Hort Society elects new board
A hardy group of Creemore Horticultural Society (CHS) members braved wintry weather and poor road conditions to meet at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall on Jan. 25 to conduct the Society’s Annual General Meeting.
Highlights of 2016 events and activities were presented by 2016 president Lynn Wilkinson. These events included celebration of CHS’ 95th anniversary, a raffle of a garden-themed quilt made by Cheryl Robertson of Creemore House of Stitches and the renovation of the Horticultural Park as well as our signature annual public events, the May Plant Sale, the July Flower Show, and the Thanksgiving Pumpkin Floral Arrangement Sale. Committee chairs Kathy Meeser (Grandmothers’ Garden and Canada150 Tulip Garden), Charlotte Vorstermans (Horticultural Park and Plant Sale), Sharon McLellan (Hospitality), Kathy Meeser speaking for Dorothy Shropshire (Flower Shows), Judi Parker (Thanksgiving Pumpkin Floral Arrangements), and Tami Penney (Santa Claus Parade Float) also presented reports on committee activities.
Recognition and appreciation was given to the following people who retired at the end of 2016 from various roles: Lynn Wilkinson, Charlotte Vorstermans and Sharon McLellan who, between them, devoted 27 years to leadership on the board; Elaine Wilkinson who served as the greeter to all attending our meetings for many years; Marie Kidd who presented a reading to open our meetings for an amazing 22 years; and Pat Raible and Bill Mann who audited CHS financial records for 10 years. These volunteers made a big difference to our organization.
Russ Talbot, representing Ontario Horticultural Association District 16, conducted the election and installation of the new board of directors.
The 2017 board is composed of president Judi Parker, treasurer Carol Ray, co-secretaries Lana Bryant and Linda Coulter, and directors, Susie Cosack, Darlene Madill, Gayle Millsap, Tami Penney, Jaki Skillings, and Carole Watson. Lynn Wilkinson will continue to serve as an ex officio member of the board as immediate past president.
Creemore Horticultural Society has been part of the Creemore community since 1921. We are a friendly group of gardeners who meet on a regular basis to have a good time with like-minded people while learning about gardening, working in community gardens, or participating in various special events such as flower shows, a plant sale, and more. No experience or education is required to join us—all you need is an interest in growing plants, whether vegetables or ornamentals. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings and to public events.
Watch The Echo’s community calendar for programs and events scheduled in 2017 and visit the online calendar at Creemore.com.
