Valued HBBC member Gary Weathersbee passed away May 4, 2015.  We have placed a memory stone in the Padgett Garden in his honor.  Gary shared his love of gardening with all of us and we will remember his many contributions to HBBC.   We send love to his wife, and HBBC member, Pat.

Holden Beach Bridge Project, designed by NCDOT and HBBC, rendering by Greg Shue.

The Brunswick County Commissioners have approved the Holden Beach Bridge Project!  This project, which will landscape the north (mainland) side of the bridge, was also approved by the Town of Holden Beach Commissioners at their June meeting.

The project was designed by NCDOT and HBBC and will include 18,000 plants.  The NCDOT is expected to begin construction in November.

The three flower beds will be maintained by HBBC and the Holden Beach commissioners have approved the maintenance of the other new landscaping.  Starting this fall look for beautiful plantings on both ends of the bridge!

Each year Beautification Club members collect their most beautiful photos of the Holden Beach area for the annual calendar.  The very best are selected for the calendar which is professionally produced in limited quantities each fall.  The calendars are collectible, and are also popular holiday gifts.

For the first time, we are taking orders in advance to make sure we have enough and to allow those who do not live in the area a chance to purchase one.  Calendars cost $15 plus an additional $5 for shipping.  We will ship calendars  to anywhere in the US.

The best part is that the proceeds are used to run the Club, whose mission is to beautify our island.

You may order a calendar by sending a check for $15 plus $5 shipping and this form to Treasurer Donna Aycock, 125 Durham St., Holden Beach, NC  28462.

You may also order a calendar using PayPal by clicking here:

The Town has offered HBBC the opportunity to sell tickets for the 50/50 raffle at the June 28 Summer Concert featuring Rick Strickland Band.  HBBC gets to keep a portion of the proceeds.  Funds raised will be used to enable HBBC to continue our work on the island.  So come enjoy a great band and support a great cause!

If you can’t make the concert on the 28th, plan to join us August 30 for Sea Cruz, where we will also run the 50/50!  You can view the full concert schedule here.

HBBC Members enjoyed a fantastic meal and the beautiful setting at The View at Brick Landing for the end of year social. The new officers for 2015-2016 were installed by out-going President Carol Ann Lohman.  Incoming Officers are President Gayle Todd, 1st Vice President Donna Aycock, 2nd Vice President Carolyn Metrakos, 3rd Vice President Lillian West, Secretary Sharon Butler, and Treasurer Gina Martin.

Awards were presented by the outgoing officers.  The Golden Trowel Award, selected by the President, was given to Dianna Hadesty and Fran Pompeii.   Club Members of the Year, selected by the members, were Donna Aycock and Dianna Hadesty.  New Member Sponsors, Donna Aycock, Carol Lehr, Gina Martin and Cecelia Weston were recognized.

The Club will take a break for the summer and resume meetings in September.  Hope to see you then!

Incoming Officers 2015-2016: President Gayle Todd, 1st Vice President Donna Aycock, 3rd Vice President Lillian West, Secretary Sharon Butler, Treasurer Gina Martin. (Not pictured: 2nd Vice President Carolyn Metrakos)

At the May meeting, members were treated to Allen Ayling’s video presentation of the sea life he has encountered while diving all over the world. Mr. Ayling has completed over 1500 dives in oceans across the globe and documents his trips with underwater video.  He shared video of sea life ranging from 15′ manta rays to tiny half inch seahorses.  Members were reminded to get their RSVP in for the May Social to Donna Aycock by May 20th.  The Plant Sale and Days at the Docks booth were great successes raising in excess of $2400.  Watch your email, Spring planting of the gardens is coming soon!

May Hostesses Judy Brock, Pam Burris and Peggy Allen

The Holden Beach Beautification Club gratefully acknowledges our 2015 Sponsors and Donors. Donations along with fundraisers provide the means to purchase plants and other landscaping materials for the public gardens on Holden Beach.

Please visit our Sponsors and thank them for their support of the Holden Beach Beautification Club! If you would like to make a donation please visit the Donate page on our website HoldenBeachBC.org.

Look for our Sponsor Board at Days at the Docks and Festival By the Sea.

It is time for the annual HBBC Plant Sale! The tables are filled with gorgeous plants at fantastic prices. Unique plants, new hybrids and time-tested favorites are ready to take home.  In addition to plants and other garden items, this year we have hand painted “pallet art”. Each of these pieces are one of kind treasures created by the talented ladies of the HBBC.

Come take a look!  The sale takes place Friday from 1:00 – 4:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am – 3:00pm at the EOC center, on Sabbath Home Road approximately 1/10 mile past the Food Lion Shopping Center, on the north side of the road.

Proceeds from the Annual Plant Sale are used to purchase landscape materials and plants for the public gardens on Holden Beach.

Members traveled to Airlie Gardens last week for our annual field trip.   The camellias and tulips were in bloom along with the other springtime flowers.  Our tour guide Beth, a 25-year volunteer, gave us a wonderful private tour of the gardens.  Following the tour, the group stopped for lunch at Eddie Romanelli’s in Leland.  Thanks to member Ann Landis and Carla Payne for the lovely photos!

Many White Elephants are enjoying new homes after a very successful White Elephant Auction!

Members and guests participated in both silent and live auctions of more than 100 donated items.  Over $800 was raised to help fund the gardens and run the club.  Becky Greene served as auctioneer and led the spirited bidding during the live auction.

This month’s hostesses focused on a St. Patrick’s Day theme and featured green treats.

During the business portion of the meeting, members were reminded to pay their dues for the upcoming year.  If you missed the meeting, your $20 dues may be sent to Donna Aycock, 125 Durham St., Holden Beach, 28462.

Preparation for the Spring Plant sale is in full swing and members are reminded to get sponsorships turned in ASAP.

Officers for 2015-2016 were elected and will be installed at the May Social.  The slate includes:

Next month’s meeting is the field trip to Airlie Gardens.  RSVP to Carol Ann, 910-842-1576.

Hostesses for the March Meeting were Carol Keane, Sharon Butler, Joann Burke, Becky Greene, Diana Hardesty and Jane Ivey.

Just a few of the items donated for the White elephant Auction.

Becky Greene served as the auctioneer.