Melrose Grapevine

Many people join Melrose in mourning the recent passing of a social pillar, art patron, and good man, Keith Bollum, who died in the presence of his loving family on Friday, March 15, 2019, after his battle with cancer. Keith was the curator of Bellamy Road Art Gallery when it opened in 2005. His promotion of all things artistic and historic left a legacy. His welcome face will indeed be missed among us.

The MBCA General meeting is Tuesday, March 12, at the Homemakers Club in Melrose. Doors open at 11:30a, meeting convenes at noon. Agenda items include:

• Status of the Melrose Community Center

• Beach fundraising & cleanup (immediately following the meeting)

• Update on the Library Association and events

MBP Volunteers and Friends of the Park,
It has been a while since we’ve done some sprucing up at the park, other than mowing.  Slowly but surely we’re removing the trees toppled by hurricane Irma.  We need to finish that job as well as sand and paint the benches.  Please join us Tuesday at 1 pm (immediately following the MBCA meeting) to help out. 

Tools needed:

• Belt sanders or any other type of sander.  Battery operated preferred, but we do have power in the park. Need extension cords.
• Paint brushes  (I will have primer and paint available)
• Chain Saws.  Large (18″ to 24″) and small (16″)   We will cut the limbs and trunks and either haul them off on Tues or leave them for a friend of mine to take away later.
• Garden rakes to smooth out the gouges left by the fallen trees.

Thanks so much for your interest in keeping our jewel of a “swimming hole” nice for our kids and families.  If you know of others who might be able to help, please invite them.

-William

The Garden Club of the Lakes and Bryan’s Ace Hardware invite youth K-6 to their “3^rd Annual Jr. Garden Club Day.” Children will be treated to a variety of planting experiences with all of the plants, seeds, pots and soil donated by the Club, Bonnie Seed, Hatchet Creek Nursery and Bryan’s Ace Hardware. Ace is also providing refreshments to those attending. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

One of the Garden Club’s missions is to inspire youth to be future gardeners, floral designers, farmers, landscapers and environmentalists. Also, studies show that when children have contact with soil during activities like digging and planting, they have improved moods, better learning experiences and decreased anxiety. Most important, the self-esteem a child gets from eating a perfect cucumber that he/she grew is priceless.

The “Jr. Garden Club Day” will be on Saturday, February 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. – noon at the Bryan’s Ace Hardware, 251 Walker Ave., Keystone Heights. It is open to children K-6^th grade. All supplies and plants are free for the Jr. Gardeners.

“GARDENING FOR FUN, EDUCATION & COMMUNITY SERVICE”
Jackie Host, President, Garden Club of the Lakes
FFGC Water & Wetlands Chairman
NGC Environmental Consultant
phone (352) 473-8095