Dear Friends & Fellow Gardeners,

 What a lot of snow we have had this winter!  As I write this message, it is snowing and meteorologists predict another 12-14 inches in this area.  Just imagine what is happening beneath the snow – new beginnings – just as spring is for us.

  A short time ago, you received information on the Penny Pines program, a program dedicated to replanting fire damaged forest areas.  There is a need to step up efforts in 2008 to re-green the ravaged wildfire areas and other lands ruined by tornadoes and floods.  The National Garden Club is asking each club in our state to make a small contribution.  When garden club members of our Southern states and California become ready for beautification and restoration, NGC, Inc. will then distribute these funds.  How fortunate we are to be able to be a force in helping to
“re-green” areas in this country.  Please consider making a donation.

  As I travel throughout Maine attending club and district meetings, I am filled with thankfulness and awe of the contributions you make to your communities, including the educational programs offered to members and guests.

  Speaking of education, please encourage members to attend the Gardening Study, Landscape Design and Environmental Schools, as well as the New England Region Symposium.  These NGC schools are offered through the GCFM for our benefit.

  Congratulations to the eight clubs who applied for the NGC Principal Financial project grants entitled “Let’s Go Native.”  Although only four received grant money, you all are winners!  Becky Linney has additional comments in the April 2008 newsletter.

  Sandy Terry and Molly Foster, Convention 2008 Co-Chairmen, and I met with the Medomak District presidents, vice presidents, and District Director Judy Hughes to finalize plans for our convention at Sebasco Estates.  What a fabulous GCFM Convention they have planned!  Judy Tarbox, registrar, is anxiously waiting to hear from you.   Please try to attend, for this Convention is planned as a reward to you for all you give to your clubs and your communities. Remember this is the official visit to the GCFM by National President Barbara May and Sonia Cianchette, our own New England Regional Director.

  I am thrilled to announce that $5,000 is now available for my project “Plant the Seeds of Gardening.”  The intent of this project is to have clubs work with youth in some type of community project.  Shelly Hanson, project chairman, has information available on the website and also may be contacted personally.  Grants of $200 - $500 will be made.  Don’t hesitate to contact her.  See Grant Application Form on page 10 of the April 2008 newsletter.

  Please invite me to your club meetings for I want to visit all of you. I am off to Memphis, Tennessee from April 25 to 29 for national meetings.

  Happy Spring and please “Plant the Seeds of Gardening!”