostesses: Patty More (Lead), Sally Moore, Pat Stevenson, Angela DeLuca, and Carol Morris
Board Meeting: Tuesday, December 29, 2026, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
January 6, 2027
Chasing Passion Through Sculpture
Design
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Award-winning sculptor Richard Starr invites us into his creative world, where raw materials become works of art that engage both the eye and the imagination. His sculpture Slim received First Prize at the Maryland Federation of Art Spring Members Show and was exhibited at the Circle Gallery in Annapolis. Blending technical expertise with artistic vision, Richard creates sculptures that invite viewers to explore form, texture, and space. Learn about his creative process, inspiration, and the stories behind his remarkable work as he demonstrates how passion can transform raw materials into art.
Horticulture Topic: Stalk of the Town (Rhubarb)
Design Exhibit: Tea Party in a Cup – Traditional or Creative Design presented in a tea cup and saucer, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Nancy Percivall (Lead), Beverly Frye, Yuki Adams, and Cindy Hansen
Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 27, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Award-winning sculptor Richard Starr invites us into his creative world, where raw materials become works of art that engage both the eye and the imagination. His sculpture Slim received First Prize at the Maryland Federation of Art Spring Members Show and was exhibited at the Circle Gallery in Annapolis. Blending technical expertise with artistic vision, Richard creates sculptures that invite viewers to explore form, texture, and space. Learn about his creative process, inspiration, and the stories behind his remarkable work as he demonstrates how passion can transform raw materials into art.
Horticulture Topic: Stalk of the Town (Rhubarb)
Design Exhibit: Tea Party in a Cup – Traditional or Creative Design presented in a tea cup and saucer, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Nancy Percivall (Lead), Beverly Frye, Yuki Adams, and Cindy Hansen
Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 27, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
February 3, 2027
Small Gardens for Indoor Spaces
A Terrarium Workshop
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Crofton Village Garden Club member Jessica Kruse will lead us in a hands-on Terrarium Workshop where creativity and gardening come together. Members will bring their own glass vessel and learn the fundamentals of designing a thriving miniature indoor garden, including proper layering, plant selection, and care. No experience is needed—just bring your imagination and enjoy creating a beautiful terrarium to take home as your own living work of art.
Horticulture Topic: Forsythia: The Golden Girl of Spring
Design Exhibit: LOVE – Traditional or Creative Design featuring a favorite love-related quote, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Rosa Johnson (Lead), Rena Pogue, Angie Robb, and Nancy Durose
Board Meeting: Wednesday, February 24, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Crofton Village Garden Club member Jessica Kruse will lead us in a hands-on Terrarium Workshop where creativity and gardening come together. Members will bring their own glass vessel and learn the fundamentals of designing a thriving miniature indoor garden, including proper layering, plant selection, and care. No experience is needed—just bring your imagination and enjoy creating a beautiful terrarium to take home as your own living work of art.
Horticulture Topic: Forsythia: The Golden Girl of Spring
Design Exhibit: LOVE – Traditional or Creative Design featuring a favorite love-related quote, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Rosa Johnson (Lead), Rena Pogue, Angie Robb, and Nancy Durose
Board Meeting: Wednesday, February 24, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
March 3, 2027
A New Season in Bloom
Installation Breakfast
Location and Time: Crofton Country Club, 1691 Crofton Parkway, Crofton. Breakfast at 9:30 AM followed by business meeting and installation of new officers.
Program: We are delighted to welcome our members as we gather for this special Installation Breakfast to celebrate the leadership and service of our outgoing officers and officially install our newly elected officers for the 2027–2029 term. Like a garden entering a new season of growth, this occasion marks a time of transition, renewal, and continued commitment to our Garden Club's mission.
Following breakfast, we will conduct our business meeting and installation ceremony, recognizing those who have served our club and welcoming the new officers who will help guide our continued growth and success.
We are honored to welcome our guest speaker, Anna O’Kelly, who will provide a brief overview of the purpose and structure of federated garden clubs. She will also share ways members can stay involved in the federation and continue supporting the work and mission of our Garden Club through their participation and service.
Special Note: Reservations will be taken at our February meeting. Guests are welcome.
Hostesses: Lauren Toomey (Lead), Paulette Heward, Carol Schoenfeld, and Lois Nichols
Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 31, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: We are delighted to welcome our members as we gather for this special Installation Breakfast to celebrate the leadership and service of our outgoing officers and officially install our newly elected officers for the 2027–2029 term. Like a garden entering a new season of growth, this occasion marks a time of transition, renewal, and continued commitment to our Garden Club's mission.
Following breakfast, we will conduct our business meeting and installation ceremony, recognizing those who have served our club and welcoming the new officers who will help guide our continued growth and success.
We are honored to welcome our guest speaker, Anna O’Kelly, who will provide a brief overview of the purpose and structure of federated garden clubs. She will also share ways members can stay involved in the federation and continue supporting the work and mission of our Garden Club through their participation and service.
Special Note: Reservations will be taken at our February meeting. Guests are welcome.
Hostesses: Lauren Toomey (Lead), Paulette Heward, Carol Schoenfeld, and Lois Nichols
Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 31, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
April 7, 2027
Pot-et-Fleur: Is It a Bouquet or a Potted Plant?
Design
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Imagine a table graced with fresh-cut flowers rising gracefully from a bed of moss, their blooms mingling with seasonal foliage and living plants. Neither a bouquet nor a potted plant, Pot-et-Fleur is a living floral composition that combines the enduring beauty of plants with the fleeting elegance of fresh flowers. Originating in 17th-century France and flourishing during the Victorian era, this timeless design style creates arrangements that are both fresh and long-lasting.
Speaker Lauren Bankert will explore the history, design principles, and enduring appeal of Pot-et-Fleur. Members will discover how fresh blooms, seasonal foliage, moss, and living plants are artfully combined to create compositions that bring both lasting beauty and the freshness of the garden indoors. This timeless design style transforms a container into a living work of art.
Horticulture Topic: The Beauty of Alliums
Design Exhibit: Favorite Unusual Vase – Traditional or Creative Design, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Heather Marken (Lead), Karen Frost, Carol Buhr, and C.J. Salisbury
Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 28, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Imagine a table graced with fresh-cut flowers rising gracefully from a bed of moss, their blooms mingling with seasonal foliage and living plants. Neither a bouquet nor a potted plant, Pot-et-Fleur is a living floral composition that combines the enduring beauty of plants with the fleeting elegance of fresh flowers. Originating in 17th-century France and flourishing during the Victorian era, this timeless design style creates arrangements that are both fresh and long-lasting.
Speaker Lauren Bankert will explore the history, design principles, and enduring appeal of Pot-et-Fleur. Members will discover how fresh blooms, seasonal foliage, moss, and living plants are artfully combined to create compositions that bring both lasting beauty and the freshness of the garden indoors. This timeless design style transforms a container into a living work of art.
Horticulture Topic: The Beauty of Alliums
Design Exhibit: Favorite Unusual Vase – Traditional or Creative Design, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Heather Marken (Lead), Karen Frost, Carol Buhr, and C.J. Salisbury
Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 28, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
May 5, 2027
Supporting Bluebirds in Our Landscapes
Conservation
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Bluebirds are among North America’s most cherished songbirds, admired for their vivid blue plumage, gentle melodic calls, and important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Speaker Jim Collatz, member of the Friends of Quiet Waters Park Environmental Committee, will share insights into the habits and lives of these remarkable birds, exploring the three main species of bluebirds, their behaviors, feeding habits, and migration patterns.
Members will learn about the conservation challenges bluebirds face, including habitat loss and competition for nesting sites, along with practical steps that can be taken to support their survival. Understanding the life of the bluebird provides a deeper appreciation for these treasured songbirds and offers a window into the broader health of our natural environment.
Horticulture Topic: Fascinating Facts About Bamboo
Design Exhibit: Miniature Design – Traditional or Creative Design, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Angela Wetzel (Lead), Rosanne Harner, Paula Moratto, and Peggy Smail
Board Meeting: Wednesday, May 26, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Bluebirds are among North America’s most cherished songbirds, admired for their vivid blue plumage, gentle melodic calls, and important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Speaker Jim Collatz, member of the Friends of Quiet Waters Park Environmental Committee, will share insights into the habits and lives of these remarkable birds, exploring the three main species of bluebirds, their behaviors, feeding habits, and migration patterns.
Members will learn about the conservation challenges bluebirds face, including habitat loss and competition for nesting sites, along with practical steps that can be taken to support their survival. Understanding the life of the bluebird provides a deeper appreciation for these treasured songbirds and offers a window into the broader health of our natural environment.
Horticulture Topic: Fascinating Facts About Bamboo
Design Exhibit: Miniature Design – Traditional or Creative Design, with designer having freedom of choice, staged on a black draped table in a space measuring 18" wide by 30" deep.
Hostesses: Angela Wetzel (Lead), Rosanne Harner, Paula Moratto, and Peggy Smail
Board Meeting: Wednesday, May 26, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
June 2, 2027
Growing Knowledge: A Visit to Tidal Creek Growers
Horticulture and Conservation/Environmental Education
Location and Time: Fellowship Hall, 1651 Ardsley Place, Crofton. Social at 9:00 AM followed by business meeting at 9:30 AM.
Program: Following the business meeting, members are invited to carpool to Tidal Creek Growers, located at 1238 Governor Bridge Road in Davidsonville, for an educational tour of their working greenhouse. This opportunity to grow our knowledge will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the processes and practices that support successful plant production.
A representative from Homestead Gardens will guide us through the greenhouse and share insights into plant propagation, sustainable growing practices, climate control, and the daily operations required to maintain a thriving growing environment. This informative visit will allow members to see greenery in action while gaining a greater appreciation for the expertise, care, and innovation involved in bringing plants from propagation to our gardens and communities.
Hostesses: Sandy Robertson (Lead), Kathy Puhak, Doris Smith, and Diane Stovel
Board Meeting: Wednesday, August 25, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Program: Following the business meeting, members are invited to carpool to Tidal Creek Growers, located at 1238 Governor Bridge Road in Davidsonville, for an educational tour of their working greenhouse. This opportunity to grow our knowledge will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the processes and practices that support successful plant production.
A representative from Homestead Gardens will guide us through the greenhouse and share insights into plant propagation, sustainable growing practices, climate control, and the daily operations required to maintain a thriving growing environment. This informative visit will allow members to see greenery in action while gaining a greater appreciation for the expertise, care, and innovation involved in bringing plants from propagation to our gardens and communities.
Hostesses: Sandy Robertson (Lead), Kathy Puhak, Doris Smith, and Diane Stovel
Board Meeting: Wednesday, August 25, 2027, Crofton Community Library, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
