November 2019 - Dunnville Horticultural Society

November Pot Luck and AGM

Annual General Meeting
November 21st, 2019
Optimist Club Hall, Dunnville

Deb Z welcomed everyone to this year’s AGM and Christmas Potluck. She reminded everyone to purchase their raffle draw tickets to win one of the many wonderful donated prizes. She lead the singing of O Canada and welcomed Steve Elgersma to say grace before we began our dinner. Everyone was welcomed to enjoy a wonderful dinner and reminded to take a few minutes during your dinner to look at and vote for your favourite photos.
Just after 7pm, Deb Z called everyone’s attention to the front and gave them last chance to vote for their favourite photo. Deb called the AGM to order at 7:14. Brenda Z from the Optimist club and her two student volunteers were thanked for their assistance with setting out the meal. Amber Cuthbertson from District 9 was welcomed. Thank you to the members for being a part of this great organization, volunteering and participating in many ways. Deb called Kim C forward to present the continuous service pins. 5 year pins: George Admiral, Susan Allen, Keith Bak, Marie Bak, Rosemarie Bosak, Marg Bottrell, Mark Bottrell, Cheryl Brown, Darlene Bucsis, Letha Burden, Brenda DeRuiter, Herm De Ruiter, Kim Dickie, Mike Draaistra, Clara Draaistra, Ivan Ellison, Tom Henderson, Andy Hyma, Marion Kuiper-Lampman, Ben Lam, Denise Richardson, Sharon Sykes, Rod Thomas, Reg Wilson, Don Zynomirski, Alicia Stravinga 10 years: Darcy Christoff, Betty Clark, Cindy Huitema, Sue Mazi, Sam Visser, Marge Visser. Life Members: Ian Steel, Barb White.
2018 AGM Minutes were read by Petra, moved to accept by Cindy Huitema and seconded by Kim Dickie, it was passed. Treas. Kim Christoff came forward to present the 2019 financial statement. Lester Fretz motioned to accept this report, seconded by Steve Elgersma, passed. Cindy Huitema and Kim Dickie volunteered to audit the financial books for 2019, Bev Mclean and Betty Ballenger motioned to accept these ladies.
Deb Z introduced the 2019 board of directors and thanked specifically Denise Richardson, Lynn Loney and Marilyn Stavinga for their service and presented them each with a gift as they will be stepping down. She then continued with year review, recapping the large projects and many other activities and events DHS was involved in over the year. She thanked Debbie Thomas for all her work with several of these projects. She thanked Lester Fretz and Marlene Link who regularly write articles for the local papers and reviewed the several awards we have won.
Amber Cuthbertson came forward and asked for a motion to approve the disbandment of the 2019 board, Betty Ballenger moved and Gwen VanNatter seconded. Amber announced the installation of the new 2020 board of directors: Deb Zynomirski, Debbie Thomas, Kim Christoff, Petra Kruis Daly, Gloria Hunter, Nelly Engelage, Wray McLean, Sharon Sykes, Colleen O’Reilly, Angela Latham, Susan Emery
Deb Z then began a ‘non-expert’ slideshow on ‘Houseplants 101’. Since the guest speaker was suddenly unable to attend, Deb put together a simple informative slideshow on houseplants. After the informative lesson on house plants, the Raffle Draw prizes were drawn, Winners are: Petra KD, Anna O’Brian, Sarah Brown, Evelyn Wardell, Joan King, Denise Richardson, Kim Dickie, Pat Henderson, Velma Smith, Cindy Huitema, Larry P, Debbie Thomas, Brad Emery, Kim Dickie, Val A, Gloria Hunter, Richard Edgar, Marlene Link, Debbie Thomas, Petra KD, Denise Richardson, Susan Milligan, Bev Mclain, Angela Latham
Our raffle prizes were donated by many community businesses, which we wish to thank, and hope people visit these businesses: Deb’s Cuisine, Art Rocks and Healing Yoga, Grand Erie Home Hardware, The Music Room, Uncle Bob’s Workware, Grand Wellness, DeeAnn’s, A&W, Blooming Designs, Home Accents, Heatherston’s Florist, Sweet Retro-spect, Rexall, Dunnville Paint and Decorating, New Amsterdam, Houser Automotive, KFC, Canadian Tire, Barnwood Wine, Ruffins, Towne Café, Stefanie’s Hair Care, Only Place on Earth, House of Plus, Hunter’s Haven BnB.
Gloria Hunter announced the winners of the Photo Contest: Winter: Cheryl Brown, Spring: Lester Fretz, Summer: Marylou Johnson Fall: Gwen Van Natter. Each winner was presented with a $10 gift certificate donated by Small Dimensions.
Nelly then sang “We wish you a Merry Christmas “ to everyone and a safe drive home.

Take a walk on the wild side along some of the area’s parks and trails

Enjoying nautre can do a lot to help a person's physical, mental and emotional well being. - Deb Zynomirski photo

Well, who knew that a walk in the park or forest might help depression, or ease your frustrations? And best of all, it’s free!

Researchers have become aware of the benefits of ecotherapy, which encourages contact with nature, giving people a sense that “all is well.”

It can also create an awakening experience, when our surroundings become more intense (more beautiful and more meaningful).

I know most gardeners have experienced this connection with nature, not knowing it had the title of ecotherapy.

Other activities, such as forest bathing and mood hiking, produce similar results to ecotherapy. The whole idea is to simply visit a natural area and walk in a relaxed way that is calming, rejuvenating and restorative.

Some research has shown benefits such as boosted immune systems, reduced blood pressure, reduced stress and improved mood and energy levels.

Among children, researchers have coined the phrase “nature deficit disorder” for some kids who exhibit behavioural challenges, citing too much screen time and a lack of outdoor play as the culprits. Whether adult or child, we could all use more time outdoors.

So, when you need a boost, put on your walking shoes and take a stroll through nature. Oh, and don’t forget to stop and hug a tree and smell the roses, if they are in bloom.

Why not join other happy gardeners and would-be gardeners at our next program night on Nov. 21? We will be holding our annual general meeting, with a potluck dinner, and special speaker talking about houseplants 101. The Dunnville Horticultural Society meets every third Thursday of the month at the Optimist Club Hall, 101 Main St. from 7 to 9 p.m.

Visit us online at our Facebook page or website www.dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org.

For questions or comments, contact president Deb Zynomirski at 416-566-9337 or debzyn@gmail.com.

Marlene Link is a member of the Dunnville Horticultural Society.

DHS School Challenge Finalists

Three neighbouring schools answered the Dunnville Horticultural Society’s (DHS) School Challenge in a big way, sending over 600 students to Thompson Creek Eco Centre on October 25 for the Grand Opening. Teachers and students were introduced to the park, while DHS promoted their vision for schools to use the park as an outdoor classroom. Everyone walked the trails and learned about the ecological diversity of this learning centre.

DHS was so pleased by the turnout that all three schools were awarded a Carolinian tree of their choice planted at their school on Oct 30th. Adam Koziel of Earthgen supplied the trees and was on hand to assist with the planting.