President Bonnie Stevenson welcomed new members and guests at the club's regular meeting on Wednesday, October 10 at the Congregational Church.

After the business meeting, Flower Design Chairman Benjamin Kirkland critiqued creative fall designs using unusual materials, color combinations, and accessories. Design workshops are being planned for next spring and summer. They will help prepare members for the August 6, 2002 Flower Show. Look for more information early in the spring.

Drawings of "Smokey-the-Bear" were submitted by local kindergarten students. The children are practicing their artistic skills for next year when officially they can enter the "Smokey-the-Bear" - "Woodsy Owl" Contest. The club enjoyed the pictures. Look for them at Shop 'n Save.

Our first guest speaker, Fire Chief Glenn Townsend has been a firefighter since 1977. Over the years, he has seen many changes from up-dated equipment to required certification of all firemen. Today, gases from man-made materials release toxic smoke making fire fighting more hazardous. A change this year was the new 911. When calling 911 from a cell phone,Chief Townsend stressed, "Be sure to give your local fire station phone number to the operator." We greatly appreciated his information, and thank all firefighters for their service to our community.

Tom Flood, our second guest speaker, is the new executive director of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. A botanical garden is the collection of plants for research, display, and education. The coastal garden, a dream 10 years ago, is now in phase I of development. In Boothbay, we can look to the future for one of the top coastal gardens in the northeast. The garden will provide education, heritage, culture, economic development, and protection of our Maine coastal environment.

The tea chairman, hospitality committee, and hostesses were thanked. Delicious refreshments and a pumpkin-decorated centerpiece made a festive table.

Tuesday, October 23 -- Fall conference of GCFM, Augusta Civic Center.

Wednesday, October 24 -- 10 a.m., Garden Therapy and Civic Development -- bow-making workshop for wreaths and tray favors at the Barter's Island Community Hall.

Tuesday, November 6 -- 9 a.m., Board meeting at Bobby Wallingford's home.

Wednesday, November 14 -- 1 p.m., regular meeting at the Congregation Church in Boothbay Harbor.

Thursday, November 15 -- 9 a.m., Garden Therapy; deliver potted plant to Togus.

Sunday, November 18 -- 1:30 p.m., Civic Development and Garden Therapy -- "Gathering of the Greens" for making wreaths and tray favors. Meet at Janice Pisano's home on Barter's Island.

Members

New Members: Interested in joining the club? Call Anne Cataldo at 633-6399 or Sharon Verleur at 633-5998.