PURPOSE
The role of the Awards Committee is to consider and propose candidates eligible for GCNH Club awards and for awards available (club, zone, and national) from The Garden Club of America (including length of service awards) and The National Council of State Garden Clubs/Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. This role is, by tradition, the responsibility of the Outgoing GCNH President and past presidents. Awards to Community Organizations are proposed in concert with the Chair of Civic (Florence Bradley Award) and the Representatives of the Nancy H. and Henry E. Bartels Fund for GCNH (Bartels Award).
MEMBERS
Chair: Cordalie Benoit
Previous Chair: Susan Anton
Members: All living past Presidents
COMMUNITY AWARDS
THE FLORENCE BRADLEY AWARD
This award is given to a Greater New Haven group, organization, or individual whose work best reflects the mission of our Garden Club: “to create interest in and promote knowledge of gardening, preservation of natural resources, and civic horticultural work.” This award was established in 2012 by the Board of Directors.
Recommendations for recipients are made to the committee; the members vote for the final selection. This award will be presented annually at a general meeting.
THE BARTELS AWARD
This award was established in 2013 by Nancy H. Bartels and her husband Henry and the GCNH to strengthen its ties with the community, particularly in the area of community gardens. This monetary award may be given annually to a civic organization or individual in the Greater New Haven area, or may be used to support activities within the Club that focus on areas of education and civic engagement.
MEMBER AWARDS
The Joyce Harris Award
The Joyce Harris award was established in 2010 by Edith Wilson, daughter of former GCNH President Horty Wilson, to honor the family’s lifetime neighbor and friend. This award is given to a member of the Club who embodies the ideals and examples set by Joyce – who was a leader, mentor, and teacher to other members, and who demonstrated dedication to the values of the Club. The recipient of this award receives an engraved silver platter to display in their home until next year.
Phyllis McDowell Award
The Phyllis McDowell Award was established in 2009 by the Board of Fellowship Place to honor its founder, Phyllis McDowell. It is given to a member of the Garden Club of New Haven who has displayed leadership in civic affairs over an extended period of time both within the Club and in the greater community and whose efforts have benefited the common good. The recipient of this award receives an engraved silver platter to display in their home until next year.
THE WATERMAN BOWL
The Waterman Bowl, the club’s most prestigious award, was given to the Garden Club of New Haven in 1956 by Mrs. Frederick Waterman “to be awarded annually for the most noteworthy accomplishment by a member during the year and shall be made for achievement in any phase of Garden Club work”.
THE CAROL STANCLIFF BOWL
The Carol Stancliff Bowl was given to our club by Horty Wilson in 2004 “to be awarded to a member who exhibits excellence in Horticulture”. This award can be given for great enthusiasm and talent in maintaining a beautiful garden or growing an unusually challenging specimen.
PEG CAMPBELL AWARD
This award was established in 2023 by the GCNH Centennial Committee to honor long-time member and past President, Peg Campbell, who joined the club in 1961. The award celebrates the accomplishments of living members who have served the club over many years with active committee involvement offering wise counsel and historical perspective to our members, particularly our Presidents.
THE DEBBIE EDWARDS NEW MEMBER AWARD
The New Member Award is given to a member who has recently joined the club and who, by active participation in club activities, has demonstrated enthusiastic appreciation of the club and served an example to other new members. The recipient of this award receives an engraved silver platter to display in their home until next year. Our awardee is usually chosen from individuals in their third year of membership.
THE LOUISE BELKNAP CARTER BOOK AWARD
This award was established in 2017 in honor of Louise Belknap Carter, twice president of the Garden Cub of New Haven, longtime member of the GCA Library committee, and an avid horticulturist. The award may be presented to the best-in-show winner of the annual themed in-club bench show.
THE GCA CLUB APPRECIATION AWARD
The GCA Club Appreciation Award is presented by a member club to one or more members for dedicated and sustained participation in activities within the recipient’s own club. The recipient of this Award receives a framed Certificate to keep and proudly display in their home.
The GCA Medal of Merit
The Medal of Merit is a very special acknowledgement. It is for contributions of exceptional merit and inspirational leadership within the area of a member’s respective club.
The citation reads…‘With deep appreciation for the scholarship planning, experienced guidance and other special services she has provided to the club.’
CLUB CONSERVATION AWARD
This award may be presented annually to one or more GCA club members or a member club for outstanding service in conservation within the recipient’s club or community.
The citation reads…. ‘With deep appreciation for her significant efforts to educate and motivate our club members in the areas of conservation and environmental advocacy.’
CLUB COMMUNICATIONS AWARD
This award may be presented annually to one or more GCA club members or a member club for outstanding service in communication within the recipient’s club or community.
This award goes to a member who, despite being a brand-new provisional member, applied her computer skills and aesthetic talents to maintaining our new club website, and to keeping it relevant, accurate and attractive.
The citation reads…. ‘With grateful appreciation for her critical role in maintaining the content, format and integrity of our online media and website and for enhancing all club communications.’