President's Message
Our President's WordsMGC Acceptance Speech – June 2, 2009 “Growing More than Gardens” It is a privilege and an honor to accept the position of 2009-2011 Michigan Garden Clubs President and follow in the footsteps of the women who have previously held this office since 1931.
That’s 78 years of enthusiasm, knowledge and making a difference in our communities. As I begin this evening, I’d like to thank all the former Presidents, Officers and members for their dedication, wisdom, service, and their foresight to make Michigan Garden Clubs the organization that it is today. I feel now, as I’m sure the past 39 Presidents have felt, overwhelmed with the task ahead, but joy in the knowledge of what can be accomplished.
 Our theme for 2009-2011 is “Growing more than Gardens”
Being a member of MGC is not solely about planting flowers or trimming trees,
It’s about inspiring each other with our ideas, and love of gardening.
It’s about enhancing ones’ life through education and finding beauty in change and developing relationships.
During the next few minutes you will discover there are a number of projects that will appeal to everyone in our organization.
Do you know of the wildflower sanctuary located north of White Cloud, Michigan? Loda Lake is the only dedicated wildflower sanctuary in our National Forest system. In 1937, when the Forest Service realized the wide variety of wildflowers with in a small area, they invited the Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, now Michigan Garden Clubs, to assist in creating a sanctuary for native plants. It was designated as a Wildflower Sanctuary on December, 1949.
Today, the 72-acre preserve is still managed by the Michigan Garden Clubs in partnership with the Forest Service. Nature creates, but it is not always the best manager of its creations. That’s when we, as partners, step in to help. To further our support of Loda Lake and promote Michigan Garden Clubs, this administration’s fundraiser will be to offer clothing merchandise with an embroidered MGC logo. Proceeds will benefit the Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary and help to preserve its natural beauty for many generations.
To honor our military personnel, my wish is to increase the number of Blue Star Memorial Markers throughout Michigan. This marker program was developed by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. in 1945 to pay tribute to the Armed Forces that defended our Country in World War II. There are 37 markers throughout Michigan. Do you think, during the next two years, we could increase that number to an even 50 markers?
Yet, another way to continue our support for our service men and women and their families was a project created by Florence Smith, a former president of MGC. She encouraged garden clubs across Michigan to plant a yellow ribbon of flowers to show support for our military.
We will co-ordinate the yellow ribbon of flowers project with our newly installed National Garden Club President, Renee Blaschke, who has request the mass planting of daffodils at retirement centers, public grounds, and Blue Star Memorials sites.
Our National President has asked that we partner with our community leaders to identify blighted areas and develop community gardens. Veggies and flowers go hand in hand and what better way to involve our youth than to work in a community garden.
Gardening Books -
Many of you are parents and former teachers. Children, like the ones you’ve raised, love to have someone read to them. Here’s your opportunity, if you’re not be able to dig in the soil, or get down and pull weeds, to read to a group of children and then donate the book to your local library.
Be sure to place your garden club name in the book, you may find a new member who wishes to join a garden club.
Contact our local librarian for suggestions on books that they may have on their wish list. A list of children’s gardening books will be available on our web site.
And share with me the number of books your club has donated to your library or school.
Every President wishes to increase membership in our organization.
While attending a district meeting, I shared a table with a new garden club member. I asked, where did she learn about the local garden club?
The newspaper, listed the local garden club meeting stating “open to the public” and they had an interesting topic for a program. Being new to the area, she phoned and was invited to the meeting. She joined and continues to participate …
I’m asking that each club have a publicity chairman to spread the word about the local garden clubs and MGC. Create business cards, let others know who and what you’re doing for the community. And there is a “publicity” book award!
So what are my Goals as your President.
GOALS
We have a project or program that will appeal to everyone in our organization.
* Contribute to Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary by purchasing MGC logo merchandise
* Plant ribbons of yellow flowers and daffodils
* Encourage community gardens
* Dedicate a Blue Star Marker to honor our military
* Read and donate garden related books to the children’s library
* Grow your garden club membership
These are my goals and I believe there is something here that we can all do to enrich our lives and others too.
As I look around this room, I recognize many friendly faces. It’s comforting to know you are there, for support. To my Board of Directors, I congratulate you and thank you for accepting these positions to support and serve MGC. As your President, I am proud to represent Michigan Garden Clubs and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve with you. Together, we will experience the true meaning of “Growing More Than Gardens.”
Lynn Dinvald; President, Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc.
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