California Arbor Day

is March 7

And National Arbor Day is the last Friday

in April

Arbor Day Chairman, Lorraine Ornelas, reminds you that California Arbor Day is March 7 - Luther Burbank's birthday. What is your garden club/district doing to celebrate Arbor Day this year? Lorraine can supply Arbor Day information and suggest special ceremonies. Lorraine wants to know about your Arbor Day plans. Contact Lorraine at 310-833-9723 or write to her at 2731 S. Kerckhoff Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731.

CGCI Standard Flower Show

California Garden Clubs, Inc. 7th Standard Flower Show "A Walk through California"

April 8 - 11, 2010, Sacramento

A comprehensive, statewide-focused flower and garden show will make its debut April 8-11, 2010 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The new show is designed to capture the diversity of California’s horticultural and gardening community, showcasing plants, techniques and products representative of the state’s numerous micro-climates. Show director and owner of Cal State Shows, Sherry Larsen, explains the show’s concept: “Although other shows in Northern California have provided beautiful landscape displays, we’ve felt that they did not capture the diversity of the California gardening community. Our goal is to bring together a broader segment of gardeners and landscapers to share their common interests and ideas . . . and April in Sacramento is the perfect time to celebrate landscaping products and practices.” California Garden Clubs, Inc. is a sponsor of the event and part of the show’s advisory committee. The flower and garden show will bring together garden clubs, landscaping experts, families and children, with offerings to inspire everyone from master gardeners to budding green thumbs.

CGCI's Standard Flower Show, "A Walk Through California" will take place Thursday through Sunday, April 8-11 (Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm). Click here for the schedule. Contact Shane Looper or Dolores Moffat, Co-Chairmen, for more information. The schedule can be found on the CGCI website.

News for the CGCI Nonprofit Members

By Chuck Goodwin, Chairman, IRS Nonprofit Group Exemption Program

The American Institute of Certified Public Accounts has published a reminder for all non-profit organizations, including CGCI members: “Filing Requirements for Non-profit Organizations" -- in a recent new release, the IRS reminded non-profit organizations that their tax-exempt status will automatically be revoked this year if they have not filed a Form 990-N information return or other form during the last three years. The automatic revocation provisions under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 became effective at the beginning of 2007. Small organizations with annual receipts of $25,000 or less can file an electronic notice, Form 990-N (e-Postcard). They will only need a few basic pieces of information to file. Churches are not required to file any form. As a reminder, Form 990-series returns and e-Postcards are due by the 15th day of the 5th month after an organization’s tax year ends. Additional information is available at the IRS site.”

Additionally, those clubs that file the IRS Form 990-N (the e-Postcard) are reminded that the filing is an annual requirement. It can only be filed electronically and should be done by five and one-half months after the end of your club's fiscal year. But note, there is no penalty for late filing of the e-Postcard. See the CGCI website for a discussion on filing the e-Postcard.

IRS Workshop for Nonprofits

By Julie West, 1st Vice President

I have just learned that there will be a one-day workshop given by the IRS in Sacramento for small to medium nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, March 16-18, 2010. Check out the workshop agenda as there may be topics clubs might find useful. Click here for the link. Each one day workshop covers the following topics:

Tax-Exempt Status - Benefits and responsibilities of tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3). Actions that may jeopardize tax-exempt status of an organization.
Unrelated Business Income - The definition of unrelated business income, common examples, common exceptions and filing requirements. Includes a discussion of charitable gaming.
Employment Issues - Classification of workers and filing requirements for employees and independent contractors.
Form 990 Series - An overview of the Forms 990, 990-EZ, and 990-N (e-Postcard), including tips for record keeping and answers to frequently asked questions. Includes presentation of resources and tools available to exempt organizations to help them file accurate, error-free returns.
Required Disclosures - Overview of disclosures which tax-exempt organizations are required to make, including new disclosure requirements imposed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Membership Matters

From February/March 2010 "Golden Gardens" by Rita Desilets, 3rd Vice President & Membership Chairman

Whether prospective new members have found your club or you have found them, it is important to make them feel welcome and comfortable during their initial visit, especially if they don’t know anyone in your club. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

When guests arrive at your meeting, have them fill out a form that will entitle them to receive several issues of your newsletter. Also have extra copies of the club brochure and recent newsletters available at the sign-in table.
Assign a designated seasoned club member to “adopt” a guest upon arrival. This greeter will invite the visitor to sit with the guest, introduce the guest to other club members and answer questions regarding the club.
Permanent name badges should have the person’s first name printed as large as possible. It should be able to be read from across the room! My garden club changed from the hanging elastic-type badges to the clip-on type because short people lost their identity when they sat down - the badge disappeared below the table top.
You can identify newer members by adding an extra colored sheet covering the permanent badge, perhaps in green. Members know that the “greenies” are not to be left sitting alone. At the beginning of the meeting, after the guests are introduced, recognize the “greenies” by having them stand. When the new member feels comfortable (or is tired of being embarrassed by being asked to stand at every meeting), they will remove the green paper and reveal the permanent badge beneath.

It is my hope that each of you will share your enthusiasm and love for your garden club with at least one new member this year. “One by One” your club will grow.

CGCI Participating Sponsors Update

By LaVerne Harms, Discount Coordinator

CGCI is excited to share one additional business as a Participating Sponsor: Weiss Brothers Nursery, 615 Maltman Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Telephone 530-273-5814. Discount 10%. Please contact Emil T. Baldoni. Visit CGCI's website for the complete listing of all 58 Participating Sponsors. Be sure to take advantage of this membership benefit by simply presenting your CGCI membership card at the time of purchase to receive a minimum 10% discount (note restrictions where applicable). Remember to thank these businesses/merchants for supporting CGCI.

CGCI Tour - Floral Diversity in Greece

Athens and the Islands of Paros and Aegina, July 12-22, 2010

Directors: George Perko and Dr. Phillip Stanley

Who wants to go to Greece with CGCI this summer for ten days of fun, education and learning? Floral Diversity in Greece will include tours to many historic places (including The Acropolis, The National Gardens, Athenian Agora, Agora Museum, Vorres Museum, Temple of Poseidon, Corinthian Canal, Nemea, Mycenae Site and Museum, Epidaurus Healing Sanctuary and Theatre, Nauplion Museum, Butterfly Valley on Paros, Temple of Aegina, Temple of Aphaia, Monastery Gardens of Nektarios, plus two wine tastings, five private gardens, and much more! Get your $250 deposit in now to hold your space, as space is limited to 10 to 15 people. For more information, contact George Perko or Dr. Phil Stanley or click on Floral Diversity in Greece.

Water Conservation

By Carole Lung, Water Conservation in Home & Garden Chairman

Carole Lung reminds us that, as gardeners, we need to look at water from the perspective of our goals as NGC members. We need to have the micro (what we do locally). Our water district give us information on types of plants to plant, how to water, when to water. We are encouraged to reduce water use in our homes through installation of water flow devices, upgrades for our appliances, etc. We need to take personal action in this area. Then there is the macro (what we support on a global basis). We need to know what is happening to water in the Delta and the Central Valley. We need to support cooperation so all are blessed. Then there is the ocean and the Northern Pacific topical gyre -to see the impact plastic is having on the ocean, watch this video from Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnUjTHB1lvM. This video alone is reason enough to stop using plastic bags and be certain that all bottles are recycled. Get out the washable cloth bags and use them when you go shopping.

News from California State

Parks Foundation

California State Parks Foundation

Needs the Help of our Clubs

On November 3, 2009, California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) took the first of a series of formal steps toward a long-term, sustainable funding mechanism to keep state parks open and accessible for Californians. Along with its partners in a campaign committee, CSPF filed a proposed statewide ballot measure to try to put the State Park Access Pass on the ballot in November 2010. The measure is called the "California State Parks and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act of 2010" and calls on Californians to support their state park system and wildlife conservation areas by paying $18 annually for a State Park Access Pass surcharge on vehicle license fees.

For the last year and a half, CSPF has tried to work with the Legislature and Governor to Save Our State Parks. Although it staved off the closure of 80% of the system (proposed by the Governor) and elimination of all core state funding for state parks (also proposed by the Governor), CSPF says that it is clear the powers that be in Sacramento are not riding to the rescue for state parks. CSPF says, "It is done trying to convince them, and it is taking its case to the people." CSPF is actively working to put the State Park Access Pass on the ballot in November 2010 and will be spending this fall and winter gathering public support.

In the coming months, there will be many ways to support this effort. This is an exciting step forward for all state park advocates, and there are many additional steps ahead as CSPF explores the feasibility of getting in front of voters next November. Right now, CSPF is organizing volunteers to gather signatures to help qualify the initiative for the ballot. CSPF says, "Not only are park supporters the most passionate voices on this issue, but using volunteers will be a great cost-savings for the campaign." If you are willing to commit to helping put the State Park Access Pass on the ballot, please click here to join CSPF's team.

News from National Garden Clubs, Inc.

Beautify Blight

NGC President Renee Blaschke's project, Beautify Blight, is an endeavor to create teams within a town, city or region to develop a vegetable garden on a formerly unsightly piece of property chosen by the group. NGC's objective for this project is to involve all garden clubs, no matter their size, to be involved in their individual communities. The project calls for garden clubs to find a community group interested in promoting the same concerns, such as Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, Lions Clubs, churches, or a government agency, in the finding of an unsightly piece of property that can be used by the group to develop and cultivate a community vegetable garden. Once a site has been found and plans are being developed to continue the project, a local youth group should be asked to participate as a partner in the group so that the whole community is involved. The purpose is to make garden clubs a viable part in uniting all of the participants in the need for community involvement in each others lives. The resulting service to those less fortunate by sharing the produce grown by this group effort is the ultimate goal of this project. The final stage will be the sharing of the produce with a local soup kitchen, homeless agency, or church meal program for those less fortunate. For more information on this project, contact Jeanne T. Nelson, NGC "Beautify Blight" Chairman.

Caring Members Can Reach Out to Aid Haiti
The devastating earthquake in Haiti has left many NGC members wondering how they can help. Donations are now being collected for Haiti through NGC. A project currently being considered by NGC is in conjunction with Global Partners Running Waters. The focus of this project will be to provide biological filtration to several sites serving Haitian children. This includes the Port au Prince Orphanage and seven schools in the mountainous area. These simple filters remove harmful bacteria and will bring clean, life-giving water to some of the people who need it most desperately. The Board of Directors will be voting on participation for this project at the upcoming Atlanta Convention business meeting. When approved, all funds earmarked properly will be able to get to the Global Partners Running Waters organization quickly.

To participate, please send your donations to Headquarters: Make checks payable to NGC. Please indicate World Gardening - Haiti. Send to: NGC Headquarters, 4401 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110-3492. Please note that this is a special fund, separate from the water projects which we are supporting in Guatemala, and so it is important to clearly indicate World Gardening - Haiti with your payment. For questions, contact Barbara Wesley, International Natural Disaster/World Gardening Chairman.

Note from Renee Blaschke, NGC President

Re: NGC 2010 Winter Executive Committee

Meeting, Palm Springs

February 4, 2010

Dear Pat [Pat Clayes, Chairman of the Meeting / CGCI Host],

Once again, my sincere thanks to you for your attention to every detail for our Executive Committee Meeting. We were all overwhelmed by the generosity of so many. The rain could not dampen our spirits, and the weather forecasters arranged for our tour [to The Living Desert]. The [Palm Springs] Follies was a great and fun closing to a very productive meeting . . . I commend all of those responsible for their contributions towards a great meeting.

Sincerely, Renee

CGCI Official Calendar of Upcoming Events

March 24-28, 2010 - San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, San Mateo, CA. Advisor: Gwen Nansen (408-266-2694). For special club ticket sales, see the CGCI website.
April 7-9, 2010 - CGCI 50th Flower Show Symposium, Sacramento, CA. Chairman: Gloria Aminian. For brochure, click here. For registration form, check here.
April 8-11, 2010 - CGCI's 7th Standard Flower Show “A Walk Through California” - California State Flower & Garden Show, Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA. Chairmen: Dolores Moffat & Shane Looper
April 20-21, 2010 - Gardening Study School, Course II, Loomis, CA. Sponsor: Golden Foothills District. Chairman: Patsy Jeffrey. For registration form, check here.
April 22-24, 2010 - Pacific Region Convention, Spokane WA
May 14-16, 2010 - NGC Convention, Atlanta, GA
June 3-7, 2010 - CGCI 79th Convention, Westlake Village, CA. Host: Channel Islands District. Chairmen: Jean Reiley & Beverly Brune