HANDBOOK AND BYLAWS
FORESIDE GARDEN CLUB
Falmouth | Maine 04105
2025/26 Handbook
Website: foresidegardenclub.org
Started 1951,affiliated 1953
Member Affiliations
National Garden Clubs, Inc.
New England Garden Clubs, Inc.
Garden Club Federation of Maine
Stroudwater District
Table of Contents
Conservation Pledge ……………….………………………………………..............................……...................2
Membership Benefits ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
National, Regional & District Garden Club Information ………………............................................2
Responsibilities of Officers ……………………………………………………………………………….…………..3
Membership and Meetings ……………………………………………………………………….…………………...4
Community Service……………………………………………………………………………………….………………4
Bylaws ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….5
Emeritus Status………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Committees………… ………………………………………………………………………………………..……………….8
Programs …………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….10
Conservation Pledge
I pledge to protect and conserve the natural resources of Planet Earth and promise to promote
education so we may be caretakers of our air, water, forest, land and wildlife.
Adopted May 19, 1994
NGC Board of Directors
Stamford, Connecticut
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
• Identifies you with members of the largest gardening organization in the world.
• Gives you automatic membership in the State, Regional and National Council of State Garden Clubs. Inc, headquarters for club programs, illustrated lectures (slides and videos), and informational materials.
• Offers you educational opportunities in the schools sponsored by the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. Including Gardening Study, Landscape Design, Flower Show and Environmental Studies
• Provides access to resources from the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. headquarters
• Receive electronic newsletters from Stroudwater and Garden Club Federation of Maine
• Allows exchange of ideas through meetings, conferences, electrons correspondence.
• Creates association with others of similar interests.
• Furnishes collective ways of working with others for beautification of your community.
• Affords the opportunity to compete for awards and grants.
• Donates to stimulate student interest in gardening.
• Provides an insurance policy for meetings and special events.
NATIONAL, REGIONAL & DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB INFORMATION
The National Council of State Garden Clubs is the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world, with over 5,000 Clubs and approximately 200,000 members in 50 States and the District of Columbia. It was founded in 1929 and is headquartered on the grounds adjacent to Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri. It publishes the National Gardener (available by subscription), a yearly engagement calendar, and many publications as a service to its members. This organization offers Life Memberships and annually sponsors National Garden Week (week beginning the first Sunday in June).
National Garden Clubs, Inc.
gardenclub.org
New England Garden Clubs, Inc.
newenglandgc.org
Garden Club Federation of Maine, Inc.
mainegardensclubs.org
Stroudwater District
stroudwaterdistrict@mainegardenclubs.org
RESPONSIBILITIES OF GARDEN CLUB OFFICERS
President
• Create agendas and preside at all meetings
• Approve Expenditures
• Appoint Committee Chairpersons
• Oversee the work of committees
• Prepare and present annual report at the April Meeting
Attend Stroudwater District Meetings
Vice President
• Assist the President
• Preside at meetings when the President is unavailable
• Fill the unexpired term of the President if needed
• Serve as an Ex-Officio member of the Program Committee
Secretary
• Record Meeting minutes and present them at the following month’s meeting
• Correspondence, eg including assisting the Program Committee in the acknowledgement of speakers and/or tour hosts
Treasurer
• Collect, record, and deposit all income including membership dues each year
• Pay bills in a timely manner
• Provide updates at each monthly meeting
*Leadership Team*
In Lieu of a President and Vice President, the Leadership Team will lead the club and perform similar duties for the coming two years.
• (Primary Contact for GCFM)
Membership and Meetings
Membership Requirements:
• Dues are collected in March of each year
• Provide change of address, telephone and or email address (inform the President and the Handbook Editor)
Attendance at Meetings and Participation in Projects:
• Volunteer to provide refreshments
• Attend monthly meetings
• Volunteer for committees
• Ensure the meeting room is cleared, cleaned and returned to normal layout at the end of the meeting
• Participate in projects including the Annual Plant Sale, assist with garden clean up in the spring and fall such as rake, prune, mulch, plant, and water.
Community Service
• The Club maintains gardens for:
o Falmouth Memorial Library
o Anne Lamb Memorial garden located at the Mason-Motz Community Center
o Butterfly Garden and Trees in the Cumberland Town Forest
o Donates to worthy charitable organizations:
• Created holiday wreaths for the Mason-Motz center and Falmouth Memorial Library
• A worthy charity is chosen every year by the members to be the recipient of a collection taken at the holiday Party. In 2024, our donation went to the School Garden Network.
BYLAWS
FORESIDE GARDEN CLUB
Revised: April 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019
Reviewed April 2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
April 2024
BYLAWS
Reviewed and Revised 2025
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be THE FORESIDE GARDEN CLUB.
ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Foreside Garden Club are:
1. To promote ever increasing knowledge of gardening in all its forms.
2. To stimulate an active interest in conservation of our environment and natural resources.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
1. Any person interested in the objectives of this club may become a member upon payment of dues.
2. New members will be honored at the annual meeting.
ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS
1. The officers of the Foreside Garden Club shall consist of a Leadership team as agreed by members.
2. Officers shall be elected and installed at the Annual Meeting every two years.
ARTICLE V: DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
1. Officers shall attend all scheduled meetings as able
2. The President / Co presidents, or member of the Leadership Team shall preside at regular meetings and at meetings of the Executive Board; shall approve all expenditures; appoint committee chairs (except the Nominating committee) by June 1; and shall perform all other duties inherent to the office. The President serves as a member ex-officio of all committees.
3. President/Vice president, Co Presidents or Leadership Team shall assist each other in their duties and shall assume all the duties in an absence.
4. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings and handle correspondence. In the absence of a Secretary, the meeting chair shall appoint someone to assist in keeping minutes.
5. The Treasurer shall collect, record and deposit to the club’s account all monies received, pay all bills as approved by the President and the cognizant committee, and shall keep a current list of paid members.
6. Retiring officers shall deliver to their successors all records properly completed and in good order.
7. The President and the Treasurer shall submit written reports at the annual meeting to be placed on file.
ARTICLE VI: ELECTION OF OFFICERS
1. A Nominating Committee of one to three, as members agree, shall be elected by the Executive Board at the November board meeting in the even numbered year. The Committee shall choose a Chair. The slate of nominations shall be submitted at the regular March meeting.
2. The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting in April and shall hold office for two years.
3. Any officer may serve more than one term.
ARTICLE VII: EXECUTIVE BOARD
1. The Executive Board shall consist of duly elected officers.
2. Any activity involving expenditures not included in the budget shall be
approved by the Executive Board prior to the activity.
3. The minutes of the Executive board shall be read at the next regular meeting.
ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS
1. Meetings shall be normally held the 3rd Tues of each month.
2. Special meetings may be called by the President and the members are to be notified at least three days in advance.
3. The annual meeting will be held in April.
a. In the odd numbered year there will be an election and installation of officers.
b. Committee Chair reports shall be received at the odd numbered year annual meetings.
4. A majority of current members shall constitute a quorum at any duly authorized meeting.
ARTICLE IX: STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President by May 1.
2. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Treasurer, President and others may be named by the president. The budget shall be presented for approval at the March meeting.
ARTICLE X: DUES
1. The dues shall be payable at the Annual Meeting as directed by the Budget Committee.
2. Any member who does not have their dues paid by July 1 will be notified. All efforts will be made to resolve the matter.
3. Dues received from those who join in March and April will be credited for the following year.
4. Resignation from the Foreside Garden Club should be submitted in writing to a member of the Leadership Team.
ARTICLE XI: BYLAWS
1. These bylaws will be amended and distributed to the members prior to the annual meeting. .Members will vote on the revised bylaws by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE XII: RULES OF ORDER
1. All meetings shall be conducted by rules of parliamentary procedure; the current Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revise being the authority.
ARTICLE XIII: DISSOLUTION
1. In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of the organization shall, after payment of necessary expenses, be distributed to such organization as shall qualify under Section 501 c 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal Tax law or to the Federal Government, a state or Local Government for public purpose, subject to the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of Maine.
ARTICLE XIV: NONDISCRIMINATION
1. The Foreside Garden Club shall not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, gender, and national origin or employment status.
STANDING RULES
THE FORESIDE GARDEN CLUB
1. Bylaws: The bylaws shall be distributed yearly to all members and voted upon at the Annual meeting.
GUIDELINES FOR EMERITUS STATUS
DEFINITION:
EMERITUS : A way for the garden club to recognize and honor the contributions of an individual who has played a significant role in the club. It allows the individual to continue to be involved in the garden club and to share experience and knowledge with others.
CRITERIA:
Member in good standing.
An active club member for a minimum of ten years.
Has made a significant impact on the growth and development of the club.
Served as an officer, committee chair, or actively worked on club projects to enhance our plant and climate culture.
5.Exhibits leadership skills, knowledge, and communicates the mission and goals of Foreside
Garden Club
PROCESS:
1.The candidate’s name shall be submitted to the club President.
2. The Executive Committee will vote on the candidate.
3. Club membership will vote on the candidate.
The candidate will be honored and awarded a certificate of Emeritus Status at the Annual meeting.
Role of Emeritus Members:
1. They no longer pay yearly dues.
2. They no longer hold offices.
3. They maintain voting privileges.
4. They are not counted in establishing a quorum.
Emeritus members receive notification of meetings, related e-mails and communications about events and club information.
Committees
Program Committee (includes Publicity Programs/Events):
The Program committee shall meet upon notification from the Chairperson to schedule speakers and arrange tours for a 6 month period. Programs can be scheduled 1 year at a time from July to June. The Chairperson shall schedule meeting space at the Falmouth Recreation Center on Lunt Road or arrange a Zoom meeting Meeting space is reserved for a period of 6 months at a time. The name, telephone number, e-mail address, subject to be presented, and fee shall be documented. The fee must be reviewed and approved by the Garden Club President.
After securing speaker(s)/program, the assigned member of the Program Committee is to contact the speaker 4 weeks in advance of the meeting and again at 1 week to verify date, time and place, confirm attendance, and ask if the speaker has any special needs for the meeting such as a projector, lap top, stand, table, covers, etc. The Program Committee member is to acquire background information from the speaker to be used for publicity and for their introduction at the meeting. The program Committee is responsible for contacting the Secretary sending out a thank you note to speakers.
Budget/Finance Committee:
The Budget/Finance Committee shall consist of the President and Treasurer and any other members who wish to serve and shall ensure proper handling of funds.
Audit Committee
Conduct audit of FGC books annually in the spring. Vote to accept at Annual Meeting.
Nominating Committee:
The Nominating Committee is responsible, in odd numbered years, for identifying members to fill officer positions in March for election at the April Annual Meeting. (Changes at each election year. Meets next in 2025 to establish slate of officers for 2026-2027)
Scholarship Committee: Mak recommendations fr the distribution ofFGC designed charitable donations or scholarship.
Membership Committee:
This is a new committee with the goal of formalizing the process for new members to join, develop packet for new members and establish “mentorship” for new members.
Other Tasks:
•
• Horticulture/Wildlife
• Sunshine
• Historian/Photographer
• Hospitality (may be combined with Membership Committee)
• Publicity for Programs
• FGC Handbook and Bylaws
Web Page Coordinator
Annual Plant Sale, Bake Sale and Raffle:
The Plant Sale Committee is responsible for ensuring all duties required for a successful plant sale are assigned. The duties include digging, transporting, tagging, pricing, set up, and/or selling. Additional responsibilities include signs, acquiring tables, a cash box, nametags, Reference books, and cleanup.
The Bake Sale Committee shall solicit member participation to provide baked goods and assist in selling the day of the sale. Additional responsibilities include signs, acquiring tables, a cash box, nametags, pricing of items, and clean up.
• Chair
• Bake Sale
• Garden Shed
• Raffle
• Perennials
• Floral Arrangements
• Cashiers
Programs
January – May 2025
Business meeting to follow each presentation
Date: January 18, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Zoom meeting
JAPANESE Gardens -Selection of videos
February 18, 2025 6:30-8:30PM
Therapeutic Elements for the Home Gardener
Registered Horticultural Therapist Colleen Griffin will present a program on how to stimulate all five senses when choosing plant materials and explain the structural elements of therapeutic design.
March 18, 2025 6:30-8:30PM
Delightful Dahlias
Judy Stallworth and Suzanne Bushnell, avid dahlia growers, will share their passion for growing dahlias on the coast of Maine. Their power point presentation will cover everything from how dahlias are classified (by color, size and type), how to give them an early start, tips on growing them, harvesting them, dividing them and storing dahlias.
April 15, 2025
FGC Annual Meeting and Dinner (Members Only)
The Annual Dinner will be an opportunity to review activities of the past year and to enjoy an evening of conversation, good food and to recognize the hard work of members.
May 17, 2025
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
LOCATION: Mason-Motz
“FORESIDE GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE & RAFFLE”
The sale will include locally grown herbs, annuals, perennials, and Mother’s Day florals. The raffle includes some wonderful items such gift certificates, handmade items and donations from local businesses. The Bake Sale includes lots of homemade goods and the Tool Shed will be full of gently used garden items, gardening books, pots and more.
