Lower Valley News and Events

Ron Milkay, LV Representative
Rosey Bonner, LV Coordinator

In the Lower Valley the bitter cold of November was a foreshadowing of the New England winter to come in December with short days, long nights, frozen ground, howling winds, and gardens covered with a blanket of snow.  It is a time to celebrate our successes and organize for next season. It is a time to warm our bodies with a hot cup of chocolate and blazing fire, and warm our hearts with gardening memories and conversations with friends.  Happy Holidays!

May you have gloves to warm your hands and boots to warm your feet…and the love and laughter of family and friends, especially gardening friends, to warm your hearts!

Wishing you love, laughter, friendship and winter cheer!

Tour of the Mansion, Melvin the Moose,  Melodic Music, and more!

Lower Valley Holiday Party at Wistariahurst

A brisk winter evening on December 4th set the stage for the Lower Valley Holiday Party at Wistariahurst  filled with the warmth of gardening friends and their guests.  A social hour included a tour of this exquisite home of prominent skill manufacturer William Skinner and highlighted the history and elegant, fine architecture of the late 1800's.  Others chose to chat with each other, sip piping hot cider or holiday punch  as the room was filled with lovely piano music provided by MG Dan Fitzgerald. Merry chatter echoed throughout the rooms as everyone enjoyed a meal of lasagna, argula salad and a variety of desserts. The evening ended with the Yankee Swap packed with lots of interesting and wonderful gifts--from amaryllis plants and fragrant candles to a cooking scale and soothing lotions to soften those busy gardening hands.  Melvin the Moose, as well a wine and chocolate, were the hot items this year---being traded frequently. Thanks to Wistariahurst and its staff, especially Sara English, Megan  McGrath (docent), and Jesse Austin (point person for the evening).   Special Thanks to those MGs who helped organize and run this evening--Carol Hegeman, Elaine Sai, Phyllis Barrett and Marilyn Eck.  

 

 

Melvin the Moose was a popular Yankee Swap item this year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organizing and Preparing for Next Season in January

• In January the LV will begin work on their Roadshow entitled Pollination.  If you are interested and still want to join the research group, please contact Rosey Bonner at RBonner477@gmail.com 
• Make sure you do not miss the WMMGA Annual Meeting, hosted by the UV, on January 26 in Greenfield at the Parish Hall of Saint James and Andrew.Watch weekly emails for details.
• The Training Class for Master Gardener Interns, Class of 2019, begins in January and continues through April.Most classes will be held on Wednesdays at Holyoke Community College.Watch weekly emails and check-out the wmmga.org for more details on topic, speakers, and times.