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Presidents Report
by Diane Coulman
Another year has come and gone with the Elmira Horticulture Society,and we look forward to 2012 with anticipation. Several new faces will be seen on our board this year, and we are so pleased that they are willing to volunteer their time and effort so that we, as a society, can continue to serve you and our community.
First and foremost, a huge thanks goes out to Willard Martin for his work in organizing the plant sale for the past several years. The only thing Willard has been unable to plan has been sunny, good weather each year in May on the day of the sale... In spite of the continual rain this past year, the sale raised $971.50, areal accomplishment! As well as this successful sale,Willard also initiated the removal of the old fence around the Children's Garden, and the replacement of a brand new, chain- link fence. It was a time consumming task, and I would like to personally thank him for all of the hours spent on this project. Kudos go to Sharon Holinger for painting a new sign at the entrance to the garden. Willard has decided to step down, however, we are fortunate in having Louise Bexton fill this spot on our board. Louise is fairly new in town, and she brings expertise and enthusiasm to this position.
Our society continued its involvement in the community projects by making a donation towards the hanging baskets on Artur St.,and the planters in front of the TD Bank. As well, there are approximately 30 people from inside and outside our society who continue to maintain 13 flowerbeds in our community under the direction of Bill Crane. Bill has been heavily involved in this project for many years, and for that he deserves much credit.
In 2011 our $500.00 scholarship was awarded to yet another EDSS student, Jacob Nederend, who will be attending the University of Guelph and pursuing a bachelor of science degree in agriculture. Jacob was a very worthy recipient of this scholarship.
The Junior Garden Club once again had 9 enthusiastic children who planted individual gardens, with Marlene Snyder as their leader. Because we couldn't get another full time volunteer to assist with the garden club, the Board Members took turns helping Marlene each week. I would like to thank them for stepping in when help was needed. Hopefully, we will be able to fill this spot in 2012. It is so rewarding to see these little children's excitement as their gardens begin to grow.
Other organized activities this year included our seven Education Meetings with guest speakers, a bus trip in May to The Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, and our garden tour in July, which sold more tickets than ever before.Two hundred people toured the beautiful gardens in Hawksville, and $1423.18 was raised for our Society. Thanks to Karen Smart, Bette Cummings, and Barb Smith for making these events happen.
It has been a year of "learning the ropes" for me as my very compent, well seasoned co-president, Lyn Schwindt guided me at every turn. She very patiently, answered my many questions, steering me in the right direction when decisions had to be made, and set a great example of patience sprinkled with a much needed sence of humour when things became stressful, Lyn will be stepping down and becoming Past president for 2012. I would like to thank her so much for guiding me this past year. I sincerly hope that she will continue to answer her phone when I have yet another question, as I continue in the role of President for one more term.
I would also like to thank the entire executive and directors at large for their support and dedication during 2011. They say it takes a community to raise a child, well, I now realize that it takes our entire Board to have a successful Horticulture Society.
(2012-01-26) |
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