Thanksgiving was just the beginning of that time of year when we gather in our family and friends and begin in earnest to plan our holiday celebrations. Now, as we move into December it is also that time of year when we reflect back on the past year and ahead to the new, relishing all of the accomplishments of 2007, the blessings of friends old and new, and the promise of the unknown in the year to come. It is also a time to say " Thank You" to all of the people who have made this year very special . And so...

The Garden Club of Indian River County, a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, wishes to extend a very special holiday " Thank You" to all of those who have touched the seasons of our lives in 2007.

Our membership has grown, and our educational programs and community outreach continue to expand, and now include college scholarships for young horticultural students. We have reached out into the community with civic revitalization projects, youth programs, and educational workshops. And with each of our projects and events including our Flower Show and Gardenfest! , we strengthen our roots in the community and receive back the friendship and support of our neighbors, businesses, and community leaders. We are deeply grateful for all of those individuals who have encouraged and supported us in our mission. This support, most notably Gardenfest!, and the sale of our Annual Historic Christmas Ornament (currently on sale throughout the county at participating businesses and through the Garden Club) provides the funding that allows us to develop and implement our community outreach and civic projects.

As the Garden Club of Indian River County approaches its 80th Birthday in February of 2008 we hope that you will join us for another exciting and innovative new year as we continue to grow from the roots up.

Check out the GCIRC website at http://gardenclubofirc.org for Membership Information and a listing of programs and resources.

Also,I encourage you to log on to the FFGC District X website at http://www.districtx.org (where this writer is the webmaster), and meet our circle of friends across the Treasure Coast and the State of Florida. Be sure to follow the link to our Photo Gallery Page at http://www.districtx.org/photo_gallery.html

I would like to leave you with a quote from one of my favorite books, The Wild Braid by Stanley Kunitz, American Poet Laureate who lived to be over 100 years old:

" I associate the garden with the whole experience of being alive,

and so, there is nothing in the range of human experience

that is separate from what the garden can signify

in its eagerness and in its insistence,

and in its driving energy to live - to grow, to bear fruit!"

"Thank You" again as we invite you to come GROW with us and LIVE in the garden!