Essex Garden Club History | 1952 - 2025

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The Essex Garden Club was established in 1952 and soon after became a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. Goals were developed to enhance the villages of Essex, Ivoryton and Centerbrook and in so doing, an organization was created which over the years has become an integral part of our community.

While the white gloves and dresses have given way to blue jeans, and men have joined the membership ranks of the club, the fundamental goals remain the same:

• promoting civic improvement and beautification of our town,
• offering education and conservation programs to benefit both the membership and the broader public, 
• developing partnerships with community organizations which share similar missions,
• fostering programs within the school system to enhance awareness of our natural resources, 
• providing camperships to introduce children to in-depth nature experiences, and
• granting scholarships to high school graduates and college students who demonstrate an interest in environmental sciences.

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The Executive Committee consists of the Officers of the Club and the Chairs of Nominating and Membership Committees. 
​Meetings are called when necessary.

2025-2026
Officers

President
1st Vice President
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Recording Secretary Parliamentarian
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​Barbara Muhlfelder
Barbara Johnson
Deb Carreau
OPEN
Jennifer Gill

Board Members

​Education Chair
​Club Services Chair
Club Activities Chair
Community Outreach Chair
Membership Chair
​Fundraising Chair

Ann Tillman
Laurel Stewart
Kim Reilly Stafford
Elise Helmecki 
​Patti Pickering
​Dagmar Miller
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 Board meetings are held on the Monday prior to the club meeting. There are no club meetings in January, July and August.