“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the mind.” Luther Burbank

Message From the President

Dear Rake & Hoe Members,
As the new year begins, I hope this letter finds you warm and in good spirits. While the gardens may be resting under a blanket of frost, this season offers us the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year and plan for the growth ahead.

Looking Back on 2024
What a wonderful year it has been for our club! From the many interesting speakers and
presentations, workshops, and community service projects, we’ve had so many moments to be
together enjoying different activities Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talent,
and energy to make it all possible.

Looking Ahead
We are excited about our plans for the year ahead! Much of our focus will be on our upcoming Flower Show in April. There will be workshops to help members with making flower designs and
artistic crafts, and presentations about all the Horticulture classes in the show. We are hoping for
100% participation from members in entering exhibits and helping with all the planning and work of putting the show together. Your ideas and enthusiasm are what keep our club thriving,

In addition, we will be continuing with all our regular activities, like Mobile Meals, maintaining
our Community Gardens and our projects for Veterans.

Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Winter may feel long, but spring is always just around the corner, and with it comes the joy of tending our gardens and growing together.

Stay warm and happy gardening!

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 through their work with the Jardine Academy, Mobile Meals, Veterans and by maintaining three public 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, Nina Sylvester.

GENERAL MEETINGS

Held Noon at the

Shady Rest Golf Course
820 Jerusalem Road

Scotch Plains
Second Wednesday

of the month

Officers of the Club

2024-2025

President, Sharon Shiraga

Vice President, Nina Sylvester

Treasurer, Sue Feldman

Asst. Treasurer, Betsy Chance

Recording Secretary, Margot Partridge

Corresp. Secretary, Mary Lou Nolas

Director, Beth Siano

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

Nina Sylvester