Rake & Hoe Garden Club Brings Holiday Cheer
Submitted by Betty Round
As part of its commitment to community service, the Rake and Hoe Garden Club of Westfield visited Jardine Academy to donate 100 handmade star ornaments to be used to decorate the Holiday Tree.
The ornaments, made from glitter stock card and bound with sequin ribbon, were designed by club member Karen Jolley-Gates, and made by fellow club members. The ornaments were inspired by the book “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers. The book tells of a boy who loves stars so much that he wants to catch one and keep it for himself. He tries many ways to catch a star, but nothing works. Eventually, Oliver finds a star of his very own, a starfish at the edge of the beach. A copy of the book was donated to the school’s library.
In past years, garden club members have decorated the Holiday Tree and a member of the garden club has read the story to the students. This year due to concern over the spread of Coronavirus, the tree was decorated by members of Academy staff and the students learned about the inspiring story “How to Catch a Star” from their teachers. The Holiday Tree stands in the lobby of the school and is enjoyed by all who pass by.
The Jardine Academy, operated by the Cerebral Palsy League and approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, provides a comprehensive educational program designed to meet the cognitive and physical needs of children and young adults, 3-21 with multiple disabilities.
The Rake and Hoe Garden Club is affiliated with the Garden Club of New Jersey and the National Garden Club, Inc. The club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 12:00 p.m. at the Scotch Hills Country Club. Membership is open to residents of Westfield and surrounding towns. For more information, call Beth Siano 908-233-4510 or visit the club’s website, rakeandhoegc.org, or Facebook page.
