2020 Holiday “Gala”

On December 8, 2020 a “Holiday Chat” was held via Zoom for all members and interns.

With Anna Thurmond serving as Master of Ceremonies, the group was welcomed and entertained with a piano solo, “Deck the Halls,” by Martha Holmes.

A Garden Trivia game proved to be quite challenging and Kay Egan and Chris Epes tied with 14 out of 15 correct answers. Although they were offered a tie-breaker question, Chris acquiesced to Kay and she was awarded a tray of delicious cookies prepared by Jill Lewis.

Cookie exchanges have been popular for decades, but a new idea was born when the group enjoyed a “virtual cookie exchange.” Connie Kellam, Sally Hartman, Jill Lewis, Alice Hinsch and Eileen Ballance shared favorite cookie ideas and showed their finished products on camera.

Bill Gerhardt entertained everyone with his original “Master Gardener-ing During COVID” poem. 

Since the “Ugly Sweater” contest of previous years didn’t compute to a Zoom screen, participants were asked to wear creative headgear. Michael Cole highlighted everyone who met the challenge, but chose Bill Gerhardt as the most festively-minded participant. Bill was awarded a $25 gift certificate for the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

To close the festivities, Jim Affeldt serenaded us with his piano solo, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”



There were many smiles and happy faces observed during the 2020 Holiday Chat, and lots of comments were shared about family traditions. It may not have been as ful-“filling” as a great lunch, but it was fun and served as a creative alternative to our usual in-person get-together. Everyone closed by wishing other participants a very happy holiday season and best wishes for a great new year.