All I can say is “Well Done Everyone!! Together another banner year.”
-Our membership is at 234
-With 21 Jr Gardeners and a successful partnership with Hald 4H
-DHS is proud to recognize 5 new life members this year with a total of 10
-Our monthly programs continue to draw no less than 69 in attendance, some programs double that- proving they are relevant, enjoyable and something worthwhile to continue
-We have continued to grow partnerships within the community through our projects and activities; Dunnville High school student volunteers..giving out our first bursary this year
-We had the assistance of the Scouts & Cubs, Community Living and Dunnville Christian School weeding beds this year along with our dedicated members
-We partnered with Heritage Haldimand to designate the large Norway Maple as a Heritage tree in the New Waterfront park and installed a permanent marker.
-Businesses, Community groups and residents believe in us, as seen in our strong financial position and community engagement
-Enabling us to add a new bench in Wingfield Park, 2 new nautical art enhancements, the restoration of the anchor and bed including a new historical plaque, concrete edging and new plantings around the new Dunnville sign
– Not to mention keeping up with our regular activities and projects
-And of course the yet to be completed Thompson Creek Eco Park Restoration
-We continue to think of ways to be environmentally responsible by planting more perennials, grasses, trees and shrubs each year reducing the need for excessive watering and keeping our costs down
-We look for ways each year to try and reduce our volunteers time and labour – by using thick mulches where we can, by eliminating annuals in some beds and by ensuring the annuals planted are of the type and done in a way that will spread choking out weeds
-DHS undertakes the care of all 24 beds and planters, along with 32 pots throughout the town of Dunnville. It’s unheard of for single Hort Society to take on so much each year.
Closing remarks
The Lifeblood of any organization is in its membership. Without you, DHS couldn’t take on or complete the many beautification projects. Your continued participation keeps our programs meaningful and sustainable. You ensure the future of DHS.
On behalf of your 2018 DHS Board “ Thank you” we are so grateful for your ongoing support and confidence.
If you our members are the Lifeblood, your DHS Board is certainly the Heart and Soul of this organization. This group of committed individuals gives so much of themselves. Putting in countless hours of time and labour, even pulling in their unwitting families to assist on large scale projects needing a boost in manpower. I am so grateful and happy to report that no one has jumped ship. All are returning for 2019 under the sound and charismatic leadership of Deb Zynomirski.
-by Debbie Thomas, outgoing DHS Pres.