PRESIDENTS MESSAGE FOR JUNE 2023

Hello members,

The FFGC District 8 Spring Meeting was held at Lakewood Ranch on May 10, 2023. It was a spectacular event. The new Director of District VIII, Phyllis Weber, introduced the new board. Clearwater Garden club was given a Certificate of Appreciation for our contributions to the District 8 operating fund. Special Metal Certificates which celebrate milestone years of being federated were handed out to several clubs in District 8. I spoke to the group about our wonderful flower show. The Flower Show judges gave us a glowing report, too. We presented Sheryl Polese’s award winning display on Penny Pines at the meeting. This educational information will be in this month’s D8 newsletter.

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At our last membership meeting, on May 20th, we informed the members that the Plant Sale was a success and we made about $1,400. Also, the Spring Fantasy event was a success and the Dance it group donated $1,000 to the club. The members also voted to replace our burnt-up air conditioning unit which was 22 years old. It was replaced last week. Maggie Custer has resigned from 2nd Vice President. We are looking for two board members; 2nd Vice president and Recording Secretary. Please contact us if you would like to join the board.

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At our last clean up event, May 13th, we removed many of the dead hawthorn bushes along Fort Harrison, many roots and tree stump in Rose Garden, finished the paver walkway in the Butterfly Garden, and planted many plants remaining from the Plant Sale in the Desert Garden.

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Even though we will not be having membership meetings until October there will be some activities at the clubhouse over the summer.

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On the 2nd Saturdays for the rest of year, from 8am to noon, we will be working in the gardens with the Keep Pinellas Beautiful(KPB) volunteers.

 

On June 10th, with KPB assistance, we will continue cleaning up the Rose Garden, weed and plant new plants in the Butterfly and Desert Gardens. If we have as good a turnout as last time, we may start working on the other gardens in the Great 8 Garden plan, too. Please come out to help our ongoing improvements and show them our support and thanks.

 

On June 17th, the 3rd Saturday at 11am at the clubhouse, we are having a Program Committee meeting. Laura Daniel, Anne France, and Alice Jarvis with the help of members will work on next year’s programs. Please come and assist with the many suggestions on the programs. We need volunteers to organize and help one of the 8 monthly programs. I hope members will share their passion and information with the club.

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Hope to see you in the gardens!

Paul Keleti,  President, Clearwater Garden Club