This past Monday, the Lowell Showboat Garden Club (LSGC) celebrated its 70th anniversary. A special guest speaker, proclamation read by Mayor Mike DeVore, and installation of officers by the State President of the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. (MGC) highlighted the evening.
Club Accomplishments
The group currently has 17 members and meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30pm at Englehardt Library. The local group is part of the state Michigan Garden Club, which consists of 150 groups and 6,000 members throughout the state according the Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. President Janet Hickman. Lowell’s club is also a member of the National Garden Club, Inc. and National Central Region. Lowell’s own Carol McGregor was recently made District IV Director for MGC.
The LSGC is primarily responsible for planting and maintaining flowers in the planters near the Chamber building, including hanging baskets on the Showboat when it is in the Flat River. While the number of items left to maintain this year is fewer due to the lack of a Showboat, the resolve of the group is not hampered. Each year the club’s main fundraiser is a food booth at the Fallasburg Arts Festival each fall.
Efforts to make the Black Swallowtail Butterfly the Michigan State butterfly is currently taking place at the state level, of which the LSGC is involved in the effort. They have worked with Lowell Area School third grade students to provide education and seek their involvement in contacting government representatives. Michigan is currently one of three states without a state butterfly. The Black Swallowtail Butterfly is the candidate because it spends time in Michigan throughout the year. While many butterflies migrate in winter months, this type remains, in the form of a pupa.
Celebrating Accomplishments
On Monday, June 24 the club gathered to celebrate their 70th anniversary with entertainment, refreshments, and a program filled with guest speakers and new officer installation.
Prior to the start of the evening’s event, Zach Fabis played the viola. The 2019 Lowell High School graduate will attend Western Michigan University, studying aviation. At the end of his playing he even took a few minutes to explain the difference between a violin and viola.
LSGC President David Drain provided opening remarks, including recognizing past presidents who were in attendance. He spoke of the club’s goal of being solvent and viable, which has contributed to its longevity. His first introduction was for Hickman, who made a brief statement. She indicated the Lowell club is the 37th oldest or “most experienced” group in the state. Of the people who have benefited from the efforts of the group she said, “They’ve seen the beauty you’ve created for them.” She estimates more than 2.5 million people have seen plantings under the group’s care in the last 70 years.
Following Hickman’s remarks, Mayor Mike DeVore read a proclamation. Next Drain introduced Jim Doyle, Senior Vice President of King Milling. Doyle is also the President of the Lowell Area Historical Museum. He spoke on some of the philanthropic efforts of Lowell residents of the past, providing an interesting history lesson.
Finally, Hickman officially appointed new board members to the Lowell Showboat Garden Club. She spoke of how the board should be seen as a herb garden speaking of its variety of plants, flavor, and character. She presented new Secretary Janet Boerema with a pot of rosemary because it is said to promote memory – needed when taking notes at meetings and keeping track of club business. Treasurer Mona Banta received basil as it is said to promote prosperity. Rex Byrne was given thyme used to signify activity, thriftiness, and energy. While already in his position, Grain was given sage, symbolizing wisdom as the group’s President.
Looking Ahead
While the Showboat is not here this year for the club to care for, they have still filled planters along the Flat River outside the Lowell Area Chamber building. If you’re out walking along the Riverwalk and notice the flowers, think of the Lowell Showboat Garden Club who is responsible for putting them there and taking care of them.
Those interested in learning more about the LSGC can visit their Facebook page. The group is eager to continue their objective “to promote a greater interest in gathering and increasing beauty in our home and community”.
Leave a Reply