As winter ebbs and flows, from temperatures reaching 10 below zero to temperatures in the forties, our garden club is making plans for the coming seasons. Our program committee has begun to put together a schedule of programs for the coming year. If you have a suggestion for a topic or field trip destination, or know a really good speaker, please let our programs chair, Nancy Simboli, know about it. At the same time, our board is working on a budget for 2023-24. We have our usual, ongoing expenses, and we have some unexpected expenditures on the horizon. Stay tuned for more at our February 16 meeting and in news updates from our president, Tuckie Westfall.

We are ordering mulch for the gardens, and assembling lists of volunteers. You should be receiving your membership renewal forms soon. The membership forms include opportunities to sign up for various committees. Every volunteer is a valuable asset. Our committee chairs need the support of all garden club members. Please think carefully, though, when you check a box, because you are expected to lend a hand when asked.

Members working on their mugs

And finally, those small contributions for stewardship and other needs are truly appreciated. Our membership has been wonderful in lending its support to the club. And when making donations, please keep our Arthur Clayton Scholarship in mind. A check to University of Maine Foundation with the notation “For Arthur Clayton Horticulture Scholarship” on the memo line can be mailed to UMaine Foundation, 2 Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469.

Union Church with new sign June, 2019