COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS Voluntee® ±ews 2010

Dear Gardens Volunteers,

This has been a summer to remember. Next year, I will be developing a new aspect of the Vol- With the opening of the Bibby and unteer Program: recruiting volunteers who run the day-to- Harold Alfond Children’s Garden and day operations of select programs. I began a pilot project the cumulative effect of everyone who this year in the Courtesy Shuttle Program, hitting the jack- has ever been involved with the Gar- pot when Alison Lowell agreed to oversee that program. I dens getting the word out, our visitor- recruited, trained, and scheduled the shuttle drivers; Alison ship skyrocketed in July and August, kept them on track with reminder phone calls. It worked and as I write this in September, it looks like a charm to have volunteers directing volunteers. Next like it will in September, too. Thank goodness for volun- year, I will be expanding the concept and adding Volunteer teers! Your passion for this place gave you the flexibility Trainers to the overseeing team. While I will never be a Eand the work ethic to make programs and events happen hands-off volunteer coordinator, I definitely want to bring in while we tweaked nearly everything to accommodate the the strengths and talents of those volunteers who are perfect 80,000 visitors. You were patient (especially those shuttle for a leadership role in the Coastal Maine Botanical Gar- drivers!) and professional and caring. This is the year I, as dens Volunteering Program. It’s great for volunteers, great Volunteer Coordinator, heard over and over again from for my time-management, and, most importantly, great for visitors how much they loved “my” volunteers, how much the Gardens to have yet one more aspect of volunteer energy “my” volunteers helped them, how much “my” volunteers making the Gardens even more efficient and exciting. were critical to the enjoyment of their day. It was so great to Finally, I want to invite back all the veteran volunteers hear, because I have known it all along and was just waiting whose lives, for whatever reason, prevented them from vol- for the accolades to pour in from our visitors. They poured unteering in 2010—because 2011 is right around the corner! this year! Please call or e-mail me! Every facet of the Gardens grew this year—number of Thank you to all who made 2010 a wonderful year for admissions, number of volunteers, number of programs, volunteering at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. and number of volunteer hours, to name a few. More than 100 new volunteers joined the Gardens Volunteer Pro- Thank you Gardens Volunteers! gram. At the time of this writing, volunteers are on target to Your Volunteer Coordinator fulfill nearly 10,000 hours of volunteering. New programs, new gardens, new events—they all happened with you and because of you. Quite an accomplishment!

2010 Volunteer Appreciation Event n August 18, the Gardens Staff gathered to say “thank you” to volun- teers. The wine and cheeses from TREATS were nice, but seeing all the volunteers gathered together was even nicer. It’s a small sort of thank you we offer, but the Gardens tries hard to thank you every day Oand every hour, because you are so critical to the running of this place. I’d like to offer you all wine and cheese at the end of EVERY day here at the Gardens! This year, we thanked the many talented volunteer chairs and co-chairs of events and committees: Mollie Moore (Gardens Teas and monthly Mailing Pro- MaineGardens.org gram); BJ Dobson (Native Plant Sale); Stephanie Bacon (Plant Sale at the Ernie CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 • FALL 2009 SPECIAL EVENTS or my fourth Volunteer News of served hot cider and grilled hotdogs. their wares. Music (by our own Mary my fifth year being the Volun- Carole LaFountaine helped pass out the Chase!), decorations, and a festive atmo- teer Coordinator here at Coastal prizes—those turkeys are heavy! Carole sphere all added to the fun. There were Maine Botanical Gardens, I will, McCarthy, Jane Lunt, and Anne Butler complimentary beverages and desserts, Fonce again, begin the year with those decorated cookies with the children. which Jane Lunt, Dick Chase, Cathy 2009 events that missed the publication Thanks for joining in the fun! We hope Miller, and Sarah Strouss tended to. date of last year’s newsletter. to see you again on November 20 for this Philippa Morton, BJ Dobson, and Anne For our first annual Fall Bulb Sale, in year’s Frozen Turkey Hunt. Butler tended the gift shop. October 2009, we recruited many volun- A week or so later, Mollie Moore AND about a week after THAT teers to break down the orders, pack the directed the Winter Wonderlands Holi- (Phew!), volunteers took care of the pre-orders, and be on hand for the live day Tea. Mollie makes the scones, picks S’Mores and More Holiday Bonfire. Bill orders. Dick and Mary Chase, Shelly up the salmon, and reviews procedure Cooney tended the fires where families Hanson, Stephanie Bacon, Anne Marie every time teatime comes ’round at the roasted their marshmallows and s’mores. Kurzius, Leigh Sherrill, Carole LaFoun- Gardens. Dianne Ward was the Over- Tom Hilton and BJ Dobson provided taine, Jane Lunt, Sarah Strouss, and seer for the Plate Presentation of the their night-time docent tours. Carole Doug Zyskowski all chipped in. In fact, tea sandwiches and other goodies on McCarthy and BJ were in the gift shop they were so efficient, they ran out of jobs each plate that Cathy Miller, Pat Jer- (BJ, how can you do two things at once?) to do for their allotted time commitments emiah, and Bonnie Ginger prepared. And Jane Lunt helped make s’mores and had to go home early! Thank you for BJ Dobson and Judy McAllister helped while Mary Chase played Christmas such a great job! me brew the tea that Wanda Hendrick- tunes on the piano. Then, at the November 21 Frozen son, Shelly Hanson, Carole McCarthy, Finally, on December 20, the Volun- Turkey Hunt, we had hundreds of chil- Sarah Strouss, and Pat Jeremiah served teer Caterers took over in the Home for dren hunting for the special apples signi- to each guest. Philippa Morton made the the Holidays Brunch. Carole LaFoun- fying that they’d won a free frozen turkey, sweets—a batch of her famous “lemon taine, Jane Lunt, Sarah Strouss, Sue all donated by Hannaford in Boothbay. things.” Teatime is fun! Sefcik, and Claire Hunt cooked up the Other apples came with prizes, too, so And a week after the tea, volunteers delicious brunch goodies, and Carole every child was able to take something made Christmas Market at the Gardens McCarthy came in to help replenish the home for the Thanksgiving table.Leigh happen. This new event offered visitors a impressive buffet. Sherrill and Jane Lunt helped hide chance to purchase gifts that are top qual- To all those volunteers pitching in apples. Shelly Hanson, Wanda and Andy ity and not mass-produced. In addition throughout the Fall of 2009, a huge thank Hendrickson, and Dick and Mary Chase to the Gift Shop, select vendors marketed you! •

other volunteers, but also to all the staff volunteer appreciation event here at the Gardens. Your enthusiasm • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and hard work rub off on us and, in turn, Egan Rhododendron Festival); Marissa Home at the Gardens, Overseer); Jean make the Gardens an even more special Carmolli (Garden Fair: Vendors); Suzy Hamilton (Down Home at the Gar- place than it ever could be without you. Mace and Beth Lewis (Garden Fair: dens: Food/Entertainment/Decorations); Thank you to:Carole McCarthy, Plant Exchange); Joni Sherman, Nancy Larry Townley (Down Home at the Gar- BJ Dobson, Anne Butler, Pat Jeremiah, Tindal, Susan Miller (Garden Fair: Con- dens, Auction). Mary Chase, Jane Lunt, Pam Rawden, tainer Gardens); Sarah Strouss (Garden As each event matures, chairing and Polly Gibson, Nick Caristo, Anne Var- Fair: Overseer); Rebecca and Thad co-chairing are easier and easier, which tabedian, Nancy Whitehouse, Lee Hutcheson (Plein Air Painting); Martha equals more and more fun. Please con- Gevaudan, Pat Neely, Mollie Moore, Pat Heald (Bibby and Harold Alfond Chil- sider either chairing or co-chairing or Kiley, and Philippa Morton. Honorable dren’s Garden Grand Opening); Jane being the right hand to a chair next year. Mentions went to Mike Connelly, Alison Lunt (Bibby and Harold Alfond Chil- We also thanked 16 volunteers who Lowell, and Bob Gilbert for their work in dren’s Garden Grand Opening Parade); have each volunteered hundreds of hours the Shuttle Program and Maggie Newton Rebecca Welsh (Antiques in the Gardens since the beginning of 2010 (and in one who baked and frosted 500 cupcakes for Preview Gala); Carole McCarthy (Co- case more than 1,000 hours!). The list of the Children’s Garden Grand Opening Chair of Maine Fairy House Festival); participation by event for each of these all by herself! Look for the names of each Peggy Pennabere (Maine Fairy House volunteers would take up this entire of these special people throughout this Festival: Arts & Crafts); Pat Jeremiah newsletter (I am not exaggerating!), so I newsletter. You’ll feel as if you know them (Maine Fairy House Festival: Arts & am simply going to list these special indi- by the last page. All at the Gardens are Crafts and Down Home at the Gardens: viduals here; but before I do, I want to say certainly glad we know them! Food/Table Tidiers); Claire Hunt (Down that you are an inspiration not only to To all volunteers: Thank you! •

2 Voluntee® ±ews 2010 polo shirt will answer all your questions Ambassador Program about the map and the Gardens.” With the success and need for this his year with the expected rise worked! Not only that, visitors loved program, next year I will be recruiting in visitorship for the Bibby the Volunteer Ambassadors, and the heavily to fill each shift every day and Harold Alfond Children’s Ambassadors loved to talk to visitors (10:00-1:00 and 1:00-3:30ish). Thanks Garden and all the other about the Gardens. go to Penny Pollard, Penny Matthews, Tunbelievable aspects of the Gardens, The new program workedPolly Gibson, Pat Jeremiah, (Read on, we needed to ensure that the front desk wonderfully for those trained docents because one’s name doesn’t have to begin area did not back up with uncomfortably who wanted more contact with the public with a “P” to be an Ambassador!), Ron long lines during peak times in the busy and wanted to talk about their favorite Ross, Ozzie Cheek, Mary Anne Blycher, season. This new Gardens volunteer topic (the Gardens!) while volunteering. Wendy Thompson, Jan Brennan, Judy program placed a volunteer out in Kerr But volunteers didn’t have to be trained Linker, Leigh Sherrill, BJ Dobson, Hall or out on the West Terrace Porch to docents to enjoy Ambassador-ing. Ask Sharon Rahn, Connie Rose, Nancy explain the map and answer questions Penny Pollard, who always seemed to Whitehouse, Estelle Greenberg, Hoyt that the front desk usually handled, wear a purple or pink polo shirt—what Walbridge, Stephanie Bacon, Sandy thus relieving the admissions lines. It fun to say, “Penny Pollard in the pink Gillespie, and Cathy Miller. •

this is a great time to be busy in a place Gardens Gift that needs you as volunteers. Next year, weekend volunteers will be a focus of Shop Volunteers mine. I would like to thank those weekend volunteers first, noting that many of them his year, the Gardens Gift Shop volunteered on these hard-to-recruit days was completely tended by vol- in addition to their weekday volunteer- unteers, who logged nearly ing: Philippa Morton, Janet Goff, Ginny 1,600 hours. In 2009, volun- Burke, Ellen Knox, Anne Butler, Anne Tteers became proficient on the computer; Krebsbach, Jean Hamilton, and Carole in 2010, they raised the bar for them- McCarthy. selves and became familiar with the prod- Rounding out the weekdays were ucts and inventory, another important those above, plus: BJ Dobson, Pam Riml, step in running the shop. And boy, were Jane Lunt, Liz Dodson, Maggie Newton, they busy! Scheduling two volunteers for Connie Towne, Joy Collins, Polly each shift was not overkill at all, as 1,000 Gibson, Jane Norton, Jo Haney, Barbara visitors on any given weekday kept them Bush, and Claudia Volano. Also, Mary very, VERY busy. and Dick Chase trained to be Gift Shop Weekends, including Friday, were Volunteers in the early spring to fill those and remain a hard time to find volunteers hard-to-fill spots in April and May. That willing and able to come in. It is summer, was very helpful! after all, and summer is for families. Yet, Thank you! •

Volunteer Membership Table he discovery of the incredible at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens were talent of volunteers who loved pointed out. All information that a vol- to promote the Gardens by sell- unteer will need—levels of membership, ing memberships evolved into benefits, etc.—were listed in easy-to-use Ta Gardens Volunteer Program this year. cheat-sheets. Basically, volunteers just There’s a bit of salesperson knack needed, had to smile and a membership was sold! but many visitors gladly leap at the oppor- Mary Chase, Ruth Story, Polly tunity to become a member with only Gibson, and Ginger Carr were a great a polite ask, while others leap when the team and got the program off to its 2010 many, many benefits of being a member start. Thank you! •

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS www.MaineGardens.org 3 Courtesy Shuttle Program: Gardens Docent Program: 28 Volunteers Answer the Call Many Jobs Well Done his year, to better serve our visitors, we added a third his year, the talents of our trained docents were in shift (3:00-5:00 p.m.) to the Courtesy Shuttle Pro- demand. The Accessible Cart Tours were expanded gram. That meant I needed 28 new shuttle drivers if to seven days every week (up from three days per every driver drove every other week. 28! That’s a lot of week last year), so that meant 14 driver/docents Trecruiting for just one part of just one volunteer program, but I Tneeded to step up to the plate, and they did! The docents raised only had to worry about it all for barely a week! Twenty-six new their hands for the Free Guided Walks, which were given an drivers raised their hands—many who were new Gardens Vol- elevated position of importance as our visitors became more unteers and others who had volunteered before but who wanted familiar with the Gardens and used this wonderful, free service a change of pace—Joan Spurgat, David Nordhoff, Peggy offered twice a day on Thursdays and Saturdays. Our Group Drake, Paul Napolitan, Barbie Eldred, Andrew Matthews, Tours increased. The Ambassador Program asked docents Harry Boyce, Maureen Kinsey, Chet Killam, Pat Schubert, to chip in to fill holes there. The Children’s Garden needed Joyce Barry, Dave and Diana Shhok, Mike Connelly, Estella docents. Everyone needed docents, and the docents responded Greenberg, Alison Lowell, Hardy Banfield, Bruce Beaudette, by being there! Carolyn Orne, Steve Jenks, Mike Connelly, David Butter- Twenty-three docents were trained in two “New Docent worth, Judith Robertson, Dick Snyder, Bob Gilbert, and Liz Training Workshops” in May and June: Anne Hughes, John Stebbins. May and April were full of non-stop shuttle-training Lunt, Jim Fawcett, Dick Vogels, Jane Smith, Leigh Sherrill, sessions for these volunteers to join veterans John Lunt, Sandy Penny Matthews, Jan Brennan, Connie Rose, Laurel Cooley, Gillespie, Lee Gevaundan, Don Rose, Mike Moss, Harold Van Jean Rosenberg, Joanne O’Connor, Steve Jenks, Muffie Fer- Siclen, Peter and Joan Daniels, Sue Sefcik, Jib and Joy Fowles, nald, Mariellen Whelan, Sandy Gillespie, Pam Nolan, Claire Joanna O’Connor, and Dan Strawser. Tomlin, Linda Anderson, Rebecca Launer, Frances Lord, Alison Lowell took on the added responsibility of over- Elizabeth Dodson, and Sharon Rahn, seeing the program, dutifully making reminder calls through- Thirty-five Veteran Docents came back and were also crit- out the week. I can’t thank her enough for her work. It was a ical in giving visitors the guidance and information that makes huge success, making the program run smoothly and giving a day at the Gardens just perfect. Thanks go to Veteran Docents me more time to complete unfinished work in other volunteer Larry Wilson, Diantha Robinson, Cathy Miller Hoyt Wal- programs. Also, as mentioned in the Volunteer Appreciation bridge, Dick Chase, Eldie Johnston, Tom Hilton, BJ Dobson, story, Mike Connelly and Bob Gilbert were fantastic go-to Thad and Rebecca Hutcheson, Laura Ronan, Donna Straw- subs all season. Early in the season, before everyone arrived for ser, Cathy Messmer, Mary Evanofski, Pat Neely, Marianne the summer, Mike was driving consecutive days at times; and Reynolds, Nancy Whitehouse, Stephanie Bacon, Maggie later in the season, when so many volunteers had left, Bob was Newton, Wells Moore, Janice Pisano, Jackie Pellerin, Marty driving double shifts. Landorf, Lois-Jean Berry, Joyce Richter, Carole LaFoun- Thank you to ALL the drivers for their patience through- taine, Judy Linker, Grace Morgan, Catherine Corson, Sarah out our “occasional” shuttle woes. We are already discussing Giles, Lynne Nordhoff, John Lunt, Anne Marie Kurzius, and details about the shuttles for next year. Doug Zyskowski. The visitors love our Courtesy Shuttle drivers, often Next year brings some changes to the program again making a point of coming in to tell the front desk people how (Every year a few tweaks here and there improve the volun- wonderful the drivers are. I had great fun with all the shuttle teer programs!) when the choice for fulfilling volunteer docent drivers, too. They’re a breed unto themselves for some reason, obligations expands. You’ll hear all about it in January! For and I just adore them. • now, accept our thanks for a job—many jobs—well done. •

Volunteer Mailing Program: Chocolate and Postage and Fun rom my vantage point (at my desk, which is situated program, too!) They exchange the latest goings-on in their ten feet away from the tables used by the Volunteer lives while having fun while helping the Gardens. It’s perfect, Mailing Program), I think the Volunteer Mailing if you ask me! Program is one of the most fun ways to volunteer at Mollie Moore calls and schedules for the pre-determined Fthe Gardens. Now I don’t want huge numbers of my volunteers mailing sessions. She calls: Carol Howe. Jane Lunt, Ginny in other programs flocking to the Mailing Program, because Burke, Sue Bogart, BJ Dobson, Polly Gibson, Barbara I need Children Gardens Stewards and Docents and shuttle Leonard, Carolyn Dolbear (my Mom!), Doris Russell, Stan drivers as much as I need mailers. But I sit at my desk and Sawyer, Dottie Brewer, Jackie Elderkin, Lydia Elliot, Jane listen to the volunteers talk as they stuff envelopes and fold Cheema, Polly Steadman, Dave Collier, Sandra Seifert, their papers. They “Ooh” and “Ahh” over that chocolate that Marti Booth, Bette Burnham, and Liz Stebbins. Mollie Moore brings to share. (Mollie oversees the whole Thank you! •

4 Voluntee® ±ews 2010 GROUNDS WORK PROGRAM

he Grounds Work Pro- gram has matured over the five years since its begin- ning. Volunteers learn Tnew things, work directly with the Horticultural Department, and most of the time have lots of fun. (Some- times, weeding isn’t “lots of fun,” but it’s part of gardening!) Bill Cooney continued his all-day, once-a-week work days with the Hort Staff—Bill’s amazing! Joanne and George Carl- isle, Pam Rawden, Hoyt Walbridge, Shirley Chace, Ginger Deucher, Greg Muzzy, Susan Bremer, Rox- anne Smith, Paul Dodson, Marty Landorf, Ted Ozyck, Christine Hopt-Lovette, Bill Prince, Bonnie Ginger, Paul Marcus, Carolyn Jenks, Jancie Olson, Sylvia Dalke, Fred Kraeuter, Janet McLaughlin, and Nick Snow worked side by side, week in and week out, rain or shine, and made these Gardens grow. And it comes as no surprise to anyone that BJ Dobson could be seen deadhead- ing once in a while, too! We can’t thank them enough! Included in Grounds Work for the Garden is the on-going Pink Lady Slip- per Survey. With the early spring this year, the Pink Lady’s Slipper Survey was held a bit earlier than usual. We would not have been able to continue this study for 13 years without vol- unteers. Volunteer time is critically valuable in this program, so director Sharmon Provan offered time periods stretched over several days to accom- modate their busy lives. Started by Dr. Joanne Sharpe in 1998, volunteers measure flowers and leaves in some areas and only count flowers in others. Working in teams of two to collect data in the three main areas, volun- teers continue this important research. Thank you to all volunteers who partic- ipated: Krista Clark, Ginger Deucher, Mary Gevaudan, Polly Gibson, Jean Hamilton, Shelly Hanson, Wanda Hendrickson, Tom Hilton, Carolyn Jenks, Jane Lunt, Pam Rawden, Rox- anne Smith, Hoyt Walbridge, and Dr. Joanne Sharpe. •

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS www.MaineGardens.org 5 volunteer caterers hy do flowers and food go so well together? Just ask the Gardens Volunteer Caterers, who pitched in Wwith real passion this season. Through- out the year, the Gardens hosted art show receptions and preview parties and grand openings and education programs that required everything from cookies to hors d’oeuvres. Huge, appreciative applause goes to Anne Marie Kurzius, Betty Repa, Todd and Mary Lou Poole, Pat Jeremiah, Jane Lunt, Claire Tomlin, Donna Strawser, Nancy Tindal, Greg and Donna Muzzy, Martha Heald, Joy Collins, Barbara Leonard, Dee Napolitan, Diann Rind, tending Crew (I just this instant made up Grand Opening of the Bibby and Harold Anne Butler, Sue Woolson, Pat Ridlon, the name of that program!) of Courtney Alfond Children’s Garden—500! Dawna Smith Ellen McDermott, Clau- West, Liz Stebbins, Lee Gevaundan, Sometimes new volunteers are sur- dia Volano, Pat Leahy, Nancy Dimmick, Bobbie Medal, Bob Jeremiah, Claudia prised that there is a non-gardening- Abbie Shaw, and Lydia Kitfield. They Volano, and Steve and Cathy Berger were related volunteer program such as the were the best cooking caterers yet! And awesome. If it weren’t for Bobbie Medal, Volunteer Caterers, but the caterers’ work THEN there was Pat Kiley, the Gardens’ alone, I would have been pouring spirits goes a long way to support the Gardens, official cookie-maker, who baked and myself! Oh, and Maggie Newton can now both for visitors and for the budget. It is a baked and baked for at least ten of our count herself as a Volunteer Caterer after critical piece of the pie—a pie made exclu- events this year. And my Volunteer Bar- baking and frosting 500 cupcakes for the sively by those Volunteer Caterers! •

Portland Flower Show Martin Luther King Jr. very year, the Gardens sets up an informational booth at the Portland Flower Show. Our volunteers are there to spread the Day at the Gardens word and get people excited about the upcoming season. Held at n Monday, January 18, to com- the Portland Company Complex down on Fore Street, the Port- memorate Martin Luther King Eland Flower Show is an important marketing tool for the Gardens and a Jr. Day, Gardens volunteers cre- fun time for all volunteers. This year, Philippa Morton, Stephanie Bacon, ated cheerful fresh-flower bou- Carole McCarthy, Kit and Leigh Sherrill, Todd Poole, Ellen Knox, Oquets with decorative ribbons and personal- Steve and Cathy Berger, Anne Krebsbach, Hal Norvell, Jane Lunt, and ized cards for recipients of Meals on Wheels Mary Evanofski all tended the booth. Judging by 2010 attendance, they in Damariscotta, the Boothbay peninsula, and did a swell job. Thank you! • the Bristol peninsula. This was such a fun way to join in the community effort and acknowl- edge the brilliance of one of the nation’s most Teas at the Gardens important leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. It was also a wonderful way to bring some color n May 8 and September 11, volunteers put on two sold-out and cheer into the lives of those who have teas. By now, word has spread about Mollie Moore’s famous difficulty getting out and about in our winter scones and Philippa Morton’s lemon drops that they make for weather. Homemade goodies by Gardens Vol- the Gardens’ teas. Everyone knows that BJ Dobson and Judy unteer Carolyn Dolbear of Round Pond and OMcAllister are experts at brewing tea. Dianne Ward, Pam Rawden, Jane hot chocolate were served to those volunteering Lunt, Anne Butler, and Sandra Seifert prepare the plates, arranging jams for the morning: John and Meredith Barnett, and cream and those lovely sandwiches just right on each plate. Then, the Rochelle Runge, Joan Vargas, and Dick and plates are cheerfully served by Pam Rawden, Carole McCarthy, Mary Eva- Mary Chase. • nofski, Victoria Babcock, and Pat Jeremiah, all the best of volunteers. The Tea Machine is a well-oiled machine indeed! Thanks to all. •

6 Voluntee® ±ews 2010 Garden Fair ernie egan ommanding a whopping 387 volunteer hours of Rhododendron Festival planning and implementation, the 2010 Garden he Ernie Egan Rhododendron Festival was a new event Fair saw wonderful weather and happy visitors for and lived up to its promise to be as exciting and inspir- three straight days. Sarah Strouss was the Event ing as the rhododendrons themselves! The late Ernie Overseer, making sure that no detail was left unexamined. C Egan was one of the Gardens’ founders, an expert on Joni Sherman, Nancy Tindal, and Susan Miller co-chaired rhododendrons who spearheaded the effort to create the fabu- the Container Gardens aspect of this event, recruiting con- T lous rhododendron garden, one of our very first gardens, and tainer gardeners and siting their creations throughout the therefore now our most mature. The rhododendrons came early main campus. Edgecomb’s Marissa Carmolli started in this year, but the Giles Rhododendron & Perennial Garden is February as the Vendors Chair, contacting and booking a four-season garden, beautiful in all seasons. Volunteer Ruth the array of really wonderful vendors in this year’s Garden Story met the speakers giving special talks, while Janice Pisano, Fair. Co-chairs of the Plant Exchange, Suzy Mace and Beth Sarah Giles, Diantha Robinson, Cathy Miller, and BJ Dobson Lewis, experimented with an informal plant exchange, gave tours of the “Rhody Garden.” Shuttling visitors to the fes- where visitors brought in plants from their overgrown gar- tival were volunteers Jim Fawcett, Steve Jenks, Bob Cressey, dens and walked away with other visitors’ plants from their Harold Van Siclen, John Lunt, Dick Snyder, Lee Gevaundan, own overgrown gardens. The Plant Exchange was wildly suc- and Doug Zyskowski. Of course, one facet of the festival was cessful and is sure to play a part in next year’s Garden Fair. the sale of some pretty amazing rhododendrons, and helping out Ellen Knox, BJ Dobson, Anne Marie Kurzius and Kathleen with the sale were Wanda Hendrickson, Anne Hughes, Sarah Lincoln helped out with the Plant Exchange. Strouss, Jane Lunt, Marti Booth, Penny Matthews, and BJ Jane Lunt, Marty Landorf, Pat Jeremiah, Jean Horn, Dobson. Andy Hendrickson and Paul Dobson pitched in with and Pam Rawden were willing to be “Floating Volunteers,” the “holding tent’ that kept sales safe while visitors toured the who went from here to there doing whatever needed to be garden. Thanks to all these volunteers. • done. I love those kinds of volunteers! Carole McCarthy and Polly Gibson were extra hands in the Gardens Gift Shop, while Mary Chase practically lived at the Membership Table for three days. Nancy Whitehouse, Laura Ronan, Marianne Reyn- olds, Donna Strawser, Muffie Fernald, Steve Jenks, Judy Linker, Lois-Jean Berry (I’ll make you another docent name tag, Lois!), Anne Hughes, Janice Pisano, Marty Land- orf, and BJ Dobson all gave their wonderful docent tours throughout the event. Between shuttling people and goods, the following shut- tle drivers pitched in: Lee Gevaundan, Dick Chase, John Lunt, Sandy Gillespie, Steve Jenks, Doug Zyskowski, Bob Cressey, Dave and Diana Shook from New Harbor, Aaron Scharff, and Bob Gilbert. Thank you! Now for a HUGE thank you, because there are three aspects to the Gardens that it’s critical to have top-notch and perfect: the gardens (of course!) and restrooms and parking, in that order. None is easy to achieve, but we all work hard Native Plant Sale at all three, staff and volunteers alike. The volunteers who J Dobson once again chaired the Native Plant Sale, on helped with parking were just grand, and little did they know May 22 and 23. She does an amazing amount of work that Garden Fair was just a warm-up to the July 8 Grand for this special event, including recruiting her own Opening of the Children’s Garden; but at Garden Fair they crew of committed volunteers: Maren Fischer, Betty were grand, grand, grand: Bob Jeremiah, Ozzie Cheek, Fred BRepa, Enid Johnson, Susi Hamblen, Lynne Nordhoff, Stepha- Kraeuter, Ron Ross, Andrew Matthews, and Bob Gilbert. nie Bacon, Penny Matthews, Ginger Carr, Jean and Paul Horn, Just as importantly, Andy and Wanda Hendrickson worked Sarah Strouss, Anne Butler, Bobbie Medal, Cathy Miller, for two days with directing the parking and unloading by the Janice Pisano, Deb Hagler and her son Jacob, Marty Landorf, vendors. Liz Stebbins, Carole McCarthy, Shirley Chace, Anne Marie Finally, Carole Lafountaine did yeoman’s work driving Kurzius, and Pam Rawden. That’s a lot of volunteers!David the shuttle bus from the satellite parking lot, and Carolyn Nordhoff and Sandy Gillespie drive the shuttles back and forth Orne helped with the educational speakers. to lug plant purchases for buyers. Nearly 200 volunteer hours Garden Fair is a huge event but an exciting one and a go into this special event, and it shows! Beautifully planned and wonderful one when volunteers chip in and work so hard. implemented, it has become one of our signature events. Thank Congratulations to all those involved! • you BJ and the rest of the volunteers! •

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS www.MaineGardens.org 7 Grand Opening of the Bibby and Harold Alfond CHILDREN’S GARDEN

n January, volunteers Martha Heald (the Grand Opening’s Chair who was communicating from Florida!) and Jane Lunt (Martha’s Co-Chair from down the road here in Southport!) began calling staff meetings about the July 8 Grand Opening of the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden. The planning meetings went on all winter and right up to opening week. Martha did a great job keeping the staff on-task and organizing the massive efforts of celebrating this wonderful addition to the Gardens, told in partI by the 750 hours the multi-day event took to put on. Jane organized the entire parade, even enlisting her husband, John Lunt, to drive a cart in the parade for some non-walkers! Perhaps the success of the Grand Opening can be summed up in this story: At the end of one day, I commiserated with a tired Mom lugging a crying child away from the Gardens. “Time for a nap?” I asked. “No, she wants to live here,” said the Mom. Well, some of my volunteers did live here for the Grand Opening days!

rials and providing an intergenerational Jeremiah, Pat Kiley, Mindy Novis and Bibby and approach to stewardship. A big thank you Susan Smith. goes out to all of the Children’s Gardens We also had another fun and reward- Harold Alfond Stewards for their hard work and positive ing year with the Growing Greens Youth attitudes: Jan Brennan, Dick Chase, Liz Gardening Program, which spent much Children’s Garden Dodson, Eldie Johnston, Alice Meserve, of the time in the Children’s Garden this Volunteering Mindy Novis, Joyce Richter, Connie year! The “Learning Garden” was partly Rose, Jean Rosenberg, Belle Sidel, Susan planted and maintained by the Youth he Grand Opening of the Bibby Smith, and Ingrid Tosteson. Gardeners, with assistance from commit- and Harold Alfond Children’s Weekly activity stations were a huge ted volunteer Pam Rawden. They learned Garden only marked the begin- success, and we revamped our story about gardening and nature while pursu- ning of its success. Since then, hour with Story Time in the Garden. Pat ing an entrepreneurial project, making Tthe visitor attendance has exploded, Jeremiah was kind enough to schedule the Moose on the Loose Trail Mix. And which highlights the need for volunteers our storytellers, who came into the Chil- who could forget our trusty and much in this busy garden! dren’s Garden on Tuesdays, Thursdays, appreciated YMCA Bus driver Carole A vital volunteer position is our and Saturdays to read for an hour in the LaFountaine, whose ability to drive Children’s Garden Steward Program. Story Barn or our excellent story chair, the bus was a welcome relief to the pro- Our Tuesday mornings were wonder- crafted of driftwood byDick Chase. gram leaders. fully staffed by the dedicated Mariellen Our great storytellers include Barbara This has certainly been an exciting Whelan and the grandmother/grandson Babb, Jan Brennan, Carole Cochran, opening year for the Children’s Garden, team of Leigh and Vlade Sherrill, who did Joy Collins, Sandra Dutton, Doris Fey- and we’re looking to build on our volun- a great job of explaining interactive mate- ling, Sandy Gillespie, Jan Hamblen, Pat teer programs! •

8 Voluntee® ±ews 2010 Barbara Baseman, Susan Bremer, Greg Muzzy, Roxanne ing for the 500 cupcakes, and Diane Walden set up the Cup- Smith, Nancy Whitehouse, Mary Chase, and Jackie Elderkin cake Garden of 500 cupcakes. Oh, who made the 500 cupcakes? were at the various Membership Tables, selling family mem- Who frosted them? Who transported them? Our own volun- berships like mad. BJ Dobson and Philippa Morton were in teer Maggie Newton…all by herself! the Gardens Gift Shop selling the Robert McCloskey posters, The Children’s Garden is all about children (but not JUST the books, the Sal’s Bear zipper pulls and necklaces, and every- for children, as we all know!), so the children’s activities led by thing in between. volunteers were many and constant throughout the four days: Volunteers helped with the morning breakfast offered: Mary Evanofski, Cathy Miller, and Priscilla Alden painted Joyce Richter and Carole McCarthy helped set up the break- faces; Louise McLlhenny, Joy Collins, and Donna Muzzy fast area, keeping the area neat during the breakfast recep- made costumes with the children in the parade; Betty Repa tion and helping clean up at the end. Pat Schubert and Pam read Blueberries for Sal over and over to enthralled children; Rawden greeted and checked people in to the breakfast recep- Jan Brennan volunteered to tend the boats, which was a huge tion, handed out nametags, and greeted people as only volun- relief to all of us; Marcia Annenberg, Carole McCarthy, and teers can do. Outside at the same time, Greg Muzzy greeted Marti Booth created nametags; Pat Jeremiah (dressed in full visitors and let them through the side gate at the front entrance Miss Rumphius attire!), Sallie Nealand, and Sandy Dutton and “clicked” the number of admissions on hand counters. read MORE stories; Mary Evanofski and Donna Muzzy Maren Fischer and Jo Haney stamped children’s hands with stayed for the afternoon, making bookmarks. And that was just a fun tattoo instead of an admissions sticker, while Sallie Thursday! Nealand and Bobbie Medal handed out programs to visitors. On Friday, Shirley Chace handed out free low-bush blue- Joyce Richter (after she helped with the breakfast!), Carole berry plants; Pat Jeremiah came back to read MORE stories, LaFountaine, and Lois-Jean Berry were hostesses on the shut- and John Lunt and Nancy Whitehouse made trail mix. On Sat- tle from the off-site parking lot. urday, Judy McAllister and John Lunt (who returned for the Here’s the drum roll for the Parking Brigade, because they third day in a row!) directed an activity cart about seeds; Mary really did a wonderful job that day: Bob Gilbert, Ozzie Cheek, Chase and Pat Jeremiah came back to read in the Story Barn. Mike Moss, Dick Alden, Hardy Banfield, Charlie Birlem, Ed And, finally, on Sunday, Nancy Whitehouse returned to hand Cataldo, Antoine Attallah, Courtney West, Fred Kraeuter, out free seeds to all the young gardeners of tomorrow; Donna Ron Ross, Mike Connelly, and Paul Marcus pretty much missed and Greg Muzzy returned to direct the solar activity cart; and the Grand Opening ceremonies because they were making sure Maren Fischer gave away asters, that Maine native we all love. people enjoyed one of the BIG 3 here at the Gardens (remember And it all looked just beautiful because Boothbay Region that gardens/restrooms/parking formula?). I can’t thank them Garden Club members arranged all the flowers and put them enough for coming through on the big day. everywhere! Even the staff pitched in, volunteering their time to the Thank you to all the volunteers who made this special grand Gardens: Front desk staffCindy Farnham mixed all the frost- event happen! •

volunteer Flower Arrangers olunteers raised the bar for the and picked up the flowers at the green- Flower Arranging Program, house, and then Todd and I had a grand coming up with spectacular time arranging. From lilacs and roses, arrangements from June to the Visitor Center went through lovely VOctober, over and over again. No wonder wild flowers and playful arrangements that our visitors exclaimed over the flow- for the Maine Fairy House Festival. The ers bedecking Kerr Hall, including in volunteers brought in whatever their those all-important restrooms. gardens and yards were growing, even It started with Joan Riddle’s arm- lovely dried-grass arrangements when fuls of her amazing lilacs. That scent! blooms weren’t up to par. Those blooms! Joan herself came back It was a great year, and thanks go to to the Visitor Center to do some fluff- Joan Riddle, Mary Chase, Jane Cheema, ing and arranging, and then Todd and Mary Gevaundan, Todd and Mary Lou Mary Lou Poole purchased tubs of Poole, Abbie Shaw, Jean Hamilton, flowers from Boothbay Region Green- Peggy Pennabere, Polly Gibson, Jane houses to use in their own contribu- Nies, Polly Steadman, Barbara Bush, tion. I picked Todd up that morning Doris Russell and Susan Paluska. •

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS www.MaineGardens.org 9 Antiques in the Gardens Preview Gala and Show or all those who volunteered at emiah, Jan Brennan, and Janice Pisano set up at the site venue, Barbara Saxon, the 2010 Antiques in the Gardens took care of the arriving throngs. Mary Carole McCarthy, Joy Collins, Diann Preview Gala and Show, these Evanofski, BJ Dobson, and Kathleen Ring, BJ Dobson, Anne Butler, Barbara two events turned into one of Lincoln took turns tending the Visitor Bush, Ginny Burke, Belle Sidel, Jane Fthose volunteering opportunities every- Center and tidying the venue of the Gala Lunt, Marion Bradley, and Hal Nor- one was glad they did not miss! The gala all night, which is a great job because you vell were tenders who had lots of time to event took many volunteers to execute, get to collect and keep the discarded wine get to know each other! The parking was but the shift times were designed so vol- glasses with our Gardens monogram quite easy, but Mike Moss, David But- unteers had time to enjoy the party, too! on them! And there are always shuttle terworth, and Ed Cataldo did a valiant Volunteer Chair Becky Welsh made sure drivers for events like these: Doug Zys- job tending the parking pods. And those of that! Jane Lunt, Dawna Smith, Ellen kowski, Sandy Gillespie, Dick Chase, shuttle drivers were at work again: Doug McDermott, Pat Leahy, (part of my Bob Gilbert, and my husband, Andy Zyskowski, Bob Gilbert, Barbie Eldred, “Harpswell Gang of Volunteers”), Barbie Abello, chipped in with those duties. Sandy Gillespie, and John Lunt. Finally, Eldred, Bob Jeremiah, and John Bren- Finally, Connie Towne sold raffle tickets Jo Haney and Anne Butler took care of nan all helped with the beverage tables. practically all night long (but she was able the gift shop with the added business Pam Rawden, Diann Ring, and Bobbie to enjoy the party, too!) Thank you to all! whenever a special event is held at the Medal helped with the food tables. At For the next two days, volunteers Gardens. the registration tables, Carole McCarthy, worked the show part of the Antiques Thank you to all who help for these Carole Cochran, Anne Butler, Pat Jer- in the Gardens special event. At the café three days. •

Plein-Air Painting Event n July 4 weekend, the plein- and paint whatever struck their fancy. air painters arrived in masses, Then selected works were exhibited in the thanks to the hard work of Co- Visitor Center for the next week, with an Chairs (and husband and wife artists’ reception on July 19. Doug Zys- Oteam!) Thad and Rebecca Hutcheson, kowski, Steve Jenks, and Sandy Gillespie who helped plan the painting days, invited shuttled the artists and their materials to artists to participate, hung the show, and different sites about the Gardens. For the assisted with the reception. Painters who reception, Diann Ring tended the refresh- enjoyed working outdoors were invited to ment table, while Bobbie Medal and Liz sign up for a free day of painting en plein Stebbins tended the bar. This is always a air at the Gardens and to set up their easels nice time to volunteer! •

Moore to acquire donated items for the DOWN HOME AT THE GARDENS auction. Mollie, in turn, enlisted vol- unteers Carolyn Dolbear, Bob Naylor, PICNIC AND AUCTION Wells Moore, and Maria Doelp, to be her drivers so she could make the asks for t the Down Home at the Lee Lapointe, Ginger Carr, Karen items from the generous local merchants Gardens Picnic & Auction Bartholomew, and Rebecca Hutcheson and business owners in the Midcoast. on Sunday, August 22, vol- created a beautiful entrance to the venue. And, boy, did she ask, acquire, and deliver unteer Claire Hunt oversaw Carole McCarthy, Pam Rawden, wonderful items that all sold in the silent Athe whole wildly successful event. She Janice Pisano, and Ellen Knox helped auction. Larry also had help from Nancy had help, luckily, because it is a big Pat tidy the tables. BJ Dobson took and Jack Spinner in building the auc- event indeed. Jean Hamilton chaired care of one of the beverage tables, while tion’s decorative lattice walls and setting the food, decorations, and entertain- Courtney West, Bob Jeremiah, and up the displays. ment aspects of it, enlisting Maggie Bobbie Medal poured wine and beer at This is a hugely, important fundraiser Newton, Mary Gevaundan and Lee the other table. for the Gardens, and we offer profuse Lapointe, and Pat Jeremiah (for tend- Volunteer Larry Townley chaired thanks for all the volunteers to make it ing the tables). the fundraising auction, enlisting Mollie such a success. •

10 Voluntee® ±ews 2010 Maine Fairy House Festival he Fairy House Festival is a signature event, BOTH for the Gardens AND for our volunteers. Once again, Carole McCarthy stepped up to the plate and helped staff member Valerie Augustine plan and implement Tthe three-day affair.Peggy Pennabere and Pat Jeremiah co- chaired the Arts & Crafts activities, too, guiding expert vol - unteers Belle Sidell, Marcia Annenberg, Maren Fischer, and Maria Long. Oh, and Pat and Peggy were there every day, too! The ever-popular Fairy Tea was held out in the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, where Jane Lunt, Diann Ring, Nan Benton, Ingrid Tosteson, Anne Butler, and Lynne Nordhoff served fairy tea and biscuits all afternoon. BJ Dobson and Cathy Miller washed the dishes. I love the Fairy Tea. In the festival’s first year, I remember a little boy grudgingly sitting down with his mother to have tea. The little boy said, “This is probably just some warm apple juice or something.” “Well try some,” I said, “and tell me what you think.” He took a sip and exclaimed in a very animated and sincere way, “Why, that IS real fairy tea!” Cathy Miller, Nan Benton, and Ingrid Tosteson also made fairy wings and created “Fairy Sandy Candy,” along with Ellen Knox, Lois-Jean Berry, and Jan Brennan. Donna Muzzy, Paul Horn, Maren Fisher, and Carole McCarthy (who filled in vol- unteer needs all weekend!) helped every child win a prize in the Fairy Games. Ingrid (Yes, the same Ingrid who was there all three days!), Jean Horn and Claudia Volano helped the workshop leaders make everything from Fairy Mobiles to Fairy Houses to Fairy Babies. John Lunt, Steve Jenks, and David Nordhoff ferried people about the grounds, while Shelley Hanson and Nancy White- house worked with families at the librarian’s desk in the Story Barn to help visitors create a bookplate and choose a book they purchased to donate to the Gardens. The Maine Fairy House Festival runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00ish each of its three days and always needs volunteers. Thank you to all those who pitched in this year! •

student volunteer film-makers at the gardens Judy Dorr and her 2009-2010 seventh-grade technology cutters, the landscapers lining Blueberry Pond, the Tree- class from Boothbay Region Elementary School captured House carpenters, and Gardens’ horticulture staff. Our own the building and planting of the Bibby and Harold Alfond Project Manager, Nick Caristo, frequently provided updates. Children’s Garden via photography and videography. Most At exactly 9:20 a.m., the school bus departed the Gardens so Tuesdays during the spring at exactly 8:50 a.m., the yellow the students could get to their third-period classes on time. school bus would arrive at the Visitor Center. Ms. Dorr This fall Ms. Dorr and her now 2010-2011 eighth grad- and her students, equipment in hand, would rush through ers continue their project by editing and compiling their data the entrance garden and Visitor Center on their way to the into a visual story of the creation of the Children’s Garden. muddy site, which was changing weekly. Everyone had their We look forward to additional photography and videography favorite vantage point for capturing the progress on film. It documentaries produced by this exciting group of students was always a rush to make the tour of the busy construction and their dedicated teacher. Judy Dorr is the K-8 technology site, but the students watched and learned from the stone coordinator at Boothbay Region Elementary School. •

COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS www.MaineGardens.org 11 P.O. Box 234 Boothbay, ME 04537 207-633-4333

Gardens Volunteers are on target to fulfill nearly 10,000 hours of volunteering. New programs, new gardens, new events—they all happened with you and because of you. Quite an accomplishment!

literature delivered throughout the mid- barb to the Kitchen Garden Café and coast. There are always rack cards, post- helped pick it with café manager/chef Bar- Odds and Ends ers, and fliers to be delivered to sites on bara Cary! the peninsula and in neighboring towns. Mary Chase collected thousands of he Gardens would also like We have a list of “best” places to visit. The conifer cones, and Marty Landorf saved to acknowledge the volunteer following volunteers of the Volunteer Lit- a big box of birch bark from her yard- boards of directors and over- erature Distribution Program donated cleaning project for the Fairy House Vil- seers. These board members their wheels and willingness to deliver: lage. Tgive their time and talents and enthusiasm Liz Stebbins, Allison Butterworth, Bette Bob Gilbert purchased and donated throughout the year; 2010 was no excep- Burnham, and Allan Bonomi. Thank walkie-talkies for the Courtesy Shuttle tion. Thank you! you! Program. Every month, Penny Pollard and Here are some real “Odds and Ends,” Carole LaFountaine went to Sulli- Barby Johnson volunteered as Survey which I cannot forget: van in July to pick up Lunaform urns. Takers in the Central Gardens, where they Andy Abello picked up art walls in Carole Cochran donated 10 yoga engaged visitors and asked them to fill Rockland at Dowling Walsh Gallery. mats for the Children’s Garden. out a one-page questionnaire about their Bob and Helen Blakelock gave On May 8, Pat Jeremiah and Bonnie visitor experience. Being so personable, hours and hours of their time to create Ginger helped out with the very success- both Penny and Barby were able to attain stunning promotional videos of the Bibby ful Gardens Symposium. hundreds of completed surveys that will, and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden Throughout the busy season, the when analyzed this fall and winter, help to and other Gardens areas. Gardens hosts concerts that require extra reveal the what’s-why’s-how’s of the visitor Emily Cira and Michael McGlinn, help at the front desk to handle admis- experience so we may better serve the vis- Maine Ameri-Corps volunteers, showed sions by checking pre-registrations and iting public. Great job, Penny and Barby! up on April 20 to pitch in with the seating people. This year, Bobbie Medal, Mainly in the spring, the Gardens Grounds Work Program! Polly Gibson, BJ Dobson, and John and needs boxes and boxes of promotional In May, Joan Rittall donated rhu- Jan Brennan helped out. • www.MaineGardens.org