2012-2013 President's Letter
Betty Anne Griffin, President
What a great year for Bloom and Grow! We have been blessed with 17 new members, and there have been five “notable firsts”: Carolyn Torres and her Hostess committee began using permanent nametags which were turned in after the luncheon, and one was drawn out of the basket for a $5 refund; we “shared our yards” for the table decorations; we highlighted facts about our new members each month in the Clippings with a raffle ticket drawn at the luncheon for the member who remembered the facts; we increased the membership to 130 members; we began a new Bloom and Grow web site -thank you, Nancy Connors.
The year began with our summer birthday luncheon at Legends; Chico’s displayed various accessories. The regular luncheons, September – April, were held at the WOCC. Our Program Chairperson, Nancy Fullerton, arranged these informative programs: Jim Thomas, ONP; Katy Moss Warner, “America in Bloom”; Diana Howell,” Highland Grove Landscapes”; Dr. Rachel Wentz, “Ancient Medicine in Florida”; Kay Cappleman and Mona Phepps, “History and Restoration of Lake Apopka”; “Bloom and Grow Scholarship Recipients”; Mary Zahl, “Gracious Outdoor Living” (featuring homes of some B&G members and local friends).
Sandra Rieke and her committee led the members on four exciting field trips followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant: Nelson Roses, lunch at Too Jays; Bok Tower w/ lunch; UF Research IFAS (spouses included), lunch at Rus Teak; Oakland Nature Preserve, lunch at Al Fresco.
Our Social and Ways & Means Committees, chaired by Gretchen Boyd and Jennie Reagan, were busy as we enjoyed our 2nd annual “Stepping Out” event held at Tanner Hall; our annual “Denim and Diamonds” held at the ONP log cabin, preceded by an observation of wildlife at the feeding station and music provided by Tim Landers’Johnny and the Moondogs; and our festive May luncheon held at Maison Jardin with fashions by Dillard’s and our own B&G models.
Our 13th annual Spring Fever was a resounding success with over 65 working committee members and about 100 members working the day of event. Funds from this event enabled B&G to continue our support of such local projects as: Winter Garden in Bloom, Habitat for Humanity’s Home at Last, Wekiva Youth Camp, Nehrling Gardens, Horticulture Scholarships to Valencia and Univ. of FL, local Tree Fund, landscaping at WO Christian Service Center, Oakland Nature Preserve, Path of Life, School Gardens Project, Matthew’s Hope Garden, WG Heritage Foundation, Reading Reindeer, and other special projects as they arise.
Thank you, Executive Committee:
1st VP, Membership, Ann Blastic
2nd VP, Programs, Nancy Fullerton
Recording Secretary, Elizabeth McKinney
Corresponding Secretary, Marilyn Kelyman
Past President, Jennie Reagan
Thank you, Bloom and Grow ladies!!
The year began with our summer birthday luncheon at Legends; Chico’s displayed various accessories. The regular luncheons, September – April, were held at the WOCC. Our Program Chairperson, Nancy Fullerton, arranged these informative programs: Jim Thomas, ONP; Katy Moss Warner, “America in Bloom”; Diana Howell,” Highland Grove Landscapes”; Dr. Rachel Wentz, “Ancient Medicine in Florida”; Kay Cappleman and Mona Phepps, “History and Restoration of Lake Apopka”; “Bloom and Grow Scholarship Recipients”; Mary Zahl, “Gracious Outdoor Living” (featuring homes of some B&G members and local friends).
Sandra Rieke and her committee led the members on four exciting field trips followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant: Nelson Roses, lunch at Too Jays; Bok Tower w/ lunch; UF Research IFAS (spouses included), lunch at Rus Teak; Oakland Nature Preserve, lunch at Al Fresco.
Our Social and Ways & Means Committees, chaired by Gretchen Boyd and Jennie Reagan, were busy as we enjoyed our 2nd annual “Stepping Out” event held at Tanner Hall; our annual “Denim and Diamonds” held at the ONP log cabin, preceded by an observation of wildlife at the feeding station and music provided by Tim Landers’Johnny and the Moondogs; and our festive May luncheon held at Maison Jardin with fashions by Dillard’s and our own B&G models.
Our 13th annual Spring Fever was a resounding success with over 65 working committee members and about 100 members working the day of event. Funds from this event enabled B&G to continue our support of such local projects as: Winter Garden in Bloom, Habitat for Humanity’s Home at Last, Wekiva Youth Camp, Nehrling Gardens, Horticulture Scholarships to Valencia and Univ. of FL, local Tree Fund, landscaping at WO Christian Service Center, Oakland Nature Preserve, Path of Life, School Gardens Project, Matthew’s Hope Garden, WG Heritage Foundation, Reading Reindeer, and other special projects as they arise.
Thank you, Executive Committee:
1st VP, Membership, Ann Blastic
2nd VP, Programs, Nancy Fullerton
Recording Secretary, Elizabeth McKinney
Corresponding Secretary, Marilyn Kelyman
Past President, Jennie Reagan
Thank you, Bloom and Grow ladies!!