Seasons have changed from the hot, lazy days of summer to the frenzied pace of autumn. Cooler days and nights allow us to work hard on our gardens and flower beds. We make jellies and jams from the fruits of the season, our tomato sauces and salsas have been sealed into jars and stored away. Simmering soups and stews are easy answers to those long days spent in the yard. This is a time of gathering, assessing, and replenishing. In southern climates, the warm sunshine still weaves the last magical growth from flowers and vegetables. In these areas, the time soon comes to replace summer annuals with winter colored beauties. Change is inevitable with Mother Nature. Welcomed or not, each of us undergoes a process of rest and regrouping of some kind.
Our Fall Council meeting is a process of change, too. I hope everyone responded to the survey listed in the last issue of The Magazine. Change is the most important factor in our process of transformation. Many members have concerns about our organization. Be assured that I do too! At this meeting, the Council has a job to do: help the leadership form a vision for our future. These elected representatives for Divisions and Members ensure the Focuses are maintained, the aims and goals of Farm & Garden are upheld and the interests of all Branches are protected. It is a marvelous process, one that encourages individual thoughts and debates. We are changing, slowly and carefully, into a Beautiful Farm & Garden. Let me know your thoughts! Call, drop me a note, send an e mail or invite me to a meeting. Talking is the first step on our long journey. Walk a while with me and keep stride. We will admire the wonderful accomplishments of our past and plant seeds along the way, leaving a foundation for the future.
We had a wonderful time at Grand Island, NY. Many friendships were renewed and new friends were formed. We toured, swam in the hotel pool, basked in the sun aboard a river boat and marveled at the Botanical Gardens. Of course, we ate our way through the four days, as Farm & Garden women always seem to need sustenance! The speakers were informative and interesting. Amanda Edmonds showed us the need of community gardens for food and social networking. Her power point presentation brought home the need for fresh, local produce at a time when small markets are closing with the current economy. Paul Lehman took the idea one step further by telling us how to set up a farm market, where to locate it and what to expect as consumers. As usual, there were many questions from our members. Fresh fruits and vegetables form the backbone of a healthy diet for everyone. We can search out our local Farmers’ offerings within the next few weeks.