By Susan Schroeder, SGG Director of Operations

I’m embarrassed to say I was having so much fun at Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ volunteer appreciation dinner that I FORGOT to take any photos! Around 75 volunteers, staff and City Council members filled the Hiram Butler House.  The always delightful Jim Parks arranged a warm welcome by lining the driveway with luminaries.  The extraordinarily talented Graham Gold decorated all the mantels and our 10-foot tall Christmas tree.  All the decorations used by Graham were cuttings taken by Doug Davis and Shon Cameron from the Garden.  Our resident artist and former flower shop owner, Lynn Vanderhoff, rounded out the decorations with floral pieces on all the tables.

The fireplaces were lit and the dinner catered by Fusco’s Via Roma added to everyone’s contentment.  In fact, we had such a good time that we have already scheduled another volunteer dinner on Friday, April 13.  This dinner will be a potluck on the lawn if the weather allows.  (BTW – The weather is always perfect at Smith-Gilbert Gardens.)  The staff at Smith-Gilbert Gardens loves and appreciates our volunteers.  If you think you would like to join our merry band, please contact Jim Parks, our volunteer coordinator, at jparks@smithgilbertgardens.com.