GARDEN CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD
 

HISTORY

The Garden Club of Springfield was organized November 23, 1931
with over forty members. It was federated in 1932 and since has
been affiliated with the Garden Club Federation of PA and the
National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.  Today, approximately
fifty members carry on it original mission-"To stimulate the knowledge
and love of home gardening, to aid in the protection of native trees
and birds and to encourage sound civic landscape practices.

The Club has earned much recognition at the state level: receiving
prestigious Governor's Award for a number of years; the Myrell
Overdorff Community Action Award (as a result of fundraising that
bought a flagpole for the Old Central School grounds) and the
Highway Beautification Award, (planting flowers along the Media
Bypass).  The PA Urban and Community Forestry Council awarded
the Club a grant for extensive tree planting in Springfield.

With civic pride, Club members have volunteered many hours and
made contributions to the community throughout the years, such as
the initiation of community gardens to support needy families during
the Depression and working with the civilian Defense teams to establish
Victory Gardens during World War II.  Through its Ways & Means activities,
the Club has given scholarship awards to local teachers and students for
horticultural and environmental studies.

The talent and creativity of club members have benefited Springfield with a
number of horticultural projects.  Our Township has been beautified with new
trees, landscaped parks and gardens.  An outstanding contribution was the
preservation of Old Central School, complete with landscaping designed by one
of the Club's scholarship recipients.  For this project, the Club received the GCFP
Preservation of Beauty Award.  Club members have participated in holiday decorations
for Fairmont Park Homes as well as Springfield Historic House Tours, (co-sponsored
with Springfield Historic Society).  Members participate in the annual Philadelphia
Flower Show, stage mini-flower shows at Club meetings and co-sponsor the
"Hanging of the Greens" at Old Central School During December.

Recently the Club initiated many landscape improvements at Old Central School and
Springfield Library.  The Club has also begun several new educational outreach programs
for Springfield school students.
 

MISSION STATEMENT
 

The Garden Club of Springfield serves to foster home gardening, the study
of horticulture and floral design and to promote civic and community projects.
Club members consider themselves "kindred spirits" who enjoy all aspects of the
world of plants, ornithology and the environment.  They are committed to civic
landscape improvement and often work with other local organizations to accomplish
certain goals.

Anyone interested in becoming part of this group should be aware that a background in
gardening is not a prerequisite for Club membership.  Part of the fun is learning by doing!
Monthly programs feature a wide range of garden interests-from house plant care to bulb
nurture, flower arranging and plant propagation.  Frequent tours of private and public
gardens are not only educational but also part of the social fellowship of members and their
guests.  Other social activities include theme luncheons, fashion shows and
holiday tea parties. 

For almost 75 years, the Garden Club of Springfield has played an important role in
the growth and development of Springfield-enhancing in many ways to quality of life
for community residents.
 

MEMBERSHIPS

Anyone interested in membership is invited to attend any monthly meeting
and submit your request for membership to the Membership Chair for approval.
Dues are $25.00 per individual and $35.00 per couple, payable by April 30 each
year.  Dues will be prorated if membership begins mid-year.

For additional information, please call the Membership Chair,
Felice Litecky at 610-872-5720.

      MONTHLY MEETINGS

General meetings are scheduled the fourth Wednesday of each month-except
June, July and August.  Meetings are currently held in different locations as
different programs dictate.  All meeting location addresses, beginning time
and featured program topics are listed in the annual Year Book, which is
distributed at the September meeting each year.
 

          EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2006-2007

PRESIDENT - Sandra M. Kapczynski
VICE PRESIDENT - Kate Sevensky
RECORDING SECRETARY - Grace Sanford
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY - Sue Clendenin
TREASURER - Jane Duffy
PARLIAMENTARIAN - Rena Tieser

MEMBER OF
GARDEN CLUB FEDERATION OF PENNSYLVANIA
DISTRICT 1