Our President's Words

Dear Garden Club Members,

Here is some exciting news for your garden club projects 2007-2009-you will
find all the details in this newsletter.
The following grants will be available from National Garden Clubs, Inc:

• The Principal Financial Group once again will provide grant money for
  planting native plants.
• Grant money for school gardens involving teachers and children.
• Operation Wildflower grants
• Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl, Essay contest for older youth and special needs
  children.

The announcement at the National convention in Boston, that Big Rapids
Garden Club won $1000 for the rain garden was simply thrilling. So let us
get out there and get started.

Directives for the book of evidence on rain gardens:

• Use 8-1/2 x 11 paper, pages unlimited.
• Pictures with captions of the development from start to finish.
• Secure in a 3-hole pocket folder.
• On the cover your name, address, garden club affiliation.
• Books will be returned if address is on the cover.
• Submit by April 1, 2008. Second contest will be April 1st, 2009

Directives for the book of evidence for Monarch Butterflies

• Children by age groups, 5-8, 9-12, 13-15 years
• Use 8-1/2 x11 paper, pages unlimited
• Photos and captions of Monarchs in all stages if possible. Include the
  host plants.
• The photos can be in a garden or various observations of monarchs.
• Secure in a 2-hole pocket folder.
• On the cover, include your name, address, age category and the garden
  club affiliation.
• For adults following the same rules but no ages, please
• All books will be returned if address is included.
• Deadlines April 1st 2008 and April 1st 2009

     A few weeks ago, we had enough rain to track the storm water runoff. Rumor
has it that several members donned their rain gear and followed the runoff
into a stream. I am so proud of you going out there and being proactive on
this project.
     Here in Grand Rapids, four inches of water were cascading down the south side
of our home. That runoff came into our lower level family room.  This is a
perfect place for a rain garden.
     Did you know that there is an organization called Rain Garden Pioneers? The
U of M-Dearborn Environmental Interpretative Center has been working on
their watershed demonstration project. A rain garden will act as a
bioretention area. Volunteer are needed to weed the non-native plants out.
     Thanks, Taylor Garden Club, for this important announcement.
All garden club members are to be commended for all the work that is being
done in your communities.

As I travel in Michigan, I see the work of your hands and hearts. Reading
your yearbooks and newsletters about your civic beautification projects is
pure joy. Keep up the good work.

The number of Blue Star Memorials that were dedicated this summer is
impressive. These ceremonies are so special and yes, very emotional.
Continue to support this project and think of where you can place one in
your community. We pay a price for our freedom and we must honor those who
have given their lives for this cause.

As summer fades into the glorious autumn season, it is time for the garden and the gardeners to rest. It is also time to attend the district meetings. Come enjoy the day.
I leave you with this thought.

    Kind Hearts are Gardens,
    Kind Thoughts are Roots,
    Kind Words are Flowers,
    Kind Deeds are Fruits
    Brighton GC Year Book

Sincerely,
Dolores

Please note new email addresses:
dolores.stouwie@sbcglobal.net
stouwie@sbcglobal.net