to read the November 2012 issue of the Horticultural Herald

H
ORTICULTURAL
ERALD
The Newsletter of the Alumni Association of the
Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture
November 2012 Vol. 40 Issue 2
Ground breaking for the Legacy Garden!
In This Issue:
2 President's
Message
3 Graduate News
6 Legacy Garden
Update
8 Alumni Board
News
9 AGM Agenda
11 From the
Archives
12 Associates
Coming Events
Annual General
Meeting
Saturday
January 19th, 2013
Send in your
nominations for the
Alumni Board and
Foundation Board
no later than January
14th, 2013
At the the site of the future Legacy Garden: Tom Clancy NPD 61, NPC Alumni Association; Jay
Todd NPD 84 OPA, Janice Thomson, Niagara Parks Commission Chairwoman; Hans Loewig NPD
68 Chair of the Legacy Garden steering committee; Charles Hunter NPD 95, President Alumni
Association.
Its official! The Legacy Garden is on its way! Ground-breaking was celebrated at the
September 15th Alumni & Student BBQ at our School of Horticulture. Many thanks to those
who attended, and to the Students who prepared a delicious outdoor feast and graciously
hosted the event in the “backyard” of Residence. It was an enjoyable reunion of graduates
on a lovely warm late summer day; the gardens were beautiful and there was a good turnout of
older and new Alumni.
Following the BBQ everyone gathered in the Lecture Hall to hear from the Legacy Garden
steering committee who described just what has been done so far, and what the next steps are
to bring this project to fruition. There was also an informative and inspiring presentation by
consultant Mathis Natvik regarding the Meadow feature, an important aspect of the design
which is being very carefully and conscientiously considered. Niagara Parks Commission
Chairwoman Janice Thomson extended warm and sincere welcoming remarks on behalf of
the Commission, and accompanied the group outside to the site of the future Garden
adjacent to the Butterfly Conservatory.
Watch for further details about this exciting project in Charles Hunter's message (Page 2),
Alumni Board meeting minutes, and the Update on page 6.
Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture Founded 1947
Officers for 2011/12
Honourary President Bill Snowden '58
President - Charles Hunter '95
Past President - David Hunt '03
Vice President - Zenia Buzanko '03
Secretary - Becky Murphy '05
Treasurer - Karen Michaud '84
Board Members
Publicity, Promotions -Trevor
Swance' 04,
Special Events - Charles Hunter
'95, Becky Murphy '05,
Associates - David Olmstead '10
Blue Book Manager Jay Kivell '70
Historian - Zenia Buzanko '03
Horticultural Herald - Zenia
Buzanko '03
Membership - Becky Murphy '05
Web Site, Facebook - Liz Pelt '97,
Jon Peter '04
Legacy Garden Administration and
Treasurer - Kristin Montoya '99
Student Liaison - Melissa Spearing
Executive Secretary
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE NIAGARA PARKS
COMMISSION SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE
MISSION STATEMENT
The Alumni Association is a diverse team of graduates and friends who celebrate their affiliation with
the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture through a variety of programs and services
designed to support its members, the School and the highest professional standards of horticulture.
President's Message
Here is wishing
that you all have
had a wonderful
summer…and
what a season it
was! With all the
extremes
experienced this
year, who could
be looking
forward to a
good autumn
more than horticulture. The season has
truly been long, hot, dry or wet but
definintely challenging, and yet quite
rewarding when we reflect on our most
recent event held this past September.
Karen Michaud '84
8 Hahn Avenue,
Cambridge, ON N3C 2X9
Ph: 519-249-0381
[email protected]
A very busy summer! We have seen the
results of a very active planning season
with the on going Legacy Garden
development and September's ground
breaking ceremony (more in this issue on
how the garden is going).
Deadline Date January 30
Special thanks to be extended to the
Legacy Garden Steering committee for
their continuing efforts to realize the
garden. Also, the continued support of
the Niagara Parks Commission has never
been more apparent, the welcoming
address by Chairwoman Janice Thompson
was wonderful and heartfelt.
Additionally, a special thanks should go to
the Student Association for the making
the BBQ a success and an enjoyable
afternoon. This type of gathering is
definitely something that our two
associations are planning to continue to do
in the future. The interaction with
students is an integral part to our
preservation and it clearly demonstrates
the values to which we strive to maintain.
The Horticultural Herald is published 4
times per year and is the newsletter of
the Niagara Parks Commission School of
Horticulture Alumni Association. It is
published for the benefit of Association
members. Views expressed are those of
the writers and do not necessarily reflect
the opinion of its Officers or Board
members. We welcome letters on any
horticultural or Alumni issues.
Submissions may be edited for length
and readability.
Foundation Board
President, John Dick '85, Vice
President John Lococo '97, Secretary Jay
Todd, Treasurer Russ Boles '68, Alumni
President Charles Hunter '95, SOH
Director James Smith '98, Director
Justin Leack '99,
Alumni Association of the Niagara
Parks Commission School of
Horticulture Foundation, P.O. Box
263, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6T3
Be that as it may! I must admit that even
with this most recent success and the 75th
celebrations, I am still left with certain
concerns or could I say my level of
awareness has left me yearning for more as
your president. As an active member of
the association, I've come to understand
quite well that the rate of change can be
rather slow and perceived at times as less
than expected. We've become accustomed
to baby steps. However, progress is being
made to improve our association.
The small group of actively working
members of the Executive, volunteers and
now the Legacy Garden Steering
Committee continue to strive to fulfill the
role of this association. We continue to
make progress on our website
development and the extension of
communication is reaching a greater
number of graduates with each passing
bluebook update and electronic
Horticulture Herald publication, not to
mention the more than 100 registered with
our Facebook page.
There is still much to be completed and
many things with which we have the
potential to suceed, and I pledge to our
members that we are no longer waiting for
others to complete the work, but will
proceed with the goals to raise the
awareness of our group, and to continue
to stay ahead of improvements to provide
relevance.
Quite soon we are planning to have the
Annual General Meeting on Saturday,
January 19th, 2013. You will notice that we
are moving it back in the calendar; it
makes much more sense and truthfully is
less confusing to keep it close to our
actual membership renewal date. This
meeting will also facilitate both
Association and Foundtaion General
Meetings. To keep the afternoon light and
social we will be hosting a potluck style
meal so that everyone has the chance to
share their favourite recipes.
Of course what it also means for the day,
we will be looking for the election of new
members to the Executive Committees.
We have a committed, yet small number of
individuals keeping the operations
running. Presently we have two names
submitted from Alumni wishing to
participate on the board and those
individuals are Ben Stormes '09 and Rob
Jacob'11. If any others should like to
nominate or particpate on either executive,
please notify myself or John Dick no later
than Monday, January 14th 2013.
As an executive we look forward to
recieiving your suggestions and will
continue to work hard for you!
Have a wonderful autumn!
Charles Hunter NPD 95
Colour e-version of the Horticultural Herald now available contact [email protected]
2 • Horticultural Herald November 2012
Graduate News
Our condolences go out to Ed Vink NPD 83 on the
passing of his father Teunis Vink at the age of 83. Please
remember Ed and his family at this time.
We are sorry to announce the passing of Martin Moore,
NPD Class of 61 who passed away August 27th. Our
condolocences go out to Kaarina and the family. After
graduating from the school Martin went on to be the
Superintendant of Parks in City
of Powell River, Deputy
Superintendant of the Disctrict
of North Vancouver, BC, and
Parks Superintendant City of
North Vancouver, until his
retirement.
She was a frequent visitor to the Garden when she lived in
Brooklyn in the late 1990's and credits BBG with nurturing
her zeal for urban horticulture.
Melanie began work at the Garden in July.
BBG Appoints Vice President of Horticulture
and Facilities - Melanie Sifton NPD 06
(press release)Brooklyn, NY-Brooklyn Botanic Garden
(BBG) announces the appointment of Melanie Sifton
(NPD 06) as Vice President of Horticulture and Facilities,
filling a key leadership position focused on the stewardship
of the 52-acre Garden.
Prior to joining BBG, Sifton was director of the Humber
Arboretum and the Centre for Urban Ecology in Toronto,
where she applied her experience in sustainable
horticulture to the management of a complex 250-acre site.
At Humber, Sifton was responsible for the development
and curation of plant collections, indoor and outdoor
landscape maintenance, and capital improvements, as well
as for educational programming, fundraising, and research.
"We are very pleased to welcome Melanie to lead BBG's
horticulture and facilities team, and look forward to her
efforts in stewarding BBG's diverse collections and iconic
buildings and landscapes;" noted Scot Medbury, president
of BBG. "Her experience and knowledge will serve the
Garden particularly well during this transformative time, as
BBG's Campaign for the Next Century helps create four
new acres of new and expanded gardens, enhances water
conservation and other sustainability measures, and further
strengthens BBG's value as a resource for urban gardening
education."
"I am passionate about urban public horticulture and
sincerely dedicated to landscape sustainability in all its
fascinating complexity," Sifton said. "Brooklyn Botanic
Garden is an internationally respected model of urban
gardening, and I am delighted to support its goal to
become even greener in the years to come." Sifton received
a master degree in public garden leadership from Cornell
University, a diploma in horticulture from the Niagara
Parks Commission, and a bachelor of arts from McGill
University, in addition to numerous other certifications in
various horticultural operations and disciplines.
Melanie Sifton, NPD, VP of Horticulture, Brooklyn Botanic Garden,
NYC, and guest speaker on Sustainable Sites Initiative at the Atlantic
Green Forum in St. John's NF; Sean Kennedy, NPD, Landscape
Maintenance Manager, Bowering Ponds and Gardens Ltd. and Liz Klose,
Director Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Botanical Garden
and Landscape Priorities Manager, Canadian Nursery Landscape
Association. ( photo Submitted by Liz Klose.)
Entrepreneur Award to Nature's Outlook Owner
Stephen Schuler, NPD 02 received the Entrepreneur
Award 2011 at the Bridges to Better Business conference.
Stephen operates Nature's Outlook Landscaping &
Carpentry out of Foresters Falls, ON. It began as a one
man operation, 10 years later the company now has a staff
of 5-9 employees and offers two main services - hard
landscpaing and carpentry construction.
Schuler, 31, called the award "Unexpected. It's nice to be
acknowledged for the accomplishments that the company
has made. Winning this award during my 10th year in
business has been an added surprise."
Company staff includes his
Dad - Landscaping
Foreman, his Brother Licensed Carpenter.
Stephen also runs
Apprenticeships for
Landscape/Horticulture &
Carpentry. Stephen and his
wife Laura, who is also a
graduate of the Niagara
Parks School of
Horticulture NPD 03, have
two daughters; Rory, 4 &
Leia, 2.
www.alumninpcsoh.com
Horticultural Herald November 2012 • 3
Graduate News
Memories of Mary Dubois
Excerpts from a Thanksgiving for Mary's Life:
Those graduates from 1947 to 1967 will remember her fondly,
Mary who dispensed food as well as kindness and concern to the
many students of that time. It was not all smooth-sailing. If the
moment merited it she could be a strict disciplinarian when it
concerned her kitchen, dining room or if there was unseemly
language.
Well… I don't know
about you the rest of
you but I'm sure going
to miss that feisty old
Gal.
I will miss the fact that
I could pick up the
phone and have a chat
about…. politics, the
weather,
birds…basically
anything and
everything. But, if I
was having a problem
with a recipe, invariably,
I would receive some
new recipes hand
written on 3 X 5 index
cards, with explicit
instructions on how to
NOT mess up the
recipe.
Mary Lillian Procter was born May 19th, 1918 at Cedar Hill Farm,
Maple, Ontario. Her parents were Percy Procter and Margaret
Procter nee Rumble. She had an older brother Bill (1912-1975).
The Family moved in 1913 to Irondale where she spent her
childhood on her parents' farm. They also operated a small
general store and the post office. Mary attended high school in
Richmond Hill and continued her education at MacDonald
Institute, Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ontario, studying
home economics.
Upon graduation Mary enlisted in the RCAF and served in Canada
in dietary rolls at various bases. After she was discharged she took
the position of dietician at the NPC School of Gardening in
Niagara Falls where she remained until her marriage to Howard
Bucknam in 1967. She and Howard moved to Cardiff where they
spent the winters and to the cottage at Irondale on Salerno Lake
for the summer. Howard died in 1987.
In 1988 Mary entered matrimony again marrying Walter Dubois of
Port Sydney, Ontario. She retained her properties in Cardiff and
Irondale. Walter died in 1995. Mary continued to live in Port
Sydney until 2003.
Mary suffered a series of strokes in September 2003 while visiting
her property in Cardiff. She had an extended stay in Belleville
Hospital and then moved to the Belmont Long term Care Facility
in Belleville. While residing there she was championed by her
niece Kathy who faithfully visited each Wednesday from Perth.
Nephew Bill and niece Kathy kindly looked after Mary making
sure her needs were met. These are the children of her bother Bill
and his wife Lillian. Mary Died August 2, 2012.
She had many memories of the Students and the School and you
will see from niece Kathy's eulogy at the service of Thanksgiving
for Mary's Life that she embraced many who Kathy called her
Families. You will also note the two quotes taken from the Garden
School Days book. I am sure there are many memories out there
that could fill a book.
The Memorial Service was held in Irondale. Five graduates
attended: Harold Crawford, Mike Bladon, Norman McCollum,
Russell Ferguson and William Snowden. More than 50 people,
family and friends attended, a wonderful send off for such a
worthy person. Mary was cremated and her ashes were interred
with her first husband Howard in the cemetery in Kinmount,
Ontario. I have included Kathy's eulogy for you to better visualize
Mary's wonderful life of giving and sharing.
William Snowden NPD 58
Mary Dubois on her 90th Birthday.
Photo submitted by Bill Snowden.
I will miss the discussions about the Toronto Blue Jays and just
why they aren't doing good and sometimes the discussion would
end with…there is always next year!
I will miss doing crosswords with her and the Toronto Star
Wednesday crossword will never be the same.
AND….How many of you have ever played Scrabble with her?
SO you know that whenever you heard that little snort and laugh
you knew she had a combination of letters that would spell a
naughty word!
I watched as you all assembled here and watched as you looked
around and I could see that you were wondering just who all these
people are. I hope to clear some of that up. For 9 years now I
have been writing a Christmas letter for Aunt Mary and I have
been the keeper of her address book. After the 1st Christmas that
she was at the Belmont, I sat down and asked her…Who are all
these people? I picked out 4 names of ladies that I had never
heard of… well 2 were girls she had been at MacDonald Institute Ontario Agricultural College with - Gertie and Noreen were 2 girls
she had been in the Air Force with and she then proceeded to tell
me all about the lives of these people.
It was then that I began to put the names in the address book into
“families” and I realized that Aunt Mary gathered family as she
went along in life. As I look about upon this group today, I am
thrilled to see that most of her families are represented here today
as we celebrate her life.
Upon graduation she enlisted in the Air Force and served in
Canada for 4 years. I tried to ask her what she and “the girls”
Gertie and Noreen did in the Air force. Stories were not really
forthcoming but apparently one of her jobs was to take meals to
the guards and she got a ride back to the kitchen in the paddy
wagon. Of Course no other information was given and the story
followed by a snort and laugh.
Support your Alumni Association
4 • Horticultural Herald November 2012
Graduate News
When she was discharged from the RCAF she went to work as a
dietician at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and she only
left there in 1967 to marry Howard Bucknam. A few years after
Howard died and Aunt Mary married Walter Dubois of Port
Sydney. Both of those men brought children and grandchildren
into Aunt Mary's life and she accepted them as her own.
After she suffered the strokes in 2003 she moved to the Belmont
Long Term Care Facility in Bellville. I am a firm believer that
angels do walk among us, cleverly disguised as PSW's and staff of
the long term care facilities. I always told Aunt Mary that I could
not see to her day-to-day needs and care for her safely at my own
home. The staff at the Belmont gave her a gift by taking care of
her. Well Aunt Mary didn't see it as a gift and would occasionally
voice her opinion about the menu, the staff and the care.
Occasionally fist pumping was involved and sometimes even some
of those naughty Scrabble words. AS I said before, our gal could
be feisty.
Now… To HER BOYS! They were her family that she cooked
for, for 20 years at the Niagara Parks School of Gardening. Aunt
Mary didn't keep in touch with all her boys but she never forgot
them and they never forgot her. This was brought home to me
when her 90th birthday rolled around and we got cards from
addresses that weren't in the address book. One card came from
some place out west and when I told her the town, she knew
exactly who it was from!
On another occasion
a man, whom I had
never seen, walked
into her room at the
Belmont one day
and introduced
himself as “peas and
corn”… She laughed
and called him by his
real name. The
nickname came from
the fact that at the
School those were
the only 2 vegetables
he would eat. And
each year around her
birthday, 2 of her
boys, Bill Snowden
and Harold
Mary Proctor at the 1964 Alumni Conference.
Crawford would
All kitchen staff were recognized for their efforts
arrive at the
Belmont, with cake towards the conference. Photo scanned from the Alumni
and stay for a visit. Archives.
On another occasion a man, whom I had never seen, walked into
her room at the Belmont one day and introduced himself as “peas
and corn”… She laughed and called him by his real name. The
nickname came from the fact that at the School those were the
only 2 vegetables he would eat. And each year around her birthday,
2 of her boys, Bill Snowden and Harold Crawford would arrive at
the Belmont, with cake and stay for a visit.
I would like to read you a couple of quotes from the Niagara Parks
School of Horticulture year book. The first quote is from Mike
(Bladon) from the Class of '62: “Mary Procter is the dietician, but
she is actually a “jack of all trades”. She sews buttons and mends
ripped pants and will go out of her way to help you. Her cuisine is
tremendous and she always reaches her peak at Christmas time.
She served 4 years in the Air Force and still has the tendency to fly
at people with guns blazing.”
The second quote is from Alf (Savage) from the class of '52:
“Mary Procter is like a mother to us all. If you are sick she will
show up. If you have a special date, she will help you to be sure
you look good. She also gives us “what for” for swearing or
bringing girls into the School. But more importantly, Mary has the
only bathtub in the school which we use to ice our beer kegs for
our parties!”
Aunt Mary had the ability to gather people together… and she has
gathered us here today. Everywhere she went she gathered people
into her family.. her cottage family.. her Irondale family… her
Rumble cousins… her boys… you were all family to Aunt Mary…
Her address book and the turn out here today both reflect that…
from someone who married late in life, and didn't have children of
her own… she really does have a BIG family. And we gather here
today as one family to celebrate her life. So on behalf of the
Procter side of the family … I would like to echo my brothers'
sentiments and thank each and every one of you for coming today
but importantly I would like to thank each and every one of you
for being a part of Aunt Mary's family.
Canna Sale
As a valued NPC Alumni member we are looking for interest in
supporting our NPC School of Horticulture Student association. We are
able to offer extra virus-free Canna stock leftover from our 2012 annual
designs and the money is shared between our Student Association and
supporting study tour costs for students who are helping pot up and
divide the plants.If this is of interest, we are taking requests for the
following cultivars and formats:
Formats
1. Bulk bulb crates (minimum 15 x 2-eye clumps)
2. 1 gallon pots (square)
3. Single clump (no soil, paper bag)
Cultivars
1. Canna xhybrida 'Red Futurity' (dark red/purple foliage, red-orange
flowers)
2. Canna 'Musifolia' aka Banana Canna (rarely flowers, banana-like
foliage, tall canna up to 12')
Costs
1. $25 per crate, $20 if purchasing 10 crates+
2. 1 gallon pots (square), $3.00 each or $2.50 for 50 pots+
3. Single clump (no soil) $2.00
Price discounts based on total order, not individual cultivar minimums
Terms
1. Prices based on picking up at the NPC School Greenhouse, students
unfortunately don't have the means to deliver large quantities
2. Cheque payable to Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Student
Association
3. Limited quantity of plants, orders will be available on first-come, firstreserved basis
4. Orders will be accepted up to December 7th, 2012
Kristen Sandvall
Fundraising Coordinator, Niagara Parks Commission School of
Horticulture Student Association
[email protected]
65 years of the Alumni Association 1947 - 2012
Horticultural Herald November 2012 • 5
Legacy Garden Update
First a hearty congratulations to the Ontario Parks
Association members and the Niagara Parks School of
Horticulture Alumni who have raised over $105,000 !
The OPA has contributed significantly to the project and
the 75th celebrations; bThey handled all the registrations,
the golf registrations, the collection of funds, issued tax
receipts and provided a financial donation of $3,000.
The Alumni Association has been the backbone of the
project with the designers by Aaron Fox NPD 98 and
Darren Schmahl NPD 87 putting in countless hours on the
concepts. The Alumni Association has also contributed
$3,000 to the garden. This garden will acknowledge the
outstanding contributions to horticulture across Canada by
the hundreds of members who have excelled in
horticulture with both organizations who celebrated their
75 years of existence.
OPA Past President Jay Kivell, Hans Loewig Chair of the Steering
Committee with Madeleine Kivell and Cecile Clancy.
Donations to date for the Legacy
Garden Project
Legacy - Above $10,000
Sharon & Tom Laviolette
GatemanMilloy ~ Mike Milloy
Lezlie & Bob Murch
Specimen Plant - $6,000 - $9,999
Molok North America Ltd.
Hans Loewig NPD 68 Legacy Garden Project Chair addressing
attendees of the "Rooted in the Gardens" event preceding the
ground breaking ceremony this past September .
The premise is to promote leading edge technology with
sustainable horticulture so visitors to the garden can take
home many new ideas for their lifestyles, and home
gardens. This is a time to celebrate our fantastic career
choice and give something back to your “roots” and be
thankful for what we have.
Now we want to get moving with the development and
raise the last $20,000. We will fit the project to our funding
so if we can raise a little more…. we can do a little more!
If you know a company or individuals who sell materials or
services required for the project or someone who would
donate to this leading edge - sustainable teaching
garden,…….. please help with the last push. You may have
already contributed and can find a few dollars more to add
to your donation, please consider it as several are doing
that.
Send cheques or referrals to the Alumni Association, the
OPA or let Hans Loewig or Tom Clancy know so we can
follow up on donations to achieve this worthwhile excellent
project.
Roots $ 3,000 - 5,999
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Alumni
Ontario Parks Association
W H Reynolds ~ Brad Thomson
Turf Care ~ Ron Craig
Plantation Irrigation ~ Mark Hilmeyer
Landscape Ontario
Trunk $1,000 - $2,999
George Dalby
Cecile & Tom Clancy
Jerri & Hans Loewig
Hughes/Peacock Garden -NOTL
Harold Brain
Liz & Gerald Klose
Mike Pascoe
Melissa McKerlie
Ans Merten ~ Winklemon nurseries
John Deere Premier Equipment
Sheridan Nurseries
Braun Nurseries
Frank Anderson
Anonymous
In memory of C H Henning
Niagara Falls Horticulture Society
Hugh McCracken
Alf Savage
NPC Class of 1980
Jodi Crooks
www.alumninpcsoh.com
6 • Horticultural Herald November 2012
Legacy Garden Update
Main Branches/Limbs $ 500 - $999
Stan Kochanoff
William Snowden
City of Brampton
City of Cambridge
City of Guelph
City of Windsor
City of Niagara Falls
Gauld Nursery
Leno Mori Nursery
Mel Dell
Norm McCollum
Van Noort Bulbs
Ian Bruce ~ Bruce Tree Service
In Memory of Dave Gower
Bruce Savage
Susan & Al Higgs
NPC Class of 1965
Mary Battaglia
Bill Browne
Gary Henderson
September 15th Ground breaking with the Legacy Garden steering committee. Charles
Hunter, Alumni President, Hans Loewig, Committee Chair; Lorne Fast, NPC School of
Horticulture; Darren Schmahl and Arron Fox, garden designers;Jay Todd OPA; James
Smith, NPC School of Horticutlure and Tom Clancy, Donations and Sponsorships.
Branches $ 250 - $499
Garden Club of Niagara
Fay Booker
Gerry Hutchinson
Harold Crawford
Anonymous
Kathy & Vic Hergott
Marg & Dan Costea
Chris Ziemski
Ella & Buddy Andres
Gord Rendell
Aldona Satterthwaite
Cathy Swain
Tessa & Ryan Smith
Audrey & Frank Purkis NPD 56 enjoy the gardens Gerry Martyn NPD 65 and George Dalby NPD 48
Janice Thomson
around the Butterfly Conservatory.
share a moment while Mel Dell NPD 69 and Cindy
Maxwell NPD 12 are in the background.
92 year old George Dalby NPD 48 checking out the veg garden "to
see what he can have for lunch".
Leaves $99 - $249
Amy Doan
Lorna & Arthur Haight
Niagara Saw
John Russell
Alan & Ian Tapper
Cornelius Unger
Carrie Zimmerman
John Morley
Kaarina & Martin Moore
Anonymous
Anne & John Hannah
Blair Abraham Delazzer
Kim & Russ Boles
Madeleine & Jay Kivell
Judie & Dave DeShane
John Curtis
Paul Misner
Audrey & Frank Purkis
Lloyd Syer
Gary Moore
Maripat Thompson
George Finnigan
Jay Todd
Richard Helmer
Zenia Buzanko
Mark Burkett
Support your Alumni Association
Horticultural Herald November 2012 • 7
Board News
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OF THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION
SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE BOARD MEETING
From the desk of the Executive Secretary
Another year is coming to
a close; our fiscal year ends
November 30th. As the
Treasurer I have some
concerns. Our GIC came
due in June and it was
cashed in, and deposited
into our general account.
In all the years I have spent
as treasurer (15 or so) we
have always had a nice GIC as a cushion and now
we do not. The 3rd quarter statement can be found
in the Herald. Our Alumni membership is down
from last year, and as you can see from the chart
below there is a downward trend in membership
which is cause for concern.
July 25th, 2012
Hosted By: Paul and Karen Michaud '84
Attendees:Charles Hunter '95 - President
Zenia Buzanko '03 - Vice President/Historian/Hort
Herald Liaison ,Karen Michaud '84 - Treasurer/Executive
Secretary, Jay Kivell '70- Blue Book
Trevor Swance '04- Promotions/Associate Membership
David Olmstead '10 - Associate Membership
Regrets: Kristen Montoya '99 - Legacy Garden Treasurer,
Jon Peter '04 - Website/Facebook, Liz Pelt '97 - Website
and Becky Murphy '05 - Secretary / Special Events.
1. Call to Order
by Charles Hunter '95 at 6:50 pm.
2. Review meeting minutes from last meeting
No minutes provided from last meeting.
3. Business arising from the minutes
None.
4. President's Report (Charles Hunter '95)
Legacy Garden
• The legacy garden is on the move. OPA is the client,
Parks recipient, Gatemen/ Malloy is the contractor.
• The committee has the final say on the design.
• Budget is $105,000.00. Trying to cash in on momentum.
If people see action they will put in some more funds,
donations etc. Very important to not let the project slow.
• Committee is trying to get together a materials list and
getting some consulting done regarding the meadow.
• Darren and Aaron are trying to field the questions
regarding materials.
• September 15th is the ground breaking. The goal is trying
to have one element ready to go for that date. Maybe the
groove.
• The hope is to have the pathway graded, reservoir
location foundations for the sign board and the legacy
groove ready to go.
continued next page
As a board, we are doing what we can to keep the
Association going, but we cannot do it without
some help. Our board is down in numbers, and we
just do not have the bodies to get the work done.
Charles, as president, has done the work of many,
with the Legacy Garden taking up much of his time,
and most of his vacation. There is much to do to
keep this Association moving forward. Let us know
if you would like to help.
If you have had a change in your life, a new job, a
move, a new baby, or perhaps you know of a fellow
graduate who is celebrating an exciting honour,
please contact me and I will direct the information
to the appropriate board member. As well, don't
forget our friends who are ill.
Karen Michaud '84 Executive Secretary
8 Hahn Avenue Cambridge ON, N3C 2X9
519-249-0381 phone and fax
[email protected]
Alumuni Membership of NPC School of
Horticulture
As of September
for each year
2012
2011
Honorary Life
Honorary Members
Alumni
Associates
Fellowship
12
8
122
9
3
12
10
124
12
3
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
12
11
120
12
3
12
10
147
14
5
10
9
169
13
7
10
9
173
10
7
10
9
180
15
10
10
10
157
23
11
10
10
176
23
12
9
9
164
20
11
8
10
181
22
16
Support your Alumni Association
8 • Horticultural Herald November 2012
Board News
Minutes continued
•Question: Who is doing publicity? Hans and Tom Clancy
are putting out a broadcast. Invitations will be sent out to
Commission, mayor, donors etc.
• $1056 from the alumni we can still give to the garden.
Karen to send cheque to Kristin.
Roland Duffy Conifer Collection
• Concept ... purchase the plant material and plant around
the whole botanical garden. With a nice tag to implicate the
donation etc.
• $20,000 needs to be spent of the money that was raised in
honour of Roland Duffy (balance left in Foundation
account)
5. Executive Secretary (Karen Michaud '84)
• John Robert Bryan - correspondence
• Debbie, Daughter of Jack Martin - wanted a copy of
Garden School Days because her husband was interested in
it. Unfortunately, before Karen sent her the book, her
husband passed away.
• Karen has a list of associates that haven't paid. Karen will
send out a list. Growers Choice, Grobark, Rittenhouse and
Maple Hill.
• Blue Book needs to be published. Looking into pricing etc.
6. Treasurer Report (Karen Michaud '84)
• Will pass money to Kristin for the Legacy Garden.
• GIC came due. $6698.26. She put it in our account until
we decide what to do with it.
• Accept the report... Motion by Jay Kivell '70, second by
Zenia Buzanko '03.
• Motion to hold the GIC in the bank account until the year
end. Motion by Jay Kivell '70, second by David Olmstead
'10.
7. Committee Reports
7.1 Associate Membership.
• We need to track down some membership fees from a few.
7.2 Blue Book
• Jay has completed the book.
• Jay asked if Zenia could publish a correct information
letter in the Hort. Herald.
• Class of 2012 has been asked for their information. ***
• Rolled over associates (even if not paid yet)
• Poppies have been put by the deceased graduate's spouse.
This needs some updating. Some grads are still in the book
but we haven't found out if they have passed. This will be a
project moving forward. (ongoing)
*** School cannot pass on the info of the graduates but
Charles sends them an email just before they graduate to
remind them to pass along their information.
7.3 Promotions
• Jon and Trevor continue to update Facebook.
• Charles and Dave look into mug for the September 15th
and some other stuff.
Next Date: September 8th
• 8:17 Motion to adjourn meeting by Jay Kivell '70, second
by David Olmstead '10.
Alumni Annual General
Meeting Agenda
Saturday January 19th, 2013 Niagara
Parks Commission School of
Horticulture
New Lecture Hall
Agenda
9:30am
10:30am
10:40am
10:50am
11:00am
12:00pm
1:00pm
1:30pm
2:00pm
2:30pm
2:45pm
3:00pm
Master of Ceremonies Jon Peter NPD 04
Registration Karen Michaud NPD 84
Opening Statements
Legacy Garden Update
Student Association Update
Guest speaker - John Lohuis, General Manager
of the Niagara Parks Commission
Student Association Luncheon $20
(Pre-registration required)
Associate Member Showcase
Alumni Foundation Annual General Meeting
Alumni Association Annual General Meeting
Awards Presentations
Equipment Lottery Draw
Closing remarks
Day is free with exception to the meal. For those wishing to
participate in the fundraising luncheon registration is
required no later than Wednesday, January 16th. Please
contact Charles Hunter at [email protected]
or at 289-214-4602.
Support your Alumni Association
Horticultural Herald November 2012 • 9
Board News
Blue Book Announcement
The 2012 Blue Book is finished and went to print (hard
copy and CD) on July 29, 2012! The executive chose May
31, 2012 as the cut off date. I waited until July 2012 to
include as many changes as possible. Watch for it, it will be
sent to you in the near future. In 2013 the Blue Book will
be published immediately after graduation of the Class of
2013 to include them in it.
PLEASE NOTE:
To the graduates of 2012: would you please send your
current contact information to Karen Michaud. Privacy
legislation prevents the School of Horticulture to give the
Alumni Association your contact information. It will
appear in the 2013 Blue Book as well as a future
Horticultural Herald.
To the graduates of 2013: again, since privacy legislation
prevents the School of Horticulture giving your
information to the Alumni Association when you graduate,
would you please provide the Alumni with a temporary
address to send you the Horticultural Herald, the Blue
Book and any other Alumni correspondence. When you
have a permanent address and job, please send us that
information. We want to keep you "In the loop".
To those graduates who have served in the military:
please contact Karen Michaud to advise her if you served.
Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion gave
us permission to use the copy-right poppy symbol to be
placed beside your name. The symbol appears beside the
names of the graduates who the School of Horticulture
had on file of those who served during WW2.
To the spouses and partners of those graduates who are
deceased: the executive wants to provide a means for
communication of those spouses or partners of deceased
graduates. We will respect your wishes and if you choose
to do so, in 2013, your information will be included in a
section titled and shown as below:
Spouses or Partners of Deceased Graduates Information
Spouses or partners of deceased graduates of the NPC
School of Horticulture who wish to be listed are found on
the following pages using the format below.
Last Name, First Name Spouse's or partner's name,
NPD graduation year
Home Address, City, Province, Country, Postal Code
P: Home Phone, C: Cellular Phone, F: Fax, E: Home
e-mail
Thank you.
Jay Kivell, Blue Book manager.
Alumni Association of the Niagara Parks
Commission School of Horticulture
3rd Quarter Financial Statement
REVENUE 2011-12
Membership Graduate
Membership Fellowship
Membership Associate
Membership prepaid '13
Membership prepaid '14
Blue Book 2012
Blue Book 2013
Conference
Conference-student sp
Horticultural Herald Ads
Special Events/ raffle
Promotions-Advertising
Interest
Miscellaneous
Donations to Legacy G
Donations to alumni
Donations to Foundation
Historian Garden book
Foundation GB profit
postage garden book
TOTAL REVENUE
to date
6,904.98
170.00
300.00
1,593.59
210.00
35.75
27.50
0.02
1,775.00
1,485.32
210.00
26.00
4.00
6.00
12,748.16
EXPENSES 2011 -12
Conference
Horticultural Herald
1,398.06
1,235.10
Admin/Phone
Executive Secretary
1,750.00
Blue Book
936.40
Publicity/Membership
Promotions
1,418.15
Historian
Gifts & Awards
Special Events
Visa Charges
289.56
M/C Charges
54.00
Bank Charges
39.60
Memorials to Foundation
50.00
Donations trans to Found
250.00
Garden book profit
0.02
Miscellaneous
Insurance
1,036.80
Web site
Board Expenses
90.00
Legacy garden
2,805.55
Planet donation
TOTAL EXPENSES
11,353.24
Revenue over/under ex
1,394.94
Opening Balance
6,411.79
Transfers out
Transfers in GIC
6,698.26
Closing Balance
14,504.99
65 years of the NPC Alumni Association 1947 - 2012
10 • Horticultural Herald November 2012
Budget '12
$10,000.00
$300.00
$1,500.00
$$$100.00
$$$1,050.00
$500.00
$500.00
$25.00
$100.00
$125.00
$100.00
$14,300.00
$$3,500.00
$1,000.00
$2,200.00
$1,200.00
$300.00
$1,000.00
$$200.00
$300.00
$300.00
$108.00
$150.00
$$$$85.51
$1,050.00
$2,500.00
$300.00
$$106.49
$14,300.00
From the Archives
This year 2012 marks the 65th anniversary of the founding of
the Alumni Associaton. From the archives has included the
very first minutes of the founding of the association in 1947.
GARDENING SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
-Minutes June 28th, 1947,
Niagara Falls, Ontario.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 28th
immediately following the buffet lunch for the
graduation exercises, the first meeting of the
alumni took place in the “upper dorm” of the
school building.
In attendance were most of the recent
graduates, many of the former graduates, and
some of the students in training.
Alf Coshever acted as chairman with John
Huether fulfilling the secretary's duties
(temporarily).
Elections were quickly concluded keeping Alf
Coshever in the chair as president, with Gordon
McNair vice-president and Russ Gomme
secretary-treasurer.
A brief discussion period followed with many
members expressing their personal opinions
regarding the alumni's main object. Another
important topic was the forming of a
constitution, it was agreed for members to send
their suggestions to the sec-treasurer before
August 1st.
The meeting was short lived as many of the
fellows had important engagements. M. Murphy
moved the meeting be adjourned and seconded
by L. Syer.
R. S. Gomme - sec-treas
………………………………....
N. P. C. Gardening School ,
Niagara Falls, Ontario,
December 13, 1947
The meeting began at approximately 2:30 p.m.
with 18 members of the association in attendance.
Gordon McNair presided in the absence of the
president Alf Coshever.
As an acquaintance gesture, each member
described his experience of horticulture and place of
employment for the past season.
Minutes of the former meeting were read by the
secretary. George Ellis moved the minutes be
adopted as correct and seconded by B. Donaldson.
The chairman read many of the suggestions for the
alumni constitution, which were sent in by members,
a lengthly discussion followed with the main debate
as to whether we should have one association
including only alumni members and/or plan a
greater society which would allow outside or nongraduate persons engaged in horticulture to enter as
members.
Mr. Geo. Hamilton spoke briefly and stressed that
we should consider the importance of alumni,
keeping in mind that it rests on the standards of the
school, and with-out a high standardized school, a
successful alumni is hopeless.
A short, but tasty recess followed, in which Miss
Mary Proctor served lunch in the school dining room.
We resumed the meeting with the conclusion that
the alumni association should be our first and main
objective. Two names were suggested for the
association (1) Glen Gardener's Alumni Association
(2) Gardening School Alumni, the latter was favoured
and passed as the official name.
Hugh McCracken moved that the annual meeting
be in February, and the exact date decided by the
executive, seconded by J. Kimmel, and carried.
The date was decided immediately, and agreed to be
in Toronto on February 21st or thereabouts.
The financial question regarding membership fees
arose and of three motions of $5.00, $2.00 and $3.00
per annum, J. Lameroux's motion of $5.00 per year,
and seconded by B. Donaldson, passed by a large
majority. The dues will be payable at the annual
meeting in February.
Moved by B. Dingwall, seconded by R. Hambly that
three officers comprise the alumni executive for the
term of one year, and must be present at the meeting
to be elected. Carried.
The voting procedure was decided for a 2/3 majority
on constitutional changes and a simple majority for
business items. Moved by J. Allen, seconded by M.
Murphy, a committee of Toronto members namely B.
Donaldson, Geo. Ellis and B. Dingwall take care of
speaker accommodations etc., for the forthcoming
February meeting. Carried.
The following names were passed for honourary
membership, George Hamilton, K. M. Broman, T. B.
McQueston, George Pickard, Hon. Chas. Daley, and
Rev. Walker.
J. Allen moved that the meeting be adjourned,
seconded by J. Lameroux.
R. S. Gomme sec-treas
65 years of the NPC Alumni Association 1947 - 2012
Horticultural Herald November 2012 • 11
Support our Associate Members
Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse " Welcome Home"
Minature Village Display
The Niagara Parks Commission recently announced they are presenting selections from the
Cullen Miniature Village Collection. in their Fall and Holiday displays at the Floral Showhouse.
Through the efforts of the City of Oshawa, the collection of 1/12 scale building reproductions
was obtained from the Cullen family and preserved until its transfer to NPC.
Running through Oct 24 - Nov 14 the Showhouse will feature their Annual Chrysanthemum
Show. There will be three forms of beautiful mums in rich fall colours and the show introduces
“Welcome Home”, the first installation from the Miniature Village display.
As the seasons change the display will change to the Annual Christmas Show running Nov 22 Jan 13 and will feature the popular Poinsettia tree, Cyclamen, Azaleas and Narcissus. The
Christmas-themed Miniature Village will include eight buildings inside, including a church, city
buildings and homes and eight more outside, all festively lit.
There is also a joint offer with the Niagara Parks and the Royal Botanical Gardens creating a
special Pass for $20. The Link to Paradise provides admission to the Niagara Parks Floral
Showhouse, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory including the Enchanted Rainforest exhibit
and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, featuring its annual holiday Train Exhibit.
Floral Showhouse Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Open until 7:30 p.m. during December
Closed December 25.
Associate Members
of the Alumni Association
* All Treat Farms
Rod Kidnie, Arthur
www.alltreat.com
* Connon Nurseries
( Neil Vanderkruk Holdings Inc)
Rick Vanderkruk, Waterdown
www.connonnurseries.com
* G. C. Duke Equipment Limited
Jason Brooker, Burlington
www.gcduke.com
* Fast Forest Incorporated
Phil Dickie, Kitchener
www.fastforest.ca
* Gro Bark (Ontario) Ltd
Bill McKague, Waterloo
www.gro-bark.com
* Jack Van Klaveren Limited
Robert Murch, St. Catharines
www.jvk.net
Next Herald
Deadline
January 30
* Landscape Ontario
Tony DiGiovanni, Milton
www.landscapeontario.com
* Master's Turf Supply Ltd.
Everett Nieuwkoop, Langton
www.masterturfsupply.com
* M.K. Rittenhouse & Sons Ltd.
St. Catharines, ON
www.rittenhouse.ca
* Niagara Saw Ltd.
Greg Beu, Lorraine Beu, Niagara Falls
GREG BEU
Tel : (905) 354-9131
Fax: (905) 374 6782
12 •
Horticultural Herald November 2012
4009 ELBERTA AVE.
(Cor. Thorold Stone Rd.)
NIAGARA FALLS, ONT.
L2E 6G1