Woman checking on plants
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.” Luther Burbank
Message from
the President
Welcome to a New Year Rake & Hoe Club members!
As we start the new year, we are excited about our upcoming programs and workshops. We will have guest speakers on Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Integratd Pest Management, and Hydroponic Farming. In anticipation for our upcoming Flower Show in the spring of 2025, there will be a lecture on Table Artistry, along with a practical workshop, and another workshop called Flower Show 101. For the first time, the Judy Kampe award will be for a photo competition in February. Community projects will continue with the mobile meals mini-flower arrangements and decorating the Spring tree at the Jardine Academy. Also, plans will be made for our Veterans project for the women veterans at the Lyons Hospital. Get ready for a spring filled with blossoms of knowledge, the harvest of shared experiences, and the joy that comes from nurturing nature. Welcome back to a year of growth, beauty, and joy in the spirit of our Garden Club!
Sharon Shiraga
The Rake and Hoe Garden Club
of Westfield
Our mission is to educate our members and the public in horticulture, floral design, nature and wildlife. We host workshops, field trips and plant exchanges in addition to presenting informative monthly meetings. Our talented members are more than willing to share their expertise with the group.
Members are dedicated to the community and their work with the Lyons Hospital, Cerebral Palsy, Mobile Meals and gardens in Westfield. Rake and Hoe is a member of the Central Atlantic Region of the National Garden Clubs, Inc.
If you have an interest in joining the Club or would like additional information, please contact our membership chair, Cathy Becker
GENERAL MEETINGS
Held Noon at the Shady Rest Golf Course -
820 Jerusalem Road, Scotch Plains
Second Wednesday of the month
April 10
“Integrated Pest Management and Best Practices”. Patricia Hastings,
As Coordinator of the Rutgers Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program, Patricia presents a valuable program on the responsible use of pesticides in the garden.
Officers of the Club
2023-2024
President, Sharon Shiraga
Vice President, Cathy Becker
Treasurer, Betsy Chance
Asst. Treasurer, Sue Feldman
Recording Secretary, Margot Partridge
Corresp. Secretary, Mary Lou Nolas
Director, Beth Siano
May 8
“Think Like a Caterpillar, Bloom Like a Butterfly”.
From the Native Plant Society, Deb Ellis presents a program on the life cycle of butterflies and moths, and what we as gardeners can do to support them at various stages of their lives.
June 12th
ANNUAL LUNCHEON - NOON
at Echo Lake Country Club
with Awards and Photo Exhibit &
Contest
Table Top
Sharon 1st Place
Sharon's winner!
Karen T.
Jeanne P.
Donna S.
Barbara S.
Join Us!
Embrace the beauty of gardening and nature by joining our Garden Club. Connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion, making enduring friendships along the way. Engage in fulfilling community service projects in our area and neighboring towns. Plus, with every meeting, expand your knowledge and skills, always learning something new to enrich your gardening journey. Come be a part of our vibrant community, where growth, both in gardens and friendships, is our constant goal.
For more information, please contact
Kay Cross celebrating her birthday!
Nate Kalan, speaker
on cell phone editing
pictures
Frog Workshop
Diana during her lecture for flower show in 2025.
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Enjoying lunch and company!
Photography Awards
Maryfran A, 1st Prize, Karen T., 2nd Prize
Judy Kampe Award 2024 won by Mabel Woloj
On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Rake and Hoe Garden Club of Westfield held a photography competition in which 18 members entered 8 x 10 photographs. The theme was “Winter Trees Through the Lens.” There were three first prizes awarded to Mary Fran Annesse, Cheryl Katz, and Mabel Woloj. Three second prizes were awarded to Karen Troiano, Betty Round, and Barbara Spellmeyer. Three third prizes were awarded to Richard Pelikan, Regina Kelley, and Carolyn Seracka, and three honorable mentions were awarded to Jeannie Pelikan, Beth Siano, and Inge Bossert. The contest was judged by 3 photography judges, spending one and a half hours judging the photos.
The Best in Show and the Judy Kampe Award was earned by Mabel Woloj. Her trophy will be awarded at the Rake and Hoe End of Year Luncheon in June.
Many thanks to Margot Partridge, Photography chair, who organized the competition with the help of Barbara Spellmeyer.
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Barbara Mullin
Barbara Mullin was one of our favorite members because she gave so much of herself always with a smile.
Donna S.
Alice C.
Eileen M.
Carolyn S.
Rich P.
