President’s Message

Spring 2007

Theme:  "Garden Clubs Help Us Blossom!"

            We had a very late start to winter and now we are thinking spring!  Doesn’t time just fly by?  It is what happens when we keep really busy, and this spring should certainly go by  much too quickly, too, if that’s the case. 

            The highlight of our spring activities, of course, is our exciting NCA 2007 Convention!  Estelle and her committee have been and continue to work tirelessly to make this an extraordinary event.  Our featured designer, Marigold Harding, from Jamaica, is wonderfully talented and brings expertise learned as she has traveled around the world with her husband, who was Charge d’affaires of the Jamaican Embassy.  She is also a well known horticulturist and will be able to tell us about the tropical material she is using.  We are able to bring Marigold here for this program because of funds bequeathed by our dearly departed Gloria Houser, who continues to educate us even though she is no longer with us.  She certainly set a great example for all of us to consider following.

            Every club should endeavor to have a representative at the convention, since our annual Awards Ceremony will take place during the event.  We will not have a long, formal awards ceremony, but will break the awards into sections and award them during convention events.

            The Judges' Council Flower Show and workshops by the other Councils are greatly appreciated and will add an additional dimension to the whole affair.  You will have a chance to learn lots!  Dominion Valley’s sponsorship of the table designs, including furnishing the flowers and doing the designs, also deserves special thanks!

            This convention could not take place without the hard work of so many of you!  Your willingness to participate and help is most appreciated.  Estelle and I have marveled at how many just said “yes!” when asked to serve as a committee chairman or just help in some way. 

            Of course, the “Did You Know –“ book continues to be a wonderful fundraiser, thanks to the Book Committee, aka the “Energizer Committee.”  They just keep going and going!  The book has been successful beyond anyone’s imagination!

            There are many district and club activities taking place this spring, too!  They all sound exciting and you are wished much success!  I plan to attend as many functions that I have been invited to as possible.

            On another note, we have received information concerning the redevelopment of land adjacent to the Arboretum!  The plan has been approved by D.C., which is no small accomplishment.  The car lots and other businesses will be replaced with a supermarket (won’t that be a big help for us!) and other new businesses.  I believe condos are also proposed.  What a change that will make in the immediate area!

            I do find it amazing that this is my last Website message as your President!  Time has really passed quickly and we will welcome the slate of officers at the Installation Luncheon that will the final event of our convention!  Although I have been faced with some extremely hard personal issues during this term, you have all proven over and over why the statement that always appears at the end of my articles is true!  Thank you for your support and friendship.  Together Everyone really does Accomplished More.

            Garden Club Friends are the very best!!!          

                                                                                Dale