Presidents Message
APRIL 2024
April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks “Go!” - Christopher Morley
And Naples Islands Garden Club thinks “Go!” Go walk in the rain. Go tend to those spring gardens. Go prepare your entries for NIGC’s Annual Flower Show on April 10th, when our Alison Lohfeld will chair this always popular event. Remember the beautiful Moroccan-themed Installation Luncheon Alison created that we are still buzzing about? Well, she is at it again with her co-chairs, Barbara Jordon and Pam McCredie, and committee! This time her theme is ”Bloomin’ 50,” our last celebration of NIGC’s 50th anniversary, and this promises to be another most memorable event. So let’s all GO, bring our floral creations, and enjoy a very special Flower Show.
Congratulations to our newly elected “Class of ‘26” Officers! You will head the important task of growing and shaping our award-winning Garden Club for the next two years. And a huge thank-you to all of our talented, selfless, dedicated members who have volunteered to chair the many essential committees that keep NIGC moving forward for all to enjoy. (And that’s over 30 committees—no April Fooling!)
I’m proud to serve with each of you as we step into our next 50 years of gathering, gardening and giving.
Best wishes,
Deborah
NIGC History
The fertile soil and gentle climate of the South were perhaps the reason the first garden club in America was founded there. The Ladies Garden Club of America was formed in 1891 in Athens, GA. Garden clubs quickly expanded throughout the South and then across our nation. The National Garden Club, of which we are members, was established in 1929. These clubs were not just concerned with teas and genteel Flower Shows or improvement of members’ private gardens. Many clubs were the earliest advocates of civic beautification, planting of street trees, maintenance of parks, and campaigns against blight especially billboards. Restoration and maintenance of nearby historic gardens was also a priority of many clubs.
14 Years as a "Blue Ribbon" Club
One that participates in and fulfills the objectives of the CIGCI and National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC), and demonstrates a well rounded program with many diverse activities and projects - all for the good of the community.
Officers 2022-2023
President -Deborah Smith
1st Vice President - Linda Frame
2nd Vice-President - Maureen Schultz
Treasurer - Beverly Butters Lane
Corresponding Secretary - Lynne Clarke
Recording Secretary - Lynn Danielson
Past President - Pam McCredie