RYE DRIFTWOOD GARDEN CLUB
RYE DRIFTWOOD GARDEN CLUB
About the Rye Driftwood Garden Club
In September of 2008, the Rye Driftwood Garden Club began its 39th year with a membership of 154. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from September to June at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Congregational Church at Rye Center. In addition to the regular meetings, generally one workshop is held each month and field trips are planned for the summer months.
The Club encourages interest in all phases of flower arranging, home gardening and better horticultural practices. It also promotes civic beautification and the conservation of natural resources.
Annually, members of the Rye Driftwood Garden Club plant and maintain numerous sites throughout the Town including Parsons Field, Grange Park, the Rye Public Library, Town Common at Rye Center and the new Rye Public Safety Building. Since the early 1980s, the group has continued an interest in Celia Thaxter’s garden on Appledore Island at the Isles of Shoals. One member, Mary Smith, makes weekly presentations on the garden and its history to summer visitors to Appledore. Members also serve as volunteers at Fuller Gardens in North Hampton. For several years, beautification grants have been awarded to individuals and businesses whose landscaping designs for locations on public view are selected. In addition, a scholarship is awarded annually to a horticultural student attending the University of New Hampshire.
Membership requirements are: payment of dues ($15), support of ways & means activities and town projects, and a willingness to serve on committees. The annual Plant and Bake Sale is the largest fund raising activity of the club and Rye Art in Bloom, held annually, is a community activity that integrates Webster at Rye, the Rye Art Group, Rye Driftwood Garden Club and the Town of Rye through its Recreation Department.
Kathryn Job is currently serving as President. The responsibilities of 1st Vice President (Membership & Luncheons) are shared by Kathy Fitzgerald and Joan Walsh.
Karen Waintroob and Sandy Brubaker are currently sharing the duties of Second Vice President in charge of Programs and Trips. Marjorie Smith is in charge of planning workshops for the year.
For more information, call Priscilla Jenness at 964-8728.