2026 MEMBER AWARDEES
The Waterman Bowl
Winner: Jessica Rostow
Jessica Rostow is the essence of what Mrs. Waterman had in mind when she established her award: exceptional generosity in expenditure of time, effort and talent on behalf of the club. Jessica is known for her diligence, graciousness, reliability, perfectionist streak and her patience benefits us all.
A member since 2012, Jessica is best known for her current job, or JOBS: Corresponding Secretary, entails sending out the Monday emails and all others that members and the president ask her to send; Newsletter Editor, ( initially she was asked to try to do 4 but of course once she got comfortable doing them she decided to do one every other month!) That’s our Jessica- always reaching for the stars! Additionally, she is the membership meeting greeter and name tag organizer, but probably one of her biggest responsibilities is getting the Directory and Handbook ready and published for the October meeting. This requires her to work throughout the summer when most members take a respite from their volunteer activities.
During her tenure as Chair of Phelps Triangle, she led by example, and when a problem arose, such as three rainy days for burlap removal, she came up with a solution, she took it down herself.
Billie Ladd, president, says, “Everyone should be so lucky as to have our honoree as their Corresponding Secretary.” A quiet, pleasant presence, she keeps the machine running. Little did Mrs. Waterman envision what a job a Corresponding Secretary would become!
JOYCE HARRIS AWARD
Winner: Peggy Eatherton
Peggy Eatherton, Master Garden, has served as Corresponding Secretary and has served on the Membership Committee for six years. She has chaired Phelps Triangle and stepped in as a leader while she was Vice Chair. She has worked hard to make our Holiday Workshop a success and has contributed to Garden History and Design efforts.
Phyllis McDowell Award
Winner: Mary Barnes
Mary Barnes serves as Co-chair of Civic and is actively leading a garden reconstruction project at St Martin De Porres. She has worked hard at Phelps Triangle and on the Holiday Workshop. She is active in her neighborhood association and has for years volunteered her time and treasurer to New Haven READS.
Peg Campbell Award
Winner: Debbie Moore
Debbie Moore, joined our club twenty years ago. She helped with our Elm Tree project locating and transplanting the Jefferson Elms we grew helping settle them into their final spots. She has served as the Chair of Hospitality and of Program Committee, hosted a fundraising luncheon for the Centennial, volunteered for Phelps Triangle days. She received a GCNH Special Award for her efforts in 2009. She has served as an assistant Treasurer for GCA.
THE CAROL STANCLIFF BOWL
Winner: Pat Sabosik
Pat has been a member of our garden club since 2020. She has a beautiful garden and has enthusiastically encouraged, helped and advised other club members in the creation and maintenance of their own gardens. She has shown her garden for Garden Conservancy open days and has supported others to do so too.
She is a UConn certified advanced Master Gardener and manages the UConn Master Gardener Pollinator Garden at the Hill-Stead Museum. She is extremely generous with her time and enjoys helping and educating gardeners.
DEBBIE EDWARDS Award
Winner: David Mrozowski
As chair of the Ways and Means committee for a few years, David’s efforts have taken the annual holiday party and fundraising to new heights. Always with a smile and a warm greeting David brings cuttings from his favorite plants to club meetings for members to add to their collections. When his busy schedule allows, it’s always a yes to help club projects.
MEMBER APPRECIATION AWARD
Winner: Susan Norden & Becky Royston
As Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, the Club recognizes Becky and Susan for the amazing job they did throughout the Centennial planning and actual event. Their patience and competency was appreciated by all.