Hello to all,

As you already know, I’m your new S. E. District Director.  I hope, with all your help I can at least come close to filling the shoes of past Directors.  I welcome any suggestions, advice and feed back, please let me hear from you often.  I also enjoy pictures with, who, what, and where on the back or if you e-mail, a short note.

I attended a budget meeting this spring for Indiana Garden Club.  Everyone, even the garden clubs need to tighten the old belt.

There are some things we all can do to help reduce expenses.  E-mail as much as possible. (Make sure your e-mail is correct)  This one also saves trees in the form of paper and costly postage.  I also would like to remind you that when you have an expense to turn in, it needs to be submitted as soon as possible.  This helps your club stay on top of things, and even when you do not want reimbursed, please turn the expense in.  Maybe someone at a later date cannot donate an expense and it could make a difference in your budget.  Don’t misunderstand, if you want to donate, please do, but submit the receipt and write a note saying “DONATED” no reimbursement.

The Indianan Garden magazine we receive each season, is requesting that it be e-mailed to us instead of mailing.  It will not be in its present format but will include the same great information.  You can still receive Indiana Gardens by (snail) mail. If you wish, simply do nothing and it should remain coming by US Mail.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

There is something new with the Internal Revenue Service.  All non-profit organizations will be required to file some information.  Cynthia Wright, the state treasurer for Indiana Garden Clubs, has all the information on this subject. Cynthia has expressed that she will be willing, at the clubs request, to attend your club meetings and explain what is needed and answer questions.  Let me know if you want her to come and when would be best for you.  I will also try to get a hard copy for you to read and file for future reference.

This year has either drowned everything or has plants and weeds flying out of the ground.  My water bill has certainly been down from last year.  Martha would say,” That’s a good thing”, but on the other hand I know it has been a very difficult year for some, Please, let us know if there is anything we can do to help!  I still feel very new at this world of flowers, butterflies, insects, and conservation etc. I have learned that many things contribute to our big beautiful world.  We need to talk about all these subjects in our club meetings and with family and friends.  We take so many things for granted.  If you have club members who or involved in garden club programs, Blue Star Memorial, Birds and Butterflies etc., let me know as I have not assigned anyone to any programs yet.  I hope there are some out there that I don’t know about, so let me know.

Membership in our garden clubs is sooo--important, how can we grow?  Do you report to your local newspaper what is happening in your club, trips to gardens-greenhouses etc.?  I think most of them would be glad to hear from you.  Be sure to invite guests to you events and meetings.  Many people don’t know about you or what you do, Advertise yourselves with notices about events and meetings in public places—library—food stores bulletin boards—church bulletins.  I know that some clubs provide beautiful flower arrangements for nursing homes, churches and many other places.  Maybe that could be a way to make your club known.  Invite guests often and encourage everyone to visit the web page. (www.gardenclubofindiana.org.)  Host Teas and membership drives to get the word out about who you are and what you do.  The more member you have in your club, the more help for community projects, a new mind to tap for information on various subjects and most of all a new friend, a new friend is wonderful…

Keep informed.  Use your web site!  There are many sections for you to visit, calendar of events articles etc. There is a section for members only  (user name) tulip--- (password) tree.  Check out this web site too, you won’t be disappointed.  www.davesgarden.com.

I could ramble on for pages, but I know I need to wrap this up sooo, hope to visit with your club soon. Just let me know when.

Until then,
Joy Lovitt
S.E. Director
17 West Penn. St.
Shelbyville, In 46176
(317) 398-6005
joyj17@att.net