Garden Fair—The fifth annual Garden Fair was a big success. We set a record for the plant sale (a combination of donated and purchased plants). The Shed Sale, new this year, exceeded our expectations. Almost all the donated items sold. Along with fees from vendors, the event was a great fund raiser for FSA. (See article below.)
Music at the Arboretum—After much deliberation the Board decided to make this season—the sixth—the last one of this collaboration with ORMACO. FSA paid 100% of the artist fees each year. Over the years with costs increasing and donations decreasing, the event no longer paid for itself. Music is not core to FSA’s mission. The Board is exploring other
possible summer events and collaborations. Please share ideas you have.
Annual Meeting—The Annual Meeting of Friends of Secrest Arboretum will be held at the Secrest Welcome and Education Center at 3:00 pm on Friday, October 2nd. Secrest staff and the FSA Board will be giving updates on Secrest and on the Friends Organization. You will also be voting on the Board of Directors for the organization for the coming year. Below is the slate of candidates—all of whom are running for re-election:
Robert Everett – President
Karen Lesiecki – Vice President
Anne Wilson – Treasurer
Linda Irwin – Secretary
Andrew Cerniglia – Membership Director
Larry Madden – At Large
Jill Miday – At Large
Jack Franz – At Large
I’d like to thank the entire Board for agreeing to continue to serve. Their strong support makes my job easier.
Fall Plant Sale—The member’s presale is Friday, October 2nd, immediately after the Annual Meeting. FSA members attending the meeting will be the first admitted to the Fall Sale. The general sale is Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 am until noon depending on demand. As always, there will be a wonderful variety of trees and shrubs, and fall is a great time to plant. Please remember that FSA members receive a 10% discount at the plant sale. Please also check out our FSA Logo branded apparel, tote bags, and mugs that will be available for sale.
Winterberry & Greens Sale—The winterberry & greens sale is one of FSA’s top fundraisers. Annual profits the last three years averaged over $9,000. Please read the following article for details as well as a brief history of the sale.
Final Thoughts—As always, please reach out to me at friendsofsecrest@gmail.com should you have questions about FSA or if you are interested in volunteering – whether as a board member or not.
–Bob Everett, President, Friends of Secrest Arboretum