Spring is just around the corner which means TAWGS is back to thier usual schedule.  Starting this month, we will welcome back all memebrs and a few new members at our February meeting being held from 7pm to 9pm at Ward Meade Botanical Garden at 124 NW Filmore.

This months speaker will be Deb from Waters Edge in Lawrence.  She's always a delight and if you've never been to her store, it's a "gotta see this" experience.  Take a weekend and head on over.  Plants, equipment, niknaks and educational cleasses.  More information can be had at www.watersedge.com .  

And lets not forget our resident snack experts and yearly sponsor of meeting treats Dave and Mary Horner.  They always provide us with a seasonal delights.

Mark your calendar.... November 16th from 6:30 - 9:00

November marks the final monthly meeting of TAWGS for the 2016 season. We invite all memebers, sponsors and Pond Hosts and encourage all of you to join us and celebrate the passing of the gavel to Craig Dannenberg your 2017 President.  The format is a Potluck once again so bring a dish and place setting.  Drinks and delicious snacks will be provided by our very own Dave and Mary Horner (who by the way have offered to do the same for next year's meetings).  They are the best.  Big round of applause.

The format will be a little different this year as I'll be passing the gavel to Craig early on so he can introduce you to his style and he can run the meeting.  I know, while helping Craig and Catarina over the past few weeks transition into place, they have some great ideas for the club.  So come out and lets support

Another year has passed and the club saw another successful Garden Show and our 25th Annual Pond Tour marked by numerous potluck dinners and wonderful quest speakers. Some of us even reached celebrity status (in our own minds) when we made the KTWU Sunflower Journeys program. It was one of the most authentic and genuine representations of the clubs purpose I had ever seen. For those that missed it, you can view episode 2902 right here.

As your 2016 President my goals where lofty and though I personally felt we fell a bit short of increasing our membership and am happy to announce we have found a few nice couples that have joined our club and are showing much interest in the clubs future. We even re-united a few old members. But we will also be saying good bye to Tom and Helen Platis as they are moving back to Utah, good luck and stay in touch. Perhaps Tom will come back just to Chair AppleFest 2017.

So with all that said, I wish the club great success in maintaining it's mission, I have confidence in the new leadership and look forward to seeing you grow the club. In order to make the transition smooth, Octobers election of 2017 officers saw 2 new faces. Congratulations go out to our newest members Craig Dannenberg - President and Catarina Brunner- VP. I know as I work working with Craig and Catarina in these last few days, they have a vision for the club that will bond everyone together and strengthen the membership. And with the Sherry Reed continuing on as our Secretary and Jim Mowder continuing on as Treasurer, they are in good hands. So with our final meeting being held November 16th for 2016, we will say goodbye for a few months until February 2017.

May your water flow clearly, your fish swim strongly and your plants grow luxuriant.

It was a pleasure serving as your President.

Chris

(Note: Don Taliaferro is not stepping aside as the TAWGS Lily Pad Editor, as was previously reported.  He has agreed to continue.  Thank you Don.)

This month we will filled with magical moments as we welcome guest speaker Linda from Faerie Tale Gardens.  Linda has spoken before and enjoys showing off her craft particularly pond related gardens.  Join us and learn how yo can create these magical settings.  Just in time for Christmas.

We will also be focusing on electing new officers for 2017.  Nominations have been accepted for President and a new nomination will be made for VP.  Be sure to join us, vote and welcome our new officers.  They have an agenda you will like and I hope support.

Then it's off to the snack table to enjoy some of the Horners haunted treats.  As usually, they are fun and entertainng.

If you have something you want to donate as a door prize, bring it and share,  See you next wednseday October 19th.