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Our Mission and Values
Mission:
The Garden Club of Windham brings together people who find meaning and joy in
gardening and enjoy sharing that bond with others. Through thoughtful,
environmentally aware gardening, the Garden Club aims to beautify the Town of
Windham, increase civic pride, and present a welcoming face to our community and
visitors alike.
Values:
The Garden Club of Windham
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supports environmentally sound, natural approaches to gardening that protect our environment and the quality of our air, water, and land.
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promotes appreciation of our local ecosystem and its indigenous web of life.
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educates members and the regional community, including young people and the under-served, so we all increase our knowledge of the natural world.
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maintains attractive, well-tended public gardens.
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partners with Town government as well as local and regional groups to create inviting public spaces for an array of community activities — educational, cultural, and recreational.
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Who We Are
Barbara Wright
Co-President
I've been attracted to plants and gardening for as long as I can remember, from my grandmother's vegetable gardens to her mint patch and fuzzy hollyhocks, I remember pulling Japanese beetles off the roses that grew at a corner of the garage, and harvesting parsley. Being in a garden today brings me peace -- and the desire to share that pleasure with others.
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Jay Osborne
Co-President, Membership Chair, Garden on the Bridge Chair
After adopting my dog, I began walking all around Willimantic and immediately noticed the many beautiful garden spaces cared for by the Garden Club. I was pleased to learn that someone with no real gardening experience and limited time would be welcomed into the club. Working with other volunteers as we 'beautify the community and improve the environment' has been a personally enriching learning experience for me.
Ursula Roskoski
Secretary
I love to witness the yearly cycle of the seasons, from the autumnal dying to the vernal rebirth. And I love also to learn about the amazing plant life that so delightfully highlights this cycle, from the riotous bursting of crocus in spring to the autumn majesty of October foliage. Two favorite sayings are "weeds are just plants out of place," and "Whatever you have to say, leave the roots on, let them dangle, and the dirt, just to make clear where they came from." Charles Olson.
Patty Spruance
Treasurer
I have enjoyed the fruits of the Windham Garden Club’s labor since I was hired as Town Clerk in 2007. It is impossible to miss the beautiful gardens sprinkled throughout Willimantic. It makes a quick walk to the post office a relaxing moment as I gather a mini-bouquet to brighten our office. Thank you. You are all amazing!
Dan Phipps
Public Spaces Chair, Holiday Lights Co-Chair
Ever since I moved to Willimantic, I have wanted to give back to the community. Helping to beautify the town and maintain public spaces has given me rewarding opportunities to do that – and to learn more about and teach my son about gardening.
Pam Wright
Wildlife Habitat Co-Chair
I have been a passionate home gardener since moving to Willimantic in 1974. As a state-certified Master Gardener (Adv.) and Master Naturalist, I docent at the Connecticut College Arboretum and the Key West Botanical Garden (in winter). I'm a past president of the Gareden Club of Windham and also belong to the Key West Garden Club. My volunteer work with the National Wildlife Federation has inspired my love of native plants and their importance to our ecosystem. "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need" (Cicero).
Jean de Smet
Wildlife Habitat Co-Chair
As a Windham community activist, I love the Garden Club’s mission to improve public spaces. Working with the town, Eastern CT State University and High School students and meeting other community members, we’ve beautified spaces and improved wildlife and pollinator habitat, and our work is greatly appreciated.
Faith Kenton
High Street Hillside Chair
Why do I garden? Working alone, it’s a time to be outdoors, to talk to myself working through life questions/challenges, to immerse myself in the Earth. Working with a group provides company, learning from others, sharing news/plans/gossip. In both of these circumstances, my goal is to provide color and beauty, healthier surroundings, and boost pride and ownership living here in this old needy town.
Carole Williamson
Holiday Lights Co-Chair
My gardens are my sanctuary.
Debbie Stoloff
Board Member at Large
I love flowers and the Garden Club has enhanced our town so much with beautiful flowers. I am currently helping out at the High Street Hillside. It is amazing how a piece of grass and weeds has turned into a beautiful pollinator-friendly garden.
Bylaws
The Garden Club of Windham, CT, revised its bylaws in 2020. For the current bylaws, please go to the Bulletin Board or use this link: https://www.gardenclubofwindhamct.org/post/bylaws-garden-club-of-windham.
Our History
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