March & April Meetings

We're March-ing into Spring and the beginning of the garden season! Soon we'll see the first signs of Spring—robins looking for juicy worms, buds on trees and bushes and tulips and daffodils poking up from the warming soil to remind us Summer is near. I think we're all ready for longer days, warmer temps and the beauty of the season.  

January brought so much cold and snow that we cancelled that month's meeting. February tried to do the same, so we postponed our meeting and the General Meeting by a week, and although it was still cold, the sun made it bearable. President Donna Royse hosted a lovely lunch at her home and presided over the General Meeting where nominations for club officers were presented. Voting will take place at the Arts March meeting.  

March Meeting:

The G&NS Department will meet on Friday, March 14th, at noon at Leslie Bilyeu's home for lunch and a book discussion. Maud, the 88-year-old Swedish woman in An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten has no family, no friends, and ... no qualms about a little murder, all with a little humor mixed in. Plan to join in the lively discussion. Books are available at the Main Library. Don't care to read the book? Join us anyway!

 April Meeting:

The April meeting will be held on Friday, April 11th.   We will visit the Heath Candy Museum at Robinson, IL. We will meet at 11:00 a. m. @ Walmart South on U. S. 41 to carpool. The luncheon will be at the West Union Café. Please call Leslie Bilyeu to make reservations so that we can plan on transportation.

 The Garden & Nature Department is looking for new leadership. If you have time and interest in helping this department stay active, please contact Leslie Bilyeu.

 Happy Spring and Happy Gardening!

Leslie Bilyeu

Chairperson Garden & Nature Study

The Garden & Nature Study Department

The Garden & Nature Study Department of the Woman’s Department Club brings women together who share a love of gardens, nature, and environmental conservation. Our Department serves as a fertile ground for friendships in celebration of the beauty the world has to offer.

Although members may not have a green thumb or a place to garden, we all enjoy gathering at our monthly department meetings to learn from guest speakers or take trips to visit and learn about nature in our community and beyond. Typically, a meal is shared at each meeting or trip, a way to further connect with members and nurture friendships.

The Garden & Nature Department meets the second Friday of each month. You’ll find us outside during the warmer months as we explore gardens, parks, animals, and all things nature. Winter, when gardens and most critters are napping, we gather to celebrate friendships as we look forward to Spring.

Leslie Bilyeu, Garden & Nature Study Department, Chair

March 14

  • Program: Book Discussion, An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

  • Election of Officers

  • Location: Leslie Bilyeu's home

  • RSVP: Noon Reservation Luncheon

    April 11

  • Location: Trip to Robinson, IL to visit the Heath Candy Museum.

    Lunch: West Union Café

  • 11:00 a.m. Meet at Walmart US 41 to carpool

February Garden and Nature Studies Luncheon

Pictured L-R: Katherine Kula, Betty Kapellusch, President Donna Royse, Pat Armstrong, Millie Vaughn, Leslie Bilyeu.