Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club Accepts Grant from the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation
PRESS RELEASE
On Saturday, July 11th, members of the Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club were on hand to accept a grant from the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. This grant was made possible by the Foundation and the local Mason Masonic Lodge #70 grant program. Members of Lodge #70 and representatives from the City of Mason also attended.
As part of their community service program, Glenn Cruickshank, Master of Mason
Lodge #70, presented the Garden Club with a check for $500 for the further development of their Youth Garden Program.
Mason Lodge No. 70 is committed to assisting service organizations in the Mason area. Masonry is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world and focuses on the pursuit of helping men to live better by living their tenants of “Brotherly Relief and Truth”.
The presentation was held at the Sunflower House Learning Center located in Bicentennial Park, 706 W. Ash Street, in Mason behind the historic Pink Schoolhouse.
In addition, Garden Club members presented Masonic Lodge #70 with certificates of appreciation for the grant monies. The funds received allow the Garden Club to complete the relocation and reconstruction of the Potting Shed that was donated to them by the City of Mason.
A certificate of appreciation was also presented to Masonic Lodge #70 member Ray Moore. Mr. Moore was instrumental in facilitating the Potting Shed project and his assistance was invaluable.
An open house and formal dedication of the completed Sunflower House Learning Center is planned at a future date when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
The Sunflower Youth Garden program was started in April 2018 as a “seed to table” fun learning experience for 2nd to 5th grade students. The program affords children an opportunity to plant, grow and harvest vegetables and flowers in the gardens behind the historical Pink Schoolhouse. In addition to “hands on” gardening, the Garden Club hosts a variety of speakers to present educational programs about plants and nature throughout the year.
The Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club was founded in 2008 with an objective to beautify our community while enjoying and growing friendships with members. In addition to the Sunflower Youth Garden Project, club members also maintain the gardens at the Mason Historical Museum and the historic Pink Schoolhouse, along with planting the DDA flower pots in downtown Mason. In 2013, the Club created the Blue Star Memorial & Garden and took over the care of the Maple Grove Cemetery Veteran’s Memorial Garden. Future projects include establishing a Gold Star Memorial & Garden.
The Mason Sycamore Creek Garden Club meets monthly September through May. Anyone interested in more information should contact Diann Jackman, 517-676-4235 or find us on FaceBook.
Pictured (L-R): Ray Moore, Russ Whipple, Glenn Cruickshank, Diann Jackman, Elizabeth Hude, Sharon Rodgers, Vickie Vandenbelt, Marty Herriff, Mary Backus, Coni Barlow. Not pictured: Photographer Jennifer Rodgers
