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SPADE
& TROWEL
CIRCLE
NEWS & ACTIVITIES
PRESIDENT - GAIL HOLDER
OFFICERS
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President |
Gail Holder |
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Vice President |
Cathy Thirilwell |
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Recording Secretary |
Carol Scott |
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Corresponding Secretary |
Jean Mead |
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Treasurer |
Lyn Davidson |
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Governing Board Representatives |
Phyllis Bourdon & Linda Williams |
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
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Awards
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Nihla Trosset |
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Birds, Butterflies &
Conservation |
Joan Laughter |
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Chaplain |
Pat Wareham |
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Civic Concerns
& Environment |
Evelyn Fraley |
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Flower Show |
Linda Williams |
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Horticulture & Garden Therapy |
Betty Adamson |
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Hospitality |
Ann Hartnett |
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House &
Grounds |
Louisa Kupper |
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Membership |
Madge Trick |
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Nominating Committee |
Phyllis Bourdon, Scootie Goodings &
Mae Jenkins |
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Parliamentarian |
Shirl Phillips |
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Publicity & Scrapbook |
Marilyn Barnini |
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Sunshine |
Lorrie Pelosi |
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Telephone |
Fran Huntress |
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Trees |
Debi Sage |
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Ways & Means |
Pat Lopez &
Margaret Cornell |
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Web Reporter |
Shirl Phillips |
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World Gardening |
Louisa Kupper
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MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
MEETINGS ARE HELD THE THIRD
WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
AT 9:30 A.M. AT THE HOME OF A
MEMBER OR OTHER LOCATION LISTED BY DATE.
THE FIRST PERSON LISTED AS "HOSTESS" IS THE
CHAIRPERSON
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September 16,2009 |
" Florida
Wildlife Sanctuary"
, by Sue Small , at - Lyn Thornewell's Club House
Hostesses: Phyllis Bourdon, Pat Lopez, Betty Adamson & Cathy
Thirlwell |
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October
21. 2009 |
"Flower Design"
by Gloria Blake
Hostesses: Scootie Gettings, Marguerite Whiting,
Cece Ford & Joan Laughter |
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November
18, 2009 |
"Home Tour Planning and Craft Pre-sale
-
at -
Garden Center - Opening Meeting
Hostesses:
Ann Hartnett, Mary Jane Raleigh, Marilyn Barnini, Lyn
Davidson & Lorrie Pelosi |
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December 5, 2009 |
2009 - Christmas Home Tour (Fund Raiser) |
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December
16, 2009 |
Christmas Luncheon,
at - Gail Holder's Home
Hostesses: Pat Wareham, Shirl Phillips, Nihla
Trosset, Madge Trick & Evelyn Fraley |
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January
20, 2010 |
"Proper Pruning"
at Rockledge Gardens
Hostesses: Fran Huntress, Joan Andersen, Arline Mason,
& Pat Mastropaolo |
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February
17, 2010 |
" Lovely
Landscaping" ,
by Susan Hall, - at - Margret Cornell's Home
Hostesses: Linda Williams, Sandy Francher, Sybil Fleckinger,
& Marion Jordan |
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March
17, 2010 |
"Crime
Prevention",
by Mark Rutledge, - at- Mary Jane Raleigh's Home
Hostesses: Debi Sage, Barbara Costello, Mae Jenkins &
Louise Kupper |
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April
21, 2010 |
Field
Trip
-
Florida Tech Botanical Gardens, Melbourne, FL |
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May 19,
2010 |
Spring
Luncheon,
at: - Jimmie's Restaurant, Rockledge, FL
Hostesses: Hospitality Committee
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ACTIVITIES
SPADE & TROWEL - FEBRUARY 17, 2010 MEETING
Spade &
Trowel held their February 2010 meeting at the spacious home of
Mary Jane Raleigh. Hostess chairman for the luncheon was Linda
Williams.
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Hostesses from left
to right: Debi Sage, Mary Jane Raleigh,
Linda Williams,
Sandy Fancher and Martha Chambers.
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Chaplain Pat Wareham read an inspiring message followed by a
prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Betty
Adamson showed us three beautiful blooming Kalanchoes. The plant
is salt tolerant and resistant to most insects. The Kalanchoe is
also fairly tolerant to the cold, which is really a plus after
our cold winter this year. Betty explained there are about 120
different varieties of this plant and they are a member of the
jade family.
Our
guest speaker was Susan Hall, a graduate of Perdue University
with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Susan showed numerous
slides of Roman, French, Italian and English Garden Designs
dating back to the 17th and 18th century, along with beautiful
American Garden Designs of the 19th century. Among Susan's many
accomplishments is designing the landscaping at the Ritz Carlton
Hotel on the ocean in Key Biscayne. Susan’s favorite saying is,
“My green thumb came as a result of the mistakes I made while
learning to see things from a plants point of view”.
President Gail Holder closed the meeting by reminding members of
the Flower Show on March 26th and 27th and the Cocoa-Rockledge
Garden Club Wine Tasting Fundraiser on April 10th.
Marilyn
Barnini is having back surgery on Monday the 22nd of February.
Please keep her in your prayers!
Next
Spade & Trowel meeting will be on March 17th at Margret
Cornell’s home. Cathy has arranged for an interesting program on
Crime Prevention. See you there!
Shirl Phillip, Reporter
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SPADE & TROWEL - JANUARY 20, 2010 MEETING
Spade & Trowel held their first
meeting and luncheon of 2010 at Rockledge Gardens
President Gail Holder opened the
meeting with a prayer offered by Sandy Fancher followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag of the United States. Gail welcomed six associate members
that were there, and expressed to them how nice it is to have them attend our
functions.
Betty Adamson, our Horticulture and
Garden Therapy Chairman, gave a report on the different types of Christmas
Cactus and their care and maintenance. Betty’s report was very informative and
answered many questions that the members had about the proper location for the
plant and when to fertilize and when not to. Betty stressed that if the plant is
happy where it is leave it there.
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Pictured is Betty with her Christmas Cactus.
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We were entertained be our guest
speaker Greg Barham from Rockledge Gardens. Gregs subject was on “Proper
Pruning”, this program could not have come at a better time after many days of
freezing temperatures in Brevard County. Greg is certainly an expert on the
subject of proper pruning and explained when to prune our damaged plants and how
far down to prune specific plants and trees. Thanks to Cathy Thirlwell for
making the arrangements for Greg to speak to us, he was great!!
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Pictured are Greg and Cathy with some of his frost damaged
plants.
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Spade & Trowel Ladies responsible
for our January luncheon are pictured below: Arline Mason, Martha Chambers, Joan
Andersen and Fran Huntress. Thanks ladies everything was delicious and the
dessert was as Phyllis would say worth every bit of the calories.
Pictured below are some of the S & T
ladies enjoying the luncheon of soup, sandwich and dessert and admiring the
beautiful pink Camellias in the center of the tables. These beautiful pink
camellias came from Fran’s yard.
After an enjoyable and informative meeting and a great lunch,
some of the Spade & Trowel ladies are enjoying a stroll through Rockledge
Gardens.
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Betty Fontana, Ann Hartnett, Mary Jane Raleigh, Lyn Thornwell,
Marge Shearer and Ruth Ganter
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Hope to see all of you at Mary Jane
Raleigh's home on February 17th. The program is “Lovely
Landscaping” presented by the
talented Susan Hall.
Shirl Phillips, Reporter
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SPADE & TROWEL - DECEMBER 16, 2009 MEETING
Spade & Trowel’s December meeting and
luncheon was held at the home of Gail Holder. Gail’s Christmas decorations
were spectacular, many coming from all around the world. A pencil Christmas tree
in the corner of the living room was decorated to perfection.
President Gail Holder opened the meeting by
introducing our chaplain, Pat Wareham. Pat read a touching message entitled “The
Joy of Love” followed by a beautiful Christmas prayer.
Martha Chambers was installed as a new
member of Spade and Trowel by our membership chairman, Madge Trick. Martha has
already been an asset to our circle by working at the Home Tour, and her husband
George worked as a parker. We are happy to have you as a new member, Martha.
Betty Adamson gave a real eye opener report
on the dangers of pyrex. Her report discussed pyrex exploding and causing
serious injury. The fact is,
Corning
has sold their pyrex rights to China and the Chinese are making the pyrex out of
lime soda glass, which is explosive. Please pass this information on to your
family and friends! Betty showed us a beautiful little orchid called a Oncidium
Twinkle, what a cute name especially at this time of the year. Marilyn Barnini
was the lucky recipient of the orchid.
Pat Lopez and Margret Cornell were thanked
for their hard work and diligent efforts in making the 2009 Christmas Home Tour
such a success.
Fran Huntress brought a chocolate “ginger
bread” house made by her daughter, Diana. Mae Jenkins was the winner of the
drawing for the yummy chocolate house. Way to go Mae!
The hostess committee consisting of Pat
Wareham, Nihla Trosset, Shirl Phillips, Evelyn Fraley, Madge Trick and Gail
Holder prepared a delicious meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, cranberry salad and
who could resist all the delicious desserts.
It was a beautiful day for a luncheon with
tables set up outside on the patio. Pictured above are Martha Chambers, Cathy
Thirlwell, Phyllis Bourdon, Margret Cornell and Cece Ford enjoying the scenery
and relaxing after an enjoyable meeting and meal.
Wishing you and your family a Wonderful
Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year
Shirley Phillips, Reporter
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SPADE & TROWEL - MEALS ON WHEELS PROJECT
Each Christmas season Spade &
Trowel Circle members of the Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club assemble gift bags of
toilet articles which are donated by members of all garden club circles. They
are then delivered to the Meals on Wheels kitchen for drivers to take along
with hot meals to the MoW recipients
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Pictured
left to right:
Gail Holder, Spade & Trowel Circle President, MoW
driver, Evelyn Fraley and another MoW driver |
Mow driver Marie,
Evelyn Fraley, Alice Kirk - driver, and Gail Holder.
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SPADE & TROWEL CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR - DECEMBER 5, 2009
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“Craft Ladies” Marguerite Whiting, Barbara Costello and
Lyn Davidson
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Cathy Thirlwell selling pre-owned jewelry; proceeds going
to Celebration Gardens.
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Spade & Trowel members selling bake sale goodies:
Marlene Wells, Katie Posey, Leila Sheriff and Marge Shearer
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Pictured from left to right: Linda Patterson and Ann Hartnett serving cookies and punch
to visitors.
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Bob and Carol Varker Home:
Pictured from left to right: Lynn Thornwell, Betty Fontana,
Joan Laughter (Chairman), Joan Andersen, Phyllis Bourdon, Cece Ford, Julie
Lawhon and Scootie Gettings
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Dr. Pedro & Kim Rodriguez Home:
First Row: Mary Jane Raleigh, Kim Rodriguez, Alicia
Phillips
Second Row: Ruth Ganter, Jean McLain
Third Row: Madge Trick, Shirl Phillips, Edith March
Top: Jean Mead (Chairman)
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Darrell & Cheryl Poye Home:
Pictured from left to right :
Fran Huntress, Gail Holder,
Betty Adamson, Marilyn Barnini (Chairman) , Martha Chambers |
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The
Czekalski Family Home
Pictured from left to right: Carol Scott, Evelyn Fraley,
Lillie McGhee and Nihla Troset
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Shirley Phillips, Reporter
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Spade and Trowel Circle - November 18, 2009 Meeting
Spade
and Trowel’s November meeting was held at the Garden Club. The
main point of discussion was the December 5th
Christmas Home Tour. Pat Lopez and Margret Cornell have spent
many hours making sure all details are finalized and members are
aware of their individual responsibilities.
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Pat and Margret, pictured above, are 2009 Christmas Home
Tour Chairman for Spade & Trowel. |
As
Agriculture chairman, Betty Adamson explained that Azaleas are
small evergreen shrubs that are in the same genus as
Rhododendrons. Azaleas are easy to grow in the right conditions,
require bright but filtered sunlight and they need moist
draining soil to thrive. Don’t forget to fertilize!!!
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Betty is
pictured with two of her Azaleas plants, one of which she
is going to prune and make into a bonsai.. |
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Martha Chambers pictured above with our membership chairman, Madge
Trick was introduced to the circle as a prospective
member. Welcome aboard, Martha! |
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Many beautiful crafts were on display and up for sale
prior to the Christmas Home Tour Craft Sale. The craft
ladies have worked very hard to make these unusual and
attractive decorations for the holidays. |
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Madge is showing two members
from Dirt Daubers Circle, Lillie McGhee and Ann Proctor,
the beautiful decorated Christmas Balls |
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A delicious luncheon was prepared and served by our host
committee: Lorri Pelosi, Lyn Davidson, Marilyn Barnini,
Ann Hartnett and Mary Jane Raleigh. Thanks Ladies!! |
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Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club is fortunate to have two
really dedicated and knowledgeable ladies to represent us
as presidents, Gail Holder as president of Spade & Trowel
Circle and Jo Compton as Club President. Thanks gals for
helping to make our club a success. |
Now
as I make plans for our family Thanksgiving, may I extend
my Best Wishes for a Healthy & Happy Thanksgiving to you and your
families!
Shirley Phillips, Reporter
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Spade and Trowel Circle - October 21, 2009 Meeting
It was a sunny, breezy day for our
outdoor meeting at Jean Mead's beautiful home. The lovely tables and gorgeous
view of the Indian River was a perfect setting for a luncheon/meeting.
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Pictured are Margret Cornell,
Phyllis Bourdon, Pat Lopez and Gail Holder |
Our Home Tour
Chairmen, Margret Cornell and Pat Lopez updated everyone on the homes, and had
the tickets ready to be dispersed. Pat commented that there was much
enthusiasm from the merchants when they saw the new cover and the whole "new
look" of the tickets, and also the fact that we were changing our Christmas
Home Tour day from Wednesday to Saturday.
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Pictured left to right: Carol Scott and Betty Adamson. |
Betty Adamson presented our gracious
hostess, Jean Mean, with a basket of chrysanthemums. Appropriately, Betty's
topic was on chrysanthemums, more commonly known as mums. They were first
cultivated in China as a flowering herb. The yellow mums are used in Asia
for tea as well as an aid in recovery from the flu; in Korea they are used to
make rice wine.
An
interesting contrast to the positive feelings of this plant (football games,
hostess gifts) that many Americans have, is that in many European countries
such as Belgium, Austria, and France, the white chrysanthemum is used almost
exclusively at funerals and is known as the death flower.
Originally
golden yellow, today colors include various shades of pink, purple, red,
yellow, bronze or orange, and white.
They
do extremely well in the fall, in cooler climates, until the freeze comes!
Betty said they like heavy soil, and that if you do plant them, plant them on
the east side as they like the morning sun. They also require large amounts
of water. You can get them to survive here, if you pay very close attention
to their needs!
As
a landscaping plant, they make a beautiful Fall display for a home garden, but
if you cut the flowers and put them in a vase, remember to change the water
frequently to eliminate the stench!
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Pictured is our meeting in
motion. What a gorgeous setting for a meeting! |
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Pictured is our speaker, Betty Moore, holding
a miniature Crown of Thorns. |
Betty
Moore, a member of three garden clubs in the area, and also a past master
judge in flower shows, spoke on horticulture and design. She spoke on what
judges look for, i.e. a clean pot, no brown leaves, and no debris in pot. She
explained the different kinds of tables - exhibit tables, tea tables, etc. and
gave us suggestions on how to display, always keeping scale in mind.
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Hostesses pictured left to right: Scottie Gettings,
Cece Ford, Joan Laughter, Jean Mead (homeowner), and Ruth Ganter. |
A
lovely luncheon was served outside on the front lawn, which included a salad
bar, quiche and an array of desserts. Thank you hostesses with the mostest.
Now ...get
out and sell tickets.
Linda Williams, Reporting for Shirl Phillips
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Spade and Trowel Circle - September 9, 2009 Meeting
Spade & Trowel held its September meeting at
Lyn Thornwell’s Club House located on the beautiful Indian River. Our new
president, Gail Holder did an excellent job conducting the meeting and making
sure all important information was passed on to its members.
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Members going over new proposed
budget for 2009-2010, submitted by Treasurer, Lyn Davidson.
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Our
Tour chairmen reported they have the four houses needed for the tour. Three
of the houses are located in Rockledge and the fourth in Viera. Refreshments,
crafts and bake sale will be held at Room Scapes of Brevard located on U.S. I
in South Rockledge. The date for the Home Tour for 2009 is Saturday, December
5th. Tickets sold by Spade & Trowel members will cost $12.00 and
tickets sold at the homes on the day of the tour will be $15.00.
Christmas Home
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Christmas Home Tour Chairmen, Margaret Cornell and Pat Lopez are going
over information for the home tour.
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Cheers to our Vice-President, Cathy
Thirlwell for getting Sue Small from The Florida Wildlife Sanctuary to be our
speaker for this meeting. Sue explained that the Florida Wildlife
Sanctuary is a non- profit organization that operates a wildlife hospital.
The hospital tends to 175 different species of birds and animals a year.
Every animal or bird is ex-rayed before being cared for at the
hospital. The wildlife sanctuary is supported by the people in the
community with over 11,000 volunteer hours a year. Their motto is
Keep Wildlife Wild.
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brought along two bird that the sanctuary has nursed back to health.
One of the birds was an Eastern Owl named Screech and the other was an
American Kestrel that will be named soon. |
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A wonderful luncheon was prepared and served
by the host committee: Pat Lopez, Cathy Thirlwell, Phyllis Bourdon and
Betty Adamson. A delicious ice cream dessert was made by Lyn Thornwell.
Thanks ladies!!
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Spade and Trowel ‘s October 21st
meeting will be held at Jean Mead’s home. The program will be
Flower Design
demonstrated by our own District VI member,
Betty Moore..
See you there!
Shirl Phillips, Reporter
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In
recognition of National Garden Week, Spade and Trowel Circle purchased 185
beautiful Pentas potted plants. These plants were wrapped in pretty floral
paper and delivered to the Community Kitchen in Cocoa, to be distributed to
the Meals on Wheels recipients along with their hot meal.
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Pictured are Cathy Thirlwell and Phyllis Bourdon
with their cars filled to capacity with these beautiful plants |
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Shirl Phillips, Reporter
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Spade and Trowel Circle - May 20, 2009
Installation Luncheon
Phyllis Bourdon gave much deserved recognition to Mary
Jane Raleigh and Betty Adamson for their many years of dedicated service.
Congratulations to both Mary Jane and Betty on receiving well deserved
lifetime memberships in the Garden Club.
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Pictured left to right: Mary Jane Raleigh and Betty
Adamson. |
Cece Ford, our newest member installed by Madge Trick,
our Installation Officer, stands beside fellow member, Joan Laughter. Cece
is holding one of the beautiful floral arrangements in a teapot which were
also our centerpieces. These gorgeous centerpieces were designed by Pat
Lopez. Many thanks to Pat, and welcome Cece!
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Pictured from left to right:Cece Ford & Joan Laughter.
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Gail is also holding a miniature teapot along with a
Chamomile tea bag which is supposed to be for stress and a tea to take to
help unwind and relax after putting in long hours during the Home Tour.
Shirl Phillips gave each incoming officer a miniature teapot and tea bag to
represent her position: i.e. Vice President Cathy Thirlwell received
Hibiscus tea for high blood pressure and Treasurer Lyn Davidson was given
Green Tea (color of money) as it is an excellent remedy for headaches. How
clever Shirl!
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Outgoing President Phyllis Bourdon hands over the
gavel, and the keys to the Garden Club to incoming President Gail
Holder. |
Praise was given to Vice President Pat Lopez by
President Phyllis Bourdon for all her many hours of hard work and her close
attention to every detail in planning field trips and putting meetings
together. Phyllis also thanked all the officers for their dedication. In
addition, she introduced Jo Compton, our new Cocoa Rockledge Garden Club
President. Congratulations, Jo!
Pat Lopez has put together two informative and
fun-filled years. We have been to interesting museums, have learned much,
and along the way have made new friends. Thank you for two fabulous years.
We thank the outgoing board of officers for a job well done, and wish our
new board much success.
Enjoy your travels and have a safe summer.
Linda Williams, Reporter
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Spade and Trowel Circle - April 22, 2009
Morikami Gardens and Museum
Members from the other two circles and their guests were
able to join us on our field trip to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
in Delray Beach.
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Compton, seldom seen without her camera, is one the busiest ladies in our Garden
Club. Not only has Jo recently completed two years as Director of
District VI, she will soon take on the position as President of CRGC, as
well as the awesome job of being the FFGC State Photographer. We were all so please that she was able to join us on this field
trip. |
The 200 acres were donated by George Morikami in the
mid-1970's to preserve it as a park and to honor the memory of his homeland.
The acres include two museum buildings, expansive Japanese gardens with
strolling paths, an extensive bonsai collection, nature trails, small lakes
filled with koi and also a haven to hundreds of turtles. Iguanas are also an
everyday sight, and although intimidating, are apparently harmless.
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The Morikami Falls, one of many peaceful places to sit, and close
your eyes and just listen to the sound of the falling water. |
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Shown left to right, Sharon Parsons, a guest , Sandy
Fancher and Cathy Thirlwell.
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Shirl and John Phillips just enjoying the view.
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A fabulous traditional Japanese lunch was served
and enjoyed by all. The weather was perfect and the long bus ride did not
seem that long because of the movies shown on the bus. Thank you to Pat Lopez
for a well planned trip.
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Spade and Trowel Meeting
March 18, 2009
"What Lies at Our Own Back Door?"
The meeting this month was held at The
Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science on Michigan
Avenue in Cocoa. This museum is a "must see" for all
Brevardians interested in their local history. There is much
to see and do for both the young and the young-at-heart.
The museum began in 1973 in a portable classroom but
became a permanent facility in 1978 with funding provided by the Grace and
Albert trust, early residents wishing to preserve the history of the area.
The museum boasts a wide range of exhibitions: the Taylor wing with
fascinating antiques on display, archeological findings from a Windover burial
site, replicas of a local hardware store and bank, customs of the Ais and
Seminole Indian tribes, and so much more. Those of you who are interested in
conchology will not be disappointed in the cornucopia of shells.
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Standing left to right in front of fish display: Gail Holder,
Evelyn Fraley, Lu Vining, our tour guide, and Betty Adamson. |
Our tour guide, Lu Vining, gave us a wealth of information
and insight of days gone by. She pointed out a painting depicting a
"Florida Cracker," a name which has stuck but is unbeknownst to many of us as
to its origin. Years ago the cows would hide amongst the trees and a cow
hunter would come along and "crack" his whip to get them moving. Thus, the
cow hunters became known as "Florida Crackers."
Once again, there is something here for everyone. So,
pack a lunch, bring your children or a friend, take in the museum and the 22
acres of trails, and plan on spending a full day.
Mary Jane Raleigh brought in a beautiful plant for
show-and-tell. She is holding a Petrea, which is a genus of evergreen
flowering-vines native to Mexico and Central America. They have rough-trimmed
leaves, hence the common name sandpaper vine. It is said to be very similar
to tropical Wisteria.
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Pictured is Lorrie Pelosi, the happy recipient of an anthurium arrangement made by Betty Adamson. |
Betty Adamson, aka "The Orchid Lady" is not only talented
in her floral arrangements but is an avid orchid enthusiast . It is no wonder
she is referred to as "The Orchid Lady." Betty gave an excellent report on
the anthurium, a genus of more than 800 species found in tropics from Mexico
to northern Argentina and Uruguay and West Indies. Even though the genus is
not native to Hawaiian Islands, in the minds of many people the Anthurium
andreanum is the Hawaiian flower. It is popular with florists and is often
used in weddings. The common color is red but it also comes in white, pink,
green/red combination, and a gorgeous lavender color.
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Hostesses pictured left to right: Mary Jane Raleigh,
Fran Huntress, Ruth Ganter, Ann Hartnett and Barbara Costello. (Missing from
photo is Pat Mastropaolo).
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The hostesses served refreshing cold salads finishing the
luncheon off with delightful cookies and cupcakes. Nice
job ladies.
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All the tables were beautifully decorated in St. Patrick's Day
green with a lovely floral arrangement on each table. Thank you
for making the luncheon so special. |
Looking forward to the field trip at the Morikami Gardens
and Museum next month. See you on the bus.
Linda Williams, Reporter
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Spade and Trowel Meeting - February 18, 2009
Water Conservation
This months meeting was held at
Noreen Eavey's beautiful, spacious home.
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Arline Mason holding a
Sansevieria plant. |
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Arline Mason, as always, gave another
thorough report on a specific plant, this time focusing on Sansevieria, better
known to many of us as the mother-in-law's tongue or snake plant. Arline
brought several varieties of this species, which were later scooped up by
those who could run the fastest. This specie will grow anywhere, but doesn't
like much water or cold weather.
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Pictured left to right: Cathy
Carter, our speaker, Margret Cornell, and Betty Adamson. |
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Pictured left to right: Cathy
Carter, our speaker, Margret Cornell, and Betty Adamson.
Cathy Carter, Conservation/Public
Relations Officer with the City of Cocoa's Utilities Department, was our
speaker this month. Cathy, who has been with the City for approximately eight
years, gave an excellent presentation on water conservation.
A strong advocate for reclaimed
water, Cathy said to use this water for irrigation only, as this water has all
the nutrients for your yard, and is not meant for washing your car or filling
your swimming pool.
She also stated when replacing or
repairing sprinkler heads that you need to stick with one brand and not mix
(i.e. Rain birds with Toros).
There are rebates you may wish to
look into and programs you may want to consider. In April (National Water
Conservation Month) you may bring in your old shower head and exchange it for
a new one. Mark you calendar for July for a landscape display. Watch the
newspaper or web site for upcoming events and locations. (email:
ccarter@cocoafl.org or
web:www.floridaswater.com)
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Pictured left to right: Noreen Eavey
(homeowner), Sandy Fancher, Evelyn Fraley, Linda Williams, Joan Laughter, and
Shirl Phillips. |
The hostesses cooked a delightful
Italian luncheon for Valentine's Day. As we would say in Italy, it was molto
delizioso!
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Spade and Trowel Circle
January 21, 2009
"What's Happening to Our Bees?"
The
speaker this month was David Webb of Webb's Honey. David started working with
bee hives as a hobby when he was a young boy, but this once-upon-a-time hobby,
has since grown into a profitable business as he leases out his hives to large
farms across the country for pollination of crops.
His vast and impressive knowledge of bees includes CCD (colony
collapse disorder) and a multitude of various pesticides that so
many of use on a daily basis which eventually harm the bees. He
spoke of the lack of productivity of the queen bee, and of the
important place bees have in our food chain.
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Pictured is our speaker, David Webb, with President Bourdon
looking on.
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After the meeting David sold some of his much sought after
honey. Shown with David is Carol Scott and Cathy
Thirlwell.
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Hostesses pictured from left to right: Sybil Fleckinger,
Marion Jordan, Pat Wareham, Louisa Kupper, and Adriana Kupper, homeowner and
"chief cook." Many thanks to Adriana and her helpers for
a delightful luncheon.
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On a personal
note, my husband highly recommends an old book by Rachel
Carson, titled Silent Spring, to anyone who is interested in
pest control and ecology. Add it to your list of books to
read.
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