A BUDDING PLAN
Text by by Dede Samuel
Drawings and architecural plans by Norman Booth and Gail Zink
October 2007
Before I begin to tell you about the lovely new entry design for the club, let me begin by going back to an interesting meeting of the previous fall. Enter stage left - the members of the Flower Committee at their annual evaluation meeting. The group is animated. Ideas are flying faster then can be recorded; there is an excitement in the air that is electric.
But I digress. It happened something like this. Even before the big winds of the next winter were to knock down the tree and the PYC sign, many from the committee had suggested changes to improve the appearance of the front flower garden. During our evaluation meeting, the prospect of making changes was again raised. Suggestions of our earlier meetings were discussed, other ideas were offered, not only for the gardens, but for the beautification of the entryway, as well. One of our committee members, Gail Zink, a landscape architect, offered to draw up plans for a new garden. Over the course of the winter and early spring, our other suggestions were brought into focus and soon became part of “the plan”. Gail and her husband, Norm Booth, also a landscape architect, developed and designed a new garden as well are many interesting features for the entryway. They also investigated and pointed out several problems in the parking area that the club would eventually have to address in regard to water drainage and rainwater run off. And so, on the eve of many, many work hours for Gail and Norm, a plan was budding, waiting to bloom.
During late summer of 2007, Flower Committee members, a special advisory group, the Club Appearance Committee, and the Board, viewed a draft of the plan. Enthusiasm and praise was high for the work that Gail and Norm had done for the benefit of the club. A great measure of appreciation for the many hours of volunteer time that this couple had donated was repeatedly expressed. The result of this exposure was that all parties affirmed their interest and desire to continue to more forward.
The beauty of the plan is that it can be staged to take place over several years so that expenses can be spread out. Volunteer labor can be used at many levels of the plan’s installation. Money can also be saved when individuals choose to purchase items as memorials. Reuse of existing shrubs is also planned.
Well, there you are, a “budding” idea that would like to bloom, fully. Our Flower Committee and the plan creators are committed to moving forward. We would like you to see the plan that is attached. Thank you for this opportunity to share our ideas with you.
Click on the above image for a larger scale version
