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Northwest editioN reachiNg seNiors iN illiaNa: cook, lake & Porter couNties
April 2024
Vol. 28, No. 1
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Duneland Garden Club welcomes anyone with interest in gardening By CARRIE STEINWEG Feature Writer Spring is here and flowers are budding, birds are singing and the sun is shining longer and more often. It’s the time of year when plans are being made for planting, whether it’s a visually appealing flower bed, a little box garden on a patio or a sprawling field of produce. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced master gardener or a newbie with the un-greenest of thumbs, everyone is welcome at the Duneland Garden Club. It’s a great place to establish new friendships and learn from individuals who share an interest in nature and everything that grows. Among its members and resources at its disposal, you can likely get guidance on any question or growing dilemma you have. Or, you can just bond over your shared interest in the beautiful bits of nature all around us. About two dozen members of the Garden Club gathered on a recent evening at the Calumet Masonic Lodge in Chesterton to listen to a presentation by guest speaker Ali Falatovics, owner of Creative Nature Flower Farm, as she talked about her organic flower farm venture — growing flowers to sell at farmers markets, supply to florists, provide for u-pick events and use for bridal bouquets and boutonnieres. She answered questions and shared freshly-cut flowers with members. Each month there’s a different speaker, usually on a topic relevant to gardening. Other recent topics have been creators of a YouTube channel talking
about benefits of micro greens and a mushroom farmer taking about how his foraging hobby turned into a business The club meets monthly to bring together gardeners of all skill levels who share an interest in growing. The club is a member of The Garden Club of Indiana, which is comprised of seven districts throughout the state. The overall mission is to promote interest and education in horticulture, landscaping, floral design and environmental concerns. Paul Pivoris is a fairly new member who was introduced by a friend. He’s a master gardener from Liberty Township who grows vegetables, flowers and fruit trees. “They do a lot of nice projects in Chesterton and I like that they do a lot for the community,” he said. His favorite part of gardening? “The peace and quiet and just enjoying nature.” Duneland Garden Club Vice President Janet Williams finds the club a special place where close-knit friendships can be formed. “What I like best about this club is that they are an amazing group that collectively have a wealth of knowledge,” she said. “Some very special and wonderful friendships have resulted from being part of this community-focused group.” The club typically meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. (winter meetings vary) at the Calumet REAMasonic Lodge, 902 W. Lincoln Ave., Chesterton. Guests are welcome to visit to explore membership. Dues are $18 per year. For more information, check out the “Duneland Garden Club” on Facebook.
GREEN THUMBS — Duneland Garden Club members pose for a photo with Ali Falatovics, owner of Creative Nature Flower Farm, who was the speaker at a recent meeting. Pictured from left are Janet Williams, Vicky Phillips, Falatovics, Marian Wray and Anne Vassal. Photo by Carrie Steinweg.
READY FOR SPRING — Members of the Duneland Garden Club prepare flowers and cookies to go on trays for Meals on Wheels recipients. Photo provided by Duneland Garden Club.
PART OF THE CLUB — Pictured at the Duneland Garden Club’s annual May flower sale are, from left, Victoria Konopacki, Jamie Spurr and Marian Wray. Photo provided by Duneland Garden Club.
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County 1st Office: Lake Plum County Office: 409Porter E. Lincolnway, Floor Creek Center Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 57 Street, Suite 203 409Franklin E. Lincolnway, 1st Floor Creek Center Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 222Plum Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 207 Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 222 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 207 Phone: (219) 548-0980 Phone: (219) 548-0980 Schererville, Indiana 46375 Schererville, Indiana 46375 , LLC Phone: (219) 548-0980Fax: (219) 548-0993 Fax: (219) Phone/Fax: 227-4884 Fax: (219)548-0993 548-0993 Phone/Fax: (219)(219) 227-4884 *Certified as an Elder Law Attorney the National Elder Law Foundation *Certified as an Elder Lawby Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation
Connie Bauswell, CELA* Connie L.L.Bauswell, CELA* www.conniebauswell.com www.conniebauswell.com