SPECIAL EDITION - Garden Activities: July 21, 2026

This was a very special Tuesday in that it was totally devoted to help set up for, participate in, and clean up after a celebration of Beverly Brune, the most recent past president of the CVBG board and currently holding the title of President Emerita. A detailed tribute to her contributions to CVBG and other regional and statewide gardening organizations can be found as the lead article in the current “formal” newsletter accessible from the website (not the weekly update).  

The Tuesday Crew comprised Julia Appelrouth, Krystyna Bacik, Dale Harshberger, Beverly Kemmerling, Susanna Mac, Katie Shank, Daryl Stutley, Nancy Taylor Walker, Janet Wall, Anna Wiktor-Becker, Ann Wright, and myself. We assisted current Board President, Monica Barton and her husband Brad, set up a seating area in front of the mobile home for about 40 guests who included other current and past volunteers, and board members, and most especially 4 members of Beverly’s family: one of her sons (Frank Brune) as well as her grandson (George Heinsin) and 2 granddaughters (Amber Brune and Alice Heinsin). Son Kurt Brune and daughter Carol Heinsin were unable to attend.

Beverly and her family: Amber, Frank, Beverly, Alice and George.

A special guest was Greg Pokorski of CA Garden Clubs, Inc. who shared reminiscences of Beverly when he and his wife, Robin Pokorski, who was also involved with the organization, worked there with her. He attributed his success in his current position as parliamentarian to Beverly’s focus on parliamentary procedure which also contributed to the efficient management of CVBG board meetings.

Greg sharing tributes from Robin and himself.

Beverly and Monica exchanging compliments after Monica’s tribute. Beverly’s family is seated to her right.

Greg and Beverly sharing a quiet moment.

Food and drink refreshments had been set out, tablecloths put on the tables, and table tops decorated with fresh flowers from the KAG.  

The charming table bouquets were made up of Agapanthus and Duranta blossoms, and fern sprigs.

Beverly, always a good listener, lending an ear with a smile on her face to someone across the table.

After the tributes, Beverly’s response, and general visiting, Beverly, her family, and many others, went up to the entrance to the Trail of Trees to view the bronze plaque that had been placed there in her honor. A sneak preview:

The plaque speaks for itself.

Beverly with her dedication plaque.

Beverly’s family with the plaque: George, Frank, Beverly and Alice.

Much of the Tuesday Crew stayed behind to assist Brad in cleaning up while Monica accompanied Beverly. But before we get to the close, a few words for the many volunteers and others whose joint efforts made for a seamless event. To make the space more pristine, some of the volunteers did some deadheading and weeding. Others set up tables and chairs and wiped off the plastic benches. 

Julia and Susanna with a green waste bucket.

Katie created the dedication handout.

And of course Monica who organizied the event with Beverly’s family. Here she is “supported” by Nancy and Anna who helped clean up the early demise of a glass vase.

An unidentified “angel” had been to the garden before us and spread mulch in various places including where the aviary had stood and where the papaya sapling had tried unsuccessfully to gain a foothold. These efforts and those above as well as the freshly resurfaced DG paths provided a finished venue for the event.

Thanks to Monica, Beverly Kemmerling and Nancy for their images.  

Enjoy the garden, and include a visit to the Trail of Trees and its dedication to Beverly for doing so much to enhance our experience of CVBG.   KMM