New and Noteworthy
.The Winter 2026 Newsletter is available on the MEMBERS PAGE.
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A NEW LOOK AT NATIONAL. By Mary Bertolini, WNF&GA President On January 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM, members of the Michigan Division will have an opportunity to follow the recommendations of the WNF&GA Transition Committee and move Farm & Garden toward a future that embraces new technology and new ideas and that will continue to make a difference in so many lives. The National Organization asks the members in Michigan to click here register on-line for this important one-item meeting. Only those members who are registered will be able to cast their ballot to move forward with endless opportunities. Change is inevitable. We experience it in many ways. Some are welcome and others are difficult to manage. Yet, through it all, we continue to adapt when necessary. So, too, is it with any organization where volunteers are the heart of the group. WNF&GA has so many wonderful members who give of their time and expertise to help us achieve our Aims and Goals. We are fortunate, indeed, and very thankful to everyone who helps us on our journey to beautify our surroundings and educate the public. The Transition Committee has met for the past eleven months to explore how Farm & Garden can evolve into an organization that serves all members equally, provides current technological opportunities, and streamlines the roles of leadership. Many possibilities were presented by both committee and individual members. All of these were debated, researched and thoroughly considered. In conclusion, the outcome was obvious: If WNF&GA is to survive into the future, we must adapt to the new technologies and needs of our membership. These requirements include recognizing the value of each Branch/Club as an autonomous entity with charitable endeavors that affect their surrounding communities, yet connected to the National organization. The committee also recognized the necessity of more frequent and useful communication between the National Officers and individual Branches/ Clubs. To facilitate these goals, it is necessary to have one level of leadership, with each Branch/Club involved in the workings of Farm & Garden. Our pool of candidates for leadership roles grows smaller as our membership decreases; we can no longer support two levels of officers. The Michigan Division of Farm & Garden has been stellar when asked to help at any level of the National Organization. The strength of the numbers of members, the ability to step forward when needed, and the loyalty is heartily recognized. Everyone thanks each individual who rose to answer the call. It was a very difficult decision, but we are recommending dissolving the Michigan Division and maintaining only one level of officers. Charitable affairs will remain intact. All funds that were restricted for a particular purpose will continue to be used for that specific purpose going forward. Branches/ Clubs will continue to donate as they wish, at the local, state and national levels. Branch/Club will have a representative at the National level. All meetings will offer member participation via Zoom. In person meetings will be hybrid allowing all to participate. Area meetings (Council meetings) can be planned. Networking is a vital part of communication. Webinars, leadership classes, and more offerings can be added as requested. Remember to register for the meeting and cast your ballot for the future of WNF&GA. On January 17 at 7:00pm, click below to connect to Zoom meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/gb9OuN4KTCOeuvWkWnAkGA# |
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Cinda WR Schantz
Gardens visited by Cinda this summer
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