Anyone Up for a Bird-Watching Trip?

Good Morning Everyone.

Our member Susie S.  sent me an email asking if we should organize and birding outing to Essex County ( Parker River) Ipswich, Newburyport, area to see some owls, sea birds and other great sightings.  I for one would love to do this.  I know you've seen Sue's photos of the amazing Great Blue Herons and the sanderlings.

Would anyone be interested in a Garden Club outing to the seashore (winter)?  I will organize with Sue so we have a comfort area, warmth, car pool etc.   please let me know if your interested in this adventure.    

 

Bonni

Beautiful Flower Arrangements for the Community Table

Barbara Copley, one of our

Barbara's flowers bound for the Community Table

members, brightened the day of the dinner guests at the Lowell Community Table this week.  The arrangements are made from cloth-wrapped water bottles which is a great way to re-use and re-cycle items.  Each of these lovely little flower arrangements will add a note of grace and beauty to the tables as dinner is served.

Garden Club Bird Spotting Challenge

Garden Club Bird Spotting Challenge

 2015 is the Year of the Bird and as you may have seen in the Minutes, The club has had some programs on that topic since September.

The challenge is to have the club have its own Big Year. A Big Year in the birding world is to note how many different species of birds you see in a year.

In a true Big Year, they also you to recognize the "call of the bird", without sight.  But I am asking that our challenge be only sighting of the bird.  one has to be a true professional to know the call of the bird without sight.  And I'm sure we can recognize the call of mourning dove, blue jays, crows (or could they be grackels??) but this challenge has to be "seen only" specific

The reason I am inviting only you all specifically is that due ot our residences, we cover a great deal of the country and the migrating routes of a huge number of world known birds.

All you need to do is journal bird, date and where bird seen  Examples:  11/13/14  Blue jay, at feeder  Lowell, MA; 11/15/14 Red tail hawk, 5th story ledge  at Boott Mill etc.

Criteria: 

1.  No double entries  (once seen on your personal list, its seen.) 

If Evi, Jeanne and I see a blue jay that is acceptable on the list because  we tracked the migration from the northeast to south central US.  if Abby and Sharon also see a blue jay then we know that blue jays can be seen from Northeast Canada down to South Central US.

 2. Date:  Begin now Nov 2014 to  May 31st 2015  ( this 6 month period will give us winter and  spring summer birds with a migration season)  

3.  each month email me your list so I can keep a overall Results Chart

4. feel free to snap a photo, (but NOT necessary)  and email me.

4.  Garden Club Awards:  our club will submit this data for various appropriate awards given at National, Regional, state and our own garden clubs.  There could be cash awards and for our own club  I am donating  (as a one time award for this specific project) for the most named sighted birds, a pair of photography binoculars!

But regardless of the awards and recognition that I am  pursing on behalf of our garden club,  I hope you will join me for the fun of it.

Please let me know if you want to play sight the birdie!

Club Meeting Minutes:

NOVEMBER 11, 2014 MINUTES

Since November 11th fell on a day considered a “ holiday” where federal offices and banks were closed, Bonni inquired if anyone wanted a luncheon meeting rather than an evening meeting and those that were able to attend agreed to a day, rather than an evening meeting. The meeting was held a 1:00 pm at 279 Wentworth Avenue.

In attendance: Peggy, Lisa, Jeanne R. Barbara and Bonni. Sending regrets Heidi, Paul, Chanel, Susan, Cathy D. and Andrea.

Guest: Claire Nagle (former Lowell Garden Club member and known to some Curbs members).

Hospitality: Luncheon was served prior to the meeting; the Menu consisted of Squash Soup, bacon- apple cheddar baked cheese sandwiches on 9-grain rolls. Barbara’s amazing chilli, served with shredded cheddar and crackers. Jeanne made homemade apple pie, the crust was golden and the flakiest one could imagine; brought back memories of how apples pies were baked by grandma! and Peggy baked her death-by-chocolate godiva brownies! Lisa supplied the excellent crisp french white wine. Needless to say we had a feast!

Bonni gave everyone a recipe card for apple chips and the bacon cheddar apple grilled cheese sandwiches. Yum! (Attached to Minutes)

During dessert and coffee, Bonni called the meeting open and a quorum was met.

The meeting honoring Veteran's Day - Although Andrea was not in attendance she was visiting the clubs of the pacific coast that were conducting Blue Star ceremonies, she offered a pin to each one of our members to commemorate the day. The pin is a Service Unity pin a combination of the Blue Star and Unity( American flag )Ribbon. The pin was created to establish a universal symbol of America’s support of our military and their families during the war against terrorism. When wearing the Service Unity Pin you show your patriotism and support for our Armed Forces working and fighting to keep our nation free! A pin will be given/sent to each member of the club. Thank you Andrea, as always, for your generous nature and support of the club.

General Business:

1. Ways & Means: Bonni mentioned that the fundraiser chosen by the members in October would be a yard sale and that it would be held in the spring. Since Heidi suggested that the most desirable place to hold the yard sale would be at 279 Wentworth Ave. Bonni agreed. The date would not be set until the club reconvenes in March. It will be some date in April, as the weather permits.

2. 501 c. 3: Bonni stated that the club’s filing of the 501 c 3- with AG’s office has been completed on November 1, 2014. And the all requirements have been met for the 2013-2014 filing season.

The non-profit filing protocol is as follows: (1) During month of July: file with GCFMA the renewal of the Garden Club Umbrella and proposed budget for the tax year.

(2) August: file the E-post card with IRS.

Happy New Year 2012!

Happy New Year! I hope you all had wonderful holidays.

I know many of you enjoyed watching the Amaryllis bulb grow, and with that thought for the non-January meeting – it occurred to me - that perhaps you would like a small mid-winter challenge of trying to forced spring bulbs in a container or pot.

Myself, I had a windowsill of daffodils and hyacinths last winter. While the storms raged and I was laid up with a broken foot, needing some brightness, I enjoyed glorious spring color against the backdrop of a blizzard. So, if your missing the lack of a winter garden club meeting, here is an easy way for all of us to remain connected by bringing some color indoors during the winter months.

Forcing Spring Bulbs Indoors

Materials Needed

plastic pot

varieties of bulbs

bag of potting soil

sunny or bright spot

plant food (recommended, but not required)

First, different from the norm of yellow daffs and purple hyacinths, chose more short-stature, early blooming varieties of "angelique" tulips, white daffs, crocus, calla lily, lily of valley (white and pink!) and violets.

2. Check out the Seed and Bulb catalogues and/or visit the local Nurseries, Weston in Chelmsford, Mahoney’s I ( Tewksbury) and II (Chelmsford), even Lowes and Home Depot! Further fun, take a trip to Boylston MA and visit Tower Hill Botanical Garden’s Orangery and gift shop. Directions: 495 South, to Rte 190 Worcester, take 2^nd Exit Church Street/Boylston, bear right off exit, to end. Worth the trip!

3. Choose a plastic pot worthy of the amount of bulbs you plan to force and the area in your house where it will sit. If the pot is overly large, rather than fill with potting soil, add popcorns or blocks of styrofoam to fill ½ the container volume then add the potting soil. The pot will be lighter too! You will need a bag of potting soil and some plant food will give you a good start.

4. Arrange to have at least 3 layers of bulbs of different varieties for a great show of color, with at lease 1 inch of potting soil between each layer. Plant bulbs so they are nearly touching.

5. Top with soil, water thoroughly, and place in sunny or bright window. Soil should remain moist not wet, as the bulbs will rot if remain "wet". Watch the progress; they should be in bloom in 6-8 weeks.

If anyone does take on this challenge, please take photo’s of growth progress, and bloom. It will be a great "show and tell" project for our club meeting, plus the NGC President has a 2012-2013 "container project" and I would be please to have anyone of us, represent the club in this national project.

Enjoy the New Year

September News: Blue Star Garden

Members :

Last night we held our opening meeting of the 2010-2011 Garden Club year.

We welcomed new member Rose Suon.

and CONGRATULATIONS Chanel Houle the 2010 recipient of the club's Golden Trowel Award what a fabulous garden! Chanel not only met the Challenge this year but maintained his garden in blue ribbon fashion during our frightfully hot, dry summer the photos were amazing... watch for it in the upcoming issue of the Mayflower! Thank you to everyone that particiapted allthe garden were beautiful.. to each a job well done!! Its up to Chanel to think of a challenge for next year's award to present to the club... (hints are acceptable!)

UP DATE Regarding the Blue Star Memorial Park

I Spoke with Tom Bellegarde ( City Parks Director) this morning:

1. He stated the park is ready for our plantings.. the hardscapes are completed,,,the walkways the seating, the utility shed and raised planting beds.

2. He has a pile of mulch for us in a corner of the park near CAPS to use where ever we want.

3. He has had the City create signage for our planting area.

4. The city will be installing a large signage that reads (Adopt a Park) "Curbs & Cobblestones Garden Club Meetings 2nd Tuesday of month"

5. He is getting a lock with keys that he will give us for the garden shack.

6. He has set up a 150 ft hose with with water supply for us and suggest we leave i t out ( 3 seasons) he id confident due to the high traffic area there will be no vandalism. He ( City of Lowell) will be responsible.

7. I contacted Tipper Golden ( State Rep) to follow up on the Blue Star Marker ( left message)

8. I contacted management at Boot requesting they officially adopt our club at the site. This would mean they would give us a mail box and perhaps parking! so sorry.. everyone esp. Paul! Heidi your our garden club angel it would have been so much worse!

9. were all set for a mass bulb planting of Daffodils ( Narcissus) Hyacinths and muscari NO TULIPS on Sat Nov 6th.

I have found that if we plant during late morning the soil and air has warmed up considerably. So lets make it 10:30 AM?

Bring your trowels, gloves and knee pads! I think we should plant two thousand and 10 bulbs how about that for a goal? we have 18-20 member each bring 100 bulbs? I'll start soliciting for donations.. if anyone solicits REMEMBER we are 501 c.3... we can give donations a tax exempt letter of thanks. We need name & mailing address.

Members out of state: you can participate by sending a donation to purchase bulbs we'll do the hard work and plant them for you!

Remember checks are made out to Curbs & Cobblestones Garden Club.. ( memo line bulb planting) you too will get a 501 c.3 letter!

Minutes of Meeting to follow... fondly Bonni

Reminder : June meeting Tuesday June 8th 6:30 p.m.

Reminder : June meeting Tuesday June 8th 6:30 p.m.

New member invited: Gail Medina

Welcome Back: Kay & Dale Hines as members!

Regrets: Lisa/Chanel (in Georgia)

Agenda

Discussion

1. Awards rec'd at National and State - Smokey Bear for September 2010

2. Blue Star Park up date (WWI monument)

3. Nomination for GCFMA 3rd VP Letter

4. New or alternate site for club meetings

5. Fund raiser ideas

6. All current members dues should be paid at this time

7. Discussion on Federation dues from our club

8. Subscription to Mayflower

9. Bulletinn Board Items of interest for members, see Club Website- Sharon Sawyer, webmaster

10. Challenge Plant Golden Trowel Award update

11. Any Committees to report? Tabs, Stamps, cellphones, Shelter etc?

12. Proposed Northern District commitment by our club

13. Other ( email me if you want to discussion something at the meeting so I can have a printed agenda ready.

Thanks see everyone on Tuesday Bonni & Joe

New member invited: Gail Medina

Welcome Back: Kay & Dale Hines as members!

Regrets: Lisa/Chanel (in Georgia)

Agenda

Discussion

1. Awards rec'd at National and State - Smokey Bear for September 2010

2. Blue Star Park up date (WWI monument)

3. Nomination for GCFMA 3rd VP Letter

4. New or alternate site for club meetings

5. Fund raiser ideas

6. All current members dues should be paid at this time

7. Discussion on Federation dues from our club

8. Subscription to Mayflower

9. Bulletinn Board Items of interest for members, see Club Website- Sharon Sawyer, webmaster

10. Challenge Plant Golden Trowel Award update

11. Any Committees to report? Tabs, Stamps, cellphones, Shelter etc?

12. Proposed Northern District commitment by our club

13. Other ( email me if you want to discussion something at the meeting so I can have a printed agenda ready.

Thanks see everyone on Tuesday Bonni & Joe