What started off as a way to meet people in the community has turned into something much bigger for one Springfield resident.
Mary Bertolini, who moved to Springfield Township seven years ago, is the founder and president of the Springfield chapter of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association. The group is only four years old.
‘When I moved to Springfield there was not an active welcome wagon. If you don’t have children in the schools it can be difficult to meet people,? Bertolini said. ‘I had an interest in gardening and wanted a way to connect with the community. This seemed like a great idea.?
Originally Bertolini wanted to become a part of the Clarkston chapter, which is 55-years-old, but they were at their limit on members. That is when the much traveled Bertolini decided to start a Springfield chapter.
‘I was familiar with the organization and Springfield had a small garden club in the past but that was not active. So I put notices in the paper and send our flyers to get the word out. We had great word of mouth. I was just looking to learn more about gardening and make some good friends. We have a lot of women in the group who are recently retired and are not as connected to the community,? Bertolini said.
The Springfield Chapter currently has 22 members. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month from March through October at 10 a.m. at the Hart Community Center is Davisburg.
The group has members from Clarkston, Davisburg and White Lake among other areas.
‘The group takes whatever direction the members want. A lot of the members are interested in native plants. Whatever they are interested in, we do,? Bertolini said.
The president says the group plans their programs in advance for the entire year. The speakers are 45 minutes to an hour.
The group also gives back to the community in the form of scholarships.
‘We educate ourselves and the public about gardening but we also make an effort to give back to the community,? Bertolini said.
The Davisburg resident is also the recording secretary for the national organization while also being on the Michigan division board. She takes the minutes at the national meetings three times a year.
‘It has been a great experience,? Bertolini said. ‘I have had the opportunity to travel to some interesting places and I have made so many friends.?