Who Are We?
The Oak Harbor Garden Club is a nonprofit community organization whose primary objectives are conservation and the beautification of Oak Harbor and its surroundings. The club is made up of a hard working, but very social, group of women! Spread the word, invite your friends...we always have room for more members!
Our Mission Statement
Developing a beautiful city through loving care of small areas.
On October 3, 1923, in Oak Harbor, a group of women organized a civic improvement club. With a fine stand of native oak trees, Smith Park became a memorial to these women who had the block saved for future generations. In August 1946, the club became known as the Oak Harbor Civic Garden Club, and in 1947 federated with Washington State Garden Clubs. In 1962, the club changed its name to the Oak Harbor Garden Club. The Club has adopted Hal Ramaley Park in downtown Oak Harbor and maintains other pocket parks in the city.
Leadership Team's Message
Dear friends,
The 2022-2023 Oak Harbor Garden Club year is about to begin. Our first meeting is Tuesday, September 13, 9AM at 1050 SE Ireland St, the First United Methodist Church meeting hall.
The Club lost some momentum during the pandemic, having to meet by Zoom or outside, or not at all. Last year we reemerged with a new leadership model and a return to some normalcy. This year we'll continue our familiar past activities and are excited about getting many new projects underway.
We are excited about the coming year as we are approaching our 100 year anniversary on October 3rd, 2023. It's a big deal to celebrate our centennial and we want to share in the fun with a cheerful burst of flowers in our community next spring. This fall, garden club members and volunteers will plant thousands of daffodil bulbs throughout Oak Harbor. We are also partnering this fall with The Main Street Association and the City of Oak Harbor to replant the 25 pots along Pioneer Way, including daffodils in each of them. And many more events are being planned throughout this year and next. We plan on having a FUN year, and being part of the beautification of Oak Harbor.
For questions, email chalfantkd@gmail.com
Kathy Chalfant
Fundraising
Through the variety of fundraising activities, such as Holiday Wreath sales and Annual Garden Tour, the Garden Club beautifies the city of Oak Harbor. In association with the Oak Harbor Library, the Garden Club contributed money to the Story Trail at the renovated Windjammer Park dedicated on June 29, 2019. The focus of the project is to promote literacy, outdoor play and active family conversations around reading and adding enjoyment to the Park. A bronze plaque acknowledges the Oak Harbor Garden Club’s participation.
Another activity was the planting of several trees at the City’s “Wave Sculpture” on Rt. 20 for Arbor Day.
Affiliations
National Garden Clubs, Inc. www.gardenclub.org
President, Jay Austin
405 Marion Ave., McComb, MS 39648-2709
Email: gaylaustin@gmail.com
Projects: Conservation and preservation of our natural habitats
Theme: “PLANT AMERICA”
Pacific Region Garden Club, Inc. www.pacificregiongardenclubs.org Director: Robin Pokorski
512 Newton St., San Fernando, CA 91340 Email: PRGCDirector@gmail.com
Projects: “Blue Stars Shine in the Pacific Region
Theme: “RECONNECT TO YOUR PACIFIC REGION”
Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc
www.wagardenclubs.com President: Dorrie Carr
4125 Hunter Mill Lane NE, Olympia, WA 98516-6226
Email hdcarr@comcast.net
Theme: “Investing in Future Gardeners”
Anne Sullivan, WSFGC 1st Vice President
Judith Juno, WSFGC Past President
Judith Juno, NGC Master Flower Show Judge
Sally Karg, Life Judge
Oak Harbor Garden Club Celebrates 100 years with YOU!
It’s a big deal to celebrate our centennial and we want to
share in the fun.