Support much appreciated

To the editor:

In March of 2011, I became the District V Director of the FGCNYS, Inc. I have lived in Montgomery County my whole life. In 2000, I joined the Kingsboro Garden Club, which is now 77 years old. In 2007, I became co-president of our club. In this time I am the first Director to come from the Kingsboro Garden Club, one of only three to ever come from Montgomery County, and the first in over 35 years. Ever since joining a garden club, I have been very involved in gardening, education, preservation and conservation.

This week in Buffalo, New York, the National Garden Club, Inc. is holding a national convention and flower show. This is the first time in nearly 40 years that this event has been held in New York State. Visitors from every state and several counties will be attending. Many designers and horticulturists from around the world will also be in attendance.

To promote tourism and encourage these many visitors to take an extra week and explore the wonders of New York, each director was asked to gather items and information to represent their district. District V includes over 9 counties and runs from the Schoharie County line north to the Canadian border, along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, back through Onedia, Otsegeo and Herkimer counties to Montgomery County. In addition to this, I live the furthest east and south of any member in our district. With this in mind, I decided to concentrate on Montgomery County.

I would like to thank the following for providing me with material and information placed in welcome bags passed out to convention guests: The Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs for post cards and small gifts; St. Mary’s Hospital for wonderful key chains; Montgomery County Business Development Center for tourism flyers, brochures and maps representing all the wonderful historic places our county has to offer; LoveKnot Farm and Marigrace Hoag for the many, many turtle shaped goat milk soaps; Senator Farley for his Historic Guides and Garden and Park Guides to the 44th Senate District; and the Kingsboro Garden Club for their continued support. I would be remiss if I did not also mention the beautiful “Herkimer Diamond Necklace Set that another member solicited from the Herkimer Diamond Mines. I am hopeful these items will attract visitors to our community. With the convention already open, I have already received several calls.

Again, thank you.

Agnes C. Rodd

District V Director, Federated Garden Clubs of New York State Inc.