Haldimand Press Update January 2019
2019 marks the 90th anniversary of the Dunnville Horticultural Society! The world has been transformed in many ways over 90 years, but a few things remain the same: the beauty of nature around us and the pursuit to enjoy that nature! Change has come to our garden club as well this year.
Our longstanding president Debbie Thomas has stepped down, and yours truly will be taking the reins. We owe Debbie a debt of gratitude, since it was under her outstanding leadership that the Dunnville Hort Society grew its membership to over 200. She also spearheaded many community projects that have made Dunnville a better place to live, work and raise a family. Thank you Debbie!
Having such big shoes to fill feels a little overwhelming quite frankly. If it weren’t for the talented group on our board, it would seem impossible! I would like to thank Kim Christoff (Treasurer), Petra Kruis-Daly (Recording Secretary), Gloria Hunter, Denise Richardson, Marilyn Stavinga, Lynn Loney, Nelly Engelage, Wray McLean, and of course Debbie Thomas (Past President) for staying the course this year as I learn the ropes. Your many hours of dedicated volunteering makes our garden club a fun and welcoming place for all!
Our November AGM was a wonderful evening celebrating our successes of 2018. Geoff MacDonald of Bains Road Cider Company presented on “Making Ciders” and provided delicious tastes of his yummy products. In addition, we held our annual 4-season photo contest, awarded Continuing Service Award pins, and held a penny sale raffle with the many items generously donated by local Dunnville business. A delicious potluck dinner was a highlight of the evening. Our 2019 Board of Directors was also sworn in.
This year promises to be just as busy as ever, with ongoing projects like the revitalization of the Thompson Creek watershed, changes to the face of our town’s floral clock, and planting and maintaining Dunnville’s beautiful flower beds. In addition, we are honoured to be hosting the OHA District 9 Fall Forum and President’s meeting right here in Dunnville. This will be a chance to showcase our Society’s contributions to making Dunnville such a charming and lovely town.
I hope you will join us for our first Program Night of the year on January 17, 7:00pm at the Optimist Hall. Our talented and knowledgeable members will be sharing their expertise on planning a garden, growing flowers, and pressing flowers. Members Beth Powell and Petra Kruis-Daly will surely provide an entertaining evening. Come on out and make some new friends or meet some old ones, share in some refreshments and dream of warmer days ahead!
I am both humbled and honoured to represent this wonderful club. The Dunnville Horticultural Society’s 90 years of service to our community will continue in 2019, as we work to beautify Dunnville and make it a town you can feel proud of. You can always reach me at debzyn@gmail.com or (416)566-9337. Or check us out at www.dunnvillehortandgardenclub.org or visit us on Facebook!