August 31 marks the end of the fiscal year for the Connecticut Horticultural Society. At this time, Officers and Board Members are refreshed, based on their time of service. This year, Brett Isaacson ends his term as President, moving to the role of Past President, and Cheryl Marino will begin her 2-year term at the helm.
For the first time in recent memory, we will begin the new season on September 1 with two officer posts vacant – Vice President and Treasurer. That is half of the people needed as officers. The Society is exploring filling the Treasurer role with a contractor as it is not prudent for CT Hort to leave this vital position unfilled. The cost estimate to hire someone to fill the role of Treasurer is $550/month. To cover this cost, individual and family membership dues—including senior-level pricing—will need to increase by $12 per year.
Do you mind paying more for your membership? The costs to run the Society have been kept minimal by maintaining a nearly all-volunteer organization. But since our pleas for volunteers have gone unanswered, we must now consider hiring additional staff to provide the services required to keep CT Hort alive.
Step up or pay up! It takes dozens of people to plan and execute the numerous activities that CT Hort offers in support of its educational mission. There are speaker meetings, workshops, plant sales & auctions, flower show support, monthly meeting marketplace and raffle, fall bulb sale, scholarships, travel offerings, biennial symposium—all require planning, hospitality, set-up, breakdown—it takes a village.
Don’t sit on the sidelines. Take an active role in the direction that CT Hort takes in the 21st century. Share your good ideas. Join a committee. Plan an event. Help to build and move our important and beloved organization forward educating members and the general public on the importance of preserving nature and providing solutions to some of our environmental concerns. You may have just a couple of hours to spare or you may wish to commit more. Either way, CT Hort needs you.
Have fun! Like so many of our current volunteers, the goal is that your involvement will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Sharing your ideas and energy will fuel the momentum to make our planet and all its inhabitants a healthier and safer place.
To indicate your interest in pitching in, please email [email protected] or call 860.529.8713.
Yours in friendship-
Brett Isaacson, President
Cheryl Marino, Vice President